Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Nami Island, a small paradise in the Pacific, offers vibrant exploration.
- DMZ, a demilitarized zone, reveals Korean border dynamics on day trips.
- Everland, an hour from Seoul, promises thrilling rollercoasters and rides.
- Explore Suwon’s Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO world heritage site.
- Heyri Art Valley, near the North Korean border, blends art and living.
Day trips from Seoul: Korean capital Seoul is a vast metropolis. If you want to see and do all of the city’s top attractions, plan on spending at least four to five days there. You should plan to stay in Seoul for at least a week if you’re a fan of K-pop or Korean dramas. The city’s most popular attractions and one- or two-day trips can be seen in a week. While Nami Island and the DMZ are well-known attractions in South Korea, there are several lesser-known attractions. Here are 18 of the best day trips you can take from Seoul if you need some help planning your itinerary.
Nami Island is located in the Pacific Ocean:
One of the most popular day trips from Seoul is a visit to Nami Island. Located in the middle of the Han River, it is a tiny, half-moon-shaped island. A mere 5 km (3.1 miles) in circumference, the island is truly tiny. A full day’s exploration of the island is possible. Nami Island, despite its small size, is one of the most exciting places to visit from Seoul, despite its small size. Larger than many other major cities, Seoul is truly massive. You’ll need about five days to see and do everything that’s worth seeing in this city, much like you would in Tokyo.
Day trips from seoul Officially recognized:
A micronation with its flag, currency, passport, and national anthem, it’s officially recognized by the United Nations. It is even necessary to obtain an “entry visa” to enter the island. Winter Sonata, a Korean drama series, was filmed in part on Nami Island. Pine, ginkgo, maple, and metasequoia trees line the lovely walking paths in this area, making it a popular destination.
Local attractions:
Stunning at any time of the year, but especially in the fall when the leaves burst into vibrant color. However, a guided tour is the easiest way to see Nami Island on your own. Kolko or Get Your Guide are two sites where you can book a guide. Tours are available that take you to Nami Island and other local attractions. My article on Nami Island has more pictures and details. Click here to read it.
It is the DMZ:
As the name suggests, the DMZ is a demilitarized zone. It refers to a 250 km long, 4 km wide strip of land that runs along the border or Military Demarcation Line (MDL). North Korea uses it as a buffer zone. Like Nami Island for day trips from Seoul, the DMZ is a popular day trip from Seoul. During my trip to the DMZ, I was part of a joint JSA/DMZ tour.
Tours to the JSA:
It is the only part of the DMZ where soldiers from both sides can face each other. Unfortunately, I’m not familiar with what’s going on, but it appears that tours to the JSA have been suspended for the moment. But even if you don’t go to JSA as part of your tour, the DMZ is still an exciting place to visit on your own from Seoul. As a reference, you can visit the DMZ on your own by metro, which surprised me.
Everland:
Everland and Lotte World are two of Seoul’s most popular amusement parks. About an hour away from Lotte World is Everland, located in Yogin. Kolko or Get Your Guide allows you to book a guided tour, which most people do. Approximately 6 million people visit Everland each year. A variety of rollercoasters and theme park rides can find in five themed zones of day trips from Seoul, owned by the Samsung group.
Fortress of Hwaseong:
UNESCO has designated Suwon’s Hwaseong Fortress as a world heritage site. Hwaseong Fortress is a popular day trip destination from Seoul, despite its gruesome past. 5.5 km (3.4 miles) in length, the fortress walls offer a scenic workout and fantastic views of Suwon City as you stroll along with them. In addition, you can visit a palace and a few museums.
Yangpyeong Dumulmeori:
Yangpyeong County’s Dumulmeori refers to the area where the Bukhangang and Namhangang rivers meet. Often used for filming Korean movies and television dramas, She Was Pretty is a famous example. For locals, it’s a popular day-trip destination because of its peaceful setting and proximity to Seoul. Enjoy a stroll or a leisurely bike ride here. Also worth a visits are Semiwon Garden’s lotus flowers and the area’s strawberry farms.
Bhukansan National Park:
Seoul’s only national park, Bhukansan, is located in the Seoul metropolitan area for day trips from Seoul. This popular hiking destination is located just north of Seoul’s city center, making it easily accessible. With varying degrees of difficulty, a variety of hiking trails are available in the park, which has three major peaks. Get a trail map from one of the park’s information centers and decide which hike is suitable for you.
Incheon:
Even though many people only know Incheon for its airport, this port city has enough to offer a fun day trip. Korea-Chinese cuisine can find in abundance in Incheon’s Chinatown. According to legend, it was here that Jajangmyeon, one of our favorite Korean dishes, was first created. Before our trips, we would have spent the day there if we had known about it! The next time, for sure. Wolmido Island, Songdo Central Park, and Songwol-dong.
Art Valley of Heyri:
It is located in Paju, just a few kilometers south of the demilitarized zone. It’s a curious mix of galleries, exhibit halls, cafes, shops, and living spaces for artists, all built by creatives for creative people. Heyri Art Valley is a great place to visit if you enjoy the arts and exploring unusual destinations in the area. A giant cabinet of curiosities, or a social experiment in creative living, was the best way to describe it.
Valley appearance:
Valley appears to be located in the middle of nowhere, close to the North Korean border. You can learn more about the metro by reading the guide. Easily accessible by metro. If you’d like to take a tour with a guide, please let us know. Fairy Tale Village is among the other attractions.
Conclusion:
You can search Klook for Incheon tours and travel deals. Day trips from Seoul in autumn or coastal day trips from Seoul, or hiking day trips from Seoul, or day trips from Busan, or weekend trips from Seoul, or things to do in Seoul, or around Seoul.
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