best places to visit outside seoul

Out of Your Comfort Zone

The art of backpacking & adventures to get out of your comfort zone – tips and advice, 13 places to visit in south korea outside seoul.

Last Updated on February 16, 2024 by Talita

While South Korea is often passed over for tourists in favor of a place like Japan or China, it’s a place that really has a lot to offer. Between its mostly mountainous landscape (+70% of the country), coastline dotted with beautiful islands, and ancient culture, it’s definitely worth a stop on your itinerary.

For most people, their first stop in Korea will be Seoul. While a Seoul Itinerary is fascinating and lively that can entertain you for weeks, if you have the time I highly recommend getting out of Seoul to see what else Korea has to offer.

*Note: But if you do only have time to visit Seoul, at the very least try to hit up some of the mountains within the city…. they’ll give you some incredible views! You can read about them here and here :

Over the course of our year in South Korea, we tried to travel as much as we could. A number of our trips were done through Seoul Hiking Group . Warren, the creator of the group, is always up for a good, though slightly chaotic, time. The prices tended to be pretty reasonable (and often not much more than they would be if we did it on our own) and the tours were full of great people. We’ll mark the places that we went to with Seoul Hiking Group with a *. We’ve also made this fancy little map so you can see where exactly these places are, numbered with the names of the cities. So, here goes:

Table of Contents

• 0.1    1. Busan
• 0.2    
• 0.3    2. Gyeonju
• 0.4    3. Jirisan National Park
• 0.5    4. Jeju Island
• 0.6    5. Saryangdo Island
• 0.7    6. Sokcho
• 0.8    7. Seoraksan National Park
• 0.9    8. Gangneung
• 0.10    9. Pyeongchang (home of the 2018 Winter Olympics!)
• 0.11    10. Ulleungdo Island
• 0.12    11. Jeonju + Maisan National Park
• 0.13    12. The Demilitarized Zone (the DMZ)
• 0.14    13. Suwon
• 0.15 Looking for other activities, excursions, and day trips around South Korea?
• 0.16 GetYourGuide
• 0.19 Viator
• 1 Planning your next trip?

   1. Busan

Okay, so Busan is still pretty firmly on the tourist trail as the country’s 2 nd largest city. However , we found the people to be friendlier and the city to be more chilled out and less overwhelming than Seoul. Plus, it’s on the coast so has a nice beachy feel. If I were to return to Korea and had to choose a single city to live in, it would be here.

Location: on the coast in the Southeast, not far from Gyeonju or Jirisan

   2. gyeonju.

Often called Korea’s most “Korean city,” Gyeonju’s position as an ancient capital for nearly 1,000 years has turned the entire city into a museum without walls. From the colorful temples, relics of Buddhism dotting the hillside, and burial mounds scattered throughout the city, it’s a must for anyone interested in history and Korean culture.

Location: about an hour north of Busan accessible by buses leaving many times a day

Extra tip: If you like both history and nature, don’t miss out on Gyeonju National Park! It’s a pleasant hike full of temples, shrines, and statues along the way.

   3. Jirisan National Park

This popular National Park is home to South Korea’s 2 nd highest mountain (the highest is on Jeju Island) at 1,952 meters (6,404.19 feet). The mountain is beautiful all year round and a favorite among Koreans. If you really want to hike Korean style, then you better bring your headlamps to start hiking at 4 in the morning as well as lots of soju and makgeolli !

*2 Days / 1 Night trip done through Seoul Hiking Group

Location: in the South of the country, most easily accessed via Busan or Gyeonju

   4. Jeju Island

It’s impossible to talk about Korea without talking about Jeju Island. For whatever reason, we weren’t really that impressed with Jeju (though we had a good time nonetheless), but Koreans praise it endlessly and flights out of Seoul are cheap so it’s worth checking out if you have time. If you’re into hiking, Korea’s highest peak, Hallasan, is here as well. Though, to be frank, we also found this hike to be a bit boring, but it is the perfect hike for beginners .

Location: A short flight away from Seoul or a few hours by ferry from Korea’s southern coastline

   5. Saryangdo Island

This was one of our very first trips in Korea and it remains one of our favorites. This small, unspoilt island placed on Korea’s southern coastline features a beautiful, relatively easy hike up along the island’s ridge giving you a view of the surrounding islands and the deep blue sea.

*2 Days /1 Night trip done through Seoul Hiking Group

Location: off the Southeast coastline catching a ferry leaving from Tongyeong

   6. Sokcho

Sokcho is a pleasant little town on Korea’s eastern coast famous for its fish market and beaches. It’s also in a good spot for visiting a few other attractions. A mere 50 kilometers to the north is the DMZ (the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea) and the Goseong Unification Observatory which’ll give you a very clear view of some of North Korea’s mountains.

15 kilometers to the west is Seoraksan National Park and Sokcho often serves as the entry-point to this stunning National Park.

*3 Days / 2 Night trip done through Seoul Hiking Group including a visit to Sokcho, Seoraksan National Park Hike, and a 50 km bike to the DMZ

Location: on Korea’s East Sea, not far from the DMZ and near Seoraksan National Park

Tasty treats in a market in Sokcho

   7. Seoraksan National Park

If you read our article about 22 interesting things I learned while living in South Korea , you’ll know that Koreans love to hike and Seoraksan is at the top of many people’s lists.

Home to the 3 rd highest mountain in Korea and the infamous “Dinosaur Ridge,” a trek 13+ hours of grueling ups and downs that’ll earn you serious points if you tell Korean hikers. It’s painful, but the views and sense of accomplishment are worth it. If that sounds a bit too intense for you, there’s plenty of shorter hikes as well as a cable car in the park.

* 3 Days / 2 Nights trip done through Seoul Hiking Group including a visit to Sokcho, Seoraksan National Park, and a 50 km bike to the DMZ

   8. Gangneung

Though we just spent a single day here, there’s a nice beach as well as a lake that you can rent bicycles to ride around. Plus, it’s only 1 hour from Sokcho so it’d be easy to combine the two in a single trip.

Location: 1 hour south of Sokcho and Seoraksan National Park

    9. Pyeongchang (home of the 2018 Winter Olympics!)

Though the city itself is not much to look at, Pyeongchang is home to a number of ski resorts (including Korea’s biggest and host to the next winter Olympics, Yongpyong) so it’s a pleasant little trip in the winter.

* 3 Days / 2 Nights ski/snowboard trip done through Seoul Hiking Group

Location: about 3-4 hours southeast of Seoul in the middle of the country

   10. Ulleungdo Island

Arguably the most stunning place we’ve seen in Korea, words don’t really do it justice so you can take a peek at the photos in this article here: https://livetravelteach.com/2015/10/02/chuseok-at-the-striking-ulleungdo-island-in-korea-gateway-to-dokdo/ .

It’s not really the easiest place to get to but I would certainly consider this to be the most impressive of Korea’s islands. If you’d like to visit Dokdo, Korea’s disputed island with Japan, you’ll have to get here to first to take the ferry.

* 5 Days / 4 Nights trip done through Seoul Hiking Group including a day in Gangneung while waiting for the ferry

Location: just under 200 km from Korea’s east coast

   11. Jeonju + Maisan National Park

Though small, Jeonju is worth visiting for its cute little Hanok Village (a village of traditional Korean houses), pleasant atmosphere, and delicious Jeonju bibimbap .

Additionally, it’s serves as a gateway to Maisan National Park, home to what we believe to be the most beautiful temples we’ve seen (and trust us, we’ve seen a lot) while in Korea.

Location: 2 hours south of Seoul

Extra tip: don’t forget to visit the Reptile Café in Jeonju! Here, you can play with reptiles of all shapes and sizes (lizards, snakes etc..) while sipping on your coffee…. much more interesting than a visit to Starbucks. It was a bit hard to find so I think asking in your hostel, hotel or at the Tourist Info Center will be the best way to find it.

   12. The Demilitarized Zone (the DMZ)

The most highly-fortified border in the world, this glimpse into the relationship between North and South Korea isn’t to be missed.

Location: less than an hour north of Seoul

Extra tip: You’ll have to take a tour leaving from Seoul to visit the DMZ… we found the cheapest way to visit the DMZ to be here: .

P.S.: If you would like to know how to visit North Korea itself, check out our article  How to Visit North Korea on a Budget .

   13. Suwon

Okay, so Suwon might not be at the top of most people’s agendas, but seeing as we lived here and it’s only an hour from Seoul, it seemed a shame not to include it. Suwon is famous for its position as capital in the past and its well-preserved fortress looping around the city….you can read more about things to do in Suwon here:  https://outofyourcomfortzone.net/how-to-visit-the-free-samsung-museum-in-suwon-south-korea/

Location: an easy 1 hour or less bus ride from Seoul

Though small, it’s clear that South Korea packs quite a punch. So really, whether you are heading off to Korea as an English teacher or simply as a tourist, do your best to get out of Seoul for a bit… I’m sure you won’t regret it!

P.S: We have been to all these places above, so if you have any specific question about any of them, please use the comments area below and we will answer as soon as we can.

Looking for other activities, excursions, and day trips around South Korea?

Then I recommend checking out GetYourGuide or Viator to explore your options and find the best deals. They offer everything from day trips to excursions to full travel packages around South Korea for several days. It worth taking a look. 

GetYourGuide

*This article was written by the website’s contributing editor and author, Nikki Elliott. Nikki is an American who has several big backpacking trips under her belt and is currently teaching English in South Korea. If you wish to contact her about her article, please comment below.

And don’t miss our other articles about South Korea (we lived there for a year):

The Cheapest Way to Visit the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) and the JSA (Joint Security Area) in South Korea

22 Interesting Things I Learned Living in South Korea

How to Visit the Free Samsung Museum in Suwon, South Korea

How to Climb Bukhansan: the Closest Mountain to Seoul, South Korea

And North Korea (we visited for 10 days):

How to Visit North Korea on a Budget

101 Pictures of North Korea: Pyongyang – Part 1

101 Pictures of North Korea: Pyongyang – Part 2

Planning your next trip?

 Already reserved your hotel or hostel? If not, our article with The 6 Best and Cheapest Websites to Find & Reserve Accommodation can help you out. You’ll also find some promotions and discount codes .

 Still haven’t booked your plane ticket and want to save big? Take a look at our page with 16 Tips to Save on Flights where you’ll also find the 4 best websites to buy your plane tickets. 

And finally, will you need to rent a car during your trip? Then surely our page with The 5 Best and Cheapest Websites to Compare and Rent Cars Around the World will help you choose the best rental car and find a good deal.

8 Responses

One of the most useful summaries I have read – thanks!

Hey, that’s great to read! Thank you so much! 🙂

Love to travel to South Korea, all the places seem amazing, and I really prefer to go to Busan.

Hi Chandra, thank you for your comment. Glad you enjoyed South Korea. Indeed, I really liked Busan as well. Let me know if you have any questions!

Greste informative blog…,. Thanks for sharing

Hi Hari, thank you for your comment! Glad you liked the article! Let me know if you have any questions about it! 🙂

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The 27 Best Things to do in Korea Outside of Seoul

There’s alot more to South Korea than Seoul, although we all know there are plenty of amazing things to do in Seoul to fill a lifetime. We have put together a list of the 27 best things to do in Korea that might inspire you to see the beauty of Korea beyond Seoul.

Don’t limit yourself to the nation’s largest metropolis. You can easily take advantage of the great public transportation this country has to offer and explore more places. Not only is it fairly cheap, but you will have an opportunity to see some magnificent places, whether it be historical, along the countryside, or one of the many gorgeous mountains.

If you want to see more photos or learn more details including how to get to these places make sure you check out the links included for each city.

Booking a trip to Korea? Check out our appendix of where to stay in Korea for each of the cities mentioned below as well as our guide for where to stay in Seoul by neighborhood and budget to help you plan your trip!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

27 Things to Do in Korea Outside of Seoul

1. Head to the sea at Busan

Busan is Korea’s second largest city and right on the water. You can check out the cool coastal city by seeing one of it’s many temples, the most popular being Haedong Yungungsa temple right on the water.

Explore the fish market and try the local specialty dish Dwaeji Gukbap. There’s also a colorful village, beaches, and parks with great views.

Not only does Busan have great beaches, delicious dwaeji gukbap, beautiful temples, but it’s got a relaxed vibe, and a great night life. This makes Busan one of the best places to include on a Korea trip! Fore more, check our guide on all the cool things to do in Busan on your first trip.

Book a day tour around Busan or this full-day Busan City Tour which includes stops at Haedong Yungungsa Temple and admission!

Beautiful rock quarry for taking pictures, and relaxing.

2. Go to the Unique Pocheon

Northeast of Seoul and a bit more difficult to get around in is the gorgeous mountainous area of Pocheon. Here you can visit a beautiful rock quarry , an amusement park, and even a penis restaurant. You heard that right, a phallic restaurant!

Check out a day trip to Pocheon including Herb Island and Pocheon Art Valley, you can  purchase tickets at a discount here.

3. Wander around Jeonju’s Hanok Village

Jeonju is famous for their bibimbap and makgeolli. Both are insanely delicious. Frankly, all the food in this city and nearby is pretty delicious! Trust us and stay in a hanok (traditional Korean home) while visiting. During spring Jeonju has an annual International Film Festival held here.

If you want to see the country’s cultural side then you should definitely add Jeonju to your list of what to do in Korea Check out our post for a guide on all there is to do in Jeonju .

Don’t have a lot of time? You can take a day trip to Jeonju Hanok Village from Seoul with KKday. Purchase your tickets online in advance.

4. Make a storybook escape to Gapyeong

Just outside of Seoul and accessible via Seoul subway! You can try some delicious Dak Galbi (Stirfry Spicy Chicken w/ cheese – our favorite Korean dish!)

The three main attractions here are  Namiseom Island , Garden of Morning Calm, and Le Petit France. Stay the night at one of the many themed pensions , like Cozy Theme Pension where you can sleep in a giant soju bottle or ramen cup!

If you only have a day, join a Gapyeong Tour that covers all three of the main spots. Purchase your tickets at a discount here.

Via Hedger’s Abroad

5. Plan a weekend getaway to Ganghwado Island

This island off the coast of Incheon is a great weekend getaway. There are temples to explore, royal headstones, fortress walls, mudflats, purple azalea mountains, and hiking. To find more about Ganghwado check out this post by the Hedger’s Abroad.

6. Head out to Sokcho

This northeast coastal city has a beach, a scenic lake, fresh seafood, a teddy bear farm, and Seoraksan National Park is just a quick bus stop away. We recommend checking out Sokcho and Seoraksan, but you will quickly realize you will need to come back to see more of Seorak!  Check here for our full guide on the best things to do in Sokcho .

7. Hike around Seoraksan National Park (or take the cable car)

Seoraksan is easily the most beautiful national parks in the country and for that reason alone should be added to your list of things to do in Korea.

A hop skip and jump away from Sokcho, you can make Seorak a quick day trip and take a cable car up to a peak, or spend the weekend selecting one of the many amazing hikes among the karst mountains that this place has to offer. You can see our full guide to Seoraksan National Park here.

If you could only go once, go during the fall if possible. It’s seriously outta control. 

If you’re intimidated by navigating there on your own via public transportation (we were seasoned Korea travelers at the time of our visit – it wasn’t difficult but it wasn’t as straightforward as other places in the country) you can always join a day trip to Seoraksan National Park and Naksansa Temple guided tour with coach transport so you can sit back and relax and just enjoy the trip!

You can actually take a day tour from Seoul to Seoraksan in the fall if you’re short on time! You can purchase your tickets online here.

Camping right on the Water

8. Go camping at Naksan Beach

This beach has to be one of the most underrated beaches in Korea. Not only does Naksan have white sand and bright blue water but there is a gorgeous temple overlooking the beach on a cliff.

You can easily get a hotel or bring your own tent and camp right on the beach. The best part is that you can see Seoraksan’s mountains in the backdrop.

9. Go off the beaten path at Hajodae Beach

Hajodae Beach is a quiet beach town that doesn’t see too much tourism. The beach is beautiful and has white sand and blue waters. You can easily camp right on the beach with your own tent or stay at a nearby hotel. This is the perfect quiet beach getaway you are looking for.

10. Go skiing at Muju

Nestled in the Gucheon-dong Valley in the Deogyusan mountains is the delightfully quaint village of Muju with a ski resort and temples nestled around Deogyusan National Park.

We recommend going in the winter to hit the slopes or coming back in late summer to hit the firefly festival. Heading to Muju for skiing or snowboarding is at the top of our list for best things to do in Korea during the winter.

Via Rafiqua Israel Express

11. Visit a lesser known city – Daegu

Located smack in the middle of South Korea, this fourth largest city after Seoul offers ziplining, a hanok village, panoramic city views from atop a mountain, an amusement park, and even a cable car ride.

12. Catch the sunrise at Pohang

Located on the coast of Eastern Korea you can catch amazing sunrise by the sea near the infamous hand, enjoy fresh local seafood, relax on the beaches, and check out a local Japanese village. It’s a lovely way to spend part of your Korea trip.

13. Spend the weekend in Yeosu

Yeosu is situated on the southern coast of Korea overlooking tons of tiny mountainous islands. You can easily spend a weekend here on the mainland checking out the cable cars (featured above,) the Expo Center, and Dolsan park.

You can also hit up some of the nearby islands for hiking and a quiet, countryside getaway. Check out this post by Hedger’s Abroad to learn more about why visiting Yeosu is one of the best things to do in Korea.

14. Catch the sunset at Suncheon Bay

Suncheon Bay is located just north of Yeosu and is the perfect place for a sunset. You can check out the observatory, hike, explore the mountains, and just enjoy the stunning views. To find out why this is one of the best things to do read more on Suncheon Bay from the Hedgers Abroad.

15. Stay at a traditional hanok in Andong

If you don’t make it to Jeonju don’t worry you can still experience a traditional homestay in a hanok in Andong.

You can also knock off another UNESCO World Heritage Site at Andong Hahoe Folk Village . This folk village offers traditional homes with straw roofs. Don’t forget to try the stronger soju famous from this area!

Full tide at Muuido Island after the sunrise.

16. Take a ferry ride over to Muuido

A short ferry ride from Incheon rests the island of Muuido . This island is an awesome summer getaway! You can sleep in little huts along the beach for the evening and bbq underneath the stars.

Not to mention there’s also hiking to explore! These private rooms are right on the beach and cost no more than $20 making it an easy recommendation as one of the best things to do in Korea outside of Seoul.

17. Visit Mudeungsan near Gwangju

Gwangju is a great city for nature lovers. It offers beautiful hikes at Mudeungsan National Park where you can hike up to interesting hexagonal columns formed in the rocks at the two popular peaks.

You can also visit the May 18 Memorial Park and honor those who lost their lives at the massacre in 1980.

18. Step back in time in Gyeongju

Check out another one of Korea’s UNESCO World Heritage sites at Bulgulska temple, check out the nearby grotto, visit the famous royal burial mounds, visit the famous Anap Pond, and check out the interesting architecture at Gyeongju Tower. Check out Life Outside of Texas for a peek at Gyeonju Tower.

Join a day trip tour to Gyeongju from Busan . You can book your tickets here.

19. Get close to the North Korean border at Paju

Northwest of Seoul just by the border of North Korea rests Paju. Paju has an observatory that over looks North Korea . Catch a glimpse inside North Korea via binoculars. A perfect alternative for those who don’t wanna do the DMZ tour.

Paju also has an artist community so be sure to stop by  Heyri Art Village . It’s super cute and offers great food, lots of museums and some fun activities.

When you’re down, enjoy an ice cold draft beer at the nearby English Village. Where everyone is encouraged to speak English! All the activities in Paju make it one of the best things to do in Korea.

Join the Imjingak Pyeonghoa-Nuri Park and the village of Paju tour from Seoul to visit this spot on the DMZ with a guide.

Via Life Outside of Texas

20. Head down to Namhae for another seaside getaway

Another island off the south coast of Korea. Opt to stay at a seaside pension during this wonderful weekend getaway. You also can enjoy the art village, beautiful rice terraces, the beach, a German village, and an American village!

To find out more check out this post from Life Outside of Texas!

21. Do a temple stay (anywhere!)

One of our favorite recommendations of things to do in Korea is enjoy a peaceful weekend living like a Korean monk during a temple stay.

Most temples in Korea are situated in the mountains and offer a gorgeous view. We did our templestay at Beopjusa Temple in the Sogni mountains, although there really are TONS of other temples to choose from to have this experience. Check out the templestay English website for other locations.

22. Sip on some green tea at the Boseong Tea Fields

Head down south to the picturesque Boseong tea fields and try green tea and our favorite, green tea ice cream. You can also head to Yulpo Beach from here or Damyang’s Bamboo Garden.

23. Hike up Gyeryongsan National Park

Sip on some of the local chestnut makgeolli and hike through the gorgeous mountains of Gyeryongsan. While hiking check out the pagoda, temples, multiple peaks, and waterfall along the way.

End the evening sleeping in Dajeon to cross off another Korean city off your travel list.

24. Cross the sea at Jindo Island

Every year in the spring the island of Jindo off the southern coast of Korea hosts an annual parting of the sea festival.

Korea has crazy tides and every year the sea parts and you can walk on water in this particular area. Stay at a local pension and enjoy the countryside, don’t forget to check out the famous Jindo dogs!

via There She Goes Again

25. Escape Jeju Island

This list of the best things to do in Korea wouldn’t be complete without Jeju. Jeju is considered to be the Korean Hawaii. This volcanic island has plenty to do and is probably best spent on a long weekend trip. Check out the natural beauty this place has to offer by hiking Hallasan (Korea’s highest peak) or explore the Olle Trail.

You can check out one of the quirky areas, like Loveland! But the best thing to check out would have to be the natural beauty.  Check here for more things to do in Jeju on There She Goes Again

Join a Sunrise Peak Hiking Tour of Jeju which includes hotel pick up and drop off, a knowledgable guide, lunch, and awesome stops!

26. Visit Taebaeksan in Any Season

Taebaeksan is another gorgeous mountain range on the east coast of Korea. Taebaek is great place to visit in the spring when the azaleas are in full bloom as well in the winter when they hold their annual Ice Festival. 

27. Go to a hotspring at Asan

Who said you had to go far to enjoy a weekend away? Just outside of Seoul is Asan, famous for Korea’s oldest and most famous hot springs.

Soak the weekend away in one of the many hot springs this area has to offer, like Asan Spavis. Don’t try to do it in one day like we did, we were rushed the entire time. It’s a great place to find a room and enjoy two days at the spa.

The best time to visit Korea

There is no wrong time to visit Korea, but there definitely are more ‘comfortable’ times to visit this country. Believe it or not Korea does have all four seasons, however, they are dramatic. From cold and chilly winters to hot and humid summers plus a monsoon season – if you’re finicky with weather or just want the most ideal conditions you’ll want to plan ahead.

• Summer –  (July – August) This is actually one of the most difficult times to travel throughout Korea, but a very popular time people book vacations, as its the monsoon season. Expect heavy rains and very hot and humid weather!
• Fall – (September – November) This is one of our favorite times in Korea as the weather is very mild, pleasant, and you get to experience the changing of the leaves!
• Winter – December – Mid March) Winter can get VERY cold in Korea but don’t let that fool you, while it ‘can’ get cold, some of the weather isn’t THAT cold and is still manageable. Better yet, this is when you can experience some of the most popular attractions and places without crowds. We loved exploring Korea in the winter because of this reason!
• Spring – (Mid March – early June) this is a pretty pleasant time to visit Korea as you are coming out of the coldest months and transitioning into the warmer months. This shoulder season is also when you can experience the splendid cherry blossoms all throughout the country! You’ll want to look at the cherry blossom forecast though as its different dates depending in what part of the country you’re at!

Korea Travel Tips

One of the best Korea travel tips is currency exchange ! We recommend having a travel credit card and an ATM card that you can withdraw cash easily at foreign ATMs. This will require you, if you’re not already a frequent traveler, to let your bank know your travel plans so they don’t block transactions while you’re abroad.

The local currency is Korean Won, KRW and the best way to get cash is via ATM. We recommend using bank ATMs only though like Citi, KEB, KB, and Woori are the most common.

If you prefer to go to a money changer we recommend doing this only in Myeongdong when you’re still in Seoul as this area has the best rates! Do not, I repeat DO NOT exchange money at the airport, you’ll get the worst exchange rates! Save your money for some of the best things to do in Seoul instead.

This next travel tip is important if you want to be connected 100% of the time you’re in Korea! While you can find wifi all over the city, there are places where the wifi just isn’t great or you won’t be able to find it especially in the countryside! What’s great is that Korea has really affordable SIM card options!

Choose from a SIM card that will connect you from as little as a one day visit to a 30 day visit! We actually miss how affordable and FAST Korean service is! You can buy SIM cards in advance here for as little as $5.

Things to Pack for Korea

While Korea is really safe and crime rates are low, it’s always nice to have This Pacsafe Shoulder Bag for your travels which slings over your body and is the perfect size to carry your day essentials while exploring anywhere. This lightweight bag has anti-theft features so you can enjoy traveling with ease of mind with Pacsafe’s anti-theft patent products whether you’re in a crowded area or on the subway.

This Pacsafe Anti-theft Backpack is another essential any trip. This backpack has a patented anti-theft design with lockable zippers and slash-proof material in this sleek and comfortable designed backpack.

Avoid high tech thieves with this 15 pack of RFID blocking sleeves that doesn’t require you to buy a special travel wallet, you can carry your favorite purse, wallet, or backpack by simply putting your credit cards and sensitive information in these RFID blocking sleeves.

Upgrade your wallet with this RFID Blocking Wallet by Pacsafe is the perfect pick. Always have your identification, bank cards, and credit cards protected from high tech thieves with this RFID blocking wallet in this sleek and slim design.

One of the best ways to keep valuables safe when you travel is this Portable Safe by Pacsafe . This is ideal when you’re hotel has a safe that is too small for your belongings, with it’s sleek and compact design so it doesn’t take up much space in your luggage offering maximum security with its stainless steel wire mesh covered in a piece of cut-resistant canvas fabric. You simply lock this portable safe to a secure fixture in your hotel room when you leave. This is great for travel in general.

This iPhone crossbody case is perfect for sightseeing as you can easily grab your phone for that perfect photo moment on the fly as well as keep your phone secured to your body.

We recommend Allbirds Women’s Wool Runner as well as the Allbirds Men’s Wool Runner for an everyday walking shoe that’s breathable, comfortable, and feels like you’re walking on clouds. Your back and feet will thank you later, plus they are really popular currently!

A good reusable water bottle is one of the best things you can have in your day bag or on you at all times – cut back on single-use plastic and have a good reusable water bottle for your trip.

Don’t leave on a trip without a good power bank . Don’t spoil your fun exploring all the fun neighborhoods and things to see in Seoul by having your battery die on you. If you’re anything like me you’ll be using your phone to take photos, navigate, and post to social media while you’re exploring.

When it comes to the city, this weather is not forgiving and you don’t want to get caught out and about in the rain without an umbrella, especially in monsoon season. That’s why we recommend this compact wind resistant travel umbrella for what to pack for Seoul.

Covering everything from lost or stolen documents, electronics, or if you get sick unexpectedly, don’t leave home without it!

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Living and traveling in Korea

Best Daytrips From Seoul: 25 Places To Go Near Seoul

Daytrips daytrips are so fun, daytrips daytrips, there’s something for everyone! Seoul is a fantastic city to visit or live in, but sometimes, it’s nice to get out too. There are a TON of places to go near Seoul and I have traveled extensively here, there, and everywhere so let me fill you in. You’d be surprised how far across the country you can get in just one day.

Ready for a day trip from Seoul? This is the guide for you with some of the easiest places to get to with public transportation, and some spots nearby that you need a car for. Get ready to travel in Korea.

You will NOT believe how many awesome daytrips there are from Seoul.. let’s dig in:

How To Plan For A Daytrip From Seoul

• Nami Island (남이섬)
• Imjingak DMZ (임진각 DMZ)
• Everland (에버랜드)
• Heyri Art Village (헤이리 예술마을)
• Incheon’s Chinatown (인천 차이나타운)
• Korean Folk Village (한국민속촌)
• Museum San (뮤지엄산)
• Namhansanseong Fortress (남한산성)
• Oido Island & Daebudo Island (오이도 & 대부도)
• Gwangmyeong Cave (광명동굴)
• Modo, Sindo, Sido Islands (모도, 신도, 시도)
• Gangneung Beaches (강릉해수욕장)
• Ganghwado Island (강화도)
• Chuam Beachside (추암해수욕장)
• Muuido Island (무의도)
• Gangneung Art Stops (강릉)
• Cheorwon DMZ (철원 DMZ)
• Alpaca World (알파카월드)
• Anyang Art Park (안얀예술공원)
• Petite France (쁘띠프랑스)
• Hamchang Art Road
• Icheon Sansuyu Village (이천백사)
• Suwon Hwaseong Fortress (수원 화성)
• Pocheon’s Peace Land Korea (PyungGang Land) (평강랜드)
• Songwol-dong Fairytale Village (송월동 동화마을)

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Get Your T-Money Card: You might be surprised to find out how far you can get on the subway. The Seoul subway system is extensive and you can travel to other cities and even the coast… just on the subway. So, get your T-Money card ready and topped up and you’ll have plenty of places to go!

Rent A Car:  I’ve added public transportation and tour options where available below but one of the easiest ways to get in and out of the city on a quick daytrip is with a rental car and it’s easy enough to get one with Klook. Rent a car in Seoul on Klook.

If you’re a resident of Korea, aka have an ARC, then you’ll need a local driver’s license. Short term visitors and tourists can drive with an international driver’s license and their license from home. Check here to learn more about exchanging your license or getting a license in Korea .

Download Navigation Apps:  A lot of tourists head to Korea and try to navigate with Google Maps, but it really doesn’t work well here… like at all. Make sure you download KakaoMaps or NaverMaps apps instead which will have much more accurate directions. You can switch to English on the apps, so just look for the settings if you can’t read the Hangul.

Know Where To Find the Public Transportation Hubs:  You can get to a ton of places quickly on the KTX which you can hop on at Seoul Station. Sometimes the national buses are the best option though. For those, you’ll want to head to the Seoul Gyeongbu Express Bus Terminal, Seoul Nambu Bus Terminal, or the Dong Seoul Bus Terminal.

If you need or want help booking intercity bus tickets, check out Trazy’s great service to some must-see cities. The massive subway system also gets you out to the suburbs of Seoul. You’d be surprised how far you can get on the subway.

Daytrips From Seoul

1 Nami Island (남이섬)

One of the most if not the most popular place for a daytrip from Seoul is Nami Island and not only is it popular, but it’s popular year round and worth it year round. The island is a fun place to explore and it’s so easy to get to with daily buses and a train and plenty of tours, there’s no reason not to go to Nami Island at least once… though you really should go once in every season.

• More Info: Nami Island Guide
• Admission: W13,000
• Address:  198 Bangha-ri Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 춘천시 남산면 방하리 198)
• How To Get There: Take the subway out to Gapyeong Station on the Gyeongchung and ITX- Cheongchun Line. From Gapyeong Station, you can choose to walk the 1.9 kilometers about 20 minutes or get a taxi which will take about 5 minutes. BUT, there are numerous other options, check the guide above for other options.

2 Imjingak DMZ (임진각 DMZ)

Most tourists with a week itinerary for Seoul make time for at least a couple daytrips and one of them is often the DMZ. The Demilitarized Zone is less than a couple hours from Seoul and there are a lot of tours that can take you there. But you can also visit the Civilian Control Zone on your own as well. Check out the complete guide to the DMZ I’ve made for all of the major points you can see when there are restrictions and when there aren’t.

• More Info: A Complete Guide: How To Get To The DMZ & What To See
• Address:  1400-6 Majeong-ri, Munsan-eub, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기 파주시 문산읍 마정리 1400-6)
• How To Get There: You can get there via a combination of subway and then a bus from Munsan Station.

3 Everland (에버랜드)

Everland is one of the most popular amusement parks in Korea. Located about an hour outside of Seoul, it’s actually the biggest theme park in the country and has around 6 million visitors annually. They know you want to go and they make it easy to get there with various ways to get there and package deals quite often.

• More Info:  https://www.everland.com/
• Admission: W40,000 ~ W60,000; You can usually find discounted tickets on Coupang too.
• Address:  199 Everland-ro, Pogog-eup, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do ( 경기 용인시 처인구 포곡읍 에버랜드로 199)
• How To Get There: You can technically take the subway out to Everland. Literally, go to Everland Station and you’ll find your way. It’s a bit of a trek though really depending where you are starting from. There are numerous shuttle bus options that are really great and much more comfortable options instead. Find the nearest shuttle stop here on Trazy. Klook also has a great shuttle bus option.

4 Heyri Art Village (헤이리 예술마을)

Heyri Art Village is one of our favorite places to take a sudden and spur of the moment daytrips from Seoul. Heyri Art Village is home to photographers, painters, artists of all kinds, musicians, architects and writers which means it is quirky, artsy and very fun as well as home to galleries, museums and more. There are numerous experiences for adults and kids as well as fun things to see.

• More Info:   Heyri Art Village Guide
• Admission: FREE, but there are fees for various experiences
• Address:  1652-239 Beopheung-ri, Tanhyeon-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기 파주시 탄현면 법흥리 1652-239)
• How To Get There: Outside of Hapjeong Subway Station, exit 8. Walk south toward the Han River to find bus stop #14218. Take bus #2200 for 13 stops, about 45 minutes. Get off at Heyri 1 Gate Bus Stop and you’ll be right in front of the village.

5 Incheon’s Chinatown (인천차이나타운)

Once leased territory to Qing China in 1884, the area is now known as the birthplace of the Korean-Chinese delicacy ‘ jjajangmyeon ‘, most popular on the unofficial holiday known as Black Day in Korea . Colorful gates welcome visitors to the small but bustling neighborhood. The streets and alleys are filled door to door with eats and treats. All of it together makes for a great day trip out of Seoul.

• More Info: Incheon’s Chinatown Guide
• Admission: FREE
• Address:  269 Jemullyang-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon (인천광역시 중구 제물량로 269 (북성동1가))
• How To Get There:  The subway in Seoul goes all the way out to Incheon Chinatown. Hop on and get off at Incheon Subway Station. Exit 1, 2, and 3 drop off right in front of the area.

6 Korean Folk Village (한국민속촌)

Folk villages around the country are beautiful places to spend a day and learn about Korean history and tradition. The Korean Folk Village in Yongin represents a village from the Joseon Dynasty and there are various cultural classes and experiences to have throughout the year. There are performances throughout the year, and on holidays there are special events too.

• More Info: www.koreanfolk.co.kr
• Admission: Adults: W25,000; Teenagers: W22,000; Children: W20,000
• Tour Option:  If you don’t want to worry about the transportation, hop on the half day tour with Klook .
• Address:  90 Minsokchon-ro, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 용인시 기흥구 민속촌로 90 (보라동))
• Hours:  Every day 10:00am ~ 6:00pm
• How To Get There:  Near Sungnyemun Gate, catch bus 4101 which goes directly to the Korean Folk Village.

7 Museum San (뮤지엄산)

Designed by Tadao Ando, Museum San is a beautiful museum that focuses on disconnecting to connect. The museum was named one of the 100 Must Visit Tourist Spots in korea by the Korea Tourism Organization. It’s a beautiful place to spend a few hours.

• More Info: Museum San Guide
• Admission:  W18,000 (Coupang often has great package options for Museum San. Check out what’s available. )
• Address: 260 Oak valley 2-gil, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 원주시 지정면 오크밸리2길 260)
• How To Get There: This is a doable daytrip if you have a car, otherwise you should join a tour because the public transportation options to this spot are a bit difficult… or non-existant.

8 Namhansanseong Fortress (남한산성)

Namhansanseong Fortress Wall is really pretty easy to get around and isn’t nearly as long as Seoul Fortress Wall. It’s a great spot to hike in winter near Seoul and great in the summer too.

The wall is worth a visit in any season and even in winter the paths are relatively easy to walk along as there aren’t too many steep inclines. The restaurants inside the fortress also make it a good day trip with friends or family; take a walk, see some historical sights and then enjoy some supper together before catching the subway home.

• More Info: Namhansanseong Fortress Guide
• Admission:  FREE
• Address:  Sanseong-ri Joongbu-myeon Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 광주시 중부면 산성리)
• How To Get There:  Hop on the subway and get off at Sanseong Station (Seoul Subway Line 8) and go out exit 2. Take City Bus No. 9, and get off at Namhansanseong bus stop. (Travel Time : 20 Min., Interval of Buses: 20 Min.). OR you could take 13-2 bus at Dongseoul bus terminal Gangbyeon station and transfer to 15-1 bus at the entrance of Namhansanseong, get off at the last stop

9 Oido Island & Daebudo Island (오이도 & 대부도)

Oido has really been incorporated into mainland Korea for all intents and purposes but walking along the boardwalk will still give you some of those island vibes. Daebudo is just a bit further and the shores of Daebudo are full of clams, sea snails, goby, flounder, black rockfish and more which make for fun adventures along the coastline.

• More Info:  Oido & Daebudo Guide
• How To Get There:  Take the subway out to Oido Station. From exit 1 or 2, take bus 30-2 to the Oido Boardwalk. It takes about 25 minutes on the bus and get off at the Oido Ocean Complex. For Daebudo, Take the subway to Choji Subway Station. Go out exit 1 and cross the street to the bus stop and take bus 123 out to the island.

10 Gwangmyeong Cave (광명동굴)

A super fun trip to take is just south of Seoul to Gwangmyeong. This is great no matter the weather really, BUT in the summer, it’s a lovely respite from the heat and humidity in Korea. Go deep into what used to be the Siheung Mine. There are learning opportunities for kids, light exhibits for the Instagrammers, and lots of other cool things to see. Make sure to take a jacket… even in the summer!

• More Info: Gwangmyeong Cave Guide
• Admission:  Adults: W6,000; Children: W2,000 (Get on Coupang to get discounted tickets .)
• Address:  142 Gahak-ro 85beon-gil, Gwangmyeong-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 광명시 가학로85번길 142 (가학동))
• How To Get There:  Go to Gwangmyeong Station and outside of exit 8, take bus 17 or 77 which will take you directly to the Gwangmyeong Cave site in about 15 minutes. Get off when you see the signs.

11 Modo, Sindo, Sido Islands (모도, 신도, 시도)

Modo (모도), Sindo (신도), and Sido (시도) islands, always grouped because they sit right next to each other and are connected via bridges so when you take the ferry from Incheon to one, you’ll always visit all three, are also called the “Three Brother Islands”. They are so close and yet they seem so far from Seoul, Korea. It’s the quick island getaway you probably need… no, you definitely need.

• More Info: Modo, Sindo, Sido Islands Guide
• Admission: W2,000 ferry ticket
• Address:  63 Yeongjong haeanbuk-ro, 847 beon-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon (인천 중구 영종해안북로847번길 63 삼목여객터미널) The Sammok Ferry Terminal which will get you there.
• How To Get There: Check the guide above for ferry specifics.

12 Gangneung Beaches (강릉해수욕장)

The white sand beaches of the east coast are easier to get to than you might realize. Need a quick beach trip? Catch a train and you’ll be there in just a couple of hours. Spend the day and then hop on back. It’s an awesome spot to check out and is one of the most popular spots for Seoulites to get to in the summer. Join the crowds for just a day. The beaches here are so so worth it.

• More Info: Gangneung Guide
• Address:  1-san Anhyeon-dong Gangneung-si Gangwon-do (강원도 강릉시 안현동 산1)
• How To Get There:  Trains leave every hour from 5:00am until 10:00pm and take around two hours. The tickets cost between W26,000 and W44,000 depending on the seats chosen. You can also take an intercity express bus. You can even pre-book your intercity bus with Trazy .

13 Ganghwado Island (강화도)

Ganghwado Island (강화도) is the fifth largest island in Korea and is one of numerous islands that can be found out in Incheon in northwest Korea. From historical spots, cafes, restaurants, and seaside views, there is plenty to see and do on the island near Seoul.

• More Info: Ganghwado Island Guide
• How To Get There:  From Hapjeong Subway Station, go to the bus stop in the middle of the road between exits 10 and 5. Take bus #3000. It goes by 34 stops and takes about an hour and twenty minutes.

14 Chuam Beachside (추암해수욕장)

The KTX line was extended along the northeastern coast of Korea and with that came some beachside stops that are even easier to get to. The Chuam beachside quickly became one of my favorite places in Korea with a beautiful beach, a nearby suspensions bridges, and restaurants and cafes. It’s a super easy daytrip with a beautiful beach in the middle.

• More Info: Chuam Beachside Guide
• Address:  Chuam Beach, Bukpyeong-dong, Donghae-si, Gangwon-do (강원 동해시 북평동 추암해수욕장)
• How To Get There:  Catch a KTX train from Seoul Station and get off at Donghae Station. From there, it’s just a 10 minute taxi to Chuam Beach.

15 Muuido Island (무의도)

Muuido Island (무의도) in Incheon is one of the most popular beach getaways from Seoul and it has become a bit more popular since there was a road that was built from the mainland to the island. Since it doesn’t require a ferry trip anymore, it is just a bit busier than before but still oh so fun.

There are two beaches on the island but the one you definitely can’t miss is Hanagae Beach (하나개해수욕장). There is lots of sand, lots of fun, and plenty of sun.

• More Info: Muuido Island Guide
• Address:  151-8 Hanagae-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon (인천 중구 하나개로 151-8)
• How To Get There:  Go to Unseo Subway Station and go out of exit 2. Walk around to the main road and go left to the bigger road and cross the street to find the bus stop and catch bus 6-1. The bus will take about 50 minutes but will take you all the way to the beach.

16 Gangneung Art Stops (강릉)

If it’s not so warm and the beaches aren’t calling, Gangneung is still a great place to head. The Haslla Art World and Arte Museum are out there. Enjoy some beach breezes in between art stops for a day. The Haslla Art World (하슬라아트월드) is very cool and there is a lot to check out and see.

• Admission:  Adults: W12,000; Children: W11,000; Babies 36 months and under are free ( Pre-purchase your tickets for a discount. )
• Address: 1441 Yulgok-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 강릉시 강동면 율곡로 1441)
• How To Get There:  Take a train from Seoul Station to Jeongdongjin Station which takes just over 2 hours and costs between W23,000 and W36,000. From there, you can get a quick taxi to Haslla which is just 5 minutes up the road. 

17 Cheorwon DMZ (철원 DMZ)

A bit more of a trek than the Imjingak DMZ trip that I mentioned above, Cheorwon is special in the winter in that not only can you visit the DMZ but you can see a large number of migrating birds. In fact, 30% of the wild crane population of the world stops in Korea in the winter.

• More Info: Cheorwon DMZ Guide
• Admission: W8,000
• Address:  1825 Taebong-ro, Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon-do (강원도 철원군 동송읍 태봉로 1825)
• How To Get There:  Bus from Express Bus Terminal to Sincheorwon Bus Terminal (신철원터미널). After arrival, outside you can catch a bus to Goseokjung (고석정).

18 Alpaca World (알파카월드)

Alpaca World is a fun spot to check out if you want something different to do in Korea and of course if you love alpacas. Be aware that the park is on the side of a mountain so the paths are NOT flat. It is a lot of walking up and then down and then up and down again. This can be nice in the spring and the autumn, but I’m not so sure about in the heat of the summer or the frigid winter.

• More Info:   Alpaca World Guide
• Admission:  W15,000; Children under 3: FREE (You can get discounted tickets on Coupang .)
• Address: 310 Pungcheon-ri, Hwachon-myeon Hongcheon-gun Gangwon-do (강원도 홍천군 화촌면 풍천리 310)
• How To Get There: This is a daytrip that’s easier if you have a car. Otherwise, it’s better to join a tour. Head to Alpaca World, Jade Garden, and then stop at the Gubongsan Mountain Observatory Cafe Street for some awesome views also seen in my hit K-dramas. Join this tour here.

19 Anyang Art Park (안얀예술공원)

There are a few art installations that are the most popular… and yet some of these still seem to be off the radar of the locals that live and work there. The installations are a bit spread out so go up into the mountainside to see what you can see and then head down for a cafe break before heading back out again. The stream is lined with cherry blossom trees so visit in the spring to see them or in the fall when the foliage is beautiful on the mountainside.

• More Info: Anyang Art Park Guide
• Address:  131 Yesulgongwon-ro, Manan-gu, Anyang-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 안양시 만안구 예술공원로 131 (석수동))
• How To Get There:  head from Seoul down the blue line to Gwanak Subway Station. Go out exit 2 and walk toward the main road where you can see a bus stop outside near Paris Baguette. Take bus 900 just two stops. Get off and cross the street to find another bus stop. Take bus 2-1 which will go just three stops and drop you off right at Anyang Art Park’s parking lot and starting point. The buses take a total of 12 minutes but if you don’t want to switch twice and wait, getting a taxi from Gwanak Subway Station is easiest and it takes just 5 minutes and costs about W4,000.

20 Petite France (쁘띠프랑스)

Petite France is one of those Instagrammable hot spots to the east of Seoul in Korea that makes for a great day trip from the city. Popular with K-drama fans as it has been a set for numerous shows and Petite Prince fans because the little prince is everywhere you look, the village is a colorful find in the green and blue mountainside.

• More Info: Petite France Guide
• Admission: W10,000; You can often find discounted tickets and packages on Coupang too.
• Address:  1063 Hoban‐ro, Cheongpyeong‐myeon, Gapyeong‐gun, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 가평군 청평면 호반로 1063)
• How To Get There:  Take the subway/ITX out to Cheongpyeong Station (this would take about an hour and a half from Seoul) and take exit 2 and find the nearby bus stop. You can find the local Gapyeong Circle Bus which will take you out to Petite France. The bus will take about 30-40 minutes. The Gapyeong Circle Bus costs W6,000 for adults and W3,000 for children. You can get on and off as many times as you want during the day. The bus also stops by Jaraseom Island, Gapyeong Rail Bike, Nami Island, and Garden Of the Morning Calm.

21 Hamchang Art Road

A very very hidden gem, even the locals didn’t know what I was looking for when I arrived. Small towns are charming and the people, too. Hamchang in Sangju lived up to my small town expectations with friendly people and the bonus was the scavenger hunt for art. This is definitely off the beaten track, but if you have a car, this is a doable day trip. We also managed to stop at one of the coolest rest stops in Korea .

• More Info: Hamchang Art Road Guide
• Address:  경상북도 상주시 함창읍 가야로 2 (Gyeongsangbuk-do Sangju-si Hamchang-eub Gaya-ro 2)
• How To Get There:  From Seoul, take a bus from Express Bus Terminal or Dong Seoul Bus Terminal to Hamchang Bus Terminal or Jeomchon Terminal and then go to Hamchang Station.

22 Icheon Sansuyu Village (이천백사)

The Baeksa Village in Icheon has “thousands of Japanese cornel trees that are 100 to 500 years old”. Icheon is a perfect destination for a day trip from Seoul in the spring, early spring at that. The cornel trees are the first to bloom and you’ll want to see the vibrant yellow against the blue sky to get you into the spring spirit.

• More Info: Icheon Sansuyu Village Guide
• Address:  17 Wonjeok-ro 775 Beon-gil, Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea (경기도 이천시 백사면 원적로775번길 17 (백사면))
• How To Get There:  Starting from the bus station outside of Seoul Station, take bus 9300, 9401, 9000, or 1150 to Pangyo Station Bus Stop (07492). From the bus stop, walk up the road to Pangyo Subway Station and take the subway to Icheon Subway Station. Outside of exit 1, the only exit there, fine the bus stop just in front and take the bus 35 minutes, 14 stations, to stop 32416, Provincial Hall Bus Stop. You’ll want to walk back the way the bus came just a bit to find the Sansuyu Village.

23 Suwon Hwaseong Fortress (수원 화성)

An UNESCO World Heritage site, Suwon’s Hwaseong Fortress is the most popular attraction in Suwon to see. The 5.7 km long wall was constructed during the Joseon Dynasty and most visitors walk along the high walls for fun and visit restaurants and cafes along the way. Make sure to head inside the fortress too and find the statue of King Jeongjo and Haenggung Palace.

• More Info:  Suwon Hwaseong Fortress Info
• Admission:  Adults: W1,000
• Address:  320 Suseong-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 수원시 장안구 수성로 320)

24 Pocheon’s Peace Land Korea (PyungGang Land) (평강랜드)

Pocheon is just northeast of Seoul and has some really beautiful places to visit that tend to be fairly quiet. Pocheon Art Valley (포천아트밸리) is a popular spot for people to visit, but my personal favorite is Peace Land Korea, a botanical garden with wooden giants hidden among the trees. It’s great for families, friends, well just anyone.

• More Info: Pocheon Guide
• Admission:  Adults: W7,000, Children: W5,000
• Hours:  every day: 9:00am ~ 6:00pm
• Address:  171-18 Umulmok-gil Yeongbok-myeon, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 포천시 영북면 우물목길 171-18)
• How To Get There: This is a great daytrip option if you have a car or plan to rent one. Pocheon’s public transport isn’t as easy to get to the parks and stops.

25 Songwol-dong Fairytale Village (송월동 동화마을)

Just next to Incheon’s Chinatown, the Songwol-dong Fairytale Village is a whimsical village to walk through as you try to spot some of your favorite characters from both Korean and western fairytales. It’s a colorful place to visit and since it’s right next to Chinatown, there’s plenty of good food nearby too.

• More Info:  Check out the Incheon Itinerary for how everything fits together out there.
• Address:  38 Donghwamaeul-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon (인천광역시 중구 동화마을길 38 (송월동3가) 일대)
• How To Get There:  Take Seoul subway line 1 out to Incheon Station and take Exit 1 (the only exit available). Across the street, you’ll see the entrance to China Town. Head through the China Town gate and walk up until it dead ends and turn left. On this road you’ll see the Fairy Tale Village welcome archway and clearly see where all of the vibrant colorful buildings and paintings begin.

Are you ready to travel around Korea? There are so many places that you can easily fit into a weeklong itinerary to Seoul. Or if you’re here longer, then you have plenty of time to get all of these awesome daytrips from Seoul in!

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12 Day Trips out of Seoul — K-Drama Film Locations, Skiing and Unique Theme Parks

Fun day trips for travellers who want to get out of Seoul city!

From a fairytale village to paragliding over mountains, here are 12 day trips out of Seoul to spruce up your next Korea itinerary ✨

Getting Around South Korea

Korail is one of Korea’s fastest and most convenient modes of travel, especially to areas outside of Seoul. The Korea Rail Pass (KR Pass) grants you unlimited trips within a stipulated timeframe of your choice.

Choose from a three or five-day consecutive pass, or the flexible pass to travel for two or four days within a 10 day period.

Book your passes online and pick them up at any metro station!

*Pro-tip: If you’re travelling in groups of two to five, get the group pass and save more.

Cost: From ~S$127.79

Go at your own pace and rent a car. We booked our comfy four-wheeler via Klook and the entire process was so fuss-free. Even when we reshuffled our plans last minute, cancellation and rebooking were so simple — we were able to book a rental one day before ☺️

Be sure to download Naver Maps to navigate as Google Maps doesn’t work in Korea!

Note: iOS users need a registered Naver account to access driving routes.

Alternatively, go on day tours and have everything sorted — including two-way transportation and even meals sometimes!

1) Seoraksan Mountain (설악산)

Travel time from Seoul: ~3hr drive or a 3hr bus ride

Photo credit: @mt.hyunbk via Instagram

If there’s any hike worth travelling out of the city for, it’s Seoraksan National Park , South Korea’s first and most iconic national park.

We rented a car for our trip here to explore areas around Seoraksan as well — more on that later!

With multiple hiking trails, 30 peaks, and countless sights along the way, Seoraksan National Park is a full-day affair.

We hiked up to Ulsanbawi Rock, Seoraksan’s most famous hike known for its rocky peak and panoramic views. The hike usually takes two hours, but we took almost three — and we were rushing for sunset (there was no sunset, only mist 😭).

The many steep flights of stairs really slow you down. Thankfully, there are plenty of resting spots and vantage points to take a break!

Squeeze in another peak, Gwongeumseong Fortress . It only takes 15 minutes to ascend — including a five-minute cable car ride (~S$13)!

Although Seoraksan can be cleared in a day, skip the night drive back to Seoul and stay nearby in Sokcho.

Entrance fee : ₩3,500 (~S$4) Opening hours:  24 hours How to get there:  Take a bus from Dong-Seoul Bus terminal to Sokcho Intercity Bus Terminal, then bus 7/7-1 to Seoraksan National Park

Other things to see in the area

Explore Sokcho the next day! This little sea town has lots to offer and is also a popular drama filming site.

Naksansa Temple ( 낙산사 )

Photo credit: @trazy_korea via Instagram

Korea is big on preserving its temples. And while most of us think they look alike, Naksansa Temple offers a different experience.

Located right on a cliff overlooking the sea, it’s worth heading there early to catch the sunrise (especially between the Spring and Autumn months) — otherwise, it’s usually foggy.

Entrance fee: ₩4,000 (~S$4.64) Opening hours: 6AM – 7:30PM Address: 100, Naksansa-ro, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do

Daepohang Port LightHouse

Located at Daepohang Port, this lighthouse was seen in episode 12 of Strong Woman Do Bong Soon ! It also gives Hometown Cha Cha Cha feels as it looks similar to the one in the show.

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: 24 hours Address: 64, Daepohang-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

2) Incheon (인천)

Travel time from Seoul: ~1hr by train

Incheon isn’t just where the airport is. This west coast region has a couple of interesting attractions worth the day trip out of Seoul!

Wolmi Theme Park & My Land (월미테마파크)

Wolmi Theme Park is an old-school amusement park by the seaside. It’s a lot smaller than Lotte World or Everland , but they have iconic rides like a Viking ship and a 115m Ferris Wheel with unobstructed views of the sea.

Many have mistaken this as the location in Squid Game where Deok Su meets his gang in episode two. However, the actual filming location is called My Land, just 15 minutes further down.

Although these two theme parks are separate, Wolmi Theme Park is just an extension of My Land.

For more thrilling rides, My Land has Korea’s highest Viking ride, swinging as high as two storeys! The infamous Tagada Disco ride is also here, and you might recognise it from Korean variety shows like We Got Married and Running Man .

Entrance fee: ₩5,000 per ride (~S$5.80) Opening hours: 10AM – 10PM, opens till midnight on weekends and PH Address: 81, Wolmimunhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon

Songwol-dong Fairytale Village (송월동 동화마을)

Songwol-dong Fairytale Village is Incheon’s most creative neighbourhood! Uncover all the fairytales featured here from Beauty and the Beast to Peter Pan — walking through it feels like a never-ending storybook.

Apart from Disney favourites, spot other familiar classics like Wizard of Oz, Pinocchio and even Spiderman!

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: 24 hours Address: 38, Donghwamaeul-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon

3) Ski slopes

Travelling during winter and itching to pick up skiing? Korea’s actually got a number of slopes that’s a must-visit during the winter season!

Welli Hilli Park (웰리힐리파크)

Photo credit: Klook

One of Korea’s bigger ski resorts is Welli Hilli Park just 90 minutes away from Seoul ⛷

There are 20 different slopes and sledding fields catering to all skill levels. And you can cover them all in a day without booking into the resort!

Ski attire and equipment are available for rent 🥽

Cost: From ~S$103.29 Tour timings: 7AM – 6PM Meeting points: Hongik University Station (Exit 8), Myeongdong Station (Exit 2)

Jisan Forest Resort (지산 리조트)

Just 40 minutes away is another resort – Jisan Forest Resort .

Although it’s smaller, you’ll have just as good a time on their seven main ski trails. With their high-speed chair lifts, you can be sure to clock in many rounds within the day.

Ski attire and equipment are available for rent too 👌🏼

Cost: From ~S$92.85 Tour timings: 7:30AM – 6PM Meeting points: Hongik University Station (Exit 8), Myeongdong Station (Exit 2)

Yong Pyong Resort (용평리조트)

Up your skiing game and head to Yong Pyong Ski Resort — their challenging slopes were used in the 2018 Winter Olympics!

Sick slopes aside, this picturesque resort was also featured in famous K-dramas like Goblin and Winter Sonata .

Ski attire and equipment are also available for rent.

Cost: From ₩58,000 How to get there: Take an Express Bus from Seoul Nambu Terminal to Hoenggye Village, then take a 10min local bus ride to Yong Pyong Resort

4) Muuido Island (무의도)

Travel time from Seoul : ~1hr 45mins by train then bus

Hanagae beach (하나개해수욕장)

Photo credit: Junggu Incheon Culture & Tourism

Hanagae Beach is the biggest tideland on Muuido Island . At low tide, this 1km beach expands further into the horizon, revealing clams, sea snails, and crabs you can dig by hand!

This beach became popular in 2003 as the filming location for the drama Stairway to Heaven .

For the adventurous, rent an ATV and drive through the sand, or zipline across for a bird’s eye view of the glistening waters!

Marine Tourism Trail

Photo credit: @thesoulofseoulblog via Instagram

Escape the beach crowd and head to the southern end of Hanagae Beach for a relaxing stroll on the Marine Tourism Trail. The 852-metre boardwalk stands above the waters, taking you around the unique formations of Horyonggok Mountain .

For a view of Incheon’s other islands, take an easy hike to the top of Horyonggok Mountain.

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: 24 hours How to get there: From Incheon Airport, catch bus 222 or 111 to Yeongjongdo, then take shuttle bus 6-1 

5) Yangpyeong (양평군)

Travel time from Seoul : About an hour by Korail

Paraglide over mountains and valleys

Photo credit: @maplehouse20 via Instagram

Crash Landing On You fans will be thrilled to know you can paraglide near Seoul!

Just an hour away in Yangpyeong is one of Korea’s more popular paragliding sites. The area’s stunning untouched natural landscapes make it the perfect flying ground.

Take off with an experienced instructor and soar over stunning mountains, valleys and fields for up to 25 minutes.

Cost: From ₩115,000 (~S$133.49) Pick up point: Asin Station

Yangpyeong Dumulmeori Park (양평 두물머리)

Dumulmeori Park is a popular K-drama location you can’t miss. This romantic spot has been featured in 17 different K-dramas including She Was Pretty , The Beauty Inside , and the recent crime drama Undercover .

The park is located between the North and South Han River, with mountains right across the water. Be sure to snag a quick pic at the picture frame to have everything in shot!

Once you’re done at Dumulmeori, cross the bridge to visit Semiwon Garden . It’s another beautiful park known for its lotus flowers. The best time to visit is from Spring to Summer (mid-March to August) when huge lilies and lily pads fill up the ponds!

Dumulmeori Park Entrance fee:   Free Opening hours:   24 hours Address:   850-2 Yangsu-ri, Yangseo-myeon, Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi-do

Semiwon Garden Entrance Fee: ₩5,000 (~S$5.80) Opening hours: 9AM – 8PM (Jun to Aug), 9AM – 6PM (Sep to May) Address: 93, Yangsu-ro, Yangseo-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do

Sip coffee by the Han River

Photo credit: @starbuckskorea via Facebook

Bring your coffee experience to a whole new level and soak in panoramic views of Namhan River at Yangpyeong’s Starbucks (스타벅스 경기양평점).

Head to the outdoor deck on the third floor for the best view ✨

Opening hours:  9AM – 8PM (Weekdays), 8:30AM – 8PM (Weekdays) Address:  76 Yanggeun-ro, Yangpyeong-eub, Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi-do

6) Chuncheon (춘천)

Travel time from Seoul: About an hour by Korail

Chuncheon is the capital city of Gangwon province. It’s a lakeside city surrounded by mountains and lakes. Here are some unique ways to explore this scenic city!

Canoe at Chuncheon Mulle-gil ( 춘천 물레길 )

A day trip from Seoul to a lakeside city calls for some time on the waters 🌊

Soak in breathtaking natural landscapes with a canoe ride across Chuncheon’s lakes. What’s interesting about this experience is that you’ll be paddling in a traditional wooden canoe!

*Pro-tip: Opt for the sunset tour and watch the mountains glow ✨ (not available in the winter)

Cost: ~S$20.50 Tour timings: 9AM – 5PM hourly, weekends only from Mar to Dec Meeting point: Chuncheon Station (Exit 1)

Gangchon Rail Park (강촌레일파크)

Built on a discontinued train line, Gangchon Rail Park is Korea’s largest rail bike course 🚂

Apart from the mountains, you’ll enjoy overlooking the pristine Bukhan River, which flows through both North and South Korea.

Best of all, it looks beautiful in every season!

Entrance Fee: From ₩30,000 (~S$34.82) How to get there: Take a train to Gimyujeong Station (Gyeongchun Line), Exit 1

Soyanggang Skywalk ( 소양강 스카이워크 )

Photo credit: Korea Tourism Organization

Soyanggang Skywalk is one of Korea’s longest skywalks stretching 174 metres over Uiamho Lake . And 156 metres of it is made up of clear glass — truly a 360-degree view!

Psst… This was a filming location for the K-drama Switch !

Entrance fee: ₩2,000 (~S$2.32) Opening hours: 10AM – 6PM How to get there: Take a train to Chuncheon Station (Gyeongchun Line), Exit 1. Cross the street and board Bus 11. Alight at Statue of Soyanggang Maid Bus Stop, walk 2mins.

7) Busan (부산)

Travel time from Seoul: Under 3hrs by Korail .

Gamcheon Culture Village

Nicknamed the Santorini of the East, you can’t visit Busan without visiting the colourful homes of Gamcheon Culture Village .

Venture through the alleys to find different photo locations. Don’t miss the Little Prince lookout or the topmost viewing deck for a panoramic view of the colourful homes, the surrounding mountains and the sea ✨

Jagalchi Market (부산 자갈치시장)

Jagalchi Market is a must-visit in Busan for seafood lovers. Soak in the charm of this vibrant market as you pick the freshest seafood, then immediately enjoy it at nearby restaurants.

Oryukdo Skywalk (오륙도 스카이워크)

One of the best ways to take in Busan’s gorgeous oceans is via the glass Oryukdo Skywalk. Watch the waves crash against the rocks below.

Yongdusan Park (용두산공원)

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

Yongdusan Park is famed for sitting on a mountain shaped like the head of a dragon. However, Yongdu Mountain is no simple rock formation as locals believe it protects Busan from foreign sea invaders.

Other historical monuments to check out are the Statue of the Great Admiral Yi Sun-sin , Dragon Sculpture , Bell of the Citizens and  Flower Clock .

Another scenic vantage point in this area is the Busan Tower — it looks twice as stunning after dark!

*Pro-tip: Visit all four locations hassle-free with a local tour . It comes with a local guide, transport and lunch. All you have to do is show up and enjoy 🙌🏼

Exploring Busan Full Day Tour Cost: ~S$110.15 Tour duration: 8AM – 7PM, except on weekends Meeting point: Seomyeon Station Exit 12 (Busan)

Read also: 4D3N Busan Itinerary — Why You Need To Spend More Than A Day Trip In Korea’s Charming Coastal City

Although Busan is easy to get to, there’s so much to explore here and deserves a longer stay. Here are more places worth checking out!

Explore East Busan

Visit East Busan’s iconic landmarks like Haedong Yonggungsa Temple which has been standing since 1376. Overlooking the vast blue ocean, it’s no wonder it’s Korea’s most beautiful temple! Pop in to pray for blessings, or visit the Jijang Bosal (The  Bodhisattva  of the Afterlife) statue at the sunrise platform.

Another unique building is the Jukseong Dream Church . This picturesque church is actually a set built just for the K-drama ‘Dream’ that was never taken down. Although you can’t enter the building, it’s still a sight to behold as it sits atop a cliff. It’s a popular photo spot among tourists and locals, especially newlyweds!

Learn more about these stunning locations on a half or full-day tour with an experienced guide. The half-day tour offers three drop-off points where you can continue the rest of your day — Gijang Traditional Market, Lotte Premium Outlet or Haeundae Beach. 

East Busan Exploration Cost: From ~S$31.29 Tour timings: 8:30AM – 1PM (half-day), 8:30PM – 5:50PM (full-day), except Tue and Thu Meeting points: Seomyeon Station (Line 1/2, Exit 3), Busan Station (Line 1, Exit 3) or Nampo Station (Line 1, Exit 3)

Visit a Poop Museum

Photo credit: @by.all.in via Instagram

Here’s something a little different — a museum full of sh*t. PooPoo Land is an adorable museum featuring quirky poop-related interactive exhibits starting from the stomach, then through the intestines. And contrary to its sh*tty theme, the entire museum is pretty colourful and overall just stinkin’ cute 💩

The space isn’t just fun for photos and play. You’ll learn about your digestive tract too!

*Pro-tip: Have cash on hand to rent lockers for your belongings.

Cost: ~S$9.29 Opening hours: 11AM – 8PM, last admission at 7PM

8) The Demilitarised Zone (한반도 비무장 지대)

Travel time from Seoul: ~2hr by Korail (DMZ Peace Train)

History buffs (or Crash Landing On You fans) should visit Korea’s Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) at least once in their lives.

This day trip from Seoul dives deep into Korea’s war history — best experienced with an educational guided DMZ tour . Visit relics of the past like the Freedom Bridge and the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel (an underground invasion route), and their significance to Korea.

Head to the Odusan Unification Observatory and take a peek into North Korea via the binoculars!

Cost: ~S$92.85 Tour timings: 8AM – 2:30PM Meeting points: Dongdaemun History and Cultural Park Station (Exit 8), Gangnam Station (Exit 12a), Myeongdong Station (Exit 9), Hongdae Station (Exit 3)

Paju Book City

Photo credit: Romance Is a Bonus Book via Netflix

As the name suggests,  Paju Book City  is all about books. It’s the publishing hub of Korea where books are conceptualised, sold and even shredded.

Here, there are about 200 publishing companies seated atop art galleries, bookstores, cafes and even a hotel.

Many might recognise this location from Romance Is a Bonus Book . Gyeoroo Publishing’s main entrance is actually the exterior for Forest of Wisdom , an aesthetic library featuring floor-to-ceiling bookshelves!

Entrance Fee: Free Opening hours:  9AM – 6PM How to get there:  Take subway Line 2 or 6 to Hapjeong Station, use exit 1 and take bus 2200 to Eunseokgyo Intersection Bus Stop, walk 5mins

9) Nami Island (남이섬)

Most of us might know Nami Island from the famed Winter Sonata back in 2002. However, more recent K-dramas were also shot here, like Hi, Bye Mama and When My Love Blooms ❤️

K-dramas aside, this gorgeous park is the perfect quick escape from the city. You’ll be charmed by its foliage and scenery — infinite rows of metasequoia trees and Korean Pine trees bring you into another world.

Visit in early November and be treated to gorgeous hues of Autumn red!

There are only two ways to get to Nami Island — by ferry or one-way zipline from Gapyeong Wharf.

Read also: Nami Island Day Trip from Seoul: How to cover the best of Gapyeong

Garden of Morning Calm (아침고요수목원)

Photo credit: @morningcalm_garden via Instagram

Garden of Morning Calm is just as serene as its name suggests. Walk through the 26 themed gardens and the beautiful range of blooms each brings, no matter the season 💐

In Spring, the gardens are painted pink with Magnolia, Azalea, and Cherry Blossoms. Meanwhile, Summer is a multi-coloured affair when Roses, Iris, and Blue Hydrangea bloom. Autumn welcomes some warmer tones with Chrysanthemums in full bloom and maple leaves turning red.

Petit France (쁘띠프랑스)

You probably wouldn’t expect to see a colourful European town in the middle of Korea.

This whimsical town is actually a French cultural village in Gapyeong that’s open to the public.

It’s no surprise this spot has been featured on popular K-dramas like My Love From The Star and Secret Garden !

You can cover this popular day trip on your own with some careful planning. But to save yourself the hassle, there are  all-inclusive tours  covering transport from Seoul, as well as attractions and entrance tickets. You can also add other attractions like Gangchon Rail Park.

Nami Island, Petite France, Garden of Morning Calm, and Gangchon Rail Bike Day Tour from Seoul Cost: From ~S$52.95 Tour timings: Varies Meeting points: Hongik Univ. Station (Exit 4), Myeongdong Station (Exit 3), Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station (Exit 10)

10) Alpaca World (알파카월드)

Travel time from Seoul: ~2hr drive

Alpaca World is one of the best day trips out of Seoul for animal lovers — it’s Korea’s largest forest experience farm 🦙

Apart from the fluffy alpacas, we saw other animals like bunnies, deer, and even a camel 😂 It’s amazing how close you can get to the animals here. And although most enclosures aren’t manned, the animals are pretty well-behaved — just be gentle and don’t provoke them.

We purchased some Paca Coins (₩5,000 for 5) to use at the feed dispensing machines. These machines are at almost every enclosure so you don’t have to worry if you run out.

There are also little huts at each enclosure entrance with stamps for your map. And if you collect them all you get a pack of adorable Alpaca-themed stickers!

Our favourite experience was definitely walking our very own Alpaca (~S$11.61). They’re very food motivated and may get a little aggressive, so it’s best that the walker doesn’t hold the cup of food!

*Pro-tip: Head there in the morning as the Alpacas get lethargic by afternoon and aren’t as interactive.

Cost: ₩15,000 (~S$17.41) Opening hours: 10AM – 6PM, last admission 5PM How to get there: Take a train to Namchuncheon Station (Exit 1). Board Bus 3 to Alpaca World. Bus schedule: From Namchuncheon Station – 8:50AM, 12:20PM, 4:10PM. From Alpaca World – 9:55AM, 2:05PM, 5:20PM

Or, kill two birds with one stone and check out Nami Island and Alpaca World together on a full day tour (~S$112.85)! 🙌🏼

11) Korean Folk Village (한국민속촌)

Travel time from Seoul: About an hour and a half by train then bus

The  Korean Folk Village  is a replica village from the Joseon Dynasty. This cultural site features historic establishments like herbal medicine farms, a government office and even a Buddhist temple.

If the government office looks familiar, you probably saw it in the period thriller series Kingdom . It’s where the corpses rose to life and terrorised the Dongnae villagers in season 1 episode 3!

Wearing Hanboks during our visit here really took us back to 1300s Korea.

Apart from the village’s exhibitions and traditional art performances, they also host themed events . The day we visited, we were invited to join a historical Squid Game event and played games from the show like Ddakji , Red Light Green Light and Tug-o-war!

Entrance Fee: ₩25,000 (~S$29.02) Opening hours: Varies How to get there: Take a shuttle bus from Suwon Station (exit 4). Operates every 2hrs (10:30AM – 2:30PM)

12) Spa day at Icheon Termeden

Every holiday deserves a dedicated spa day, and there’s no better way to unwind than at a thermal spa!

Icheon Termeden is a German-style spa resort south of Seoul. Featuring indoor and outdoor pools surrounded by forest, it’s a great place to escape from the city — especially in the colder seasons 🧖🏼‍♀️

Shop at Yeoju Premium Outlet

A relaxing day at the spa always entails some retail therapy 🤪

Yeoju Premium Outlets is Korea’s first and only authentic premium outlet mall. You’ll find over 140 designer brands like Coach and Burberry, with prices slashed up to 65%!

There are lots of beauty brands here too — MAC, Clinique, Estee Lauder, you name it. And all their prices are lower than duty-free 🤩

Hit both locations easily with a tour . Your day of pampering will be complete with a round-trip shuttle so transport is settled for the day.

Cost: From ~S$113.75 Tour timings: 8AM – 7PM Meeting points: Hongik University Station (Exit 3), Myeongdong Station (Exit 3)

Pre-essentials for Your Trip to South Korea

When planning your trip to Korea, it’s always good to be prepared so do keep these things in mind.

– Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation (via  K-ETA ) — applied at least 24 hours before departure – Register for  Q-Code  — for fast-track through immigration, applied within 3 days before arrival –  Travel Insurance  — optional but recommended

*Note:  The Korea Government has announced a temporary K-ETA exemption for 22 countries/regions from 1 April 2023 to 31 Dec 2024 (incl. Singapore). Check the  official website  for updates.

Once that’s settled, let’s figure out what to do in Korea! Check out our seven-day Korea itinerary for inspiration, or start by hunting down your favourite K-drama locations 😂

What other day trips out of Seoul did we miss out on? Share with us below!

This article was brought to you by Klook .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by thetravelintern.com 🇸🇬 (@thetravelintern)

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The 5 best day trips from Seoul

Feb 3, 2024 • 6 min read

Day trips from Seoul range from beaches to the ominous DMZ © Goldcastle7 / Getty Images

So, you're done with dynamic Seoul ?

You're finished with its top fashion. You're through with its cutting-edge technology. You can't listen to another K-pop beat .

Well, you're in luck. Less than two hours away from the capital's ancient palaces and timeless temples are some super day trips. From learning about Joseon history to visiting the DMZ, the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea , these are our favorites.

1. The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)

Sitting between Seoul and North Korea, Paju is the closest city to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that divides the Korean peninsula. At  Panmunjom and the Joint Security Area (JSA), North and South Korean soldiers face each other across the military demarcation line. The atmosphere is noticeably tense at this historically significant spot, where important events such as the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement took place.

Since the end of the Korean War in 1953, authorities have uncovered four unfinished tunnels that North Korea built into South Korea. Three are now accessible to visitors on guided tours. The third tunnel is particularly popular and slightly unnerving because of its proximity to Seoul – it finishes just 52km (32 miles) away from the capital. Located 7km (4 miles) from the military demarcation line, Imjingak park acts as a gesture of hope for unification. Built in 1972, it has many relics from the war on display, including tanks and a destroyed train.

If you join a DMZ tour, you'll be able to visit the Dora Observatory , which offers clear views of North Korea, including the city of Kaesong and the settlement of Gijeong-dong. The nickname of the latter, "propaganda village," comes from claims that the pristine-appearing settlement is actually uninhabited, except for a handful of caretakers who occasionally flick lights on and off to simulate signs of life. Many believe it exists simply to encourage South Koreans to defect for a "better life" across the border.

Near the observatory is Dorasan Station, the northernmost station on South Korea's rail network. To visit the DMZ (including Panmunjom and infiltration tunnels), you must join an official guided tour with an accompanying military escort, but you can visit Imjingak independently.

How to get to the DMZ from Seoul: Paju is 33km (20 miles) northwest of Seoul, and it's easily accessible by train from Yongsan Station, with a journey time of one hour. Buses also run to Paju from Seoul's northwestern districts.

The capital and largest city of Seoul's surrounding Gyeonggi Province, Suwon is a popular day trip for its historic and cultural heritage sites. The vast Hwaseong Fortress has walls that stretch for over 5.5km (3.5 miles) with four main gates, including Janganmun, the largest gateway in Korea. With scenic views and a rich history, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-visit.

Hidden within the fortress walls are Haenggung Palace and the royal residential quarters. They were once used by royalty as a temporary home while traveling on royal business. Though the Japanese colonial occupation destroyed much of the site, restorers have largely rebuilt it, offering a fascinating window into past royal life.

Feeling hungry? Suwon is famous for its beef, and the local galbi (marinated ribs) are a must-try for carnivores. Kabojung  is one of the best spots to sample galbi – the government has recognized the owner as a Korean Food Grand Master. Close to Suwon City Hall station, Yuchi Hwoegwan serves up a celebrated haejangguk (hangover stew), chock full of beef, cabbage, scallions and more. This nutrient-rich soup is perfect after a big night out.

How to get to Suwon: Suwon is 31km (19 miles) south of Seoul. Trains run regularly between Seoul's Yongsan Station and Suwon Station, and the journey takes just under one hour.

3. Ganghwa-do  

About 50km (31 miles) northwest of Seoul, Ganghwa-do is technically a part of Incheon City, and as Korea's fourth-largest island, this scenic spot offers plenty to see. It has also served as the setting for many of Korea's most important historical events.

In the southern part of the island. Jeondeung-sa has the distinction of being Korea's oldest Buddhist temple, dating back to 381 CE. The temple grounds sit within the ancient Samnang Fortress, and the scenic surroundings present picture-perfect views in all seasons. Those interested in a more immersive experience can sign up for a Templestay program.

It's a moderate hike up some steep steps to reach the summit of 469m (1538ft) Mani-san , Ganghwa-do's highest peak, but the surrounding views are memorable. At the top is a sacred altar called Chamseongdan that Dangun, the legendary founder of Korea, is said to have used. Another sacred spot on the island is the pretty Jeokseok-sa Buddhist temple on the western side of Mt Goryeo-san.

If all that hilltop hiking wears you out, head to the Toga restaurant in the village of Heungwang-ri (close to the slopes of Mani-san) for a hearty bowl of tofu and salted shrimp stew, made with the island's famous tiny shrimp. The homemade tofu comes in a milky white broth that's only lightly seasoned by the shrimp but still deep in flavor. 

How to get to Ganghwa-do: Ganghwa-do is about 50km (31 miles) northwest of Seoul. Buses run from Seoul's Hapjeong Station in the west of the city to Ganghwa Terminal in just under two hours.

4. Chuncheon

The capital of Gangwon Province , Chuncheon – with its surrounding rivers and hills – is a top destination for nature lovers and outdoor activity enthusiasts.  Namiseom Island  in the Bukhan River has become famed for its majestic trees and scenic views. It also has cafes, tourist shops, a small museum and a gallery, and you can explore on foot or rent a bike. To reach the island, catch the ferry, or take the zip wire if you're feeling adventurous. 

In summer, Chuncheon and the surrounding regions are great places to try water sports such as waterskiing, kayaking and rafting. There are various water sports centers along the Bukhan River. Korea's largest artificial lake, Soyang Lake, is popular for its scenic trails and pretty roads; you can also travel to several towns across the lake by ferry.

When it comes to food, Chuncheon has an entire alley of restaurants dedicated to dakgalbi , a popular dish of chicken marinated in a gochujang -based (red pepper paste) sauce and cooked with vegetables in a big pan. You can eat the stir-fried chicken in lettuce wraps or on its own.

How to get to Chuncheon: Chuncheon is 75km (46 miles) northeast of Seoul and is accessible by direct bus from Seoul's Dong Seoul Terminal in a little over an hour, or by train from Cheongnyangni Station in just under two hours.

Despite its location on the opposite side of the country, travelers can reach the coastal town of Busan from Seoul in 2 hours and 15 minutes by train. It makes for a fantastic (though somewhat long) day trip or – better still, a more leisurely weekend break from the capital.

Mountains, a scenic coastline, great street food and a cosmopolitan vibe make Busan, the country's second-largest metropolis, one of South Korea's most enjoyable cities to hang out in. Its top attraction is the atmospheric, waterside Jagalchi Fish Market , where you can buy and eat some of Korea's freshest seafood. 

Other highlights include the glorious golden sands of Haeundae Beach and the Busan Cinema Center , an architecturally dazzling structure with the biggest outdoor screen in the country. We also recommend strolling the lanes of Gamcheon Culture Village , sampling the local bingsu (flavored shaved ice), and knocking back shots of potent soju (Korea's favorite spirit) in a tent bar.

How to get to Busan: Busan is on the southeastern coast of South Korea, 325km (202 miles) away from Seoul. Direct high-speed trains run from Seoul to Busan, connecting the two cities in as little as two and a half hours.

This article was first published December 2020 and updated February 2024

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5 Must-See Korean Destinations Outside of Seoul

Seoul, South Korea is one of my favorite cities in the world. With ultra-modern architecture, historic homes and fortresses, trendy night clubs, and spacious parks, the city has something for everyone. However, if you only visit the Korean capital, you’re definitely missing out on some of the country’s best sites.

I’m often asked what my favorite places are throughout South Korea. While some of them are located in Seoul, such as Gyeongbokgung , and some are simple day trips from the city center (the DMZ and Namhansanseong ), others are located several hours from the city.

While I’ve written about all of my favorite places in Korea at one point or another, I’ve never really collected together my favorite places in one place.

This list is definitely not a complete listing of all the great places to visit in South Korea. For more information about all of my favorite sites in and out of Seoul, head over to Tripologist’s Korean Article Archive for a list of all the posts I’ve done on the country.

Here, in no particular order, are my five favorite destinations outside of Seoul to visit in South Korea:

A grouping of three small islands tucked off the coast of Gunsan on the western shores of Korea, Seonyudo is a fantastic island getaway. In fact, I usually consider it to be my favorite destination in Korea, and it makes a great and relaxing trip from Seoul.

What makes Seonyudo so special is that it retains a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere even on summer weekends. With only a handful of motorized vehicles, renting a bike and exploring the islands is a great way to spend an afternoon. In the evening, head to the main beach to watch the sunset and get dinner at one of the island’s seafood restaurants.

For more information on how to visit Seonyudo, check out,  Seonyudo: My Favorite Place in South Korea .

Boseong Green Tea Fields

Nestled in the southwestern corner of the Korean peninsula, the Boseong Green Tea Fields remain off the tourist path for many visitors and expats. For Koreans, however, Boseong is famous, both for its beauty, and its delicious tea. Stretching hundreds of feet up a hillside, the tiered green tea fields are one of the most captivating sights in Asia, especially in the spring and early summer when the leaves are at their most green.

While visiting, make sure to check out the on-site restaurant for interesting culinary treats like green tea infused bibimbap and jajangmyeon as well as fantastic green tea ice cream. The attached gift shop has local green tea at fantastic prices as well as other unique souvenirs.

For more information on visiting the Boseong Green Tea Fields, check out, Off the Beaten Path: The Boseong Green Tea Fields .

Seokbulsa Temple

Many travelers to Korea make the time to go to Busan, South Korea’s second largest city. With beautiful beaches and a more laid back atmosphere than Seoul, it’s easy to understand why. While in the city, many visit well-known temples like Beomeosa and Haedong Yonggungsa, but most visitors overlook the country’s most amazing temple.

Located in the mountains on the outskirts of Busan, Seokbulsa is an absolutely must-see temple and is one of the most amazing temples I’ve seen in all of Asia. Difficult to find, but simple amazing to see, Seokbulsa is Korea’s hidden gem. With carved rock walls towering above you, fantastic views of Busan, and the temple’s secluded location, it is definitely worth the strenuous hike to reach.

Don’t miss out on this temple if you are anywhere near Busan.

For more information on how to visit Seokbulsa, as well as directions on how to find this hidden temple, check out, Seokbulsa: South Korea’s Hidden Jewel .

While Jeju may get all the love, Ulleungdo is easily the most beautiful island in South Korea. Sitting in the middle of the East Sea (Sea of Japan), Ulleungdo is often overlooked by travelers, but is definitely worth the time to reach. Ferries depart daily from several east coast cities, but due to their early morning departure, Ulleungdo is best visited as a 3-4 day trip from Seoul.

Ulleungdo is a great place to see fantastic scenery and try some unique food, but it is most famous in Korea as being the jumping off point for trips to the disputed islands of Dokdo.

For more information on visiting Ulleungdo, check out, Ulleungdo: Korea’s Emerald Isle .

Gyeongju, the ancient capital of Korea, is one of the most interesting cities to visit in the country. Chock full of temples and burial mounds, the city gives visitors a fantastic look into what life was like in ancient Korea. However, the highlights don’t just lie within in city’s downtown, but instead stretch into the surrounding countryside. From hidden grottos to hikes past ancient statues and monks training in the martial arts, Gyeongju has something for everyone.

For more information about Gyeongju, check out Gyeongju: Korea’s Fantastic Ancient Capital , Namsan Mountain: A Magical Hike into South Korea’s Past , and Golgulsa: The Most Kick-Ass Temple in Korea .

Do you have a favorite destination in Korea that wasn’t on this list? Let us know in the comments below.

Find somewhere great to stay in South Korea!

Jim Cheney is the creator of Tripologist.com. Having traveled extensively in North America, Europe, and Asia, Jim enjoys sharing his love of travel and some of his favorite places to visit around the world. He lives in Pennsylvania, USA, with his wife and two kids.

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6 haggling tips for the nervous traveler, 9 thoughts on “5 must-see korean destinations outside of seoul”.

As additions, I also suggest that when you tour to Korea, you also visit these places:

Busan – when you are for another city like Seoul. Gyeonggi – the gardens in this province are definitely stunning! Jeju – you can never go wrong in this wonder.

There are lots more. I’m sure you’re gonna enjoy these places as much as you will enjoy Seoul. ^^

And there’s so many more places throughout Korea… The park dedicated to faithful dogs… The phallic statues… The beachside park of retired erotic sculptures… Korea doesn’t rank very high on the ‘must-see’ list when coming to Asia, which is a shame. It’s definitely worth the visit, especially if you like the weird stuff.

If you’re coming to Korea, take a look at my latest book, Weird and Wonderful Korea. It’s on Amazon, or you can learn more at weirdandwonderfulkorea.net 🙂

I totally agree. I could have easily made a top 10, 15, or even 20 list of great places to see, and that’s without seeing many of the place you just listed.

For those interested in Chris’ book, I did a review of it on this site- Weird and Wonderful Korea: The Most Detailed Guidebook You’ll Find on South Korea. It’s a great book!

I love when attention is paid to areas of Korea outside of Seoul. This is a great list!

Thanks, Sally. I’m glad you like it. Seoul is a great city, but there is SO much to do throughout the rest of the country!

This is a great list Jim!

I loved visiting a new city every week-end and even after 2 years of living in Seoul, the rest of the country never ceased to amaze me 😉

I loved Mount Soraksan National Park in Gangwon-Do, Jejudo of course, Busan, Gyeongju, Daejon and the towns northwest of Seoul!

This brought back great memories, thank you 🙂

Thanks for the tips! I’m planning to make it Boseong next month!

Great tips! These sites look like awesome places to visit, especially Gyeongju. Thanks for sharing!!

Fantastic tips. I hope to go in a few years during the Winter Olympics and plan to tour around South Korea a bit. This definitely comes in handy!

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Travel World Heritage

Guide to UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Top 80 Things to do in Korea OUTSIDE of Seoul (2022)

Korea has lots to offer outside of Seoul. Over the last decade, I’ve published, updated, and expanded this list many times. For 2022, here what I think are the “Top 80 Things to do in Korea OUTSIDE of Seoul.” This year, I’ve have added a Kakao Map with instructions at the bottom of this post to help you find these places. Let the countdown begin!

Things to do in Korea Countdown: #80-61

Skip Ahead: Top 61-80 , Top 41-60 , Top 21-40 , Top 1-20

80) Chuja-do Island / 추자도

Chuja Island is a set of twin islands between Jeju and the mainland. This small island doesn’t get many visitors outside of two daily boats. The best way to explore it is to hike Olle Trail 18-1 which does an 8 loop around the island. Many claim it is the most challenging of the 26 Jeju Olle Trails, so try it if you’re up to the challenge. Around the island are interesting mosaics, beautiful natural scenery, and plenty of friendly locals.

79) Paju Book City / 파주 출판 단지

Paju Book City was a planned project by the Korean government. It gave cheap land to struggling publishing companies to continue their work. Consequently, the publishing companies created an area for Seoulites to escape the rustle bustle of the city. Paju Book City has bookstores and libraries, big and small. It even has a book themed hotel !

78) Bird Estuaries of Jeju / 제주 새 서식지

Jeju’s subtropical climate make it ideal for migrating birds . There are three areas which birds call home that I particularly enjoy. The first is in Hallim-eup in north west Jeju. Right before sunset, large flocks take flight, covering the sun, making for some stunning photography. Next is the bird estuary in Gujwa-eup where few venture here outside of enthusiastic bird watchers. This creates the perfect, serene environment for large and rare birds. Lastly is an abandoned fishery along Olle Trail 2. Endangered birds found nowhere else on the island live here. All 3 can be found on the map mentioned above.

77) Bibong Dinosaur Egg Sites / 비봉 공룡알 화석지 [TWHS]

The dinosaur egg and track sites in Boseong-gun, had been on my radar for years. Korea submitted this site for UNESCO World Heritage Site consideration 15 years ago, but the bid failed. What makes this place interesting is not actually the tracks or eggs themselves. In all honesty, they are kind of hard to spot. What’s cool is that this site is completely abandoned. The decaying dinosaur statues and the remains of an outdoor museum are perfect if you’re into abandoned places. This area is also an abandoned port with decaying boats that have been sitting there for years.

76) Geojedo Beaches / 거제도 해변

Geoje is an “island” west of Busan, connected by an underwater tunnel and a number of bridges. The tunnel costs 10,000 won, but its better than taking the 4 hours detour to go around. The beaches are overall quite nice. Head south to any beach along within Hallyeo Haesang National Park and you’ll find something good.

75) Gwangalli Beach / 광안리 해변

Gwangalli is one of Busan’s most recognizable beaches. It has this iconic bridge on the horizon and plenty of bars to keep you hanging out late into the night. It’s a nice alternative to the much busier Haeundae Beach.

74) Gapyeong / 가평

Gapyeong is a town on the very outskirts of the greater Seoul area. While I am not very fond of Gapyeong’s famous Nami Island , the food is divine and its ‘Dalk Galbi’ rivals that of even Chuncheon. In addition to Namiseom, there is also a bungee jump and two zip lines for the adrenaline junkies out there. If you want to make a day out of it, try some of the ATV courses which you can book from the information booths in the train station. Don’t pass up the opportunity to eat one of Korea’s best meals .

73) Thomas Edison Museum / 에디슨과학박물관

Did you know there is a large Thomas Edison Museum in the middle of nowhere, Korea? How in the world did this happen?

The legend goes that a very wealthy resident was obsessed with the American inventor. He spent a fortune gathering old Edison branded appliances and vehicles. While the government tried to convince him to move the museum to the capital, it was in vein. However, if there is one thing he loved more than Edison, it was his hometown of Gangneung. This museum and homage to Edison is surprisingly nice and definitely worth a look.

72) Jeonju Film Street / 전주영화의거리

About 25 years ago, Jeonju, Korea grew weary of being a 1 trick pony. Known mostly for its Hanok Village, Jeonju sought to create something new to attract visitors. The Jeonju International Film Festival (JIFF) was the end result. Today, Jeonju has a total of 7 theaters in less than a kilometer of street which hosts the yearly festival . Outside of the event, it is still worth a look. However, if you can, try to visit in May and catch a movie at the Jeonju Dome to get the full, red carpet experience.

71) Sosu / Dosan / Byeongsan Seowon / 소수소원, 도산소원, 병산소원 [WHS]

In 2019, Korea got its 14th World Heritage Site with the Seowon Confucian Academies . Sosu, Dosan and Byeongsan are three within the greater Andong area. All are relatively similar but Dosan has free English guides and the most history (pictured). It was the site where many historical figures made their start in Korean academia and politics.

70) Film Site Suncheon / 순천드라마촬영장

If you are a fan of film and dramas from Korea, chances are you’ve seen the Suncheon Drama Filming Set. Films and shows (Pachinko) that take place in the 60s and 80s use this place for their sets . Today, it is an open museum for you to walk around, take pictures, and relive your favorite scenes.

69) Museom Village / 무섬마을

I bet you’ve never heard of Museom Village before? This tiny town in the middle of nowhere isn’t mentioned in any Korea tourism book, map or site I’ve ever seen. How did I come across it? I am glad you asked!

Korean rest stops are something else. These decked out pit stops have shops, food, and usually, pristine bathrooms. They are also perfect places to just snooze off if you’re feeling tired and it isn’t safe to keep driving. Stumbling to the bathroom at night, I had time to kill and decided to pay attention to the pictures that sometimes, inexplicably adorn the urinals. One has a picture of a folk village I had never seen with a rather unusual bridge (pictured). The caption only said one word, Museom Village .

Luckily it was nearby and, welp, I was there the next day. The bridge is indeed the highlight, and the town itself is worth checking out if you’re in the area. The locals are friendly and there’s even a shop or two to get snacks.

68) Nakaneupseong Folk Village, Suncheon / 낙안읍성 [TWHS]

Nakaneupseong Village is yet another site on the Tentative List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Unfortunately, it is unlikely to ever make the cut. It is simply too similar to the already listed sites of Hahoe and Yangdong and UNESCO rewards uniqueness. Nevertheless, this less known and less visited village is absolutely beautiful. The hike along the surrounding wall gives you great vantage points to really appreciate the Chogajib (초가집) houses. If you’re already in Suncheon to check out the wetlands, add this to your itinerary.

67) Magoksa Temple / 마곡사 [WHS]

Magoksa is one of the 7 “ Sansa ,” mountain temples of Korea. It is a 30 minute bus ride away from Gongju City if you’re keen on hitting 2 World Heritage Sites in one day. Magoksa is also a participant in the “ Templestay ” program. Here, you can stay the night and experience a full day as a Korean monk. The autumn leaves lead to beautiful scenery too, with its reflecting pond as the main attraction.

66) Phoenix Park / 휘닉스평창 스노우파크

Phoenix Park is a great place for both beginners and expert skiers alike. Its location in Gangwon Province ensures that it gets plenty of natural snow. There are also ski schools and activities for kids, making it very family friendly.

65) Jeonju Nambu Market / 전주 남부시장

This market feels a little bit hidden at first. If you see the southern gate, you’re on the right track. On the surface, Jeonju’s market feels like any other market in Korea. However, you’re here for the food. Along the small alleys, you’ll find some of the best food you’ve ever tasted. If you see long lines for something, you know its going to be good.

64) Haeundae Beach Area / 해운대 해변

Haeundae Beach may not have the best water, but the area does have a great atmosphere. You can just stroll down the sandy beach or hit up one of the local bars on a summer night. I guess I am starting to warm up to Busan.

63) Black Sand Beach / 삼양검은모래 해변

If you’re in Korea and want a beach, absolutely nothing comes close to the ones in Jeju. Black Sand Beach is the first one that makes the list. It is on the northern coast and gets its color from the broken down volcanic rock. You might see more than one person rubbing it on their body. They say it is good for the skin.

62) Haedong Yonggungsa Temple / 해동용궁사

Yonggungsa is Busan’s most iconic temple. Set on a cliffside, this Buddhist retreat attracts thousands of visitors every year for a reason. If you can spare a day from the beaches, this should be your next stop.

61) Sokcho Beaches / 속초시 해변

Sokcho on Korea’s east coast has some very nice beaches. You can start at the center of town, but the ambiance and water gets nicer the further you go from the crowds. Seafood is what’s for dinner here, but barbecue by the beach is also popular.

Pro Tip – Sokcho is a popular starting point for anyone who plans to hike in Seoraksan. 

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2 thoughts on “ Top 80 Things to do in Korea OUTSIDE of Seoul (2022) ”

Great List! I loved seeing your natural highlights, which often go under-appreciated for many visitors. Songnisan, Sobaeksan, and Chiaksan are also worth exploring, but perhaps are not quite at the same tier as Taebaeksan, Seoraksan, and Jirisan.

59) Bukhansan National Park 55) Upo Wetland (Ramsar) 54) Taebaeksan National Park 50) Wolchulsan National Park 38) Taean Marine National Park 35) Seoraksan National Park 34) Jirisan National Park 15) Hallasan National Park 10) Suncheon Bay (Ramsar)

I have yet to see Songnisan, but I visited the other two last year. Chiaksan I think I want to give another try because it was unexpectedly nice. I went on a bad weather day though, so I’d like to see it in the sunshine.

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10 Must-See South Korean Travel Destinations Outside of Seoul

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South Korea is a country that is often regarded for its neon-lit metros, technological advancements, rich culture, the Hangul language, and its local delicacies, among others. Its capital Seoul is particularly the torchlight of South Korea. Being the center of the country’s internationally renowned urban life and pop culture, as well as being one of the cities in the world with the largest economy, Seoul is oftentimes seen as the brightest diamond in the entire country. However, Seoul is just one of the many other cities in South Korea. If you’re head over heels over the South Korean capital, wait ‘til you see the places that its fellow cities have to offer.

1. Seopjikoji, Jeju Island

Jeju Island is the largest island and smallest province in South Korea, but there are many beautiful things to see in this 2-square-kilometers stretch of land. Seopjikoji is one area that you should visit while you’re here. Think of it is the Batanes of South Korea. Open skies, green grasslands stretching infinitely, and a front-row view of the ocean.

Also on this island is South Korea’s highest peak, the dormant volcano Hallasan, which stands at 1,950 meters high.

2. Gyeongpo Beach, Gangneung

Forget about the coconut trees, pine trees are the talk here in Gyeongpo Beach. This public beach is the largest in the area, with its white sands stretching for nearly 2 kilometers. It gets especially busy during the months of July to August. Located in the eastern coast city of Gangneung, the beach is the ideal spot for watching the sun rise on New Year’s Day, or on just about any day of the year if you want.

A nearby tourist spot is the Gyeongpo Lake, which is best visited in the springtime, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom and gracefully dot the clear waters with pink petals.

3. Seongsan Ilchulbong, a.k.a. Sunrise Peak, Jeju Island

Since we’re talking about sunrises now, let’s go back to Jeju Island and visit the famous Seongsan Ilchulbong, which is more popularly referred to as “Sunrise Peak”. This part of the island was believed to have been formed from the eruption of an underwater volcano. The resulting rock formation contains vital geographical information on the country’s past volcanic activities, and it also serves as a tourist spot known for offering the best view of the South Korean sunrise. From the above, the Sunrise Peak’s crater looks like a giant crown.

4. Boseong Green Tea Plantation, Boseong County

Matcha fans will go crazy here in Boseong County’s massive green tea plantation. This part of South Korea has been specializing in everything green tea for nearly 2 centuries now. Also known as Daehan Dawon Tourist Plantation, this tourist attraction is open all year round. Even if you’re not a fan of green tea, you will definitely appreciate the vibrant green color of the tea leaves, and the well-kept, 20-meter cedar trees present abundantly in the entire county.

5. Nakdae Waterfall, Gyeongsangbuk

Another geological wonder that makes it on our list is Nakdae Waterfall in the southeastern part of the country, in Cheongdo County, Gyeongsangbuk province. This waterfall stands at a staggering 30 meters high and offers not just a spectacular view, but chilly waters as well, which makes it perfect for summer vacation trips. There is a local belief that the waters of Nakdae are medicinal, although there is no scientific backing to this.

6. Ulleung Island

Ulleung Island, or Ulleung-do, is an island province located 120 kilometers off shore South Korean peninsula. Like Jeju Island, it mostly originated from volcanism. Small as it is, this island is the perfect retreat. Swimming, hiking, fishing, and of course, eating seafood dishes, are the primary activities here in the secluded Ulleungdo.

Ulleung-do is blessed with several geological formations as well. These include the picturesque Bongnae Waterfall, located in the eastern edge of Ulleung-do; and the Liancourt Rocks, which are a group of islets that can be seen from certain areas.

7. Naganeupseong Folk Village, Suncheon

There is always that one place in the country where time has frozen. Naganeupseong is that one place in South Korea where time seems to have forgotten to pass. It is the only place in the country that has remnants of the Joseon dynasty, which was a kingdom that lasted for five centuries (1392 to 1897). This village is where houses are still made of stone, streets are small and narrow, and the population is less than 500.

8. Jukdo Market, Pohang

Pohang City in North Gyeongsang province is one of the most populated South Korean cities. It has an active port, and the Jukdo Market in the heart of the city is one of the busiest seafood markets in the entire country. There are a lot of claims that it has the cheapest price range for seafood and seafood products.

Of course, aside from selling all the seafood you could imagine, the massive Jukdo Market also has endless stretches of stalls that sell food, fruits, clothes, and even furniture. You’ll find everything here, shopaholic.

9. Mt. Gwanggyosan, Gyeonggi

Mt. Gwanggyosan in the province of Gyeonggi is the third highest peak in the country, proudly standing at 582 meters high. It serves as the border between the cities of Suwon and Yongin. This mountain is a famous hiking spot and takes an hour to reach the summit. The peak of Gwanggyosan gives an excellent view of the distant cities in the Gyeonggi province.

Interestingly, Gyeonggi is a province that surrounds the capital city Seoul. In fact, the name of the province roughly translates to “the area surrounding the capital”.

10. Unmun Temple, Gyeongsang

This Buddhist Temple is located amongst the Taebaek Mountains in the North Gyeongsang Province, and has a very peaceful atmosphere suitable for a place of faith. Its name translates to “Cloud Gate Temple” and is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the region. In 1950, shortly after the end of the Japanese rule, it became a training center for nuns.

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Written by Melo Villareal

Melo Villareal is the Online Publisher of Outoftownblog.com. He is an Accountant by profession who left the corporate world at the age of 23 to explore his beautiful country and the rest of the world. Today, Melo works as a part-time Social Media Manager for local and international clients. His full-time work focuses on discovering interesting culture, explore different cuisines and take memorable photos from local and international destinations he's visiting.

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Blog , South Korea , Travel , Travel Tips & Guides · September 2, 2023

15 Best Day Trips from Seoul & How To Get There

If you’re planning a trip to South Korea don’t make the mistake of not visiting places outside of Seoul. There is so much more to see and do than the capital city of Seoul. Besides escaping the usual crowds of the bustling city you can use Seoul as a home base to discover other stunning parts of the country. This Korea day trip guide is full of fun day trips from Seoul including the best places to visit outside of Seoul, how to travel to these places, things to do, and more.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). It’s one of the ways I can keep producing free resources and guides for my readers. Thank you for your support! Refer to the  Disclosure Policy  for more details.

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🎏 Discover foodie hidden gems in this local street tour .

🌷 Step into another world at the Garden of the Morning Calm – a floral wonderland!

🛤️ Getting Around Seoul: Order a T-money card to use public transport (buses, trains) and pay at convenience stores in Korea.

🚄 Traveling across Korea : The Korea Rail Pass provides unlimited rides on almost all trains operated by KORAIL.

🏥 Travel Insurance: World Nomads

📶 Staying Connected: Get instant access to data with Airalo eSIM .

Overview of Day Trips from Seoul

If you’re planning to explore outside of Seoul, there are a few tips to know for planning your trip. Firstly, one of the most convenient and easiest ways to travel around Korea is via public transport. For intercity travel across Korea, the high-speed trains operated by KORAIL are the quickest way to reach across large distances. As a foreigner, you can save money and get unlimited rides on KTX trains using the Korea Rail Pass .

The  Korea Rail Pass   (KR Pass) provides unlimited rides on almost all the trains operated by South Korea’s major railway provider KORAIL. There are different options for KR Passes including booking a pass to cover trains for flexible 2 or 4 days or 3 or 4 consecutive days. Not only does the KR pass cover 80 routes and +600 stations. The pass offers discounts only available for foreign tourists including on tourist attractions and accommodation.

Short on time? Here’s a quick overview of the best day trips from Seoul.

📌 Overview of Day Trips from Seoul

15 Best Day Trips from Seoul

Ganghwado island (강화도).

If you’re looking for a short day trip from Seoul consider Ganghwado Island in Incheon. This underrated gem has a range of things to do for every type of traveler. From exploring historical sites and fortresses, aesthetic cafes , picturesque mountainscapes, and more. The best part? There are barely any crowds exploring attractions on Ganghwa Island. You are unlikely to encounter any foreign tourists but a few locals taking a day trip to Ganghwa.

Some of the most popular things to do on Ganghwado Island include checking out the free North Korea viewpoints, cafe hopping at the picturesque cafes, and exploring the historic fortresses. To reach Ganghwa Island you can either take public transport or rent a car from Seoul. Find out everything you need to know about taking a day trip from Seoul to Ganghwado Island in this day-trip travel guide .

If you’re visiting Korea for the first time make sure to read these 10 must-know tips for your trip including visa requirements, how to travel around Korea, and other essential travel information.

Pohang (포항)

If you’re looking for an alternative city to Busan consider a day trip to Pohang. This coastal city is a hidden gem found on the eastern coast of South Korea with endless things to do. This includes some of the best places to explore in Korea with diverse landscapes ranging from gorgeous beaches, mountains, seaside cafes, temples, and stunning observatories with coastal views. One of the top things to do in Pohang is to catch a sunrise or sunset at the beach or one of many Pohang’s viewpoints. The most popular spot for sunset is at Yeongildae Observatory (영일대 전망대) where you’ll get to walk above the ocean and be treated to oceanside views and the Hwanho Space Walk .

If you’re a Korean drama fan, you’ll also want to check out the filming locations for Hometown Cha Cha Cha (2021) and When the Camellia Blooms (2019). Across Pohang are several filming spots used in the shows that capture the well-beloved charm of the shows.

To reach Pohang you can take a day trip from the main cities in Korea including Seoul, Busan, or Daegu. The best way to get to Pohang is by taking a high-speed train (KTX Train) or taking an express bus. Find out everything you need to know about taking a day trip to Pohang in this Pohang Travel guide .

Discover all the Korean drama filming locations and the top things to do in Pohang in this one-stop travel guide .

📌 Save hours planning with this one-stop Pohang Travel Guide!

Nami Island (남이섬)

Address : 1, Namiseom-gil, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do (경기도 가평군 가평읍 북한강변로 1024)

Opening Hours: Open all year round.

If you’re looking for a day trip to escape the bustling city of Seoul to explore nature consider Nami Island in Gapyeong. Nami Island is a small crescent-shaped island located 63km from Seoul. It’s a popular day trip spot by locals and tourists alike and is beautiful to visit all year round. No matter what season you visit Nami Island you’ll be treated to stunning scenery from its towering tree lanes, picturesque gardens, and Cheongpyeong Lake. You can also meet the friendly locals from the cute rabbits roaming around the island and if you’re lucky some ostriches.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by kelly ☁️| Australian Travel Creator & Blogger (@kelly.today)

Things to do on Nami Island

You can easily explore the island on foot or rent a bike to cycle around the island and explore all the attractions. Some of the most popular attractions on Nami Island are Gingko Alley, Metasequoia, and the story tour which takes you on a tour of the island via an air bike. If you’re a Korean drama fan you’ll be happy to know that Nami Island was featured in various Korean dramas including Secret Garden (2010), Winter Sonata (2002) , My Love from the Stars (2013), and Running Man . You’ll get the chance to experience the charm of these K-Dramas by visiting filming locations such as First Kiss Bridge and the Winter Sonata statute.

A day trip to Nami Island is often done together by visiting nearby attractions including Petite France, Gapyeong Rail Park, and the Garden of Morning Calm. Read on to find out how to get to these places in Korea.

If you’re a tourist you can reserve your tickets online for discounted admission to Nami Island in advance.

Petite France (쁘띠프랑스)

Address : 1024, Bukhangangbyeon-ro, Gapyeong-eup, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, Korea

Instead of visiting Europe an affordable option can be found in Petite France. Petite France is a picturesque French-themed cultural village located in Gapyeong. With pastel-colored French-style buildings surrounded by mountains and a lake, Petite France provides endless Instagrammable photo spots for your trip. Besides being famous for its gorgeous scenery, the village has also been featured in several Korean dramas, including My Love from Stars (2013), Secret Garden ( 2010), Personal Taste (2010), and Beethoven Virus (2008). If you’re a K-Drama fan, Petite France is a must-visit location to add to your Korea travel itinerary.

Things to do in Petite France

There is a range of galleries to explore showcasing antique furniture, cute marionettes, and various props. Make sure to check out the performance with the traditional music box and hand-carved marionette demonstration. For more hands-on activity you can immerse yourself in French culture by trying activities including traditional French games and plaster craft. You can also try visiting the Saint-Exupery Memorial Hall where to can see the exhibition dedicated to Saint-Exupery, a French author of ‘Le Petite Prince (The Little Prince)’ and ‘Night Flight.’

Entrance payment is required for admission into Petite France. You can buy admission tickets at the entrance or you can reserve online in advance. You have the option of reserving an entrance ticket or organising a day trip which includes admission and round-trip transfers to Petite France.

How to get to Nami Island & Petite France from Seoul

For first-time travelers to Korea, it isn’t the easiest day trip from Seoul. Since there are no direct bus or train connections from Seoul to Nami Island or Petite France. You will have to organise multiple modes of transit and make several transfers. Additionally, if you reach one of these places, it can also be quite difficult to get to the next destination without a car, because these places are spread out from each other. I personally recommend organising a tour which covers all the transport transfers and the entrance fees.

Public Transport

Depending on where you’re based in Seoul you’ll want to take a train (ITX-Cheongchun line) to Gapyeong Station. I recommend booking an ITX train in advance instead of the regular subway to save time on the transfer and you can reserve your seats online. From Gapyeong Station you’ll either take public transport or a taxi to Gapyeong Wharf where you can purchase a ferry ticket to Nami Island. If you plan on taking an ITX train make sure to arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Another option to reach Nami Island from Seoul is taking a direct shuttle bus or a local day trip tour . This saves you the hassle of organising all the different transport transfers and it includes admission to attractions.

To save money on high-speed trains in Korea order the Korea Rail Pass (KR Pass) . The KR Pass provides unlimited rides on almost all trains operated by KORAIL and offers discounts for foreign tourists on tourist attractions and accommodations.

Day Trip Tours to Nami Island

The easiest and most popular way to get to Nami Island is by joining a day trip tour . It’s the quickest and most convenient way to visit Nami Island in addition to Petite France, and the Garden of the Morning Calm. The best part about going on a local day trip is all the round-trip transfers are organized, it covers all entry admissions and you get to skip the queues for attractions. Depending on the season you visit Nami Island there are also unique seasonal tours that offer visits to unique attractions and seasonal activities. Read the following recommendations to decide which one works best for your trip.

Autumn Nami Island Trip

If you’re visiting Korea during autumn (September to November) you’ll be treated to fall foliage and have the option to explore fall foliage hot spots through this day trip tour .

Nami Island Seasonal Day Trip

If you’re looking for a unique seasonal tour that covers Nami Island and a flower festival consider this one-day seasonal guided tour.

If you’re travelling to South Korea during the winter months (December to February) you’ll be treated to picturesque snowy landscapes and the chance for snow sports. Try these local one-day tours that suit your preferences, from skiing and/or exploring all the winter hot spots across Korea.

Winter Day Trip (Attractions)

If you’re looking to explore Korea’s top winter attractions such as Eobi Ice Valley, Nami Island and the Garden of the Morning Calm consider this day trip tour. Not only does it cover round-trip transfers and admission into these attractions but you also have the chance to experience a winter light festival through this local tour .

Vivaldi Winter Ski & Nami Island

Experience the beauty of Nami Island in winter with its frozen lakes, snowy landscapes, and cozy cafes. After you’ve done some sightseeing you can try either skiing or sledding for a winter adventure on this fun winter day trip from Seoul.

Nami Island & Elysian Gangchon Winter Ski

Experience a mix of sightseeing and adventure in one day by enjoying Nami Island’s winter landscape and then going skiing at Elysian Resort on this day trip from Seoul.

Nami Island & Winter Strawberry Picking

A trip to Korea wouldn’t be complete without an authentic local experience. Add a strawberry-picking experience with your day trip to the winter attractions of Nami Island and Garden of the Morning Calm.

The Garden of Morning Calm (아침고요수목원)

Address : 432, Sumogwon-ro, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 가평군 상면 수목원로 432)

Another day trip from Seoul is the Garden of the Morning Calm. This garden is located north of Seoul in Gapyeong and is beautiful to visit all year round. Visitors will be treated to an arrangement of unique gardens and a lush forest of pine nut trees. One must-see spot to check out here includes the Sunken Garden which has been designed like the Korean Peninsula and features flowers on both sides to symbolise North and South Korea to be reunited.

If you’re visiting Korea during winter you’ll want to add the Garden of Morning Calm as a day trip. You’ll be lucky to experience the Light Festival where the garden is lined with over 30,000 LED lights and is a magical sight to experience. This festival is usually held from December to March every day and you can organize a visit through a local tour .

Planning a trip to Korea in winter? Don’t miss out on these 20-must-see places in South Korea in winter.

Gangchon Rail Park (강촌레일파크)

Address : 1383, Gimyujeong-ro, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do (강원특별자치도 춘천시 신동면 김유정로 1383)

If you’re visiting the Garden of Morning Calm it’s popular to also visit Gangchon Rail Park which is nearby. You’ll get to pedal along an abandoned railroad track through beautiful scenery from picturesque fields, mountains, rice fields, tunnels, and more. The total course of the rail bike is about 8.5km with 6km on the rail bike and the remaining 2.5km on a train. If you’re worried about peddling you’ll be relieved to know that most of the track is downhill to make it easy for visitors to mainly enjoy the sites.

This is a great spot to visit with a group of friends with two types of rail carts available including 4-seaters and 2-seaters. Besides experiencing the railroad track there are also other attractions to enjoy including a zip wire, cafe, large book photo zone, and more.

Book your visit to Gangchon Rail Park in advance by reserving your entrance ticket and/or local transfer in advance.

How to get here

The easiest way to get to Garden of Morning Calm and Gangchon Rail Park is by a private car which is about a 2-hour drive or through a local tour. I’d personally recommend a local tour as they often cover multiple attractions (Nami Island, Petite France, Garden of Morning Calm, Rail Park) in and around Gapyeong and round-trip transfers in a single trip. A local tour is the most affordable option however if you have to budget you can organise a private car transfer which is a great option if you’re traveling in a group. This way you can split the cost across each other.

Important Tip

I personally wouldn’t recommend doing a day trip independently covering all these attractions in and around Gapyeong. This is because it’s not a feasible option to visit all these places in one day. All these places are spread out and would require multiple public transport transfers. This can be overwhelming to organize for first-time travelers to Korea and it can actually work out more expensive than booking a day trip. With this in mind, consider exploring a local day trip tour that covers the attractions you’d most like to see in and around Gapyeong. Just make sure to choose the right tour that suits your budget and the preferred attractions you want to see.

Incheon (인천)

Incheon is located right next to Seoul and is often overlooked by foreign tourists. Often most travelers just arrive at Incheon International Airport and travel directly into Seoul. However, Incheon has a lot of sightseeing attractions to offer and makes an easy day trip from Seoul. To get to Incheon take the metro train to the closest train station to the first attraction in Incheon you want to see. The best option for navigating to Incheon and around South Korea is by using either Naver Map or Kakao Maps.

Important tip : Do not use Google Maps for navigating in South Korea. There is limited data available on Google Maps resulting in inaccurate directions and lots of places are not updated on the database. Instead, use Naver Map or Kakao Maps. Save hours planning for your trip, by checking out my interactive map guides for Korea.

Things to do in Incheon

You can easily spend a day in Incheon with a diverse range of things to do around the city. For sightseeing, I recommend strolling at Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village, Incheon Central Park, and making a stop at Jeondeungsa Temple. If you’re looking for a place for affordable shopping check out Bupyeong underground market in Incheon. You can find everything at this market from affordable skincare, bags, and clothes to household items.

A must-see place in the city includes Incheon Chinatown (인천 차이나타운). Chinatown is a popular destination in Incheon due to its influence on Chinese immigrants and food. You’ll be treated to a unique experience away from the bustling city of Seoul with Chinese delicacies and unique architecture. I also recommend grabbing a bite in the area by trying jjajangmyeong which is a noodle dish with black bean sauce that originated in Korea.

A great way to end your day in Incheon is by checking out Wolmido Island around sunset. A visit to Womido Island will allow you to try a boardwalk experience in Korea. It’s a great place to catch a sunset and also check out the Ferris wheel, carnival games, rollercoasters, and local food. If you’re feeling adventurous you’ll want to try out the famous ride Disco Bang Bang . This famous ride became popular from its entertaining DJ who tries to ‘throw you off’ the ride. Wolmido is a great free alternative if you don’t want to pay for Lotte World in Seoul.

: If you’re visiting Korea during spring (March to May) Incheon Chinatown is a great place to see the cherry blossoms and is less explored compared to Seoul Forest. Find out everything you need to know about visiting Korea in spring in this travel guide .

🛌 Where to stay in South Korea?

Need help finding the best areas and places to stay in South Korea?

Check out my Korea accommodation travel guide . I cover the best places to stay in over five cities in Korea with hundreds of map links and things I wish I knew before booking accommodation in Korea including scams to look out for!

Demilitarised Military Zone (DMZ)

There’s a rich history behind why Korea is divided into its South and North territories. After drafting an agreement that ceased the violence of the Korean War, the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) stands as the border between the territories. The DMZ is a great place to visit to learn more about Korean history and the situation between South and North Korea.

Important Tip: The DMZ tours do not operate on Mondays and Korean National Holidays (except Korea’s New Year and Thanksgiving Day). You’ll also need to bring a current valid passport.

How to travel to the DMZ

With strict entrance requirements, the best way to visit the DMZ is either through a half-day or full-day tour from Seoul. If you choose a half-day option you’ll be able to see all the sites in a small amount of time with no planning involved. Depending on which DMZ tour you choose you’ll get to enjoy different sites including Imjingak Park, Dora Observatory, the 3 rd  Infiltration Tunnel, and Dorasan Station. For example, at Imjingak Park you’ll be able to see Freedom Bridge and a derailed steam train from the Korean War. This park has also been dedicated to the millions of South Koreans who were separated from their families.

If you visit Dora Observatory you’ll get to use binoculars to see North Korea’s propaganda village. On a clear day, you might even get a glimpse of North Korean soldiers. Meanwhile a visit to the Third Infiltration Tunnel you’ll be given a hard hat and get to walk along 265m of the 1,635m long tunnel which is situated 73m below ground.

Depending on what you want to see and experience at the DMZ will determine which local tour is best for you. Here are recommendations on half-day and full-day tours to the DMZ.

DMZ, 3rd Tunnel & Suspension Bridge

Add to your day trip to the DMZ by visiting the 3rd invasion tunnel, Dora Observatory to see North Korean Territory. You’ll also get to visit the Suspension Bridge where a fierce battle during the Korean War took place and be treated to stunning mountain views. Explore all these sites in this one-day tour.

DMZ, 3rd Tunnel & Gondola

Walk back in time on this one-day trip to the DMZ tour from Seoul . You’ll get to explore Freedom Bridge, the 3rd Tunnel, Dora Observatory, and the Unification Village and get a local guide sharing the history and highlights of Korea’s history. You’ll also be treated to a gondola ride with unique scenery views of Korea.

DMZ Half-day or Full-Day Tour

If you don’t want a full-day tour to the DMZ consider this local guided tour from Seoul to the DMZ. You’ll be picked up from Seoul and visit the DMZ to discover the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel and other attractions including Freedom Bridge and Dora Observatory to see North Korea’s propaganda village.

DMZ & Ganghwa Island Day Tour

Get a glimpse of North Korea at the DMZ Peace Observatory and learn more about the DMZ in this day trip tour . You’ll also be treated to a visit to the local gem of Ganghwado Island. This island is home to picturesque mountains, temples, unique cafes, viewpoints of North Korea, and gorgeous views.

Step back in time with a day trip to Suwon, which is home to the Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site that boasts impressive walls, gates, and watchtowers. Built in the 18th century, ‘ hwaseong’ means brilliant castle’ and was constructed in honor of King Jeongjo’s filial piety to his father. The fortress wall is over 5km long and has over four majestic gates that are beautifully preserved. Taking a leisure stroll along the fortress strolls will allow you to get panoramic views of the city, and allow you to step back in time. Besides checking out the historic sites, Suwon is home to a range of aesthetic cafes with gorgeous views of the surrounding city that shouldn’t be missed.

☕️ Want to find the best places to eat in South Korea?

Don’t miss out on over 290 cafes and restaurants to visit in Korea in my Cafe & Restaurant Guide . I cover essential information including…

• Over 290 local cafes & restaurants to visit (with Naver Map links)
• How to find hidden local eateries (cafes & restaurants)
• Over 30 essential Korean phrases & vocabulary for ordering at restaurants & cafes
• Essential etiquette for eating out in Korea ….. and more!

How to get to Suwon?

Suwon is located 34 kilometres south of Seoul and is accessible by public transport. For the quickest route between Suwon and Seoul take a 30-minute KTX. You’ll need to book a KTX train in advance to reserve your seats otherwise you can take the regular Seoul Subway which will be about a 50-minute ride.

If you want in-depth information on how to navigate in Korea, and how to use and book transport in Korea read my Korea Survival Travel Guide . I also share over +20 places must-see places in South Korea that aren’t known by tourists.

Private Local Tour

If you prefer traveling at your own pace consider a full or half-day private transfer to and around Suwon. The best part about a private local tour is that it’s tailored to your interests. You also have the option for a guide to join you on the tour allowing you to get insider recommendations on where to travel around Korea. This private tour is also a great option to split with friends on a trip.

Day Trip Tour

For a stress-free trip to Suwon check out the Suwon Hwaseong day tour from Seoul which includes:

• Round-trip transfers
• Visit attractions including Suwon Hwaseong Fortress and Korean Folk Village.
• Traditional Korean Clothing Experience & Cultural Activities
• Traditional Korean Market Experience
• English-speaking guide

Korean Folk Village (한국민속촌)

Address : 90 Minsokchon-ro, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 용인시 기흥구 민속촌로 90)

If you want to explore a traditional culture village without the usual city crowds consider the Korean Folk Village in Gyeonggi-do. Visitors will be treated with a mixture of regular houses and mansions from all over Korea that have been moved here and restored to recreate a village from the Joseon dynasty.

What makes this village interesting are the cultural experiences that aren’t available in other cities. From seeing artisans using traditional techniques to make handicrafts and watching local performances such as a traditional wedding ceremony, martial arts on horseback, nongak (farmer’s music), and other special events available by season. You can also find workshops including pottery; constructing bamboo products such as furniture and baskets; blacksmithing; natural tie-dying and; bronzeware.

How to Get to Korean Folk Village

There are several ways to get to the Korean Folk Village. If you plan to go by yourself you’ll need to take a combination of public transport options (subway and bus). To find the best transport route you’ll need to map your transfers using Kakao Map or Naver Map. The easiest and most convenient way to get here is through a day trip tour with round-trip transfers and admissions to all attractions covered.

: Don’t forget to have data connectivity in Korea by ordering a prepaid SIM card in advance. I recommend ordering unlimited data either via an eSIM or SIM card for airport pick – up .

Seoul Land (서울랜드)

Address: 181, Gwangmyeong-ro, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do Korea (경기도 과천시 광명로 181)

Seoul Land is one of the oldest theme parks in South Korea. It has a mixture of rides and attractions for all ages to enjoy. Despite this theme park being more outdated it’s a great place to visit with less crowds compared to Everland and Lotte World . Seoul Land is also a more affordable park to visit compared to these two theme parks.

Seoul Land also features seasonal festivals all year-round at the park including Halloween and Christmas. One of the most popular seasonal times to visit is during winter when they open up a snow slope for all ages to enjoy. They also decorate the park with igloos to add to your winter explorations in Korea.

Reserve your tickets to Seoul Land in advance to get discounted admission as a foreign tourist.

Everland (에버랜드)

Address : 199, Everland-ro, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 용인시 처인구 포곡읍 에버랜드로 199)

Go on a fun adventure by visiting Korea’s largest amusement park, Everland. It’s the perfect place to spend a full day for all ages from exploring a mini safari, trying out carnival games, testing out the thrilling rides, and more. The theme park has five themes including American Adventure, Magic Land, European Adventure, Zoo-Topia, and Global Fair.

If you’re a thrill seeker you’ll want to explore the park’s several big rides from the T-Express, Korea’s first wooden roller coaster, and several high-tech VR rides. If this isn’t for you the park also has a 4D movie theatre, water rides, and a live hologram theatre. Make sure to also check out the zoo and safari theme park which boasts pandas, sea lions, bears, tigers, and more.

How to get to Everland

Everland is located about 46 kilometers from Seoul and you can reach it in multiple ways. If you want to go to Everland on your own you’ll have to take a combination of public transport transfers which can take over 2 hours. I personally don’t recommend taking public transport for a one-day trip to Everland. Getting back from Everland to Seoul at the end of the day is very hectic with crowds and long lines for public transport.

I personally recommend organising a shuttle service as part of a day trip tour package . The shuttle bus will have several pick-up locations in Seoul and usually offers round-trip transfers. Depending on where you board the bus the journey takes about 40 to 70 minutes.

Important tip: If you’re booking activities or tours on KLOOK get 5% off your reservation by using the code KELLYTODAY .

If you’re looking for a more laid-back place to explore in South Korea consider the city of Ansan. Ansan is often an overlooked city by foreign tourists and is a hidden gem that deserves more widespread recognition from visitors. This city is located southeast of Seoul in Gyeonggi-do province and is only about an hour away from the capital city. Since it’s located on the coast of the Yellow Sea it has a range of diverse landscapes to enjoy. Top attractions to explore include Ansan Multicultural Village, Ansan Botanical Garden, and Ansan Reed March Park.

If you’re a foodie you’ll want to experience the gastronomic side of Ansan. The city boasts a mixture of cuisines from all over the world. You can find food from all over South-East, Central, and East Asian countries to try in this area.

If you’re visiting South Korea at the end of the year you’ll want to add Ansan Starlight Village (안산별빛마을) to your itinerary. The village is a park that showcases the style of Provence in France and during this event is decorated with stunning lights and over 200 displays inspired by real-size objects and animals.

The easiest way to visit Ansan from Seoul is by public transport or an organised bus transfer . If want to check out Ansan Starlight Village I recommend booking this day trip tour from Seoul . This local tour covers Ansan Starlight Village, Gyeonggi Uiwang Rail Bike, Gwangmyeong Cave Day, and round-trip transfers making it hassle-free for you.

Gwangmyeongdonggul Cave (광명동굴)

Opening hours : 9:00 to 18:00 (Weekdays)

Address: 142, Gahak-ro 85beon-gil, Gwangmyeong-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 광명시 가학로85번길 142)

If you want to escape the hot weather of Seoul during the summer months consider a visit to Gwangmyeong Cave. This abandoned copper, silver, and gold mine opened in 2011 for tourism as a themed cave park with a range of artistic and cultural things to try.

Visitors will be treated to different themed areas including the cave aqua world, the cave arts center, the space of light, the wormhole square, and more. In addition to these themed areas, there is the largest dragon sculpture in Korea and an LED light display to explore for your visit. After you’ve done exploring you can grab some food from the local stalls, restaurant, or cafe whilst taking in the unique scenery at the theme park.

How to get to Gwangmyeongdonggul Cave

The easiest way to reach Gwangmyeongdonggul Cave is by taking public transport. From Seoul it will take multiple public transport transfers and the best route can be mapped out using Naver Map or Kakao Map.

Important tip: The Gwangmyeongdonggul Cave is not open on Mondays and the last admission is one hour before closing.

Jeonju (잔주)

Address : 99, Girin-daero, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do (전라북도 전주시 완산구 기린대로 99)

Jeonju is one of my favourite places that I always find myself visiting in South Korea. Located in North Jeolla province it boasts a rich cultural heritage and delicious food that shouldn’t be missed. A must-visit place in Jeonju is Jeonju Hanok Village (전주 한옥마을 ) which will make you feel as if you’ve stepped back into the Joseon Dynasty. With over 800 Korean traditional hanok houses, you’ll get to experience slow travel and some of the best food to try in the country. Recommended local cuisine to try in Jeonju include bibimbap, choco pie, and Kongnamul gukbap. Whilst you can try Bibimbap anywhere in Korea Jeonju is the birthplace and is a must-try dish in this city.

If you’re looking for a unique experience in Korea add a traditional hanok stay to your Korea trip.

Things to do in Jeonju

With its traditional hanok houses that you’ve seen in historical K-dramas, Jeonju also has other local sightseeing must-see attractions to check out. The best part about visiting Jeonju Hanok Village is that most of the attractions are within walking distance which makes it easier to explore Jeonju within a day. A few of these attractions include Nambu Market, Pungmun Gate, and Gyeonggijeon, a historic shrine that now serves as a royal portrait museum. If you have the time I strongly recommend trying a traditional hanok stay in Jeonju or in Seoul for your trip.

If you’re visiting Korea in autumn (September to November) you’ll want to pay a visit to Gyeonggijeon (경기전) which features shrines, storehouses, and guardrooms that are stunning with the orange, red and yellow leaves in the background.

Hanbok Rental

A trip to Korea wouldn’t be complete without renting a traditional Korean dress ( hanbok ). Instead of renting a hanbok in Seoul with the busy crowds consider trying this cultural activity in Jeonju. Not only will you get to explore without the usual city crowds but you’ll get different cultural sites to explore compared to the well-known tourist attractions in Seoul . Read everything you need to know about hanbok rentals here .

How to get to Jeonju

Take a day trip from Seoul to Jeonju using a 1.5-hour KTX train . Alternatively, a cheaper option includes taking an express bus to Jeonju. The most easiest and convenient way to get to Jeonju however is through a day trip tour which includes round-trip transfers and a local guide giving you insider recommendations on the best places to visit.

Gyeongju (경주)

Address : 757, Taejong-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (경상북도 경주시 태종로 757)

One of my favourite day trips from Seoul includes the ancient capital of Gyeongju. This city was previously the capital of the kingdom of Silla (BCE 57-CE 935) and has been recognized for its historic value through Gyeongju’s Historic Areas designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.

Nicknamed the ‘museum without walls’ you’ll be treated to endless archaeological and historical sites that have been well preserved and are a must-see experience. A day trip visit will allow you to walk back into Korea’s history by exploring the royal tombs, shrines, and gorgeous scenery as well as allow you to enjoy the delicious cuisine and more. The city’s streets are lined with aesthetic cafes and local eateries that serve both Korean and Western cuisine with a gorgeous view of Gyeongju’s historic sites.

Some of the top must-see attractions in Gyeongju include Bulguksa Temple, Cheomseongdae Observatory, Daereungwon Tomb Complex, and Gyeongju Tower. Whilst Gyeongju is beautiful all year round to visit my personal favourite times to visit include autumn to see the fall foliage and different flower fields.

If you’re travelling to Korea in autumn don’t miss out on these 20 must-see fall foliage spots in Korea.

How to travel to Gyeongju?

By Train : If you’re taking a train, consider getting the foreigner discount train pass to save money and get around numerous cities via train. From Seoul, the most convenient and easiest way to get to Gyeongju is via the high-speed train (KTX). Direct trains are available from Seoul Station usually every hour and should take about 2 to 2.5 hours. After you reach the KTX train station in Gyeongju you’ll have to take a bus or catch a taxi to the main attractions in Gyeongju because the station is located outside of the city center.

By Bus: You can take a 3.5-hour express bus from Seoul to Gyeongju. You can often show up at the Express Bus Terminal and get tickets without an issue, otherwise, you can reserve your tickets online.

Join a Tour: The easiest way to reach Gyeongju from Seoul is by booking a local tour . There are some great options that will get you to Gyeongju and back in a day and let you see all the main attractions. This local tour covers Bulguksa Temple, Daereungwo, Gyochon Village (Woljeonggyo), and more and gets you back to Seoul all in one day.

Private transfer : You can book a private driver that will pick you up from Busan and get you to Gyeongju and see all the main sites and back in your own time. This is a great option to split with a group and you’ll also won’t have to rush to see all the attractions.

✈️ Traveling to South Korea for the first time?

Don’t miss out on these must-know things for your trip to Korea in my Korea Survival Travel Guide . I cover essential tips including…

• Korea Travel Essentials (Must-Have Apps, Language, Transport, etc.)
• Must-know Tips for your trip to Korea (Things no one tells you about Korea – scams, language barrier, travel etiquette, etc.)
• +100 Essential Korean vocabulary and phrases (learn how to order at restaurants, shops, and navigation)
• Guide to using public transport in Korea (“What’s the best way to travel?” “How do I book high-speed trains and buses?”)
• Where should I travel in South Korea? (Recommendations for Seoul & Beyond ~ Discover hidden gems). …. and much more!

Hopefully, you’re inspired by the different fun day trips from Seoul. From classic trips such as the DMZ and Nami Island to places outside of Seoul that are more off the beaten path including Pohang and Ganghwado. There are endless places to visit outside of Seoul to add to your Korea trip itinerary. After reading this article which place are you excited most to visit? Let me know in the comments.

Travel Planning Resources ✈️

Here are my recommendations that I’ve tried personally to make your next trip easier.

Public Transport 🚊 If you plan to use public transport make sure to order a T-money card in advance which can be used for subways, taxis, and buses. For booking Korea’s high-speed trains, save money and get unlimited rides with a Korea Rail Pass .

Arriving in Korea ✈️ Most travellers arrive at Incheon International Airport to start their journey. I’m guessing you’ll be starting your trip to Seoul. You can either use public transport (the subway) or order a private transfer to get to your accommodation to check-in. If you’re taking public transport take the Airport Express (AREX) to your destination.

Attractions & Tours 🌟 Klook and GetYourGuide are my preferred platforms for local tours and activities in Korea. They make it easy to compare tours, book experiences and the best deals. You can also download their mobile app where you can easily access your bookings on the go.

Power Adaptors : South Korea uses standard Type C and F sockets with a standard voltage of 220. Note if you have a similar plug socket from your home country that the voltage may be different so be careful with your electronics and use a voltage converter . I always recommend buying a universal adaptor so you can use it in any country (great for future travels) and it offers extra ports for USB cables to charge your devices.

Accommodation 🛌: I book all my accommodation in Korea through Booking . com . They have a wide selection of accommodations worldwide, with flexible booking options and great deals. They also have a Genius Loyalty program where you can get discounts and benefits on selected stays.

Easy Car Rental 🚗 Get hassle-free car rentals on DiscoverCars with a wide selection, competitive prices, and great customer service. Often it’s cheaper than booking direct and you can compare a large range of suppliers to check if you’re getting the best price.

Stay Connected 📶 wherever you go by easily and affordably purchasing an eSim for all your travels. Thanks to Airalo , you’ll get instant access to data and you don’t need to physically swap a plastic SIM card every time you’re travelling to a new country.

Travel Insurance 🛡️ I use World Nomads for overseas travel insurance. Travel with peace of mind knowing you’ll be covered for unexpected events and plan a worry-free journey.

Camera Gear 📸 : If you’re curious about the camera gear I’ve used for my photos find out what’s in my camera bag here .

Found this helpful? 👇🏼

Support my work by buying me a coffee so I can produce more free content for you.

📌  Click on the pin to save this article for later.

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September 3, 2023 at 6:06 am

Your photos are incredible! South Korea has been creeping up on my must go list. Between all the cute cafes and the architecture, it’s right up alley.

September 4, 2023 at 11:10 am

Thanks so much, Timpani! Hopefully you’ll get to visit South Korea one day it’s a beautiful country to explore.

September 3, 2023 at 5:15 pm

I love going on day trips after exploring a city. Your list is fantastic and would definitely add many of it to my own itinerary. I wish I could visit Nami Island in every season. Thanks for sharing.

September 4, 2023 at 11:11 am

Thanks Kitti! You’ll definitively need to visit South Korea one day. There’s so many great day trips to try!

September 4, 2023 at 2:37 am

My next big trip will hopefully be to Seoul! I am itching to go and will be sure to reference this for planning day trips. I’d love to see Pohang – especially to see those filming locations you mentioned!!

September 4, 2023 at 11:13 am

You’ll definitively need to visit Korea soon! Pohang is a great day trip from Seoul if you have the time!

September 4, 2023 at 5:53 am

It looks like we will have to plan a long enough stay in Seoul to do some of these great day trips. I love all the great outdoor sights there is to see. And funs tops like Nami Island too. Good to know that some can be done by public transit.

September 4, 2023 at 11:20 am

You’ll definitively need to stay for more than a week to explore outside of Seoul! Hopefully you can visit soon!

September 4, 2023 at 6:27 am

So many great day trips! I’ve only visited Seoul on a layover…I’d love to go back. It’s such a cool city.

Thanks, Meghan! You’ll definitively have to go back to Seoul for a longer stay next time!

September 5, 2023 at 8:23 am

Hard to pick which day trips from Seoul to take!

September 10, 2023 at 6:47 pm

There are so many options to choose from right? At least you won’t be stuck on ideas!

September 5, 2023 at 5:39 pm

I like the idea of exploring out of Seoul. The caves look awesome and your photos are beautiful. Thanks for sharing!

September 10, 2023 at 6:48 pm

Seoul is great for first-timers but I definitively agree with exploring outside of the main city. All these cities have a unique charm and something to offer for every type of traveler!

September 10, 2023 at 5:29 pm

Seoul has been on my wish list for a long time, so a few trips out to balance out the city time sound great. Thank you for sharing, saved for future travel!

September 10, 2023 at 6:53 pm

You’ll definitively need to add at least one day trip from Seoul to your Korea trip! Glad you found this post helpful Anja hopefully you can visit Korea soon!

September 11, 2023 at 1:01 am

Ganghwado Island looks very picturesque. I would like to go there. Petite France too!

September 11, 2023 at 10:49 am

Ganghwado Island is a lovely underrated place to visit in South Korea. Hopefully, you can visit soon!

September 11, 2023 at 3:57 am

I have not yet been to Korea so your list of places to visit outside of Seoul is quite useful. The Korean folk village looks quite interesting.

September 11, 2023 at 10:50 am

Glad you found this post helpful Rhonda! Hopefully you’ll be able to visit South Korea soon.

September 11, 2023 at 7:54 am

I’m a huge fan of day trips. And this guide to so many different places from Seoul is epic! Would especially love to explore Nami Island…so beautiful!

September 11, 2023 at 8:36 am

Wow, it looks like there’s a whole lot to do outside of Seoul, thank you for such an extensive list! Definitely will share to keep in mind while planning any future trips 🙂

September 11, 2023 at 11:01 pm

These are fantastic day trips! The Garden of Morning Calm is perfectly named and I’d love to go to Incheon! It’s always great to explore outside of major cities for hidden gems :)!

September 12, 2023 at 2:03 am

These day trips all look like they have something unique to offer! I would love to visit Petite France, I love all the colorful buildings, and the architecture is so charming!

September 12, 2023 at 3:02 am

Amazing pictures and great tips as always! I can’t wait to visit a number of these places when in Seoul!

September 15, 2023 at 11:20 pm

Oh, so many great day trips from Seoul. I would love to visit Nami island in every season.

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Five Beautiful Places to Visit in South Korea Outside of Seoul

Don’t get me wrong, Seoul is great! Seoul, the capital of South Korea is a dynamic city that offers a unique blend of modernity with tradition. Be it shopping, history, nature, food or the Korean Language, Seoul has something for everyone. However, are you tired of hearing about the same old places to visit or simply bored of cliché tourist destinations, then this article is for you! Travel like a local and venture off the beaten track to uncover the hidden beauty of South Korea.

1.  Geomun Oreum in Jeju

Address: 569-36 Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

Jeju has long been the local’s favourite domestic holiday destination and has been increasingly known as the ‘Hawaii of South Korea’. THe island is well known for its natural wonders, such as the Geomun Oreum, which was designated as a UNESCO’s world heritage site. The lava expelled during volcanic eruptions flowed down the slopes to the coast and created a variety of caves, which is what is now known as the Geomun Oreum Lava Tube System. It was regarded as the most impressive and significant series of protected lava tube caves in the world!

Named after its unusually black colour of its rocks and dirts, Geomun Oreum is definitely a must-visit site for anyone who loves nature and those who wish to experience the true essence of Jeju Island!

2. Mt. Seorak Gwon Geum-Seong in Gangwon

Gwon Geum Seong Fortress is the site of a castle ruin located on Seoraksan. Legend has it that 2 generals, Kwon and Kim, erected the walls overnight to prevent the Mongolians from invading during the Goryeo Dynasty. You can ride up to the fortress via cable car to enjoy a picturesque view of the mountains. The scenery as seen from the fortress is regarded as one of the best to see the city of Sokcho, the east sea and the grand beauty of Mt Seoraksan National park. 

3. Suncheon Bay in Jeollanam

Location: 513-25 Suncheon-gil, Jeollanam-do

Suncheon Bay is a coastal wetland. The mudflat covers an area of 22.6 square kilometers, a quarter of which comprises of endless fields of thickly covered reeds. Due to its natural coast, Suncheon Bay attracts over 140 species of birds, including internationally rare birds and birds designated as national treasures, as well as many plants and animals. Walking along the well-built walkway is an amazing experience only found in Suncheon Bay. If you follow the pathways, you will find Yongsan observation deck where you can enjoy an unobstructed view of Suncheon Bay’s waterways that bends into an S shape and take in the gorgeous birds eye view of the vast field of reeds, mudflats and animals.

4. Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju

Location: 385 Bulguk-ro, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Bulguksa Temple, located at the foot of Mt. Tohamsan in Gyeongju, was built in 528 during the reign of King Beopheung of the Silla Dynasty and was rebuilt by Kim Dae-Sung. Unfortunately, most of the pavilions were burnt down during the Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592. The current building was restored through rebuilding and reparations works conducted from 1969 to 1973. In Dec 1995, Bulguksa Temple was designated as a world cultural asset by UNESCO. Visit the temple to experience a blast from the past and you’ll easily find yourself spending half a day there exploring the gorgeous gardens and ancient buildings!

5. Haeundae Beach in Busan

Location: 264 Haeundae Beach, Busan

Haeundae Beach is famous for its beautiful half-moon shaped beach, making it the perfect summer vacation spot. In addition, Haeundae beach is famous for its various cultural events and festivals held throughout the year including the Moonlight Hot Spring Festival. Catch the sunrise or sunset at Haeundae beach to enjoy a spectacular view. While at the beach, don’t forget to drop by Dongbaek Island, located west of Haeundae. Dongbaek Island contains a dense forest of pine and camellia trees, a scenic spot where you can take a walk with the sea and forest on both sides. Tip: Visit it in the evening for enjoy a spectacular view of the sunset and we also think the night view at the beach is truly lovely!

As the first Korean language school established in Singapore by native Koreans, Daehan Education Centre has a pool of experienced and qualified teachers who are dedicated to guide you through your learning journey.  Our syllabus is well-structured, easy-to-follow and continuously improved with the feedbacks from our students.   Whether you are here just to learn basic conversational skills or looking to certify your mastery of the language by taking the TOPIK examinations, look no further in starting your Korean learning adventure with us

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5 Best Places To Visit In South Korea (Besides Seoul And Busan)

When it comes to places to visit in South Korea, most travelers default to Seoul (and, in rare cases Busan, the country’s second city). The vast land between the two cities, filled with charming towns and villages, stunning scenery and food so delicious you’ll want to learn Korean to talk about, goes all too often ignored.

This post aims to remedy that discrepancy, whether you prefer traditional and accessible Korea sightseeing, or are in the mood for something more obscure. Likewise, Korea offers destinations and experience that cater both to adventurous eco-tourists and culture-minded city slickers.

Keep reading to learn where to go in Korea, instead of (or, if it’s your first time, in addition to) Seoul and Busan.

Why Do People Focus on Seoul and Busan?

Before I get into places to visit in South Korea you might not have considered, I’ll address the elephant in the room: Why do so many travelers stick to Busan and especially Seoul? The reasons for this are complex and manifold, but a few of the main ones are as follows:

• Convenience:  Most flights to Korea arrive in Seoul and Busan
• Variety : Busan and Seoul especially offer an eclectic range of experiences
• Accessibility : Both cities offer great public transport; you can get around speaking English
• Reputation : Seoul is one of the web’s most written-about destinations—and Busan is up there, too

Needless to say, nothing I say in this post is advocating against including Seoul and Busan in your Korea trip—I go back to at least one of these places every time I return to Korea! I do recommend exploring Korea beyond these cities, however.

The Best of the Rest of South Korea

Gyeongju  isn’t officially among the most famous places in Korea, at least not for non-Koreans. But whether you come for ancient palaces and burial mounds that date back to the ancient Silla Kingdom, or take day trips to destinations like the famous cherry blossom village of Jinhae, Gyeongju is a city that should be on your radar.

Most of why I believe Gyeongju will soon be listed among the best cities in South Korea is the historical attractions. Visit 7th-century Donggung Palace , which rises over scenic  Wolji Pond , in the city center, or take a day trip to  Bulguksa , an 8th-century Buddhist temple that sits in the mountains just outside the city, a short bus ride away. 

Jeju Island

As places to visit in South Korea that aren’t Seoul or Busan go,  Jeju is probably the most famous. On the other hand, most people who travel here are Koreans from one of those two cities, as is evident by the fact that Seoul-Jeju is by some measures the busiest air route in the world. (By contrast, Japan’s Okinawa enjoys significantly more international flights, to say nothing of its more traditionally tropical scenery.) 

With this being said, you should definitely include the so-called “Oriental Hawaii” in your Korea trip planner, even if sights like  Hallasan Mountain and  Cheonjiyeon Waterfall  seem more Scandinavian than sub-tropical. If you do decide to come to Jeju, where public transport is limited, consider obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP) in your home country so that you can rent a car.

The Korean DMZ

One of the places to visit in South Korea is actually closer to North Korea than it is to Seoul or Busan. I’m of course speaking of the demilitarized zone or DMZ , which is the area between the two Koreas where a permanent ceasefire is maintained. Whether on a day excursion from Seoul or as a standalone trip, the DMZ is an interesting destination—and not just because of the ongoing Korean War.

On one hand, war-related places like the  Dora Observatory ,  Joint Security Area  and  Third Tunnel of Aggression have earned their place among top tourist destinations in Korea. On the other hand, the South is in the process developing this area far beyond military tourism, whether that’s in the form of duty-free shopping or ecotourism that highlights the biodiversity of this largely uninhabited landscape.

Sokcho and Seoraksan National Park

If you’re looking for beautiful places in Korea that are also relatively easy to visit,  Seoraksan National Park  is a great choice. Located 2-3 hours east of Seoul and accessible via the colorful, quirky and underrated seaport of  Sokcho , Seoraksan is most famous for its scenery during autumn months but is beautiful 365 days per year.

Beautiful, and exhilarating. In addition to stunning Korea scenery, Seoraksan offers some of the country’s best hiking. My personal favorite trail takes you from the eastern entrance to the park to the summit of  Ulsanbawi , a towering “rock” (at least according to the Korean translation into English) that requires about two hours round-trip, plus whatever time you spend at the top.

Like the DMZ, the ancient city of  Suwon  is sometimes lumped in among day trips from Seoul, though I don’t encourage this. I say this in spite of the fact that you can walk the entirety of  Hwaesong Fortress , a sprawling UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to the late-18th century, in a matter of an hour of two.

As places to visit in South Korea go, Suwon occupies an interesting place. Located in  Gyeonggi-do  province, which sits just outside of Seoul, Suwon is urbanized without being extremely cosmopolitan, which means going there immerses you in a world of Korean language and music (K-Pop)—and cuisine. In particular, Suwon is famous for  Galbi  or grilled beef ribs.

Other Korea Destinations

Although I’ve named some very interesting places in Korea indeed, they’re only the beginning. Other must-visit Korea destinations include the following:

• Boseong  Tea Fields
• Bukhansan  and  Naejangsan National Parks
• Jeonju : Korea’s budding foodie capital
• The winter wonderland of  Pyeongchang
• Spiritual  Andong

Are there places to visit in South Korea that you personally love, but that I haven’t mentioned in this post? Make sure to leave a comment so everyone knows what you do!

How Long Should You Spend in South Korea?

When it comes to how many days in South Korea you should spend, it ultimately depends on how extensively you plan to explore the country. For example, I recommend a Seoul itinerary that lasts between 3-5 days and at least 2-3 days in Busan, so you’re looking at one week in Korea right there, even if you don’t go anywhere else. I’d say that if you visit 2-3 of the destinations above, then 2 weeks in South Korea is perfect for you.

Another consideration you should make is the best time to visit South Korea . While April is the best time to see Korea cherry blossom and autumn colors peak in late October or early November, these are also the busiest times to visit Korea. If you can bear the cold, Korea’s snowy winter is a beautiful and quiet time to come; summer is the perfect season for sub-tropical Jeju, though it can also be rather rainy so you should take care.

Read next: Epic Adventures To Take In Your 20s, 30s, 40s And Beyond

I hope you feel more informed—and inspired—about places to visit in South Korea outside of the usual suspects, Seoul and Busan. Whether you trace history in Gyeongju, scale the dramatic peaks of Seoraksan, step up to the edge (or North Korea) at the DMZ or simply hit the beach in Jeju, Korea is more than its two largest cities, however fabulous it may be. Now, there’s only one question left—when are you going to book your flight?

Contributing members are responsible for the accuracy of content contributed to A World to Travel.

6 Places to visit outside of Seoul & the best ways to visit them

When you’re living in Seoul, it’s very easy to get stuck in that bubble. There really is everything you need – want water activities? Han River. Want an amusement park? Lotte World or Seoul Land. Want shopping? Oh where do I even start?! You get the idea. But there is  so much more to Korea than just Seoul! Here are 6 places outside of Seoul you simply must visit.

1. Muui Island (Muuido)

Easily the most underrated of the trips on this list and by far my favourite. Located on an island in Jung-gu it is just a short ferry ride away from Incheon. And by short I mean shooorrrrrrttt. The shortest ferry ride I’ve ever taken. The boat pulls out, turns around, and docks. All of five minutes pass.

Getting There : Take bus 222 bus from Incheon Airport (3rd floor Bus Gate 7) or take the 306 (from either Dong-Incheon Station, Cheongna or the Airport) to Geojampo and then walk across the bridge 15/20mins walk. This will get you to the Jamjinnaru Ferry Terminal on Yongyudo Island. From there buy a ferry ticket (3000 won). You’ll want to go to Hanagae Beach (하나개해수욕장) by taking the number 1 Bus from the dock and you getting off at the last stop.

I highly suggest renting a beach hut (40,000 won for up to four people) and that includes blankets and floor heating. 4 people is also pushing it – unless you like being really cozy, I wouldn’t go past 3.

On the island you can enjoy lots of seafood, swimming, digging for crabs, horse riding, hiking, a loads more.

Tip!  Bring everything you need with you – there is a shop and restaurant (closes around 8ish) – but if you’re not into seafood and you didn’t bring much food with you, enjoy eating lots of ramen!

2. Namiseom (Nami) Island

A beautiful island only a couple hours from Seoul, this place is fun for a day trip, or on your way to/from Chuncheon (see below). Great for nature lovers, you can bike around, go swimming or do watersports, or check out lots of the small themed gardens. Also on the island you’ll find tons of restaurants, there’s a performance hall, and quite a few galleries worth checking out. Oh, and there’s ostriches.

Getting there:  Zipline onto the island! No, seriously, for 38,000 won, you can do that. From Seoul, go to Sangbong station (상봉역), and take the Gyeongchun line (경춘선). Get off at Gapyeong station (가평역) – you can also take the ITX from Yongsan to Gapyeong (about an hour journey). Then you can then walk or take the bus (1,100 won) or a taxi (about 5000 won) to ‘Nami Island Station’.  Once there, you can hop on the ferry or zipline onto the island. The entrance fee for the island is 8,000 and includes your ferry there and back. The zipline price includes the entrance fee and ferry back as well. The ferry ride is only about 5 minutes.

If you wanted to stay longer on the island, there is accommodation there. In the summer, this may be a nice option as there is more to do then, otherwise, I’d stick to a day trip.

Beautiful views, water, mountains, hiking, biking – Paldang has it all! It is a great day trip out of the city and you can get there on the subway!

Getting there : Get to Paldang station on the Jungang line. Head out exit 1. Once you exit the station, the bike rental office is immediately to your right as this is the most common activity. You can also bring your own bike on the first car of the subway!

Korea opened the four rivers cycling trail in 2011 that stretches across the entire country! It goes all the way from Incheon to Busan. The whole trail is marked with blue signs and about 70% of it is car free. You can purchase a passport book at a few stops on the trail that has a map of all the routes and there are booths along the way where you can collect stamps!

Paldang is my favourite section of the path as it’s so accessible from the city, and you get such variety; going through an old railway tunnel, the bridge, the dam, and a gorgeous river. Along the way there are plenty of shops, restaurants, parks, and public bathrooms should you need to stop.

The bike trails are a fantastic way to see the whole country or a great day trip as an escape from the city. I highly recommend it.

4. Pyongchang – Gangwon Do

I visited the Donggang river Village in Pyongchang with a tour group called Adventure Korea . I find this method is best when visiting more rural areas. While on this trip we went exploring caves, did a zipline, caught fish with our hands, ate some awesome BBQ, and met some fantastic new people. They’re particularly helpful because it’s all organized together in English and you can get picked up and dropped off in Seoul. More often than not EVERYTHING is included – meals, transportation, and lodging.

When going on tour groups it’s great to join a variety of Facebook groups and check out different options. This is particularly true around holidays where there are loads of groups doing trips. Ones I’ve enjoyed are Bangawoyo, Good Times RoK, and of course Adventure Korea.

5. Chuncheon

I visited Chuncheon for the International Mime Festival . It’s held every year in the spring. It’s a strange little event in a strange little town. The event didn’t have too much going on – but was interesting nonetheless. There were mimes, of course, as well as fire eaters, buskers, and some things I can’t really describe.

Also in the town you can visit Myeongdong Street for shopping – it mimics Myeongdong in Seoul. There is also a Dakgalbi street that is home to supposedly the best Dakgalbi in Korea. I’m not a huge Dakgalbi fan in general so I can’t really say, but the stuff we had was pretty good. There are also tons of museums, temples, and galleries scattered about the town.

Getting There:  I took a bus from the Dong Seoul bus terminal. It is 1.5 hours long and costs 7,800 won and there are buses that leave every fifteen minutes from 6am to 11pm. Once you get to the Chuncheon bus terminal go 500 meters to nam chuncheon subway station from here you can take buses or the subway to take you to a more central area.

Nami Island is very close by, only half an hour, so if you haven’t been already you should definitely check it out!

6. Boryeong

Boryeong is famous for two things – it’s yearly mud festival and it’s skin car products (often made of mud). I visited Boryeong for the mud festival.

It is a week long event that has parades, concerts, a mudzone with slides and mud pits and mud soccer – it’s a lot of fun. It typically runs over two weekends and the week in between. My favourite part was the evening concert on the beach.

When going with a tour group everything is set up for you like the accommodation, transportation and some of the food. Good Times RoK focuses on more party type events so we had a ‘cocktail bus.’

Even if you’re not interested in the party, the festival itself is a good time. You can buy lots of mud skin care products, get painted with coloured mud, watch the more traditional shows and the fireworks. Also at this time the whole area is set up like a carnival – so lots of games to play!

A big thanks to Ania Pisarek for many of these awesome photos! Check her out on instagram @aniaella . 

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10 Places To Visit Outside Of Seoul

Travel Blogger at ThereSheGoesAgain.org | Instagram: @thereshegoesagn

Don’t get me wrong. Seoul, with its unique blend of tradition and colorful pop culture, hurried, bali-bali lifestyle, and vibrant, soju-filled nightlife, will always be one of my favorite cities in the world. Spending a summer in this crazy, energetic city was one of the best decisions I made in college. However, upon my return to Korea two years ago now, I have had the chance to discover a whole new side to this country that, frankly, doesn’t get a lot of press. Korea, from its harbor cities to its mural villages to its mountainous landscapes, is stunningly beautiful, and there is much more to be discovered than skyscrapers and fast internet. There’s a lot I still have on my list to visit, but for now I want to share some of the best places to visit outside of Seoul.

Gamcheon Culture Village | This colorful village is located along a coastal hillside in Busan on the East Sea. Born out of the Taegeukdo religion after the Korean War, the tiered village was set up so that no house blocks another. The houses are all bright, pastel colors, making the village reminiscent of Greece’s Santorini or Rio’s favelas, and many abandoned houses have been transformed into art exhibition pieces... Read More

Daewangam Songnim | A different way of enjoying the East Sea is to head down to Ulsan (or up, if you’re already in Busan) and walk along Ilsan Beach into Daewangam Songnim, a pine forest spread across a small coastal area. Walk through the trees towards the lighthouse and then cross the bridge to get some really stunning views. If you’re lucky, you might spot one of the stray cats roaming through the terrain.

Jeonju Hanok Village | This village, made up of 800 traditional Korean houses (called hanoks ), sits in the middle of one of its historically most important cities. Jeonju was once the capital of the Hubaekje Kingdom and was considered a spiritual capital of the Joseon dynasty (which was responsible for most of the Korean culture we know today). This village reflects that role, and it’s easy to get lost roaming around the houses and among traditionally dressed couples. You can even sleep over at one of the many hanok-stays. Just make sure you eat some bibimbap while you’re there -- Korea’s national dish hails from it.

Gwanghallu Garden | If Verona has Romeo and Juliet, Namwon has Chunhyang. One of Korea’s most famous love stories, it has class differences, an evil villain, various obstacles for our lovers, and a much happier ending than its Italian counterpart. This tale is best experienced at Gwanghallu Garden. Having been around since the 1400’s, it is considered the main setting for the love story of Chunhyang and Lee Mong-ryong. While enjoying traditional architecture, you can also read more about the famous story.

Hwagae’s Cherry Blossom Road | If you want to experience the full, overwhelming beauty that are Asia’s famed cherry blossoms, Hwagae is the place to do it. Four kilometers of cherry blossoms line the road, and it’s just as magical as you might imagine it to be. It’s also deep in the mountainous countryside, just in case you thought it couldn’t get any prettier... Read More

Damyang’s Bamboo Forest | For a truly relaxing experience, spend an afternoon walking around Juknokwon among all the bamboo trees. Grab a bamboo nutella ice cream while you’re at it! There’s something utterly peaceful to the area, and you can easily get lost for hours.

Suncheon Bay | My Korean July is typically spent sweltering underneath an air conditioner unit, hiding from the humidity, but I will make an exception for this eight-thousand-year-old bay. With nearly 6,000 acres of tideland and 570 acres of reeds, Suncheon Bay is perfect to witness virgin Korean nature at its cleanest. Make sure you walk along the reed fields and up around the mountain to get a really gorgeous view!

Boseong Green Tea Fields | Calling all tea fanatics! Boseong has been home to tea cultivation since the 300’s BC, and to this day most of its plantations use traditional, organic methods of processing tea leaves. Eat green tea pajeon (Korean pancake) and ice cream, climb up the fields to see as far as the sea, and finish up your trip by buying as much green tea chocolate as you can fit into your bag.... Read More

Mt. Naejang (or Naejangsan) | By far one of the most beautiful places to view autumn leaves, Naejangsan is perfect for a small hike (or, if you’re lazy, a cable car ride *cough*). Everywhere is bursting with gorgeous colors and even in the pouring rain, it’s worth witnessing. You can take a longer hike and enjoy seeing different temples and statues, or, at the very least, head to the observatory to see the surrounding mountain range.... Read More

Golgulsa Temple | Gyeongju is a goldmine for history buffs as it highlights a lesser known part of Korean history -- the Silla Kingdom. This ancient temple, located precariously on a sheer mountainside, is perhaps the best way to experience its traditions. A short, steep hike will lead you up to a seated, Silla-style Buddha from the ninth century while staying a night at the temple allows you to learn all about Sunmundo, a fighting style that combines both martial arts and meditation.

So next time you’re planning your trip to South Korea, be sure to make time to leave Seoul! See more over at There She Goes Again and for more photos, follow along over on Instagram at @thereshegoesagn .

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• South Korea
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The Most Scenic Outdoor Spots in and Around Seoul

Seoul is an urban playground, home to skyscrapers, quirky cafés, bustling markets and more beauty stores than you could visit in a lifetime. But there’s also an abundance of national parks and outdoor spots, making the capital an underrated paradise for anyone up for an adventure in nature.

Flanked by a sizeable national park and seven mountains, one of the best things to do in Seoul is catch a breath of fresh air. Sure, you may lose it in the next breath if you choose to hike one of the steep peaks in Bukhansan National Park , but the views are worth the effort.

With mountains to the north, rugged islands off the west coast and a river thundering through the heart of the city, these are some of the best outdoor activities when visiting Seoul.

1. Scale Seoul's tallest peak at Bukhansan National Park

3. Walk the City Walls (Hanyangdoseong)

Archaeological site

For an outdoor activity in Seoul with unrivalled views, the City Walls could be classed as either a history lesson or a hike. Hanyangdoseong measures 18 kilometres (11 miles) in length, built in 1396 to protect the city from encroaching enemies. Travelling between Seoul’s four main mountains, Inwangsan , Naksan, Bugaksan and Namsan, the City Walls pass by new and old: 600-year-old turrets looking out over gleaming skyscrapers. Take the one-hour Naksan Mountain Trail between Heunginjimun Gate and Hyehwamun Gate for a gentle hike, or the three-hour Baegak Trail between Changuiman Gate and Hyehwamun Gate. As this section passes the Blue House (the residence of the President of South Korea), you must bring your passport for identification.

4. Zip-wire over Nami Island (남이섬)

Natural Feature

The tiny landmass of Nami Island was accidentally formed when the waters of the Han River rose around it during the 1940s. Now, it’s one of the most popular day trips from Seoul, home to a dense redwood forest and the idyllic-sounding Garden of Morning Calm. If that all sounds a little too zen, why not turn up the adrenaline and zip-wire onto Nami Island from an 80-metre (262-foot) tower on the mainland? Guests can zip beside each other on twin cables reaching speeds of 55kph (35mph). Nami island is a one-hour drive from Seoul by car or bus. A ride on the ZipRider, island admission and return ferry costs 44,000 won (£29).

5. Take to the slopes at Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort

While Japan probably springs to mind as a ski destination before South Korea, there are some excellent slopes on the mountains that surround Seoul. Elysian Gangchon Resort (open November to March) can be reached by subway in just one hour from Seoul, making it a popular option for outdoor adventurers on a budget. The resort spans more than 200,000 square metres (50 acres) and has slopes for beginners and advanced skiers and snowboarders. Catch the Gyeongchun Line from Seoul’s Cheongnyangni Station to Baegyang-ri Station.

6. Spot wildlife along Cheonggyecheon Stream

7. Take a trip to Seoraksan National Park

Two hours from the capital by bus is Seoraksan National Park , home to Korea’s third tallest mountain and various scenic hiking trails. The most popular is the steep climb to Daecheongbong Peak, a dramatic granite cliff overlooking the park. While a trip to Seokransan National Park is possible during a day trip from Seoul, it’s advisable to spend a night nearby in Sokcho city . The park is home to 1,562 animal species, as well as Buddhist temples and impressive caves, so you won’t run out of ways to fill the time.

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15 best places to visit in Seoul

22/12/2019 by Roobens 5 Comments

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Preparing my visit to Seoul wasn’t very easy. Indeed, few backpackers go there (it’s logical since the cost of living is quite high there!). That means I couldn’t ask the fellow travelers I met on the road what to do and what to see there (like I used to do all the time in Southeast Asia ). To visit Seoul, before getting there, I decided to turn to the internet then but once again, there’s few information about the Korean capital. It really surprised me since Seoul is one of the most visited cities in the world! I ended up wondering if it was worth it to go there. Fortunately, I went there and everything went really fine. Moreover, I had a French friend who lives there with me, and he showed me all the beautiful places to visit in Seoul! By the way, here’s a South Korea itinerary if you’re planning to visit the country!

Table of Contents

New technologies

Before talking about the places to visit in Seoul, let’s describe the city real quick! We’re not in Southeast Asia, and you can feel it quickly when you get there. The prices are the same as in Western countries, and you can clearly see South Korea is a developed country. Actually it’s the Mecca of cutting-edge technology. In South Korea, you’ll find all the latest electronic devices. On average, the Koreans change their smartphones every six months! Yes I said on average, that means some of them change it more frequently!!! It’s insane! My two-years-old smartphone is a relic of the past for them! Like in Hong Kong , they’re glued to their smartphones, all the damn time!

Plastic surgery in South Korea

South Korea holds another record : this is where you’ll find the greatest number of people having plastic surgery. Estimations say between 70 and 90% of women in South Korea have plastic surgery!  That means in the street, you have to find the women with natural beauty. They get a nose job, they westernize their eyes, ask for a surgery for their lips… Regarding men, it’s less common to have plastic surgery, but still, they’re numerous compared to us! We have to assume that plastic surgery is cultural in South Korea! If you’re curious, go to Sinsa, a neighborhood in Seoul. This is where all the practice for plastic surgery are!

Koreans rather discreet

During my visit to Seoul, I noticed the Koreans are very courteous (compared to us Parisians), and also quiet reserved by nature. In fact yeah they’re courteous except in the subway, where people push and elbow one another to get a seat! But otherwise they’re nice. I have to admit it’s quite complicated to communicate with them. They don’t speak English well although the Korean society is Americanized (it’s probably the most Westernized country in Asia). Moreover, you’re less inclined to talk to people who wear an anti pollution mask (they’re numerous wearing those in the street).

Korean food

Have you ever been to a Korean restaurant? Where they bring you meat, there’s a mini barbecue in the middle of the table and you have to cook your meat yourself? It’s exactly how it goes in Korea!  You order meat, vegetables, they bring it to you and it’s your go! The staff helps you out if they notice you’re having a hard time cooking your food (basically they help you out if you’re not Korean!). If you’re not into barbecue, there are obviously other options. The most popular dish is called bibimbap : a bowl of white rice, beef, vegetables and raw or fried egg. Everything is separated and you have to stir the dish together thoroughly before eating.

Things to do in Seoul

Gyeongbokgung palace.

Why so few people go to Seoul? There’s nothing to do there? Fortunately it’s not the case. Although it’s a big capital, there are beautiful places to see in Seoul. The most popular tourist attraction in Seoul is Gyeongbokgung Palace. It was built in 1394, and it means “radiant happiness palace”. Since the 14th century, the palace was destroyed twice by Japan, and they rebuilt it twice (it’s actually still under reconstruction). The palace’s enclosure is huge, and even though the palace is popular and crowded, there are a few quieter areas. The palace is quite colored and has a Japanese architecture, which is logical given that Japanese occupied there several times during the last few centuries.

Some people love the palace, others are disappointed. I liked it. Partly because I wore a hanbok. What’s that!? It’s a traditional Korean outfit. You can get one in one of the several shops just next to the palace. They keep your clothes for several hours, you wear the hanbok and with it, you can get in the palace for free (otherwise it’s 3000 won, or 2.50 euros). You’ll notice most visitors also wear a hanbok! A black guy with a hanbok in Seoul, I was a star! Everyone wanted to get a picture with me ! That’s what I call traveling while black ! One last thing regarding the Gyeongbokgung Palace, it’s possible to attend the changing of the guards. I didn’t see it but from what I heard, it’s impressive. Try to get some information about the schedule because it’s often changing. It’s usually at 10am and 1pm, but sometimes it’s at 10am and 2pm.

Not far from Gyeongbokgung Palace, take some time to have a walk at Bukchon . Be prepared, the slopes are steep! What’s so special about Bukchon? First off, it’s a quiet area, and it feels good in this big city. But most importantly, you’ll find hanoks there! Those are traditional Korean houses. From the outside, they’re beautiful, and they look robust! Unfortunately, we cannot see what it’s like inside. Indeed, there are really people living in those houses and with all the tourists passing by, I understand why the locals barricade themselves in their houses (by the way, I heard living in Bukchon is extremely expensive. Back in the day, the aristocracy and the nobility used to live there). Anyway, take some time to have a walk in the narrow streets of Bukchon, admire the hanoks, visit the small museums, go to a tea house…

The palaces of Seoul

I talked earlier about Gyeongbokgung Palace. It’s one of the five grand palaces of Seoul built during the reign of the Joseon dynasty, around the 14th and 15th century. The four other ones are Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung and Gyeonghuigung palaces. You can visit all of them! I visited Deoksugung Palace . It’s 1000 won (less than one euro) to get in unless you wear a hanbok. If you wear one, it’s free. It’s also a beautiful palace, but a bit smaller than the other ones. There’s also a changing of the guards at 11am, 2pm and 3:30pm everyday except on Mondays.

I also visited Changgyeonggung Palace , it’s also 1000 won (less than one euro) to get in. A beautiful palace with a lot less people, it’s nice! Just next to it, you’ll find Changdeokgung Palace . It’s 3000 won to get in (2.50€). There’s also a secret garden in this palace, Huwon garden. It’s 5000 won (4 euros) to get in the garden. I didn’t go to Gyeonghuigung palace.

Ihwa Mural Village

Apart from the palaces, there are several areas of Seoul to see. Have a look around Ihwa Mural Village. Another district in the heights of the city, and you’re gonna love it if you’re into street art! There are mural paintings almost everywhere in this area of Seoul, but also art galleries, and it’s honestly done very well! The area is colored, not too bustling and you’ll also find trebdy cafés in this small village. A lot of teenagers and young adults hang out there.

In Ihwa Mural Village, you’ll see signs telling you where to find the most interesting paintings, that’s cool! Like in Bukchon, there are locals who really live there, so don’t be too noisy. Because of noise pollution, the residents wiped off some paintings. Apparently the visitors were getting excited in front of some paintings and were making a lot of noise…

Go to a jimjilbang

If you have the opportunity, try out a jimjilbang! What’s that!? It’s a Korean public bathhouse furnished with saunas, jacuzzis, hammam, hot tubs, massage tables… A place to relax! Men and women are separated and everybody’s naked! The common parts are mixed and we’re dressed (we all wear the same “uniform”), but otherwise in the bathing areas (where men and women are separated), we’re all naked! Honestly it’s even possible to live on the spot, there’s a room with TVs, several restaurants if you’re hungry, activities for the kids… I saw guys holding hands, women as well. It’s just friendship. It reminded me of the public baths of the Pamir Highway in Tajikistan … I went to the jimjilbang at the Starfield mall, which is a bit top of the range. It’s 22000 won (17 euros) to get in, 16000 won (12 euros) if you get there after 6pm. In Seoul, you can easily find cheaper ones, about 7000 won (5.50€).

It’s not that I’m watching but it’s impossible not to notice : the locals don’t shave at all their pubic hair. It’s impossible not to notice because a black tuft on a very pale skin, even not watching, you see it! It’s quite imposing and it goes all over the place… Anyway, from what I was told, those who shave their pubic hair are the pervs, the porn actors, the pedophiles… It’s cultural! It seems like it’s the same in Japan .

Ikseon Dong

Otherwise, visit the different districts of Seoul. Ikseon Dong is a small area with a lot of narrow streets. Not a single car runs there, and a lot of hip young Koreans hang out there. There are also plenty of small bars and restaurants, tea houses, cafés… It’s very lively there! The locals meet up there after work to have a drink.

You can also check Itaewon , an area where live most of the expats in Seoul. One of the few areas where you’ll hear people speaking English, German or Italian.

Don’t miss Hongdae by night,  a student area, full of life and illuminated. Once again, you’ll find bars, restaurants, clubs, etc… An area to see, just for the vibe, and listen to K-pop music! For a complete guide about Hongdae, check here the things to do in Hongdae .

Wanna go shopping? Go to Myeongdong , you’ll find what you’re looking for, for sure! There are shops all over the place there, and many restaurants! Here’s what to eat in Myeongdong !

Insadong is the cultural area of Seoul , you’ll find shops selling antiques there, art galleries, shops selling old relics, and also the oldest traditional tea house of Seoul!

Finally, Gangnam , popularized by Gangnam style , is a posh district of Seoul. You’ll find fashion boutiques there, shops selling the latest devices but also numerous nightclubs, more posh/chic/classy than anywhere else in Seoul.

Lotte World Tower

You can also see the Lotte World Tower , which is 555 meters (1821 ft.) high. It’s the tallest building in Asia. Click here to buy a ticket to get in Lotte World, a them park and aquarium just next to the Lotte World Tower.

N Seoul Tower

There’s also the N Seoul Tower that I saw from afar. You have to take a cable car to get there. It’s 8500 won (6.50€) the two-way trip, then you have to pay to get on top of the tower. I didn’t do it because I was told that it wasn’t necessary. Several locals told me the view is not that great! Click here to buy your ticket if you really want to get on top of the tower!

Activities in Seoul

There are so many things to do in Seoul. This list can help you out :

• First off, check out this list of the best day trips from Seoul
• I wanted to see the demilitarized zone (DMZ), which is not far from Seoul. Basically it’s the border between the two Korea, but the DMZ was closed to the public during my whole stay there. However, if you wanna go, here is the best DMZ tour from Seoul to go on ! Click here to buy your ticket!
• You can join a fun Korean cooking class. Click here for more info .
• You can go to Aquarium COEX. Click here for more info .
• There are many shows in Seoul : oriental martial arts , fireman show , beatbox and breakdance …
• You can go on an e-bike tour with a guide. Click here for more info .

I think that’s it! As you can see, Seoul is not a city with nothing to do. I liked the week I spent there, especially thanks to a good friend who showed me Seoul in every nook and cranny. I suggest you to spend at least four days there, to have enough time to visit the city. If you spend some time in the country, here are places to visit in South Korea outside Seoul .

How to get to Seoul

You’ll have to get there by plane. Click here to check the latest flight prices.

How to get around in Seoul

The easiest way to get around in Seoul? The subway!

Where to stay in Seoul

First off, here’s where to stay in Seoul . If you’re traveling on a budget, I suggest you to stay at the Yakorea Hostel. Click here to book your stay . If you want to stay in a mid-range hotel, the Heima Guesthouse is a great one. Click here to book your stay . If you’re into luxury hotels, there’s the Four Seasons for you. Click here to book your stay . Otherwise click here to check what are the hotels available in Seoul.

Seoul travel tips

• Traveling soon? Check out my travel resources page! This list of travel accessories can also be useful for you!
• Wanna go to South Korea?  Check the visa policy here . Most Western countries can stay up to 90 days without a visa.
• Read my post with all the things you need to know about South Korea .
• Don’t go to South Korea without a travel insurance ! Here’s why buy travel insurance !
• Want a tailor-made trip to South Korea? Get a free quote here !
• Always use a VPN when traveling. I use ExpressVPN and I love it! Here’s why use a VPN when traveling .

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Reader Interactions

17/04/2019 at 07:28

Great Post. this article is very interesting and effective.

17/04/2019 at 15:59

25/04/2019 at 22:18

Hello Roobens very interesting article about Seoul. How much is the rental of the traditional costumes next to Changgyeonggung Palace. What kind of garments can we keep underneath ? (leggings, underwear, shoes, socks ??) You look lovely in the red robe. Regards M

26/04/2019 at 13:24

Hey thanks Marina! I just checked, it’s actually about 15000 won (11.50€) for a 4-hours rental! From what I remember, you keep your underwear, socks and shoes (don’t quote me on that!). They keep your clothes and all your stuff in a locker in the back of the shop. Don’t forget to bring your passport, otherwise you won’t be able to rent a hanbok!

[…] curtains open so I could fall asleep to the city lights. Tomorrow, we’ll be checking out all the things to do in Seoul. …Before our next day when we’ll be visiting the […]

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16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Seoul

Written by Freddy Sherman Updated Dec 23, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Freddy Sherman has visited South Korea multiple times, most recently exploring Seoul and the DMZ in 2022.

Seoul, South Korea is a vibrant and exciting city, one that deftly combines ancient history with ultra-modern design and technology. This city is filled with a wide range of fun things to do and tourist attractions of all types, from outdoor adventures like exploring Mount Namsan and its surrounding park to indoor fun like visiting one of Seoul's many museums.

Seoul is also a city of palaces, with five huge palace complexes located throughout the city and now restored to their former glory. Of course, it's also known for its food, with a mouthwatering array of street food, Korean specialties like barbecue, and even fine-dining options.

Discover the best places to visit in this exciting city with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Seoul.

1. N Seoul Tower

2. explore the bukchon hanok traditional village, 3. national museum of korea, 4. lotte world tower, 5. visit the dmz, 6. gyeongbokgung palace, 7. seoul museum of art, 8. blue house, 9. bongeunsa temple, 10. gwanghwamun gate, 11. take a walk along cheonggyecheon, seoul's urban stream, 12. jingwansa temple, bukhansan national park, 13. people watch in itaewon, 14. dongdaemun design plaza, 15. gwangjang market, 16. spend a sunday in insadong, where to stay in seoul for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in seoul, seoul, south korea - climate chart.

Rising almost 500 meters above the city, this communications and observation tower provides dramatic views of the city from its perch on the side of Mount Namsan. A cable car whisks you up the side of the mountain to the base of the tower. From here, you can go up in the tower and visit any one of four observation decks, one of which is a rotating restaurant.

There are five different dining experiences at the N Seoul Tower and, of course, several gift shops. The n.GRILL, on the top level, is considered one of Seoul's best French fine-dining restaurants. Be sure to visit the new Inside Seoul immersive media art exhibition, where 40 laser projectors create a virtual display of the city via five-dimensional mapping, with the tower at the center.

The views from the tower are great, but so are the views of the tower from most parts of the city. Computer-controlled LED lighting on the exterior of the tower provides a digital, visual cultural experience of Seoul with changing themed lighting presentations.

Address: 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan 2(i)ga-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

For a taste of Korean traditional culture and architecture, a visit to the Bukchon Hanok Village is a fun and educational way to spend an afternoon. This preserved district of several ancient neighborhoods gives you a feel for what it was like to live in Korea 600 years ago. It's right in central Seoul, in the area between the Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Changdeokgung Palace.

The neighborhoods of narrow streets feature hanoks or traditional Korean houses. It's a unique place, as it's a historic area, very popular with tourists, but it's also a real neighborhood because the houses are all occupied.

Some of the hanoks are now guesthouses and bed-and-breakfasts , and a few are museums and can be toured. Others are cultural centers showcasing traditional crafts and other historic aspects of Korean life, but most are private homes.

This must-see attraction in Seoul showcases the incredible history and artwork of Korea and the Korean people. The National Museum of Korea , one of the largest in Asia, is in the city's Yongsan District (close to Itaewon).

It focuses on archeology, history, and art and includes a vast collection of works and objects going back more than a million years. There are ancient and prehistoric artifacts, sculptures, paintings, and other artwork along with a large collection of objects and antiques.

Before or after your museum visit, head down the street to Yongsan Family Park , a nice outdoor space to relax. Another important museum worth a visit, The War Memorial of Korea is also close by.

Address: 137 Seobinggo-ro, Seobinggo-dong, Yongsan-gu

One of the newest attractions in Seoul is the Lotte World Tower skyscraper. The tallest building in South Korea, it's 500 meters above the ground and currently the fifth-tallest building in the world . The vase-like shape, with gentle curves, is designed to mimic traditional Korean ceramic pieces.

There are several indoor and outdoor observation areas (called Seoul Sky) at the top on the 117th-123 rd floors. Views are spectacular both during the day and at night, and you can see 360 degrees around the city.

On the 118 th floor, there's the Sky Deck with the world's highest glass floor. Like magic, the floor changes from opaque to clear, terrifying unsuspecting visitors. Even getting to the top is fun, and the journey is done via super fast, double-decker elevators, with windows on one side and LED screens on the other three and on the ceiling.

Inside the tower are offices, luxury residences, and the SIGNIEL SEOUL luxury hotel. There's also the Lotte World Aquarium, the Lotte Museum of Art, and an enormous shopping mall. The tower is home to the Lotte Concert Hall and the Lotte Cinema, a state-of-the-art, 21-screen MoviePlex with the world's largest movie screen. The tower is adjacent to the Lotte World amusement park, which is a great thing to do in Seoul for families.

Address: Songpa-gu, Jamsil 6(yuk)-dong, Olympic-ro, 300, Seoul

A remnant of the Korean War, the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) is the area located along the border between North and South Korea. This highly sensitive and highly fortified area can only be visited during an official tour. Aside from the visit to the DMZ, a tour gives you a chance to get out of urban Seoul and see a bit of the Korean countryside.

The Half-Day Korean DMZ Tour , which includes pickup and drop-off in central Seoul, takes you to the important sites in the DMZ area and gets you back to Seoul right after lunch (if you take the early morning tour). The guided tour includes visits to landmarks like the 3rd Tunnel, dug by the North in anticipation of an invasion, and the Dora Observatory, where you can look over into North Korea.

First built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is the largest of Seoul's five grand palaces built during the powerful Joseon dynasty. Destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries, it was restored to its original glory after the Second World War and totally restored in the 1990s.

A visit to the Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the best things to do in Seoul because within the palace grounds, you can also find the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum of Korea , and both are worth a visit. The palace museum is especially fascinating as it presents items from the palaces of the Joseon Dynasty.

This includes priceless antiques and artwork, as well as everyday items for cooking, cleaning, and daily life. The National Folk Museum focuses on items from daily life, as well as clothing and dioramas, to tell the story of the Korean people since prehistoric times.

Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Located behind the Deoksugung Palace, the Seoul Museum of Art , or SeMa as it's known to locals, has a large collection of artwork, mainly from the modern era. The art museum focuses on Korean art and Korean artists but has a decent selection of international works and creators. Changing temporary and visiting exhibitions also showcase unique collections and artwork.

The collection is displayed over three floors in a large building that was formerly the home of the Korean Supreme Court. The museum has six additional satellite locations in other parts of Seoul, and these feature rotating exhibits from the museum's main collection, as well as special exhibitions.

Don't miss the museum's Nam June Paik Memorial House, an exhibition and workshop space inside the house of legendary Korean contemporary artist Nam June Paik. The house is located in Seoul's Changsin-Dong neighborhood.

Address: 61, Deoksugung-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

The Blue House is Korea's version of the White House. It's the official residence of the Korean president , as well as the location of his and related executive offices of state. The Blue House isn't really a single building, it's an entire campus of buildings, all built in the traditional Korean style and all featuring the distinctive blue tile roofs where it gets its name.

One of the coolest things to do in Seoul is to take a tour of the Blue House. Hour-long tours are given, but participants must apply and schedule their tour in advance, online. The tour takes you to many parts of the palace complex including meeting rooms, reception rooms, and the Korean version of the Rose Garden, where the Korean president holds press conferences.

Ask your hotel concierge to help with reservations.

Address: 1 Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Bongeunsa is one of many Buddhist temples in and around Seoul. It first opened in the year 794 and is a complex of multiple buildings and shrines. It's easy to visit, as it's centrally located in the exciting Gangnam area. If you're spending the day sightseeing and exploring the city, this is a wonderful place to take a break.

The temple is on the side of a low mountain, directly across the street from the massive COEX convention center and mall. It's a popular spot for convention-goers to take a break and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Visitors are welcome, and the temple even has a program that allows guests to experience the daily life of a monk for a few hours.

Address: 531 Bongeunsa-ro, Samseong 1(il)-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

The largest and main gate to Seoul's Gyeongbokgung Palace , Gwanghwamun Gate is home to the changing of the guards ceremony (performed since 1469), which happens daily (except Tuesdays) at 10am and 2pm.

The gate has undergone many renovations and rebuilding, most recently in 2010, when it was restored to its original location and reconstructed with native materials using traditional tools and building techniques.

There's a large plaza in front, and the gate sits in front of the vast Gwanghwamun Square , home to frequent political demonstrations, a large subway station, a giant fountain, and some huge statues of Joseon-era leaders.

This natural creek that flows through central Seoul was covered over by highways in the post-Korean War economic boom. Seven miles of the creek were uncovered as part of an urban revitalization project and turned into an outdoor recreation area, opening in 2005.

There are now seven miles of creek-side hiking, walking and biking trails. It really has changed the CBD of Seoul by bringing an artery of water and green into what was a very urbanized, crowded area.

The creek is also home to the spectacular Seoul Lantern Festival , held each November. Ornate, lighted paper lanterns are displayed in and along the creek, and each night, thousands of people line the creek to view and enjoy the floating artwork. It's a fun, nighttime activity for families, as a lot of the art installations are geared toward children.

Set within the strikingly beautiful landscape of the Bukhansan National Park , Jingwansa is an ancient temple complex offering many ways to experience and learn about Buddhism and temple life. The traditional buildings are surrounded by miles of hiking trails (you can come here just to hike) snaking through the mountains.

The temple, which grows most of its own food (and even ferments its own kimchee), has a range of public programs. There's a temple stay program, which includes an overnight visit, plus there are cultural and learning programs. They also offer foodie experiences like a traditional vegetarian temple meal, as eaten by the monks.

Jingwansa is on the far west side of the city, it's one of the four major temples of Seoul first built around 1,000 BC.

Address: 73 Jingwan-gil, Jingwan-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul

Itaewon is a bustling neighborhood of Seoul focused on a few pedestrian streets filled with shops, cafés, and other consumer businesses. If you have limited time in the city, it's one of those places that can give you a real feel for Korean retail culture in a short time period. There are food carts and street performers, and some of the side streets are filled with restaurants. It's a great place for people-watching.

This is an excellent place to wander around and just lose yourself in the energy of the city. Be sure to wander down pedestrian-only Gyeongnidan Street, as it's lined with all kinds of restaurants and is a place to buy many international foods not easily available in Korea (like pizza and American-style barbecue). It's a fun thing to do in Seoul for families, and you'll see many parents and children here.

Another street, literally called Itaewon Antique Furniture Street, is filled with antique shops, and this is always an excellent place to buy unique gifts.

Known by its initials, the DDP is a very cool design center in Seoul's Dongdaemun area. Dongdaemun, Seoul's fashion district, is also known for its shopping; there are a lot of department stores and discount clothing and houseware stores in the area. The DDP has changing art and creative exhibitions open to the public, as well as a very cool store inside.

The silver, orb-like flowing Dongdaemun Design Plaza building looks like something from outer space. It was designed by the late Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid, considered one of the great female architects of the modern era. In perhaps Seoul's ultimate contrast, there are ruins of the ancient city fortress preserved just outside the front entrance of the design center.

The complex is filled with showrooms, workspaces, offices, and design studios. There is also what has to be Seoul's coolest shop, with small craft vendors selling all kinds of interesting items showcasing contemporary design and locally made, handcrafted items. It's an excellent place to buy unique gifts.

A visit to the DDP is one of the best things to do in Seoul at night — the design center comes alive when the sun goes down, the highlight being 25,550 white LED roses that light up. The silver-colored, modern, curving building and the rows of artificial flowers make the DDP one of Seoul's best Instagram spots.

After your visit, head across the street for a burger and crinkle-cut fries at one of Seoul's most popular new dining spots, Shake Shack. It's right across from the DDP in the Doota shopping mall.

Address: 281 Eulji-ro, Euljiro 7(chil)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul

Seoul's best street food market combines a taste-bud tempting array of street food vendors under one large roof. The market features rows of food stalls, offering every kind of Korean food you can imagine.

Most stalls have small chairs or stools in front of them, creating tiny restaurants, where you can sit and have a meal. It's all about tasting things here, and a smile and request will usually get you a sample of most of the things on offer.

The market is in central Seoul, and it's open from 9am to 10pm. The most popular things sold here are bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), bibimbap (rice mixed with sauteed beef, vegetables, and gochujang red chili paste), gimbap (Korean sushi), sundae (blood sausage), tteokbokki (stir-fried spicy rice cakes), and various types of noodles.

Other parts of the market have vendors selling meat and seafood, and other sections have clothes and household items.

Address: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno 4(sa)-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul

This unique neighborhood in central Seoul is filled with small stores that sell Korean traditional folk and handicrafts, along with art galleries. Stores sell things like hanji (traditional, hand-made paper), hanbok (traditional clothing), teas, pottery, and unique artwork.

The galleries in Insadong feature Korean fine art of all types. There are also a lot of tea houses and small cafes, perfect for a break during your shopping adventures.

The Insadong area really comes alive on Saturday afternoons and all day Sunday, when streets are closed to traffic and it becomes a giant craft and culture fair. Aside from food stalls and vendors, there are traditional music and dance performances and other cultural exhibits.

Luxury Hotels:

• Grand Mercure Ambassador Hotel and Residences Seoul Yongsan is one of Seoul's top 5-star resorts. Located in the heart of downtown, it offers a range of poshly decorated rooms and suites, all with stunning city views, especially after dark. Amenities include multiple restaurants, an indoor golf room, a fitness center, and spa. There is also a swimming pool, hot tub, and sauna. If you're traveling with the family, there is a kids' club, and if that family includes a dog, the hotel is pet friendly.
• Designed with relaxation in mind, SIGNIEL SEOUL has luxurious and comfortable rooms with beautiful decor. It's located high up in Seoul's Lotte World Tower, so the rooms and suites have some spectacular views. There are several restaurants in the hotel and a wide variety close by in the tower and mall complex below. Other on-site amenities include an indoor swimming pool and a hot tub and a spa with a full range of treatments. There is also a fitness center on-site.
• Four Seasons Hotel Seoul is the largest hotel in the South Korean capital city and the first in South Korea. The 5-star property has 317 rooms, including 43 suites, and all feature elegant luxe decor. Expect customizable beds with high-quality linens, spa-style bathrooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows with great city views. The hotel is family-friendly and has a kids' pool and a children's menu at its restaurants. Other amenities include a posh spa, a heated indoor swimming pool, an indoor golf driving range, and a fitness center.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• May Place Seoul Dongdaemun is a top mid-range choice. It offers a mix of rooms and suites that are spartan but comfortable, with wood floors and white linen-draped beds. They also come with air purifiers and blackout curtains. Amenities include a restaurant, a hot tub, and a rooftop terrace where you can check out the panoramic city and mountain views.
• In the middle of Seoul's cultural district, Hotel28 Myeongdong is another excellent good-value choice, especially if you like sleek and modern décor. The hotel has glass walls of windows and well-appointed rooms and suites. Amenities include a restaurant and workout room.
• GLAD Gangnam COEX Center Hotel has a convenient locale just outside Exit 1 of the Samseong Subway Station. Rooms feature contemporary décor, floor-to-ceiling windows, and giant wall-mounted flat-screen TVs. Amenities include a restaurant with a breakfast buffet, a workout room, and a 24-hour front desk.

Budget Hotels :

• Delight Hotel is a clean and comfortable budget choice with contemporary rooms featuring luxury linens, marble bathrooms with rain showers, and large windows. Amenities include a restaurant serving complimentary breakfast, 24-hour room service, a hot tub, and even rental bikes to explore the area.
• Also, try the Grid Inn Hotel for budget-friendly lodging. Centrally located in the Gwanak-Gu district, it offers tidy rooms with refrigerators, blackout curtains, and safes. There is a restaurant and coffee shop on-site. The front desk is open 24 hours, and there is self-service laundry for guests.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Beyond Seoul: While many of the country's highlights are in Seoul, have a look at our article on the top attractions in South Korea for ideas on places to visit throughout the country.

25 of the best places to visit in Seoul

Welcome to our guide on the best places to visit in Seoul. A diverse city that’s unlike anywhere else in the world, South Korea’s capital features an endless number of things to see and do. It’s the number one spot to visit in the country and you’ll quickly find out that uncovering all its top attractions will take some time.

In this guide, we’ll share some of the best Seoul attractions; ones you simply cannot miss. We’ll also share places to visit away from the main tourist trail, where you’ll find a lot more locals than tourists. We’ve included historic attractions, trendy neighbourhoods, nature trails, parks, shopping and dining destinations, plus some unique things to do that you’ll only find in Seoul.

Continue reading for our full list of places to visit in Seoul, South Korea.

GYEONGBUKGUNG Palace

A trip to Seoul is not complete without visiting the top attraction, Gyeongbukgung Palace. The palace has a rich history dating back to 1592 and is one of the only royal residences in the city that has withstood the wars of the past few centuries. Whilst a lot smaller today than its original size, Gyeongbukgung is a marvel to explore.

Visit the palace to see the changing of the guard, the grand, ornate palace gates, and a nice lake area with traditional ginseng trees and outhouse buildings. The palace is full of tourists no matter the time of day, but the grounds are large enough for it to never feel too busy. If you fancy doing something unique, dress up in traditional Hanbok clothing for free entry to the palace grounds.

Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon Hanok Village is one of the best places to visit in Seoul to experience the traditional appearance of Korea, many years ago. Hanok villages are preserved areas that have retained houses, shops and other buildings that showcase traditional Korean architecture. Pointed rooves, wooden frames and narrow streets make up the labyrinth of Bukchon Hanok Village.

Bukchon is a tourist destination, but it’s also a real neighbourhood where people live. Walk through the narrow streets to see these quaint buildings, take some photos and soak in the rich culture.

Seoul Tower, Namsan Mountain and Namsan Cable Car

Seoul is a vast city with a population of 9+ million people. The number of skyscrapers, parks and neighbourhoods is a sight to behold! One of the best ways to capture the scale of the city is by heading up to Namsan Mountain. This instantly recognisable mountain sits in the centre of the city, providing stunning panoramic views of Seoul from above. You can either hike up the Namsan Mountain trail, or alternatively, catch the Namsan Cable Car to the top in only 5 minutes.

The top of Namsan Mountain has a nice collection of cafes and shops with a view, plus a number of viewing decks. If you want to go even higher, take the elevator to the top of Seoul Tower to be at the highest point in the entire city.

Gangnam Neighborhood

Can you remember the catchy song ‘Gangnam Style’ by Korean pop artist, PSY? The tune that took the world by storm is all about the life of the wealthy in Seoul’s Gangnam neighbourhood. This trendy business hub is located south of the river. It’s one of the most expensive places to live in the city due to its central location and ‘exclusivity’. It’s also home to a number of excellent restaurants, shopping malls and modern high-rise buildings.

Visit Gangnam to experience the modern, future-thinking hub of Seoul and its many bars, shops and restaurants. It’s also worth paying a visit to the ‘Gangnam style’ statue, which features the classic PSY pose of two crossed wrists.

Starfield Shopping Mall

In the Gangnam area, you have to stop by Starfield Shopping Mall. Seoul has many malls, but not many are quite as modern, large and packed full of attractions compared to Starfield. In this mall, you’ll find a countless array of dining options for all budgets, fashion and accessory stores for both designer and high street brands and one of Korea’s best cinemas. It also has a wide selection of cafes and restaurants.

Even if you don’t want to do any shopping, experiencing the regular events, eateries and design of this popular mall makes it one of the best places to visit in Seoul.

Starfield Library

A place to visit in Seoul that has gained popularity as one of the world’s most beautiful libraries, Starfield Library is a grand, multi-floor library with an open plan layout, towering bookcases and a beautiful design. Tourists walk through to marvel at its façade and locals pull up a chair to read a book. It’s also a cool place to work.

You can visit Starfield Library at the same time as Starfield Shopping Mall. The library is nestled in the centre of the mall on the ground floor.

Bongeunsa Temple

Another top Seoul attraction in the Gangnam area is Bongeunsa Temple. Dating back to the year 794, this long-standing temple is one of the most historic places to visit in Seoul. It was created for King Wonseong by a high-ranking Buddhist monk and has been a key worship and religious festival destination ever since.

Traditional pagoda buildings, rows of coloured lanterns and ornate Hangul artwork adorn the entire temple area. At its centre is a giant Buddha statue, which is 23-metres tall. Bongeunsa is one of Seoul’s must-see temples and it’s well worth stopping by when exploring the Gangnam area.

Seoul Forest

Seoul Forest is one of the best places to visit in Seoul for those that want a quiet nature escape away from the bustling city. Located to the east of the city centre, it’s an easy place to get to on the metro. It’s a large park with a number of shaded walkways, with tall leafy trees surrounding you as you go for a relaxing stroll through the forest.

In addition to the nice scenery on offer at Seoul Forest, it has a deer park, botanical garden, insect garden and butterfly garden. It’s a very pretty place to explore, especially if visiting in spring for cherry blossom season, or in autumn for the falling orange leaves.

Gwangjang Market

Gwangjang Market is the go-to place to visit in Seoul for delicious street food. This giant market has countless rows of stalls, all dedicated to hearty, homemade Korean food. Visit the market any day of the week and you’ll find a bustling atmosphere of locals dining alongside tourists, the rich smell of spicy food and an endless number of dish options.

Some food stands specialise in particular dishes, whereas others serve a good variety of popular Korean dishes. The market and some of its stalls have been featured on Netflix and various TV shows, giving it a big boost in popularity. We recommend visiting for lunch. It’s slightly quieter than evenings and you stand a better chance of finding a table at a food stall.

Changgyeonggung Palace and Secret Garden

Another must-see palace in Seoul is Changgyeonggung. Located a short walk from the main Deoksugung Palace we mentioned above, this secondary royal residence is just as grand, and in our opinion, is more beautiful than Deoksungung. The palace has smaller courtyards and towering gates than the latter. However, it has a beautiful array of gardens, greenery and more intimate courtyard areas. Traditional palace buildings are surrounded by wooden sculptures, leafy trees and monuments.

Hidden in Changgyeonggung’s garden area is a tranquil forest area known as Secret Garden. In our opinion, this is one of the most beautiful locations in Seoul. It features rows upon rows of unique trees and plants, a lake area, shaded temple buildings and waterfall streams. It’s particularly impressive in the spring cherry blossom season, or during autumn when the leaves turn bright shades of orange.

Lotte World

Lotte World is one of the best places to visit in Seoul for theme park lovers! Completely unlike the theme parks you may have visited outside of Korea, Lotte World is a spacious park full of unique theming and quirky rides. It features classic rides you’d expect to see in an amusement park, but also a hot-air balloon ride, a haunted house and a selection of 3D attractions.

Lotte World has a whimsical fairy-tale theming and the food stalls in the park are very good. It’s also a cheap theme park to visit compared to other global parks.

Inwangsan Mountain Park

In a city of concrete, many buildings and lots of pedestrians, Inwangsan Mountain Park is a welcome retreat from city sightseeing. It’s a rocky hiking trail that sits along Seoul’s historic city wall, featuring stunning views of Seoul and the palace area below the trail. Inwangsan is a great place for a morning walk in nature when the weather isn’t too warm.

Walk along the trail to see various landmarks, bridges, wooden walkways, gardens, artwork and much more. Inwangsan Mountain Park is one of the best places to visit in Seoul for those that like scenic walks.

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Cheonggyecheon river walk.

Cheonggyecheon river walk is one of the top areas in Seoul for a sunset or early morning walk. Nestled between skyscrapers in the modern heart of the city, this scenic riverside area is a popular date spot. It even has a wall where locals famously propose to their significant other! Go for a slow stroll along the river, sit and enjoy the view on a park bench, or check out the latest art installations.

Ikseondong Hanok Village

Bukchon Hanok Village (as featured above) is the most popular traditional Korean village in Seoul. However, there are many more villages to explore. We personally preferred the narrow streets and many shops, cafes and restaurants of the area known as Ikseondong Hanok Village. Situated right next to the Insadong area, this quaint collection of streets and buildings is a great place to explore on foot.

Ikseondong is home to some excellent restaurants, many of which have traditional floor seating and unique wooden décor. There are also many coffee shops, dessert parlours, boutique shops and photo booths. We personally bought some excellent homeware and had a coffee in a café with a train track running through it.

Right in the heart of the city, Myeongdong is one of the most popular places to stay when visiting Seoul. Its central location and good public transport connections makes it a great place for sightseeing. Even if you’re not staying here, Myeongdong is certainly worth a visit. It’s the shopping metropolis of Seoul, with countless shopping malls, high street stores, international brands and Korean fashion boutiques.

It’s also a top place to visit in Seoul for foodies. Every evening, the streets of Myeongdong come alive with street stalls. The Myeongdong Night Market is where you can sample some excellent traditional dishes, but also creative foods inspired by the younger generations in South Korea. It’s an affordable place to eat and we personally had dinner here 3 times during our visit.

Insadong is another bustling city centre neighbourhood, located just north of Myeongdong. It’s a busy area packed full of restaurants, shops and cafes, just like Myeongdong, but it has a more boutique and local feel to it. Shops here are independent over chain stores, there aren’t any big shopping malls and streets have small buildings compared to the skyscrapers of Myeongdong.

Insadong is one of the best places to visit in Seoul for authentic Korean restaurants. It also has some excellent handmade gifts and fashion stores and an array of themed cafes. The super-popular ‘Dong’ (poo) café is based here. The neighbourhood is full of artwork and colour; a clash of modern with tradition.

Yeouido Hangang Park

Yeouido Hangang Park is the best way to experience the iconic Han River, which runs directly through Seoul. It’s a very popular spot for locals who want to go on a long walk or cycle, but it’s also becoming increasingly popular with tourists. It has a large ‘Seoul’ sign, perfect for capturing a tourist selfie. It also has some excellent walking paths along the bank of the river. The horizon of the city in the background is where you’ll take some of your best Seoul photos.

The best way to explore Yeouido Hangang Park is by bike. Rent a cycle from one of the park booths and proceed to peddle along the promenade at your leisure. It’s a fun activity for all ages and there are dedicated cycle lanes.

War Memorial of Korea

Built in 1994, the War Memorial of Korea was set up to commemorate the many military veterans and victims of South Korea’s wartime past. Whilst a sobering and saddening place to visit in Seoul, the memorial is also interesting to anyone that wants to learn about wartime events from a South Korean perspective.

The War Memorial of Korea features multiple indoor and outdoor exhibition areas, including a large memorial hall, decommissioned military equipment and aircraft, and old military weapons. A large section of the memorial is a museum of war artefacts. The collection is very interesting for anyone that’s fascinated by military history.

Hongdae has long been known as the ‘trendy’ neighbourhood of Seoul. A very popular chill-out spot for young people, the vibe in Hongdae is upbeat and welcoming. It’s a small neighbourhood to the west of the city centre, sitting just north of the Han River. Themed cafes, including the popular ‘Harry Potter’ and 2D-style ‘Greem Café’ are just some of the unique inceptions on offer in Hongdae. It’s a place where you can dine at one-of-a-kind restaurants and street food stalls or find the latest Korean fashion.

Hondae is also an increasingly popular place to stay for those who want a lively evening atmosphere with lots of bars and restaurants. We recommend visiting in the late-afternoon and staying until the streets get packed with people.

Namdaemun Market

We’ve already listed some excellent shopping markets and street food spots in Seoul. However, if you want a more traditional local market, Namdaemun Market is the place to visit. It’s open all day, and even during the night until 4am. Locals stop by the market to buy cheap home, fashion, apparel, stationery, art, flowers and practically any other market-good you could think of. Businesses visit for the affordable wholesale offering. You then have tourists, who just want to soak in the atmosphere of this busy shopping destination. Add it to your list if you love a good market!

Banpo Bridge

Banpo Bridge is a great place to visit in Seoul early-evening. A key crossing point for the Han River and an architectural wonder in itself, there’s always something going on near the bridge’s south river bank. When the sun goes down, 380 rainbow-coloured jets light up to create a waterfall that cascades from the bridge. It’s a very cool sight to see and is well worth checking out! The rainbow fountain show is actually registered in the Guiness Book of Records as being one of the longest rainbow fountains in the world.

In addition to the must-see evening show, Banpo Bridge hosts a number of different events. It’s often a venue for K-pop concerts and other music festivals.

Gotomall Underground Shopping Mall

Underground shopping malls are huge in South Korea. They perfectly utilise space in city centres that are extremely densely populated. They’re also known to be great place to shop for fashion, apparel and accessories, offering an affordable alternative to high street retail stores and department stores. Gotomall Underground Shopping Mall is Seoul’s answer to an underground mall, and boy is it a big one!

Situated south of the Han River, near Banpo Bridge, Gotomall is a great place to visit in Seoul for those who want to buy K-fashion clothing and accessories. It’s full of independent stores and has options for all budgets. It’s also has stores selling cute accessories, electronics and more.

Haneul Park

Last but not least, Haneul Park is another excellent place to visit in Seoul. It’s a large nature reserve on the northern bank of the Han River, located on the edge of the city centre. Seoul has many excellent parks and relaxation spots, but the remote location and picturesque scenery at Haneul make it unlike anything else on our list. Tall grass, crops and flowers set the scene for a serene walk amongst nature…

Walk along the neatly maintained pathways and wooden bridges, stop at one of the exhibits or just soak in the peaceful atmosphere and views of the city. We personally love visiting Haneul Park for sunset. There isn’t a better place to be!

Thanks for reading our list of the best places to visit in Seoul. We hope we inspired you with attraction ideas and you can now explore this vast, impressive and charming city for yourself. Seoul is unlike anywhere we’ve ever been and the number of things to do is endless. Choose attractions that stand out to you the most, don’t miss the must-sees and be sure to plan an itinerary before setting off. If you have any questions about the Seoul attractions we’ve featured, be sure to post a comment below. 😊

Check out our other South Korean travel guides:

• South Korea Travel Tips: Things You Must Know Before Visiting
• 20 of The Best Foods To Try in South Korea
• One Day in Busan Itinerary

By Ricky MARSHALL

An adventurer at heart that loves anything outdoors. Beaches, mountains and amazing scenery is everything I love about travel! I also enjoy home comforts and need a nice place to relax and re-charge after every trip.

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Home » Asia » South Korea » Seoul

34 BEST Places to Visit in Seoul (Attraction Guide for 2024)

Seoul is one of the most popular destinations in Asia. It’s a bustling metropolis that combines cyber-punk sights with old-world goodness. It’s a truly unique city.

There are numerous cool places to visit in Seoul and a lot of sights to see. This city has it all, from a fascinating and unusual culture to great food, amazing shopping, and great entertainment options. It’s also very welcoming and used to travelers making it a safe and accessible place in Asia. There countless points of interest in Seoul, so you’ll have an exciting and busy trip to the city.

The idea of traveling in Seoul can seem a little intimidating. It’s a sprawling metropolis and doesn’t quite have the complete ease of its East Asian neighbor Japan. However, Seoul is actually a very safe city and is popular amongst tourists, so the tourist trails are well worn and easy to explore.

With this easy guide, you’ll find it easy to travel to Seoul and come back with stories and pictures that other people just can’t match! There are a lot of cool places to visit in Seoul, so let’s get to it!

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighbourhood in Seoul:

The best places to visit in seoul, faqs on the best places to visit in seoul, final thoughts before visiting seoul’s best places.

Gangnam translates as ‘south of the river’ and is a district that has blown up in recent years. It was originally an area dedicated to sleepy rice fields – but you’d never believe it when visiting today!

• Check out the K-pop scene and pick up a few CDs at Evan Records.
• Shop for the latest fashion and boutique items (or just window shop) at Galleria department store.
• Eat bibimbap at Tokkijung or a famous Korean barbeque meal at Yang Good.

Where do you start with the best things to do in Seoul – in a city of 10 million? Your experience while travelling in South Korea will be dramatically different by the accommodation you choose. You want to make sure you’re closest to all the coolest things to do.

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#1 – Bukchon Hanok Village – A great place to see in Seoul for Korean architecture

• A great place to experience Seoul’s traditional culture.
• You’ll be able to take some awesome pictures in this area!
• Just be aware that people still live in these houses, so be respectful of their privacy.

Why it’s so awesome: The traditional houses in Seoul are called Hanok and they date back to the Joseon Dynasty between 1392 and 1910. These houses are designed to maintain a balance between the house and the outside world of mountains, rivers, and land contours. This makes them extremely aesthetically pleasing and one of the must-sees in Seoul! You may even be able to find an Airbnb in Seoul in this architectural style if you’re lucky!

What to do there: People actually still live in this residential area, which is located between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace, so be respectful of their spaces and time. If you can, join a guided tour early in the morning to get even more insights. Or take some extra time and explore the area and make sure you get some pictures too. There are some spots where you can see the traditional houses against more modern landmarks, and they make for the most striking photo-ops of all.

#2 – Myeongdong – A great place in Seoul if you love to shop!

• Literally shopper’s paradise!
• You’ll find amazing deals in this area on every kind of cosmetics you can imagine.
• Make sure you take advantage of the samples and the changing deals and offers.
• If you want to find out more,  get a guide  to show you around!

Why it’s so awesome: The women of Seoul look amazing. They’re always beautifully dressed and have impeccable make-up, and this area is why. Myeongdong is a whole shopping area dedicated to every cosmetic store and brand you could ever want. So, no matter what type of skin you have or what make-up look you want, you’ll be able to find the right products in this area.

What to do there: This is the most famous place in Seoul for shopping and there are always a lot of special deals and offers in this area so keep your eyes open and take advantage of them. A lot of shops also offer free samples, so don’t be afraid to try a brand you’ve never heard of! This is a trip mostly for the girls, so leave the guys at home and take your best friends along for the ride.

#3 – Lotte World – A must-do in Seoul for families!

• The world’s largest indoor amusement park.
• If you get tired of the rides, then visit the shopping complex also on-site!
• This is a Seoul must-do and a great place to take the kids.

Why it’s so awesome: Lotte World is huge. It includes both an indoor and outdoor amusement park and there is also a hotel, an aquarium, luxury boutiques, a water park, and a shopping center on-site! So, even if you get tired of the rides, you can always slip out and grab a meal or a bargain before returning to the Lotte fun.

What to do there: Take the kids, or friends, and just enjoy the amusement park. The rides and attractions are some of the best you’ll ever see at Lotte World and it’s well worth taking an entire day in this park to soak it all in.

Make sure you try the Desperados game, the Dragons Wild Shooting game, and the Comet Express rollercoaster for maximum fun and thrills! It’s easily a must-visit in Seoul if only to feel like a kid again. Buy your tickets before you go, so you won’t end up waiting in line.

#4 – Gyeongbokgung Palace – Possibly one of the most important places to visit in Seoul

• When you travel to Seoul, you absolutely must not miss this historic building!
• The largest and most important palace in Seoul.
• If you wear a traditional hanbok dress, they’ll let you in for free.

Why it’s so awesome: The Gyeongbokgung Palace is often compared to the Forbidden City in Beijing and is a Seoul must-see. Built in 1395, it was the main royal palace of the Joseon family, who ruled Korea for hundreds of years.

The palace was mostly destroyed by Imperial Japan during the early 20th century but over the following years, it has been meticulously restored. It is now considered to be one of the most beautiful palaces in the world, which is why it’s one of the best places to visit in Seoul.

What to do there: There are lots of places in the city where you can hire a hanbok – a traditional Korean dress. If you turn up at the palace wearing it, they’ll let you in for free. Aside from that, just explore the site. I’d recommend jumping on a guided tour to get to know all of the details about this stunning palace.

Also, make sure you show up to see the changing of the guard or the Gwanghwamun Gate Guard-on-Duty Performance . Either one happens between 10 and 4 pm every hour on every day except Tuesday and it’s a really fun thing to see in Seoul.

#5 – N Seoul Tower – A place to go in Seoul to see the city from a different angle.

• The best place for panoramic views of the city.
• The building also hosts a variety of cultural and entertainment events as well as restaurants and snack bars.

Why it’s so awesome: If you’re looking for the top place to visit in Seoul, they don’t get much more “top” than this. The N Seoul Tower is located on Mt. Namsan and has been Seoul’s most iconic site since its opening in 1980. It’s actually a communication and observation tower, but over the last few years, it’s become one of the most important and celebrated sites in the city.

What to do there: Go to the top and enjoy the views. Sometimes, the best way to explore a city is to see it high up and at a distance so you can get an idea of the scale, and this tower offers the best place in the city to do just that.

Afterwards, go down to see a movie or an exhibition in the cultural space, or just grab a table at the upscale restaurants there and enjoy a fantastic meal. If you are passing through Seoul, then you see this (but not climb) on a Seoul transit tour from the airport.

#6 – The Yun Dong-ju Literature Museum – A great place to visit in Seoul if you are alone.

• Reading the books and poetry from another culture is a great way to gain a deeper understanding, and this is a great entry point into South Korean Literature.
• If you love books and history, this is a Seoul must do.

Why it’s so awesome: This is a museum built in honor of the beloved South Korean poet Yun Dong-Ju. It’s a three-room museum where you can explore photos from his life as well as first editions of his poems. The space itself is beautiful as well; the indoor space perfectly captures the contemplative, inspiring mood of the poetry and is a Seoul itinerary must for the contemplative travelers.

What to do there: Spend some time exploring the photos and contemplating this poet’s work before going outside. You can take a wall on Poet’s Hill at the back of the museum and get great views of the city and the N Seoul Tower. After your visit, you might even be inspired to get writing!

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#7 – The Jeoldusan Martyr’s Shrine – An important historical site in Seoul.

• A sobering but beautiful shrine that remembers a very dark time in history.
• Don’t take the kids to this site as some of the displays may upset them.
• If you want to explore Seoul, going back to its roots is a good way to start.

Why it’s so awesome: This is a Catholic shrine on the Han River and marks the Byeonin Persecution of 1866. At this time, nine French missionaries were martyred which led to the French fleet attempting an invasion into Korea. In retaliation, the Jeoldusan government targets, punished and murdered French and Korean Catholics, leading to this site became known as the ‘beheading mountain’. This obviously isn’t a fun site, but it’s an important part of Korean history and must be seen if you want to understand the present.

What to do there: The shrine is especially beautiful at night when votive candles give it an otherworldly glow, but it’s still beautiful and sobering when you go during the day. Don’t bring your kids with you as the Shrine houses a gallery and museum display torture implements that were used on the captured Catholics.

#8 – The Seoul Museum of Art – The perfect attraction in Seoul if you are on a budget!

• One of the best points of interest in Seoul that’s also free!
• The museum is housed in a beautiful and historic building which offers great photo opportunities.

Why it’s so awesome: How about a free thing to do in Seoul! This museum plays host to a range of special exhibitions that can be expensive, but the permanent display is totally free. It highlights the career of the Korean artist Chun Kyung-Ja, who was influenced by African culture and art and is worth the trip to the museum alone.

What to do there: Before you go, check out what special exhibitions they have on during your stay. Korean art is very unique and well worth exploring, so spend some time getting to know their unique style. But make sure you check out the regular display as well because it’s beautiful and soulful.

#9 – The Cheongun Literature Library – Another place in Seoul for the bookworms!

• An amazing place to spend some time if you love books!
• One of the most beautiful museums in Korea.
• If you’re trying to work out what to do in Seoul on a quiet afternoon, this is a site where you can sit back and relax.

Why it’s so awesome: The collection of books at this library is fairly average, but it’s the space that makes it amazing. The reading rooms are located on the second floor of a traditional Korean house which is spacious, sunny, and welcoming. So, if you love to read , this is a perfect place to settle in and do it!

What to do there: Make sure you spend some time exploring this traditional Korean house. This style of Korean architecture is unique and oddly harmonious with the natural surroundings, so it’s worth taking note of it. And then, get away from the busyness of the city by choosing a book and taking it upstairs to read. There’s nothing like reading a good book in an atmospheric space, so take advantage of the opportunity.

#10 – Everland – A very cool place in Seoul for a day trip

• A great place to take the whole family while you’re visiting Seoul
• This park has the steepest wooden roller coaster in the world.

Why it’s so awesome: Seoul breaks a lot of world records and this affects how they build things and what they enjoy. Everland is the largest outdoor theme park in South Korea and has five zones of rides and attractions. This includes the world’s steepest wooden roller coaster and South Korea’s only safari, so come expecting some thrills.

What to do there: Get there early because there’s a lot to do and you’ll need the whole day to fit it all in. If you love roller coasters, make sure you ride the world’s tallest wooden coaster and be prepared to scream your lungs out along the way!

#11 – The NANTA Theater – Seoul and South Korea’s artistic scene is definitely a must-see.

• Another side of Korean culture and one you probably won’t expect!
• The most popular theater performance in the city.

Why it’s awesome: Every culture is different and sometimes it’s great to get a first-hand view of just how different another country can be. The NANTA Theater is the perfect place to get a different view on the modern culture of South Korea. It’s the most popular theatre in the city and has a non-verbal, musical base. Perhaps a little strange, but it’s a terrific window to seeing another side of the city while backpacking in Seoul .

What to do there: This theatre has shows regularly so check out what’s on before you arrive in the city. And once you’re there, just enjoy the culinary-themed comedy performance with acrobatic moves and rhythmic melodies. Chances are that you’ve never seen anything like it and never will again! The shows sell out fast – they’re incredibly popular – so book early to make sure you don’t miss out.

#12 – The Seoul Alive Illusion Museum – Quite the quirky place in Seoul to visit!

• The first museum of 4D optical illusions in South Korea.
• Includes more than 100, slightly quirky exhibits.
• The perfect place to go with friends or with your family while you’re visiting Seoul.

Why it’s awesome: Even if you’ve been to an optical illusion museum before, you probably haven’t seen one like this. A lot of the exhibits in this museum are slightly quirky and unusual, and you’ll probably spend a lot of your visit to this venue laughing your head off at the displays you can become part of. It’s just a little run-of-the-mill Korean madness.

What to do there: Make sure your phone or camera is fully charged before you spend a few hours at this museum because you’ll need it. Even if you’ve seen optical illusion museums before, this one is unique. Make sure that you check out the Disney displays and become a part of popular movies like Frozen and Cinderella in your own personal works of art. Sort your booking in advance to have an even better experience!

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#13 – Tosokchon – A must-do in Seoul to delight your tastebuds.

• Home to one of the most famous dishes in the city.
• Expect queues, but the wait is definitely worth it.
• Buy a ticket  online if you want to skip the line

Why it’s so awesome: Every city has a dish that they’re famous for and one of Seoul’s most famous dishes is known as Samgyetang. This is ginseng chicken soup, and the best place to buy it is at Tosokchon restaurant on Jahamun-ro 5-gil Road. Once you taste the dish, you’ll understand why people queue up to eat it every day.

What to do there: Arrive early if you want to be in the front of the line and just wait patiently. The dish is worth the trouble, as all the locals in line will tell you, so just accept the wait and enjoy your food once it arrives. Make sure you try it though; it’s a must-do when visiting Seoul!

#14 – The Cheonggyecheon Stream – A quiet and romantic place to see in Seoul.

• A chance to take a break from the busy city and enjoy a slice of nature.
• You can also walk the length of the stream, which will take you alongside lots of Seoul’s best tourist attractions.

Why it’s so awesome: Seoul is a busy modern city and sometimes it’s nice to get away from the crowds and pollution and enjoy a bit of nature. And that’s exactly what this stream is for. The locals often visit on hot summer days and spend time sitting in the shade and dipping their feet in the water, and you can do the same when you need a little break.

What to do there: Walk down to the stream and just spend some time relaxing. The stream is like a little oasis in the middle of the city, so take the time to slow down and rest. You can also walk the length of the stream if you’re feeling energetic and stop off at local attractions along the way.

#15 – Bukhansan National Park – The most beautiful nature in Seoul.

• A traditional market where you can find almost anything you want to buy.
• The prices are extremely good, so make sure you check it out if you want something specific.

Why it’s so awesome: While you’re in Seoul, you might find the city can be overwhelming at times. No matter, because just outside the city centre you’ll find the Bukhansan National Park, which is the best place to go hiking in Seoul. Aside from outdoor recreational activities, the national park boasts impressive mountain views and lush forestry. You might also see some ancient temples and fortresses along the way.

What to do there: The reason most people visit the Bukhansan National Park is to do some hiking. Whether you’re an avid hiker or a beginner level hiker, you’ll find a trail suitable to your ability here.

#16 – Gwangjang Market – Seoul’s street food delights!

• One of the best places to eat in Seoul.
• This market is popular with tourists and locals.

Why it’s so awesome: If you want good street food when you visit another country, then you need to go where the locals go. And the locals all know to go to Gwangjang Market. This was the first permanent market in Korea selling local delicacies and fine linen and it also contains some of the best stalls in the city if you enjoy trying street food.

What to do there: You can do some shopping while you’re at this market, but mostly you want to try the food. The market’s open Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 10 pm, so bring your appetite and try as much of the street food as you can. Make sure that you try the bindaetteok or mung bean pancake and tteokbokki and noodles for a really unique eating experience.

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#17 – Hongdae – A must-see for foodies!

• Seoul’s nightlife center.
• This area is near the university, which is why it’s filled with young people and fashionable places to eat and party.

Why it’s so awesome: The areas around universities in most cities are beacons for popular eateries and wicked nightlife and Seoul is no different. Just moments from Hongik University, one of the most prestigious in the city, this area attracts students, locals, and tourists who enjoy the best and most fashionable shopping and dining in the city. Some of Seoul’s best hostels are in the area too!

What to do there: This is an area that really comes alive at night, so save it for an evening when you don’t have much to do. Find somewhere to eat, because this is one of the best places to eat in Seoul, and then go shopping. There is a range of clothing stalls and shops selling vintage goods so take your time and see what’s available. And if you enjoy clubbing, you’ll find lots of different options in this area.

#18 – Ikseon-dong Hanok Village – An unknown (but awesome) place to see in Seoul!

• The best place in the city to experience old Korea.
• There are some amazing cafes and pubs in this area too, so make sure you have a meal during your explorations.
• If you’re trying to decide what to do in Seoul off the tourist trail, this is the perfect place to visit.

Why it’s so awesome: This area isn’t usually listed as one of the best places to visit in Korea, but it’s great if you want to enjoy a mix of history, food, and creative shopping options. The area was first established in 1920 and preserves that time almost perfectly. Wandering the alleys could almost make you believe that you’ve moved back in time, and makes for a great afternoon.

What to do there: Just wander the alleys and enjoy the time away from Seoul’s tourist spots. There’s always something hidden to discover and explore in this area, and it’s well worth spending some time there to get a real feel for the past.

But don’t neglect the present either, because the shops are some of the most interesting in the city too. So, do some shopping and then stop at one of the artisan cafes or gastro pubs for a meal. It’s also worth it to join a pub crawl tour with a local guide to get to know the hidden gems of this cool district.

#19 – Insa-dong

• If you want unique souvenirs, this is one of the hotspots in Seoul for them.
• The center of Korean traditional culture and crafts.
• A great place to explore Seoul and support local craftsmen at the same time.

Why it’s so awesome: If you’re interested in traditional Korean culture and crafts then this is the place where it’s all gathered together so you don’t miss anything. Insa-dong specializes in goods that can only be purchased or enjoyed in Korea, so it’s the perfect place to grab a souvenir for your loved ones back home!

What to do there: There are about a hundred galleries in Insa-dong and they display every type of Korean craft that you can imagine or have ever heard of. Make sure you check out the hanboks, which is a piece of traditional Korean clothing, traditional teas, and folk crafts. Also, try to go on a Sunday as streets are blocked off to allow for stalls and booths as well as traditional performances and exhibits.

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#20 – Yongma Land Abandoned Theme Park – A haunted place to visit in Seoul… maybe…

• A slightly creepy look at the other side of entertainment.
• There are stories going around that the park shut down because of a ghost!
• If you want to find unusual things to do in Seoul, this is the perfect place to start.

Why it’s so awesome: Yongma was built in 1980 and was a small, family-run amusement park. It shut down in 2011, allegedly because of ghosts, though it’s far more likely that the owners had economic reasons for closing their doors. But since then, the park was bought by a savvy businessman who invites visitors to become part of the park’s demise.

What to do there: If you’ve ever wanted to explore an abandoned amusement park, this is your chance. You can clamber over old dodgem cars, try out the carousel, and take pictures next to a sad clown roller coaster.

There’s a small charge involved, and if you get there at night you can pay a little extra and ask the owner to turn on the lights of the merry-go-round while you’re there. Set against the declining rides, it’s a ghostly sight that should be savored.

#21 – Seodaemun Prison – Possibly one of the most important historical places to visit in Seoul.

• Not a fun place to visit, but an important one if you want to understand South Korean history.
• This was a prison built for Koreans who rebelled against Japanese forces.

Why it’s so awesome: Built in 1908, this prison held Korean rebels who fought against Japan’s invasion and occupation. Before it was created, the country had virtually no penal system, and this location came to symbolize the determination of the Korean people to win their freedom despite the costs. Many Korean patriots died in custody, were tortured or executed at this location, and it’s a sobering reminder of the darker side of humanity.

What to do there: This isn’t a fun place to visit in Seoul. It was designated as a historic site in 1988 and renovated in 1995 and is a stark and sometimes brutal slice of Seoul’s history. As you walk through the prison-turned-museum, you’ll see torture chambers with terrifyingly realistic mannequins of famous Korean patriots and get an idea what it was like for the people who lived and died within the prison’s walls.

#22 – Coffee Hanyakbang – Seoul’s Must-Visit for the Coffee Connoisseurs

• The perfect place for coffee lovers of all ages.
• A nearly hidden gem that only the locals know about.
• If you live for your morning coffee, you’ll find lots of new coffee tastes at this site.

Why it’s so awesome: Almost everyone loves coffee and this tiny shop allows you to celebrate it in style. It’s almost hidden down a narrow, unmarked alleyway but coffee connoisseurs know that it’s there and turn up in droves to get the perfect coffee experience. The shop is decorated in a mix of Korean and Chinese styles and is determinedly rustic, with lots of wood and exposed pipe. And it sells delicious, hand-drip coffee at decent prices.

What to do there: Drink your morning coffee, of course! The owners roast the beans by hand at the back of the shop and grind them on site, so the whole shop has that rich, tongue-tingling smell of fresh coffee. And the making of each coffee is a science too, with everything precisely calculated to create the perfect cup, every time. So enjoy!

#23 – The War Memorial of Korea – A different take on a war memorial.

• A strangely lighthearted look at Korean military history.
• Fun and educational, so it’s a great place to take the kids.

Why it’s so awesome: There are 6 exhibition halls and an outdoor space for war machines too big to fit inside at this site and the place is packed. In fact, there are over 13,000 pieces of military equipment and memorabilia at the Korean war memorial , placed on the grounds of the former army headquarters of Korea.

The focus is on the Korean and Vietnam war and this isn’t the type of museum where you just stand back and look. The displays are designed to be touched and felt, to give visitors a better idea of what the wars were really like.

What to do there: There’s a lot to see at this memorial so make sure you put aside a few hours. The Combat Experience Room is particularly interesting and uses audiovisual effects to surround you with the sounds, sights and smells of the battlefield. Outback, the lines of tanks and heavy artillery are laid out like a metal petting zoo, and if you’re interested in this type of machinery, you’ll have an amazing time exploring it all.

#24 – Jogyesa Korean Buddhist Temple – For some sacred sightseeing in Seoul.

• A Buddhist temple that’s an important part of the locals’ lives.
• The garden surrounding the temple has some ancient trees that are simply amazing.

Why it’s so awesome: Sometimes there’s nothing like exploring a temple that’s still in use in the modern-day if you want to understand a culture better. And this temple in the middle of Seoul’s high-rise district is one of the best places to visit in the city to learn more about its people. This Zen Buddhist temple is always full of locals and tourists, which makes it an exciting, as well as an interesting place to people, watch and spend some quality time.

What to do there: Spend some time just watching the people as they come and go on their everyday business. And when you’re done, explore the compound itself. You could also find yourself a guide that will show you around and explain each statue in detail.

The trees in this area are apparently over 500 years old and they’re strung with banners and streamers in bright colors to make them look even more spectacular! This all combines to make this temple one of the top places to visit in Seoul if only for a quick contemplative meditation.

#25 – Suwon’s Hwaseong Fortress – More of Seoul’s old landmarks!

• If you’re looking for a quick day trip from the city, then make it to this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Located only an hour and a half from Seoul.
• One of Seoul’s most important historical sites.

Why it’s so awesome: Built between 1794 and 1796, this fortress was created to house the remains of the King’s father, who had been murdered by his own father. It’s an enormous complex that was meant to be the first step in moving the capital from Seoul to the city of Suwon, where the Fortress is located. This obviously never eventuated, but the fortress remains and was declared a UNESCO site in 1997 .

What to do there: It will take you a couple of hours to see the entire castle, so if you have a spare morning or afternoon while you’re in Seoul then make the trip out to see it. There are a lot of different features including the interior and exterior as well as a palace museum, so make sure you take enough time to see it all.

#26 – Seoul’s Children’s Park – A beautiful place to go outdoors in Seoul.

• A great place to take the kids.
• Even if you don’t have children, you’ll enjoy this massive green area in the central Seoul.

Why it’s so awesome: If you’re tired of the skyscrapers and find yourself longing for some greenery, then you can find this park in the middle of the city. Not only does it include a lot of green, open areas, there are also some cool exhibits and attractions in the park that will interest everyone, not just the young.

What to do there: Escape from the city and spend some time in nature. This park also includes amusement rides and playgrounds as well, so if you feel like being a little more active then there are lots of things to try!

#27 – A Lotte Mart – A weird choice of things to see in Seoul but hear me out!

• Lotte Marts in Seoul aren’t like the ones back home, so make sure you stop by for a look and a snack, you’ll be surprised what you’ll find there.
• If you love snacking but want to save some money, you can eat like the locals do with some very unusual meals and snacks from this store.

Why it’s so awesome: It sounds a bit strange to suggest that you go to a supermarket, but this is one experience you really shouldn’t miss because these stores are one of the most famous places in Seoul.

Lotte Marts are iconic in the city and they’re one of the coolest grocery stores in the world. While wandering around you’ll get a much better idea of how important food is in Seoul. And you might also find some new treats to try too!

What to do there: Make sure you take part in the whole experience. Lotte Marts usually have free food samples as well as an incredibly wide range of foods that you’ve probably never seen anywhere else. Just watch your wallet, because it’s too easy to overspend in Lotte Mart, and buy something tasty.

#28 – The Jongmyo Shrine – Another cultural highlight of Seoul.

• A UNESCO-listed site and close by the popular suburb or Insadong.
• A Seoul must-see when you’re in the city.

Why it’s so awesome: This is one of the most popular landmarks in Seoul and it’s also one of the best ways to learn about its ancient traditions. This shrine is the most popular attraction in Seoul and it’s a UNESCO Heritage site;  the perfect way for you to learn more about the history of the city.

What to do there: If you go to the shrine on Saturday then you can explore on your own. Any other day except Tuesday when the shrine is closed, you will need to join a guided tour. There are tours in English every couple of hours. While you’re there, make sure that you pay attention. You’ll learn about ancient customs, music, and even about memorial services during your visit, so it’s worth paying attention.

#29 – National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art – More awesome Korean art!

• The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul is an amazing traditional style building.
• Located on what used to be Seoul’s Defense Security Command.

Why it’s so awesome: This museum is a must-visit on your Seoul itinerary. It’s an enormous museum that’s built on the principles of madang , which encourages people to socialize together by providing a large, communal courtyard just for that purpose. And it works too, which makes it a great place for people watching.

What to do there: The exhibits at this museum change regularly, so find out what’s on while you’re in the city and don’t miss out. Also, spend some time exploring the building while you’re there. Korean architecture is unique and deserves some time and attention.

#30 – Socheon – A nice non-touristy place to visit in Seoul

• If you’re looking for the best food in the city then you need to go to Socheon, which is where the locals go.
• You’ll have some of your best meals in a slightly dingy restaurant in this part of the city.

Why it’s so awesome: Socheon is one of the best places in Seoul for cheap and delicious local food and a good break from the tourist attractions. Located on the west side of Gyeongbokgung, this area caters mostly to locals, so you won’t find as many fancy restaurants and neon lights there. Instead, you’ll find mostly ordinary, slightly run-down restaurants that serve some of the best food you’ve ever tasted.

What to do there: Some restaurants serve great food in this area but they’re a little hard to find. Most of them don’t have a website or even a menu in English, so you’ll have to order your meal from pictures or by what the locals are eating. To get a great meal, walk until you find a place that contains a lot of locals. Figure out what you want and just point – whatever you get, it’ll be delicious!

#31 – Dongdaemun – An awesome neighborhood in Seoul.

• One of the best places in Seoul for bargain shopping!
• Bring cash so you can haggle down the prices.

Why it’s so awesome: Dongdaemun shopping area is a veritable labyrinth of wholesale and retail shops. You could quite literally get lost in this area looking for something, and the crowds of locals and tourists alike enjoying the bargains are evidence of how good the prices and the variety of goods are.

What to do there: If you’re looking for something specific to buy, chances are that you’ll find it in this area. Take cash with you so you can haggle and find something sweet. But if you just want to wander and people watch, this is the perfect place for it too. Many of the shops are open all night, so there’s always something going on for you to observe.

#32 – Dongdaemun Design Plaza – A famous modern landmark in Seoul.

• One of the hotspots in Seoul for shopping and entertainment options.
• The building itself is unusual, stunning, and looks great in photos.

Why it’s so awesome: This building is one of the most eccentric in the city and looks amazing in photographs for you to put on your social media feeds. The long, sinuous curves of the building seem to go on forever and as if that wasn’t enough it also contains countless stores, exhibition spaces, parts of the original Seoul fortress that used to stand on the site, and a design museum.

What to do there: Make sure you take a photo of yourself with this building to show the people back home because the curving lines back for a great background. And then just explore the building. You can shop, explore the history of the site, or just wander the floors looking for anything that looks like fun. It’s the perfect place to go for anyone who’s looking for Seoul vacation ideas.

#33 – Mapo-Gu – A quirky area in Seoul to visit.

• One of the quirkiest places to go in Seoul.
• If you’re looking for weird and wonderful experiences and cafes, this district will exceed your wildest expectations.

Why it’s so awesome: Mapo district is one of Seoul’s 25 districts and it’s also one of the most unusual. It’s home to a large number of themed cafes, so if you want your cup of coffee with a side of cats, dogs or raccoons, you’ll find all that and more in this district.

What to do there: Korea is constantly innovating and looking for new ways to explore old ideas and you can experience that first hand while you’re in Mapo-Gu. Try the poop café if you’re looking for one of the most unusual places in Seoul, or just wander from one café to another hugging cute animals!

#34 – Nami Island

• One of the most popular spots for a holiday break in Seoul.
• It’s usually thronged with tourists so show up early if you want to avoid the lines.

Why it’s so awesome: Nami Island is a lovely nature area close to the city that’s a fantastic place to visit in the winter and summer months. In summer it has rides, zip wires, hiking, and lots of large open spaces to explore. And in the winter, it’s set up for all the winter sports and activities that you’ve ever dreamed of trying.

What to do there: Nami Island is an awesome place to visit in winter as the lake freezes and gives you an amazing view across the lake. It’s also home to a lot of winter sports and activities, which is why tourists and locals alike travel there in throngs to enjoy the colder months. Also, if you like to read, make sure you visit Petite France, which is a village modeled after the famous book The Little Prince.

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Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Seoul

Is 3 days in Seoul enough?

Three days should be enough to see the main highlights, but there are some gorgeous hikes around the city that are worth staying longer to see.

Is Seoul a safe place to visit?

Yes, Seoul is a safe place to visit and violent crimes are rare.

Is Seoul a cheap place to visit?

No, Seoul isn’t a cheap place to visit, though there are some cheap attractions that will help keep costs down.

What is a free place to visit in Seoul?

The Seoul Museum of Art is a free place to visit in Seoul and a great place for art lovers to explore.

Seoul is an ultra-modern city where you can experience the latest technology alongside ancient traditions and culture. This capital of South Korea is a powerhouse in the world economy at the moment, which makes it a very attractive location for visitors from all walks of life.

South Korea perhaps gets overlooked sometimes by its other East Asian neighbors, however, it is a rich country with an ancient history and vibrant people. Backpacking in South Korea is a rewarding journey, but more than likely you’ll start in Seoul.

Seoul is a city that never sleeps, with ancient palaces next to skyscrapers and night markets, and it’s the perfect location for anyone looking to experience a different side of Asia. And if you use this easy guide to Seoul’s coolest places to visit and the most sobering historical sights, you’ll walk away with memories that last a lifetime.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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Thanks for the info. Suggestions like “Mapo-Gu” are a bit ridiculous, if you pull it up on google maps that region could take a week or more of 6 hour days walking. I doubt anywhere but a small part of it is of interest, but where? Who knows. Same seems to be the case for Socheon which I don’t know how to pull up. We need like a center point or at least main strip indication please.

Hi Justin. It’s 33 minutes by bus to Mapo-Gu although I suppose you can walk there if you want. We have included this area for it’s general vibe and invite our readers to explore it on their own terms.

Hmm. Sorry what I mean is Mapo-Gu (in English Mapo District) is nearly half the size of Manhattan. Do you get what I mean when I say it wouldn’t make sense to tell someone “you can walk to Manhattan if you want, but once you are there you can experience the vibe and find everything?”

I also explored these fabulous attractions during my last tour and came back with an awesome experience.

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