Best Day Trips From Seoul
Seoul is one of the world's most chaotic, dynamic and liveliest cities.
The Korean Metropolis is a complete assault on the senses, and every once in a while, you may feel as though you need to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
During our time in Korea, we embarked on many great day trips from Seoul, so we thought we’d highlight the best ones here for you.
In this article, you will find day trips from Seoul for nature lovers, fascinating cultural day trips and even suggestions of the best day trips from Seoul to embark on based on the season you’re visiting South Korea.
So, let’s dive into: Best Day Trips from Seoul
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Best day trips from Seoul: At a Glance
| Why do it? | Day Trip from Seoul |
|---|---|
| Most Popular Day Trip | Korean DMZ Tour |
| Most Adventurous Day Trip | Everland Theme Park |
| Best Overall Day Trip | Nami Island |
Quick Seoul Travel Tips:
We’d recommend staying in Myeongdong during your time in Seoul. There are many great things to do in Myeongdong, including sampling the street food in Myeongdong. One of the best hostels in Seoul also happens to be in Myeongdong too, making it one of the best places to stay in Seoul.
Seoul Incheon Airport is the main international airport in Korea and is likely to be your first stop in the country. Thankfully, getting from Incheon Airport to Seoul is relatively straightforward - we’d recommend taking the Airport Railroad Express Train (AREX) as it’s the cheapest and quickest option.
Buy a Korean SIM Card at the airport once you land so you can use your data all throughout the country. Here’s how to do it:
One of the best South Korea travel tips is to download Naver Map and Google Translate before you arrive, both apps are going to come in handy during your time in Seoul
Consider buying a Discover Seoul Pass which covers 65 tourists attractions in Seoul and doubles up as your Transportation Card - meaning easy access to the subway system in Seoul
Best day trips from Seoul: Overview
Despite easily being able to fill a full 2-week travel itinerary in Seoul on its own, South Korea has plenty more to offer than just its amazing capital city.
Seoul can be used as a base for many amazing day trips - most being between 2 and 5 hours away. Many of the day trips on this list will be a full-day affair, often departing early in the morning and returning to Seoul late in the evening.
With that being said, however, the travel time is more than worth it when you get to experience many of the amazing places that South Korea has on offer.
More often than not, the best way to embark on day trips from Seoul is to join an organised tour - they are stress-free, with everything taken care of for you on well-structured itineraries.
So, here are a few examples of the best day tours from Seoul through organised tour companies.
Best day trips from Seoul
Korean DMZ
Visiting the Korean DMZ is arguably the most popular, poignant and sought-after day trip you can make from Seoul.
The DMZ (Demilitarised Zone) is a land border that separates South Korea from its unruly neighbour in the North.
The DMZ was established in the 1950s as a buffer zone between North and South Korea, and today, it remains one of the most heavily fortified borders in the world.
On a DMZ day tour from Seoul, you can visit the border and hear stories from families who were separated all those years ago and yet have to be reunited with their loved ones over 70 years later.
Imjingak Park - a park dedicated to the millions of Koreans who lost their lives during the Korean War and have been separated from their families since the DMZ was established - is the entrance to the DMZ and the first place you will visit.
You are only able to visit the DMZ on a registered, guided tour, which includes a visit to the Dora Observatory to see through the binoculars into North Korea and to the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, a tunnel built by the North in an attempt to infiltrate Seoul, and discovered mid-construction by the South.
Day-trip admission Cost: A day-trip from Seoul to the Korean DMZ typically costs between $60-150, depending on whether you choose the half-day, full-day or private tour options.
How to get there: read our guide to visiting the Korean DMZ to discover everything you need to know about visiting the world’s most heavily-fortified border.
The poignant Korean DMZ day trip from Seoul
Nami Island
Another popular day trip near Seoul is to visit the stunning Nami Island - a beautiful half-moon-shaped river island that has made a name for itself as one of the best tourist attractions near Seoul.
Nami Island, or Namiseom as it is often referred to, features beautiful landscapes, thick, luscious forests and amazing riverside walks.
If you’re a fan of Korean Dramas, then you’ll instantly recognise Nami Island as being the filming location for the hit K-drama ‘Winter Sonata’. Even during the summer, the island is populated with snowman figurines as an homage to the popular show.
Highlights of Nami Island include:
Alpaca World - interact with and feed adorable alpacas
Gangchon Rail Park - railbike experience through Nami Island along an old, converted rail track
Petite France - vibrant, brightly-coloured French Village seen in many K-dramas
Garden of Morning Calm - a stunning tranquil garden that hosts several festivals throughout the year
Day-trip admission Cost: An organised day trip from Seoul to Nami Island costs around $25, depending on the package. Alternatively, a shuttle bus from Seoul to Nami Island costs around $10, and admission fees vary for the attractions on the island itself.
How to get there: It is possible to visit Nami Island independently using public transport, but it’s easier to book an organised tour to see the main highlights or book the shuttle bus from Seoul to Nami Island.
Book tickets for the Round-trip shuttle from Seoul to Nami Island
See prices for Nami Island tour here through Klook or GetYourGuide
Nami Island - photo from Visit Korea
Suwon Hwaseong Fortress
Hwaseong Fortress is a brick-and-stone fortress dating back to the Joseon Period in Korean history. The fortress surrounds the city of Suwon, and today is a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Gyeonggi-do province of South Korea.
It was originally constructed in the late 1700s by King Jeongjo as a homage to his late father - the fortress even housed and protected his remains.
Visiting the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress is one of the best cultural day trips from Seoul and certainly a great place to see if you love discovering the history of the country that you’re visiting.
Top tip: seeing the fortress lit up at night-time is pretty spectacular!
Day-trip admission Cost: admission fees for the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress begin from 2500 KRW ($2) per person
How to get there: Suwon Hwaseong Fortress can be accessed via Subway Line 1 from central Seoul. It would take roughly 50 minutes of the subway from Insadong. The subway stop you’re aiming for is Hwaseo Station. Alternatively, there are many guided tours from Seoul.
Suwon Hwaseong Fortress - Photo by Mathew Schwartz
Toilet Museum (Haewoojae)
Undoubtedly the most unique Seoul day trip on this list, a trip to the infamous Toilet Museum in Haewoojae, 20km South of Central Seoul, is sure to live long in the memory.
In the late 1990s, the then Mayor of Suwon, Mr Sim Jae-Duck (aka. Mr Toilet), wanted to improve the standard of the public toilets in the area. They were old, smelly and rundown, and with the 2002 FIFA Football World Cup being hosted in South Korea, he wanted to make sure something was changed.
Public toilets in the Suwon area were soon transformed and modernised mainly to appease the imminent Western guests. He was so proud of the transformation that he opened a museum dedicated entirely to the humble toilet.
Today, the Toilet Museum offers an intriguing insight into Korean culture and its fascination with excrement - did you know there is even a toilet-and-poop-themed cafe in Seoul?
Day-trip admission Cost: admission to the Toilet Museum in Haewoojae is entirely free, making it one of the most affordable day trips from Seoul.
How to get there: Hop on the city bus (Lines 5, 63, 64 or 65) and get off at the Dongwon High School stop - from here it is a short 5 minute walk to the museum. Alternatively, you could combine a visit to the museum with a visit to the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress - a taxi from the fortress to the museum costs around 10000 KRW ($7).
Toilet Museum (Haewoojae)
Lotte World
Sometimes referred to as the ‘Disneyland of Korea’, Lotte World is a must-visit attraction in South Korea and easily one of the best day trips from Seoul.
Lotte World is divided into a few unique areas, each offering a completely different experience to the other.
Lotte World Adventure holds the prestigious title of being the world’s largest indoor amusement park and is home to 22 different rides and attractions.
Magic Island, found in the middle of Seokchon Lake, is home to 17 different themed rides - including the adrenaline-fuelled Atlantis roller coaster, arguably the most popular ride in Lotte World.
Other must-try rides/attractions at Lotte World: Gyro Swing; French Revolution; Flume Ride; Gyro Drop
Day-trip admission Cost: An adult 1-day pass for Lotte World begins at around 40000 KRW ($30), but you can save money per day if you buy a multi-day pass.
How to get there: the easiest way to get to Lotte World is to get on the subway (Seoul Subway Line 2 or 8) and off at the Jamsil Station - the station is directly connected to Lotte World. It is recommended to buy your ticket online and renew it at the ticket booths in Lotte World; the queue is much shorter, and you even get a discount on the regular in-person ticket price.
Here are the best ticket options:
Lotte World - Seoul - photo from Klook
Everland Theme Park
Another day trip from Seoul that is sure to appeal to the adrenaline junkies out there, Everland Theme Park is one of Korea’s largest and most thrilling Theme Parks.
Split into 5 unique areas - American Adventure, Global Fair, Zootopia, Magic Land, and European Adventure - Everland offers something for all ages.
Everland is a brilliant family-friendly day-out near Seoul and is a place that you’ll speak about for years and years after you’ve visited.
The park is also proudly home to the World’s steepest Wooden Roller Coaster, the T-Express.
Other notable rides at Everland: Amazon Express, Hurricane; Rolling X-Train, Thunder Falls
Day-trip admission Cost: An adult 1-day pass for Everland begins at around 35000 KRW ($27), but you can save money per day if you buy a multi-day pass.
How to get there: In terms of how to get to Everland from Seoul, there are several dedicated shuttle buses from Seoul to Everland operated by the Park itself (see full timetable here), but they are at very set times in the morning. To arrive earlier, it is better to book a shuttle bus operated by a private company for the same price and with greater schedule flexibility.
You can find a range of Everland packages and tickets on Klook and GetYourGuide.
Here are just a few of the best options:
Everland Theme Park - Photo by Skyler W
Jinhae
Despite being a 4.5-hour bus ride from the capital city, Jinhae offers a brilliant day trip from Seoul for those who want to experience the annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Spring.
Jinhae is perhaps most famous for its stunning, picturesque cherry blossom trees - the ones you see littered all over Instagram throughout the year.
Yet, interestingly, the festival that Jinhae is so famous for was originally designed as a homage to the Korean Military and Admiral Yi Sun-Shin - the cherry blossom blooming was a happy coincidence that transformed the popularity of the festival.
Day-trip information: while a day trip from Seoul to Jinhae is theoretically possible at all times of the year, it is significantly more popular during the Spring months when you can see the Cherry Blossom trees in their full glory.
How to get there: there is only one daily bus from Seoul to Jinhae - the intercity bus departs from Nambu Bus Terminal and costs 26000 KRW ($20). This bus takes over 4 hours, but during the Spring Months, it is possible to join an organised day trip from Seoul to Jinhae to make it easier to visit the Jinhae festival.
Jinhae Cherry Blossoms - Photo by Jean-Pierre Tran
Bukhansan National Park
It’s rare to find a National Park in such proximity to a Capital City, but that is precisely what Bukhansan National Park provides - making it one of the most convenient places to visit from Seoul.
First established as a National Park in 1983, Bukhansan (‘Mountains North of the Han River’) features imposing granite peaks and challenging hiking trails. It’s the perfect place to escape the chaotic city life and head deep into nature.
The most popular hiking route in Bukhansan National Park is the Baegundae Peak Summit - Seoul’s highest mountain. The challenging route takes anywhere between 4-8 hours to complete, depending on your fitness levels.
At the top, you are greeted with incredible views of the entire National Park, making the endeavour more than worthwhile.
Day-trip admission Cost: there is no entrance fee for Bukhansan National Park, so if you bring your own water and snacks, it is one of the cheapest possible day-trips from Seoul.
How to get there: take Subway Line 3 to Gupabal Station and then jump on one of the many buses that take you directly into the heart of the National Park. Alternatively, you can join a Mountain Expert on a hiking day tour of Bukhansan from Seoul.
Bukhansan National Park
Seoraksan National Park
Seoraksan National Park, roughly 3 hours northeast of Seoul, is widely considered one of South Korea’s most beautiful national parks.
Seoraksan National Park has a variety of incredible hiking and walking trails and makes the perfect day trip in Korea for those who love to get outdoors and explore the natural beauty of the Korean Peninsula.
One of the things you need to know before visiting Seoraksan National Park is that it will be one of the highlights of your South Korea travel itinerary and is worth a visit when you are in Seoul.
Highlights of Nami Island include:
Gwongeumseong Cable Car - a 10-minute cable car ride to the Gwongeumseong Fortress on top of Mount Seorak
Ulsanbawi Hike - one of Korea’s most beautiful hikes, the Ulsanbawi Rock Hike features an 800+ metal staircase ascent before reaching the stunning Ulsanbawi Rock
Sinheungsa Temple - significant temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism
Day-trip admission Cost: admission fees for Seoraksan National Park begin from 4500 KRW ($3.5) and entry to the Gwongeumseong Cable Car costs 11000 ($8).
How to get there: there are numerous daily express buses from Seoul to Sokcho (the nearest town to Seoraksan), beginning from 6 am and running until 11 pm. The bus can take anywhere up to 4 hours, though, so you would want to get an early bus where possible. Alternatively, the easiest and most reliable option is to join an organised day-trip from Seoul to Seoraksan National Park.
Korean temple in Seoraksan National Park
Dae Jang Geum Park Film Set
It’s not everyday that you get to tour around the film set of historic Korean Dramas, but that is precisely what Dae Jang Geum Park can provide.
On this half-day tour from Seoul, you get to visit the outdoor film set used for scenes in countless well-known Korean movies and TV Shows.
Previously known as MBC Dramia, the Dae Jang Geum Park film set is, unsurprisingly, the largest outdoor historical drama set in Korea and is now a very popular place to visit for a day trip near Seoul.
Day-trip admission Cost: admission fees for Dae Jang Geum Park film set begin from 5500 KRW ($6.5) per adult.
How to get there: it is possible to take two public buses from Yongin Bus Terminal to reach the film set, but it’s a lot more straightforward to book a half-day Dae Jang Geum Park tour through Viator instead - the tour included pick-up and drop-off from selected hotels in Seoul.
Dae Jang Geum Park - photo from Visit Korea
Korean Folk Village
Gain a unique insight into Korean life by visiting a Korean Folk Village in Yongin City on this amazing day tour from Seoul.
During your visit to the Korean Folk Village, you will be able to wander around traditional Korean houses, each coming from a different region across the Korean peninsula.
As an added bonus to this day trip from Seoul, you will even be treated to an authentic, live musical show from local Korean farmers.
The village accurately represents a traditional village from the Joseon period of Korean history - you can even enjoy ‘traditional life’ experiences from the same period inside the village, too.
Day-trip admission Cost: admission fees for the Korean Folk Village in Yongin City begin from 32000 KRW ($25) per adult
How to get there: there is a free shuttle bus between Suwon Station and the Korean Folk Village (view timetable here), but we have heard it is unreliable. If not, the best option is to join a Korean Folk Village day-trip from Seoul with Viator.
Korean Folk Village
Alpaca World
Visitors of all ages will surely enjoy a day trip to Alpaca World from Seoul. Korea’s largest forest farm is spread across an impressive 110,000 square feet.
Despite being a popular place to visit during any trip to Nami Island, we thought Alpaca World was worthy of its place in this list of the best Seoul day trips.
The main highlight of this day trip is being able to feed, stroke and even walk the alpacas - their fur is so soft and silky to touch, and they love getting out and going for walks with the tourists and guests to Alpaca World.
Thankfully, from an ethical standpoint, the animals are well looked after and are in very good health conditions.
Day-trip admission Cost: admission to Alpaca World is 15000 KRW ($12), but the entrance fee is usually included in your tour package.
How to get there: Public transport to Alpaca World is minimal, given the ceasing of operations of the public bus that used to operate from Seoul. Instead, we’d recommend visiting Alpaca World as part of an organised tour incorporating some other day-trips from Seoul.
Here are a few of the best Alpaca World day-trip options from Klook:
Eobi Ice Valley
For one of the best day trips from Seoul in Winter, look no further than the Eobi Ice Valley - a land of frozen waterfalls and impressive ice structures.
It is often said that in the past, fish would regularly swim upriver in Eobi Valley and be seen ‘flying’ out of the water in an attempt to get past the waterfalls.
While nowadays you’re unlikely to see any fish, mainly as the waterfall is frozen in winter, there is still the chance to pick fresh strawberries on this unique trip near Seoul.
Day-trip admission Cost: admission to the Eobi Ice Valley is included in the day-trip package.
How to get there: Eobi is a very tricky place to reach via public transport, so joining an organised tour that incorporates Eobi Ice Valley, Strawberry Picking and a trip to Nami Island seems like the most cost-effective solution.
Eobi Ice Valley
Vivaldi Park
There are many great things to do in Korea in winter and Vivaldi Park is another excellent example. Whether you want to experience the snow or whether you want to try skiing firsthand, Vivaldi Park is sure to be a brilliant day out.
This famous snowy resort has been featured in many K-dramas and is now home to a wonderful array of fantastic winter activities.
Skiing, snowboarding, sledding, tubing and snowmobiling are just some of the incredible activities available in Vivaldi Park.
There is a reason why Vivaldi Park Ski World has boasted the title of being Korea's most visited ski resort for 7 years in a row!
Day-trip admission Cost: a return shuttle bus ticket from Seoul to Vivaldi begins at roughly 40000 KRW ($30) but this doesn’t factor in fees for ski hire, ski passes or entrance to the Vivaldi Snowy Land.
How to get there: the easiest way to visit is through a dedicated Vivaldi Park shuttle bus - it’s stress free and very affordable - but it is possible to add the shuttle bus onto a package that includes Snowy Land and skiing. Take a look underneath.
Vivaldi Ski Resort - photo from Visit Korea
Naejangsan National Park
Naejangsan National Park, the final national park on this list, was designated as Korea’s 8th official national park in the early 1970s. Today it is perhaps best known for being one of the best places in Korea to see the famous Autumn (Fall) foliage.
It is easily one of Korea's most beautiful national parks, with the Naejangsan Observatory hike proving particularly popular in Autumn as it provides a staggering view of the spectacularly colourful scenery below.
Day-trip admission Cost: admission costs vary but typically the National Park entry fee is around 3000 KRW ($2).
How to get there: it is possible to get the KTX train from Seoul Station to Jeongeup Station, transfer to another train towards Osong Station, and then get a bus from Osong to Naejangsan. This is a pretty tricky process however, so it is best to try and book onto a Naejangsan National Park day-trip from Seoul that includes transportation from Seoul - demand is very very high for these day trips in Autumn, so you need to book well in advance!
Autumn foliage in Naejangsan National Park - Image by Sharon Ang
Incheon
Located around an hour West of Seoul, Incheon is perhaps most famous for being the home of Seoul Incheon Airport, the most popular international airport in Seoul, but the port city of Incheon has much more to offer than just its airport.
Incheon makes a great day trip from Seoul as it’s a popular destination for shopping and trying fresh Korean seafood. Among the highlights of Incheon is the 19th Century Chinatown area and the 17th Century Wolmido Island.
Wolmido Island is connected to the mainland via a bridge and monorail and features a small amusement park called Wolmi Theme Park.
Day-trip admission Cost: admission to Wolmi Theme Park in Incheon is totally free, though each attraction costs around 5000 KRW ($4) to ride.
How to get there: Public transport to Incheon is very thorough, thanks largely in part to the position of the airport in the area. To reach Wolmido Island, take the Subway (Subway Line 1 or Sunin Line) to Incheon Station.
Looking for a unique activity in Incheon? Try this 5.6km Seaside Rail Biking Experience that passes Wolmido Island and Incheon Bridge.
Ferris wheel on Wolmi Island - Incheon - Photo by Lee Jiyong
Jeonju
A city located roughly 2.5 hours South of Seoul, Jeonju is famous for its traditional Korean Houses, historic temples and delicious Korean cuisine.
While many opt to visit Jeonju over the course of a few days, it is possible to visit Jeonju on a day trip from Seoul.
The romantic setting and peaceful atmosphere of Jeonju make it a wonderfully relaxing day trip from Seoul.
Highlights of Jeonju include:
Hanok Village - beautiful, traditional Korean village
Gyeonggijeon Shrine - a 15th-century shrine dedicated to King Taejo, founder of the Joseon Dynasty
Try Bibimbap - arguably Korea’s most famous dish, Bibimbap is a delicious rice, meat and vegetable meal that was actually invented in Jeonju.
Day-trip admission Cost: the train ride down to Jeonju from Seoul costs around 34600 KRW ($31), but entry to all the major attractions from then on is free.
How to get there: the easiest and most efficient way to get to Jeonju from Seoul is to get the KTX train from Seoul Station. It takes around 1.5 hours and costs 34600 KRW ($31). Alternatively, Express buses leave regularly from the Seoul Express Bus Terminal but can take anywhere between 2-4 hours, so for a day trip from Seoul, taking the KTX train is recommended.
Top tip: Jeonju is the best place to rent traditional Korean Hanbok clothing - clothing worn by Koreans at celebrations and major gatherings
Jeonju - one of the most beautiful cities in South Korea
FAQs about Day Trips from Seoul
What is the best month to go to South Korea?
South Korea can serve as a brilliant year-round destination, depending on what you want to see while you visit. Typically, visiting between March and May gives you the best chance of seeing the famous cherry blossoms in full bloom, making it the best time to visit South Korea.
Other great months to visit Korea are January - February for the best chance of seeing South Korea draped in snow, while September - November provide the best opportunity to see the Korean peninsula covered in those beautiful Autumnal colours.
Can I do a day trip from Seoul to Busan?
Typically, people choose to stay in Busan for a few days, rather than simply doing a quick day trip from Seoul.
Having said that, however, it is possible to do a day trip from Seoul to Busan, but know that it will be rushed. In terms of how to get from Seoul to Busan, the train journey takes around 2.5 hours (each way), so if you catch an early morning train, you will have plenty of time to explore.
Thankfully, many of the main highlights of Busan (incl. Busan Tower and Jagalchi Fish Market) are close to Busan Station (where the trains from Seoul arrive).
What are the best day trips from Seoul in Spring?
Spring is famously the best time to view the Cherry Blossoms in full bloom in South Korea. Arguably, the best place to see this beautiful natural phenomenon is the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival - making it the best day trip from Seoul during Spring.
What are the best day trips from Seoul in Summer?
Visiting Nami Island is probably the most popular day trip from Seoul in the summer. The half-moon-shaped island is a truly beautiful place to visit, with stunning natural scenery and a somewhat romantic aura about it.
What are the best day trips from Seoul in Autumn/Fall?
Visiting the Korean National Parks in Autumn is always an extraordinary occasion - the vibrant reds, oranges and yellows from the changing leaves are a truly spectacular sight to behold. While the majority of the national parks on the Korean peninsula are beautiful at this time of the year, the best day trip from Seoul in Autumn/Fall has to be Naejangsan National Park.
What are the best day trips from Seoul in Winter?
South Korea is a fantastic winter destination and regularly experiences impressive levels of snowfall. As a result, the best day trips from Seoul in winter are Eobi Ice Valley, Vivaldi Park Ski World and Seoraksan National Park.
What are the best weekend trips from Seoul?
Busan is a popular weekend trip from Seoul, as although you can just about squeeze it into a day trip, you’re far more likely to see everything you can in an entire weekend. Alternatively, an extended weekend trip to the beautiful island of Jeju is a firm favourite amongst Koreans looking to escape Seoul for the holidays.
There we have it, folks, a conclusive round-up of the best day trips from Seoul.
Despite the city being jam-packed with incredible things to do, every once in a while, it is nice to escape and see a different part of South Korea.
Hopefully, this article has inspired you enough for your next Seoul Day Trip.
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