north korea day trip from seoul

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How to Visit North Korea’s DMZ Border (Updated 2023)

A s controversial a place as North Korea is, it's swiftly gaining attention from the curious tourist eye. Our intrigue to see it was piqued during a visit to Seoul with friends. Having now taken the DMZ tour ourselves, this highly informative if not haunting experience is one we would highly recommend . So, if you've got guts and a desire to get a snippet into one of the most closed countries on earth, here's how to do it!

Getting there & where to stay

First, you need to get yourself to Seoul, which is the nearest major city to the DMZ border. South Korea is only reachable by flight, with most planes flying into Incheon International Airport. Use Skyscanner and search by entire month to see the cheapest dates to fly. Be sure to check our flight booking hacks here to get yourself the best price. And don't forget to book your airport transfer and a 4G Data SIM card before you land!

A fast way to get a big discount on your flight is to sign up for the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card. This card offers a massive sign-up bonus of 60,000 bonus points (worth $750 ) after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. United and Singapore Airlines are both partner airlines of this card, and both offer flights to Seoul, meaning you can convert your points to these airline loyalty programs, or just book directly through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Seoul is a buzzing megacity with plenty of enticing accommodation options. There are plentiful  AirBNBs  and  hotel  selections, but be sure to reserve ahead in peak season. Some convenient neighbourhood options include Hongdae, Itaewon, Myeongdong, Gangnam, and Jamsil. Check  TripAdvisor  for more local tips and advice.

There is plenty to explore in Seoul itself, and a local guide can help ensure you catch the best of the best. Be sure to check out the Gyeongbok Palace & Temple , or grab the Seoul Pass , which grants free entry to 65 attractions and discounted entry to 101 more.

How to visit North Korea's DMZ Border:

Step 1. choose your points of interest.

There are several companies that operate DMZ tours. As much as I despise group tours, you can only visit the DMZ with a tour , as it has restricted civilian access and requires a mandatory military escort.

No two tours are the same, but you should choose one based on your budget, customer reviews, and points of interest that are included. Tours can be browsed with reviews, prices, and instant confirmation through Klook , GetYourGuide and Viator . The main highlights to select from are as follows:

The Joint Security Area (JSA)

Located in Panmunjom, the JSA is the closest point a tourist can get to North Korea . At this spot, you'll have a chance to physically stand in North Korea itself and take a photo as proof (more on that below). This area is occupied by the South Korean and US military, and is complete with a gift shop selling original items from North Korea, including stamps, money, and wine (which in our experience tastes like nail polish remover and turpentine but hey, at least you can say you tried it).

NOTE: As of 2023, the JSA is still closed to visitors due to COVID, and is not included in any tours.

Odusan Unification Observatory

One can safely view day-to-day life in North Korea without setting foot in the country at Mt Odu Observatory. Binoculars (free of charge) provide ultra zoomed up views of North Korea opposite the Han river below. On our visit we were able to see civilians walking around on the other side.

Infiltration Tunnels

Scarily enough, around the time that the North and South were having peace talks, North Korea began digging underground tunnels to infiltrate the South. They were never completed, but were discovered in 1984. The longest tunnel is 1,082 metres. The 3rd tunnel is the closest to Seoul (only 44km away) and could move ~30,000 troops and artillery per hour.

Dora Observatory

This observatory offers binocular views of North Korea's fake town, Kijong-dong. The town was first built in the 1950's to lure South Koreans to defect and move across the border. From visual observations from the South, it has been uninhabited with windowless, incomplete buildings since its construction.

Dora Observatory is so named after Dorasan the mountain on which it sits. The nearest train station has a fully completed train line that runs to Pyongyang. Though the North cooperated in its completion, it was never used. It is hoped that when re-unification is reached, the train line will be used to connect the two Koreas.

Freedom Bridge

The Freedom Bridge connects North and South Korea, though a massive barricade blocks entry to the connecting point over the river. If the two sides are ever connected, this bridge could be used to enter and exit North Korea.

Step 2. Select a tour

Once you've decided on your must-see highlights (as listed above), you can select a tour.

There are traditional tour companies to choose from, which are listed at the end of this article along with prices and contact information, but it's much easier to book tours online with Klook , GetYourGuide  and Viator . You pay in advance and get fast confirmation, so all you need to do is bring your voucher to the tour. There are reviews, photos, and videos that make choosing the right tour simple. The traditional companies require back and forth e-mail or phone communication when booking direct, so Klook , GetYourGuide  and  Viator are convenient ways to avoid all that hassle.

One of the most popular tours is this day tour on Klook , with more than 50,000 bookings. This is the tour most of our readers have chosen, and is the tour we would select today. Our trip was now several years ago, and at the time we took the Special Panmunjom Tour by Panmunjeom Travel Center  which does not visit the tunnels but goes to Odu Observatory and the JSA. This tour offered the chance to speak with a North Korean refugee (defector). This allowed us to learn about how people escape the North, how they adapt to life afterwards, and what knowledge they have of the outside world living in North Korea.

Get $10 USD off your first Klook purchase with coupon code THRIFTY10 (minimum spend $120 USD, new users only)

Here are some of the top-rated tours that can be booked online:

South Korea Demilitarized Zone Half-Day Tour (Bestseller)

From Seoul: Half-Day Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Tour

DMZ Past and Present: Korean Demilitarized Zone Tour from Seoul

Step 3. take ( lots of ) photos of north korea.

Much of the road towards the JSA border runs parallel to the Han River, which separates the two countries. It's nothing short of unique to be sitting in a bus with views of North Korea passing by out your window.

The binoculars at the Dora and Odu observatory provide ultra zoomed views of North Korea. One can even see North Korean civilians walking around on the other side, as we did during our visit at Odu . At Dora Observatory, North Korea's fake town, Kijong-dong, is viewed.

Step 4. Cross the border into North Korea

On a tension-free day at the JSA, one can legally take a step into North Korea. But how and why ?

The blue buildings pictured below are UN Command neutral zones. Midway, the inside of these blue buildings cross the North/South Korea border. Inside the building on the right (UNCMAC) is where meetings between the two countries are housed.

If you want photo evidence that you physically stood in North Korea, this can be done . You can pose with a South Korean soldier within  North Korea at the back of the UNCMAC room. Be warned though (and you will be), if you cross through the door behind you, no one is responsible for your safety as you'll be alone and in North Korea.

Important Points About DMZ Tours

• Many tours require reservation 2-5 days in advance , so check ahead.
• If visiting the JSA, you must sign a waiver agreeing that no one is responsible for accident, injury, or even death . Take comfort in the fact that these tours are done every day and you are accompanied by military escorts at the border!
• You must bring your passport for most tours , and it is checked by army personnel on arrival at the JSA.
• You must adhere to the specified dress code (e.g. no ripped jeans, sandals, or unkempt hair). These rules are strictly enforced as North Korean soldiers take photos and produce false propaganda that other countries are too poor to afford proper clothing.
• Tours can end unexpectedly at any time if tensions rise at the border . That means you are not be guaranteed to step into the UNCMAC at the JSA, nor is it certain you'll get a photo across the border.

In Summary…

Partaking in the DMZ tour allows yourself to gain much more depth on a humanitarian crisis that the world does not know enough about. If you have the chance to do this trip, I'd highly recommend it.

Tour Companies & Pricing

Alternatively, you can contact one of the tour companies below directly and book with them.

Panmunjeom Travel Center Website : www.panmunjomtour.com Telephone : +82-2-771-5593 (Korean, English, Japanese) Price : 80,000-77,000 won (~$60-$77 USD). All tours include lunch. Note : Tours offered in Korean, English, and Japanese. This is the only company that allows you to meet a North Korean defector/refugee, ask them questions, and better understand the human rights issues of North Korea.

VIP Travel Website: http://www.vviptravel.com/eng/ Telephone: 02-739-3501 ext. 4 Price: 55,000-135,000 won ($48 – $120 USD). Most tours include lunch. Notes: Tours offered in English, Japanese, Chinese. None of the tours include any forced shopping stops.

Koridoor Website :  www.koridoor.co.kr Telephone : 02-6383-2570 ext. 2 Price : 43-89,000 won (~$41-$80 USD). Most tours include lunch. Notes : Tours offered in English.

JSA Tour Website : www.jsatour.com Telephone : +82-2-2266-3350 Price : 85,000-120,000 won (~$85-$120 USD). All tours include lunch. Notes : Tours offered in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese.

DMZ Spy Tour Website : www.dmzspytour.com Telephone : +82-10-3950-8350 Price: 88,000-114,000 won (~$88-$114 USD). Tours include lunch. Notes : Tours offered in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese.

International Culture Service Club Website : www.tourdmz.com Telephone : +82-2-755-0073 Price : 65,000-85,000 won (~$65-$85 USD). All tours include lunch. Notes : Tours offered in Korean, English and Japanese. This is the only company that does Saturday tours.

Seoul City Tour Website : www.seoulcitytour.net Telephone : +82-2-774-3345 Price: 40,000-125,000 won (~$40-$125 USD). Only some tours include lunch. Notes : Tours are offered in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese.

KTB Tour Website : www.go2korea.co.kr Telephone : +82-2-778-0150 Price : 65,000-130,000 won (~$65-$130 USD). All tours include lunch. Notes : Tours offered in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese.

DMZ & JSA Tour (Professional Guide Service / Celebrity's choice Agency) Website : www.cosmojin.com Telephone : +82-2-318-0345 (Korean, English, Japanese), +82-2-318-0425 (Chinese) Price : 46,000 won (~$46 USD) for half-day tour, 87,000 won (~$87 USD) for full day tour. Lunch included on full day tour. Notes : Tours offered in Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese.

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You guys are so brave! This makes me a bit nervous and I’m not sure I would be able to do it!

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In My Korea

25 Best Day Trips From Seoul: Tours From Seoul To Try In 2024

As the pulsating capital of Korea, Seoul offers a dizzying array of sights and experiences for visitors. This massive metropolis packs in enough attractions, entertainment, and diversity to keep travellers occupied for months. Yet just beyond the city limits lies a fascinating array of day trip destinations await you. Discover the best Seoul day trips and see more of Korea today.

Ranging from tranquil islands to preserved historic villages that transport you back in time, these easy excursions provide a compelling taste of Korean history, culture and natural beauty. This list of the 25 best day tours from Seoul will ignite your exploration outside the capital and show you many of the wonderful sights Korea has to offer. There’s definitely a day trip that will suit you here.

All of the day trips from Seoul covered in this article are accessible within a day, meaning you can travel out for an action packed day of exploration and return to your hotel in Seoul. Several of these locations can be combined into one day trip, such as Nami Island, Garden of Morning Calm, and Alpaca World. I’ll include tour links to combined tours when they are as they’re a convenient way to see more.

Table of Contents

Affiliate Disclaimer :  This site contains affiliate links and I may earn commission for purchases made after clicking these links.

Why Book A Day Tour From Seoul?

Embarking on a day tour from Seoul is a must when you visit Korea as it offers you a unique opportunity to explore the country’s rich heritage , stunning natural landscapes , and vibrant local culture beyond the bustling capital. I think these Seoul day trips will provide deeper insights into Korea than you’ll find in the capital and leave you with a better understanding of what Korea’s really like.

These day trips give you a way to discover historical sites like the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress , natural wonders such as Nami Island , and unique attractions like the DMZ , showcasing the poignant history and beauty of Korea. These destinations, which are all accessible in a day, give you the chance to contrast Seoul to other parts of Korea and I’m sure you’ll notice some big differences.

Whether it’s indulging in traditional Korean experiences at the Jeonju Hanok Village or exploring the enchanting Gwangmyeong Cave , these day tours from Seoul cater to a wide range of interests, ensuring memorable experiences from your journey. Moreover, they offer insights into Korea’s diverse regions, making them essential for those looking to experience the country’s cultural charms.

Quick links : Looking for a certain type of day tour from Seoul? Use the links below to jump straight to the section that interests you, or keep on reading to discover all of these tours.

Most Popular

Korean Culture

Family Friendly

Nature Lovers

Offbeat Korea

How To Book Day Tours From Seoul

The most convenient way to book a day trip from Seoul is through user-friendly online platforms like Klook , Viator , Trazy , and Get Your Guide . These sites make exploring beyond Seoul simple by aggregating reliable tours complete with reviews, easy online booking in your chosen currency, e-tickets, and even transportation coordination from central pick-up points. I use them to book tours myself.

I recommend booking day tours in advance when visiting Korea (especially if you’re travelling in spring or autumn) for these reasons:

• Guarantee your booking and avoid disappointment.
• Almost always cheaper than buying on the day.
• You can read reviews and see if the tour is right for you.
• You can pay with your home credit card.

Learn more : Paying in your home currency is often easier and cheaper than converting money into Korean won. Booking ahead is one of the tips included in my guide to paying in Korea , which covers ways to save on travel money in Korea and alternatives to relying on exchanging cash to travel.

Where To Stay For Seoul Day Trips

Tour companies offering day trips out from Seoul might collect you directly from your hotel, but more often they prefer to arrange pickups in these three popular districts:

If you’re planning to take some day trips while you’re staying in Seoul, then I recommend staying in one of these locations as you’ll find it easier to arrange tour pickups. There are some excellent hotels in Myeongdong , Hongdae , and Gangnam and these are the most popular areas to stay. To learn more about Seoul’s districts, check out my guide about where to stay in Seoul .

Using Public Transport In Korea

Public transport in Seoul and Korea in general is amazing and services run frequently, actually turn up on time, and cost little. You can travel between cities for less than $10 and tickets cost the same regardless of when you use them. Transportation in Seoul is provided in multiple languages and is easy to use. While it’s great in Seoul, relying on public transport beyond the city can prove challenging.

Destinations outside Seoul may not be well connected, especially in the Korean countryside. Infrequent services, complex transfers and language barriers leave DIY day trips prone to confusion and wasted time, even for experienced travellers. Booking a guided tour ensures stress-free travel to and from Seoul on comfortable buses or vans, direct to each location with expert commentary, too.

It’s certainly possible to use public transport for some destinations, such as Nami Island, but for a hassle-free day trip from Seoul, tours are much simpler than using public transport, which requires research and planning. If you want to use public transport for your day trips, I recommend Naver Map or Kakao Map for directions, along with Papago to help translate Korean to English as you travel.

Planning to visit Korea? These travel essentials will help you plan your trip, get the best deals, and save you time and money before and during your Korean adventure.

Visas & K-ETA: Some travellers to Korea need a Tourist Visa , but most can travel with a Korean Electronic Travel Authorisation (K-ETA). Currently 22 Countries don’t need either one.

How To Stay Connected : Pre-order a Korean Sim Card or a WiFi Router to collect on-arrival at Incheon Airport (desks open 24-hours). Alternatively, download a Korean eSIM for you travels.

Where To Stay : For Seoul, I recommend Myeongdong (convenient), Hongdae (cool culture) or Gangnam (shopping). For Busan, Haeundae (Beach) or Seomyeon (Downtown).

Incheon Airport To Seoul : Take the Airport Express (AREX) to Seoul Station or a Limo Bus across Seoul. Book an Incheon Airport Private Transfer and relax to or from the airport.

Korean Tour Operators : Tour companies that have a big presence in Korea include Klook , Trazy , Viator , and Get Your Guide . These sites offer discounted entry tickets for top attractions.

Seoul City Passes : Visit Seoul’s top attractions for free with a Discover Seoul Pass or Go City Seoul Pass . These passes are great for families and couples visiting Seoul – you can save lots.

How To Get Around : For public transport, grab a T-Money Card . Save money on Korea’s high speed trains with a Korea Rail Pass . To see more of Korea, there are many rental car options from Klook , EconomyBookings , and RentalCars .

Travel Money : Use money exchanges near Myeongdong and Hongdae subway stations for the best exchange rates. Order a Wise Card or WOWPASS to pay by card across Korea.

Flights To Korea : I use flight comparison sites such as Expedia and Skyscanner to find the best flights to Korea from any country. Air Asia is a good option for budget flights from Asia.

Travel Insurance : It is important to insure your trips to protect yourself against the unexpected. World Nomad is a specialized travel insurance provider with options for different coverage for travellers from around the world. You can also purchase cover when you are already travelling.

How To Learn Korean : The language course from 90 Day Korean or Korean Class 101 both have well-structured lessons and lots of useful resources to help you learn Korean.

Top 10 Seoul Day Trips For Sightseeing

With endless fascinating sights and experiences to discover beyond the capital, narrowing down the most celebrated Seoul day tours offers a great starting point to explore more of the country. These ten destinations repeatedly rate as top favourites amongst both Korean and international visitors seeking to unlock the cultural, historical and natural highlights waiting beyond Seoul’s borders.

1: Nami Island

Nami Island , located in Chuncheon, is a half-moon shaped isle known for its breathtaking landscapes and cultural attractions. Established as a tourist destination in 1965, the island covers an area of 430,000 square metres and is renowned for its tree-lined walking paths, making it a picturesque escape from the urban hustle of Seoul and one of Korea’s best day trips.

What to see and do : The island offers a variety of attractions, from its beautiful tree lanes, such as Ginkgo Tree Lane and Metasequoia Lane, to cultural sites like the UNICEF Charity Train. You can enjoy cycling, zip-lining to the island, traditional Korean foods, and seasonal events. The island also features art galleries, performance stages, and water sports during the summer.

Suitable for : families, couples, and nature enthusiasts.

Recommended day tours from Seoul:

• Nami Island and Gapyeong Sights Day Tour by Klook
• Nami Island, Korean Garden & Rail Bike Day Trip by Get Your Guide

How to get there : If you want to make your own way to Nami Island, check out my guide about how to get to Nami Island from Seoul by car, tours, and public transportation.

2: Garden Of Morning Calm

The Garden of Morning Calm is a serene botanical garden located in Gapyeong County. Established in 1996, it spans 30,000 square meters and features Korean traditional garden concepts. The garden is a tranquil retreat showcasing Korea’s natural beauty through its diverse plant species and landscaped gardens. One of the most beautiful of these Seoul day trips, especially in spring and summer.

What to see & do : You can explore themed gardens, scenic walking paths, and seasonal festivals, including the Spring Garden Festival and the Winter Illumination Festival. Highlights include the Wild Flower Garden, Pine Garden, and the picturesque Pond Garden. The garden also offers cultural experiences and workshops, making it a place of learning and relaxation.

Suitable for : nature lovers, families, and photographers.

• Garden of Morning Calm and Gapyeong Sights Day Tour by Klook
• Garden of Morning Calm Tours by Get Your Guide

3: Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) Area

The DMZ, or Demilitarised Zone , separates North and South Korea, extending 250 kilometres across the peninsula. This buffer zone, established in 1953, is a significant symbol of the Korean War’s cessation (but not end). It offers a unique insight into the geopolitical tensions and history of the region, making it a compelling destination for Seoul day trips.

What to see and do : Tours from Seoul to the DMZ allow you to explore observation posts, tunnels dug by North Korea, and the Joint Security Area (currently unavailable). The area also hosts exhibitions and historical sites, providing educational insights into the Korean conflict. These tours often include visits to key landmarks, such as the Freedom Bridge and the Third Infiltration Tunnel.

Suitable for : history buffs, political enthusiasts, and modern history lovers.

Current DMZ tour issues : Due to the recently increased tensions with North Korea, as well as a swine flu outbreak in the area, the Joint Security Area is currently closed to tourists.

• Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Tour by Klook
• DMZ, 3rd Tunnel & Suspension Bridge Guided Tour by Get Your Guide

4: Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress , a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a late 18th-century fortification in Suwon, South Korea. It represents the pinnacle of 18th-century military architecture, combining Eastern and Western design principles. The fortress encompasses a wall stretching nearly 6 kilometres, featuring four gates and numerous defensive structures, making it a standout destination for Seoul day trips.

What to see & do : You can explore the fortress walls, offering panoramic views of Suwon city. The site includes impressive gates, watchtowers, and pavilions. The Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, within the fortress, showcases royal residences and administrative buildings. Cultural events, martial arts performances, and traditional archery experiences are also available, enriching tours from Seoul.

Suitable for : history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and families.

• Suwon Hwaseong Day Tour by Klook
• Suwon Hwaseong Fortress & Folk Village Day Tour by Get Your Guide

5: Yongin Korean Folk Village

The Yongin Korean Folk Village is a living museum located in Yongin that recreates traditional Korean life from the Joseon Dynasty. Spanning over 243 acres, it features over 260 traditional houses, offering a deep dive into Korea’s cultural heritage, making it a popular choice for day trips. This tour from Seoul is often combined with the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress and other attractions nearby.

What to see & do : Witness traditional Korean crafts, such as pottery and weaving, watch folk music and dance performances, and explore a traditional marketplace. The village also offers hands-on experiences like traditional games and seasonal activities, including farming. Attractions include martial arts demonstrations and traditional wedding ceremonies, providing a look into historical Korean culture.

Suitable for : cultural enthusiasts, families, and anyone interested in Korea’s traditional lifestyle.

• Yongin Korean Folk Village Tour by Klook
• Korean Folk Village and Suwon Hwaseong Fortress Tour by Get Your Guide

6: Jeonju Hanok Village

Jeonju Hanok Village , located in the heart of Jeonju, is a vibrant cultural district renowned for its 800 beautifully preserved traditional Korean hanok houses. This picturesque village serves as a living museum, encapsulating the essence of the Joseon Dynasty’s architectural and cultural heritage.

You are transported back in time, as you wander through narrow alleys lined with tile-roofed houses, artisanal workshops, and quaint tea houses. The village’s commitment to maintaining traditional Korean crafts, cuisine, and culture makes it perfect for those seeking an authentic tour from Seoul.

What to see & do : You can explore traditional tea houses, artisan workshops, and cultural museums. The Jeonju Hanji Museum, dedicated to traditional Korean paper, and the Jeonju Korean Traditional Wine Museum are highlights. Traditional Korean dress (hanbok) rental is popular, along with sampling authentic Jeonju bibimbap, making it a vibrant mix of cultural exploration and culinary delight.

Suitable for : cultural enthusiasts, photographers, and foodies.

• Jeonju Hanok Village Day Tour by Klook
• Jeonju Hanok Village Korean Food Tour by Trazy
• Jeonju Hanol Village Tours by Get Your Guide

7: Alpaca World

Alpaca World is a scenic area within easy reach from Seoul and one of the best places to see cuddly critters in leafy surroundings. This expansive park is not just about alpacas; it’s an animal haven set against the backdrop of Korea’s beautiful natural landscape. You have the chance to interact closely with alpacas, deer, and other animals in an environment that prioritises their wellbeing and freedom.

What to see & do : Beyond feeding and walking with alpacas, you can try activities such as horse riding, exploring the ecological forest, and crafting. The park also features thematic gardens, picnic areas, and walking trails, making it an ideal spot for leisure and learning about animal care and nature conservation. The hands-on interactions with the animals provide a memorable experience for all ages.

Suitable for : families, animal lovers, and nature enthusiasts.

• Alpaca World & Popular Sights Day Tour by Klook
• Gangwon-do Day Trip with Alpaca World & Nami Island by Get Your Guide

8: Gangchon Rail Park

Gangchon Rail Park offers you an outdoor adventure combining scenic beauty with physical activity. The repurposed old railway tracks allow you to pedal rail bikes through tunnels, over bridges, and along rivers. Covering a distance that showcases the stunning rural landscapes of Korea, it’s an innovative way to explore the countryside, making it a popular choice for day trips from Seoul.

What to see & do : The main attraction is the rail biking experience, where you can pedal along old railroad tracks while enjoying the surrounding nature. The course includes features like tunnels, adorned with lights and music, and panoramic views of the river and countryside. Additionally, the park offers rest areas with scenic photo spots to witness the beauty of the Korean landscape.

Suitable for : active travellers, families, and groups seeking a unique experience in nature.

• Gangchon Rail Park and Gapyeong Sights Day Tour by Klook
• Gangchon Rail Bike, Nami Island & Korean Garden Day Trip by Get Your Guide

9: Petite France

Petite France is a French-themed village that stands as a beacon of European charm within Korea. This cultural village is designed to emulate the atmosphere of a quaint French town, featuring brightly coloured buildings, cobblestone streets, and a collection of European dolls, antique musical instruments, and French literature. It’s a eccentric enclave that offers a uniquely European escape.

What to see & do : Within its boundaries, you can explore a variety of attractions including the Saint-Exupéry Memorial Hall dedicated to the author of “The Little Prince,” puppet shows, and street performances that capture the essence of French culture. The village also offers workshops on French crafts and cooking, making it a place of both entertainment and learning with lots of photo opportunities.

Suitable for : families, couples, and Francophiles.

• Petite France and Gapyeong Sights Day Tour by Klook
• Petite France, Nami Island, and Garden of Morning Calm Tour by Get Your Guide

10: Gwangmyeong Cave

Gwangmyeong Cave is a former gold mine transformed into a cultural and recreational space. This subterranean complex is a fusion of historical, cultural, and entertainment elements, offering a unique experience beneath the earth’s surface. It boasts illuminated caverns, underground lakes, and themed exhibitions, making it a great destination for those seeking an adventurous day trip from Seoul.

What to see & do : In Gwangmyeong Cave you can explore a variety of interesting attractions including the Wine Cave, where Korean wines are showcased and available for tasting, and the Golden Road, which tells the history of the mine’s gold extraction era. The cave also hosts art installations, a concert hall, and an aquarium, providing diverse entertainment options.

Suitable for : adventurers, families, and those interested in geologic phenomena.

• Gwangmyeong Cave & Hwadam Botanic Garden Day Tour by Klook

Korean Culture Lovers Day Trips From Seoul

These day trips from Seoul are for the K-culture lovers, both modern and traditional, who want to spend a day away from Seoul to see unmissable destinations from TV, movies, art, and nature. If you’re a fan of BTS or modern K-culture, then you’ll love the BTS tour and a visit to Dae Jang Geum Park. Families and couples will be pleasantly surprised with day tours in Pocheon and Gangneung, too.

BTS ARMY Fan Tours From Seoul

BTS-themed tours from Seoul offer fans of the global K-pop sensation a unique journey through the places associated with BTS’s rise to fame. These tours cover iconic sites outside Seoul that hold significance to the band’s history, such as music video locations, favourite hangouts, and significant locations in their career. It’s an immersive experience that brings fans closer to the footsteps of BTS.

What to see & do : Participants can visit sites inside and outside of Seoul, like the BTS bus stop at Hyangho Beach from the “Spring Day” music video, Yongin Daejanggeum Park where Suga recorded “Daechwita”, and Seoul sights such as Hakdong Park , Yoojung Sikdang , and the old Big Hit headquarters . Some tours offer exclusive merchandise and photo shoots at famous BTS-related spots.

Suitable for : ARMYs, K-pop enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the cultural phenomenon of BTS.

• BTS Fan ARMY Must Visit Day Tour from Seoul by Klook
• BTS Fan Tour with Gangneung Beach by Get Your Guide

Yongin Dae Jang Geum Park Tour

Yongin Dae Jang Geum Park , previously known as MBC Dramia, is an expansive outdoor film set. This site is famous for being the filming location of numerous popular Korean historical dramas, including “Dae Jang Geum.” Tours from Seoul offer fans of K-dramas and K-movies a behind-the-scenes look at the settings of their favourite productions, showcasing traditional Korean architecture and culture.

What to see & do : You can explore the meticulously constructed sets that replicate historical palaces, villages, and landscapes from various periods of Korean history. Tours provide insights into the filming processes and stories behind the scenes. There’s the opportunity to dress in traditional Korean costumes, and occasional reenactments and performances really bring the drama to life.

Suitable for : fans of Korean dramas, history buffs, and those interested in traditional Korean culture.

• Yongin Dae Jang Geum Park Tour by Klook
• Classic K-Drama Dae Jang Geum Park Tour by Get Your Guide

Pocheon Art Village And Herb Island

Day tours from Seoul to Pocheon Art Valley and Herb Island offer a blend of natural beauty, art, and aromatic experiences. Pocheon Art Valley, a transformed granite quarry, now serves as a cultural space featuring sculptures, an art museum, and a picturesque lake. Herb Island, focusing on Mediterranean herbs, lights up with fairy-tale illuminations at night, creating a magical atmosphere.

What to see & do : In Pocheon Art Valley, you can enjoy scenic landscapes, explore art installations, and take part in craft workshops. The monorail provides easy access to stunning views. Herb Island gives you a chance to wander through lavender fields, participate in soap-making classes, and explore themed gardens and greenhouses. Visit at night to see the entire island aglow with decorative lights.

Suitable for : art lovers, nature enthusiasts, and families looking for a creative day of delights.

• Pocheon Art Valley & Herb Island Day Tour by Klook
• Pocheon Art Valley, Herb Island, & Fruit Picking by Get Your Guide

Gangneung K-Culture Day Trip

Gangneung is a beautiful beach city on the east coast of Korea accessible from Seoul in under 2 hours by KTX high speed train. Known as a city of coffee, nature, and culture, the city boasts festivals dedicated to coffee (Gangneung Coffee Festival), cherry blossoms (Gyeongpo Cherry Blossom Festival), and beach life (Gyeongpo Beach Beer Festival & Gangneung Gyeongpo Summer Festival).

What to see & do : Day trips will take you to some top cultural destinations in the area, including Jumunjin to see the filming location of the popular Korean drama “Goblin”. Nearby, K-pop fans can visit the bus stop featured in BTS’s “Spring Day” music video – a must-see for diehard A.R.M.Y fans! The area also offers new attractions like the immersive light and shadow art experience – ARTE Museum.

Suitable for : art lovers, culture vultures, and those interested in modern K-culture.

• Gangneung hotspot Tour! BTS Bus Stop, Goblin, Arte Museum by Klook
• Gyeongpo Lake, BTS Bus Stop, Jumunjin Beach Tour by Trazy

Family Friendly One Day Trips From Seoul

If you’re looking for a family-friendly break from Seoul, then these theme parks and attractions will provide a whole day of outdoor fun for all. While Seoul offers great theme parks like Lotte World Adventure , the destinations outside Seoul are bigger and have more to see and do – making them worth a visit. Here are some fun day trips from Seoul to enjoy during summer and other seasons.

Caribbean Bay Water Park

Caribbean Bay Water Park , part of the Everland Resort in Yongin, is one of the largest water parks in the world. Offering a tropical Caribbean theme, it features a wide range of water-based attractions, including wave pools, water slides, and a lazy river. Tours from Seoul to Caribbean Bay provide a refreshing escape from the city, allowing visitors to enjoy thrilling rides and relaxation in a picturesque setting.

What to see & do : You can experience exhilarating water slides of varying heights and speeds, the expansive wave pool capable of generating artificial waves, and the relaxing lazy river that meanders through the park. The Aqua Loop, a high-speed slide with a 360-degree loop, is a must-try for thrill-seekers. If you’re just looking to relax, the spa and sauna facilities offer a serene retreat.

Suitable for : families, groups of friends, and anyone seeking fun and adventure in a water park setting.

• Caribbean Bay Water Park in Yongin One Day Pass by Klook

Everland Theme Park

Everland theme park , also in Yongin, is Korea’s largest theme park and offers a diverse range of attractions across its zones – Global Fair, American Adventure, Magic Land, European Adventure, and Zootopia. Combining thrilling rides, themed areas, and a zoo, tours from Seoul to Everland provide a day of adventure and fun, making it a top choice for those seeking excitement outside the city.

What to see & do : Visitors can enjoy high-speed roller coasters, such as the T-Express, family-friendly rides, and seasonal festivals. Zootopia offers close encounters with animals, including a panda habitat and a safari ride. The park’s beautifully landscaped gardens and parades add to the festive atmosphere. For those looking to cool down, check out the aforementioned water park, Caribbean Bay.

Suitable for : families, thrill-seekers, and anyone looking for a fun-filled day out.

• Everland Theme Park Day Tour by Klook
• Everland Admission Ticket with Transfer by Get Your Guide

Legoland Korea

Legoland Korea is a newly opened theme park that brings the iconic Lego brand to life. This family-oriented park features over 40 rides, shows, and attractions across various themed zones, each dedicated to the creativity and fun of Lego building blocks. Day tours from Seoul to Legoland Korea offer an immersive experience into a world of imagination and innovation for Lego fans of all ages.

What to see & do : The park is divided into themed areas, including Miniland, where iconic landmarks from around the world are recreated in Lego form. Visitors can enjoy interactive rides, build and test their own Lego creations, and watch 4D cinema presentations. For younger guests, Duplo playgrounds provide a safe and exciting environment. The park also hosts seasonal events.

Suitable for : families with children, Lego enthusiasts, and those looking for a creative day out.

• Legoland Round-trip Shuttle from Seoul by Klook
• Legoland Korea Trip with Rail Bike or Luge Racing Car by Get Your Guide

Day Trips From Seoul To See Nature

Some of the most-loved day trips from Seoul introduce you to the abundant green sights you’ll find outside Korea’s capital, including the aforementioned Nami Island, Garden of Morning Calm, and Pocheon Art Valley. There are plenty more natural wonders awaiting you in the Korean countryside, with massive mountains , serene rivers , picturesque forests and gardens , and more, to discover.

Seoraksan National Park

Seoraksan National Park is renowned for its breathtaking natural scenery, including rugged mountains, narrow valleys, and dense forests. It’s a UNESCO Biosphere Protection site, offering an escape into nature’s tranquility. Day tours from Seoul to Seoraksan allow you to explore Korea’s natural beauty, with the park’s changing seasons offering many wonderful sights, especially during autumn.

What to see & do : The park features a range of hiking trails for all abilities, from easy walks to challenging climbs, leading to stunning vistas and natural landmarks like the Ulsanbawi Rock. Don’t want to hike? Take the cable car to Gwongeumseong and see panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. You can explore Buddhist temples in the park, including picturesque Sinheungsa Temple.

Suitable for : nature lovers, hikers, and those seeking a peaceful retreat into natural beauty.

• Seoraksan & Nami Island One Day Tour by Klook
• Seoraksan Hike with Naksansa Temple or Nami Island by Get Your Guide

• Hwadam Botanical Gardens And Forest

Hwadam Botanical Garden is a meticulously designed ecological space that combines traditional Korean and modern landscaping techniques. This self-sustaining garden is known for its extensive collection of native and exotic plants, making it a haven for botany enthusiasts. Day tours from Seoul to Hwadam Botanical Garden offer a serene escape into nature and a literal breath of fresh air.

What to see & do : Meander through themed sections, including a conifer garden, medicinal herb garden, and a wetland ecosystem, each offering unique plants and educational insights. The garden’s walking paths and scenic bridges over ponds create a peaceful environment for your to relax and take photos. Visit for seasonal events, such as the spring cherry blossom festival and autumn foliage viewing.

Suitable for : nature enthusiasts, families, and photographers looking for a tranquil day out.

• Hwadam Botanical Gardens & Popular Sights Day Tour by Klook

Namhansanseong Fortress

Namhansanseong Fortress , a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands as a testament to Korea’s historical military architecture and strategic significance. Located on a mountainous terrain south-east of Seoul, this fortress offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Tours from Seoul provide insight into Korea’s rich history, with well-preserved fortifications that date back to the 17th century.

What to see & do : The fortress encompasses several walking trails leading to historical sites, including ancient gates, command posts, and Buddhist temples like the Sudoksa Temple. You can explore the Emergency Palace, which served as a refuge for kings during invasions. The combination of natural beauty and historical discovery waiting to be found here makes for a fulfilling experience.

Suitable for : history enthusiasts, hikers, and anyone interested in exploring Korea’s cultural heritage.

• Namhansanseong Fortress Walking Tour by Klook

Yangpyeong Dumulmeori

Yangpyeong Dumulmeori is famed for its picturesque natural landscapes that have inspired countless photographers and filmmakers. This tranquil spot, easily accessible via day tours from Seoul, is named ‘Dumulmeori’ for its water’s resemblance to a ‘head of two waters’. It’s an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat into nature, with its stunning vistas and serene atmosphere.

What to see & do : You can enjoy leisurely walks along the riverbank, take memorable photographs of the traditional Korean boats and the iconic willow trees lining the water’s edge, or explore the nearby Semiwon Garden. Seasonal changes bring a dynamic beauty to the area, with lush greens in summer, vibrant blooms in spring, and fiery colours showcasing gorgeous autumn foliage.

Suitable for : photographers, nature lovers, and anyone looking for a day of scenic beauty.

• Yangpyeong Dumulmeori Yongmun Temple & Paragliding Tour by Klook

One-Day Tours From Seoul With A Difference

This final set of Seoul day trips offer a chance to see more offbeat sights, join in exciting outdoor activities, and visit other notable cities in Korea. There are lots of extreme sports and cities you could visit on a day trip, which will be covered in other articles. These four destinations will give you a chance to get away from the main tourist areas, see some unusual sights, and try fun activities.

Danyang Paragliding & Sightseeing Tours

Danyang paragliding tours offer an exhilarating escape into the skies, showcasing some of Korea’s most breathtaking landscapes from a bird’s-eye view. Danyang is renowned for its scenic beauty, including lush mountains and clear rivers. This tour provides a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of flight, making it a popular choice for adventure seekers looking to get away from the urban jungle.

What to see & do : You can soar above the picturesque landscapes of Danyang, taking in views of the winding rivers, rugged cliffs, and verdant forests. The experience is made safe and enjoyable under the guidance of experienced instructors, ensuring a memorable adventure. Besides paragliding, you can explore the local attractions, such as the Gosu Cave and Dodamsambong Peaks.

Suitable for : thrill-seekers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone looking to experience an adrenaline rush.

• Danyang Paragliding & Popular Sights Day Tour by Klook

Jebu Island Marine Cable Car

Jebu Island (Seohaerang) Marine Cable Car offers a unique vantage point to explore the natural beauty and coastal landscapes of Jebu Island. This is a great opportunity to experience this island’s scenic views from above, including its famous tidal flats, surrounding waters, and the impressive Siwha Sea Barrier. The cable car ride presents panoramic vistas that will surely captivate you.

What to see & do : The cable car journey allows you to witness the dramatic changes of the tide at Jebu Island’s mudflats, a phenomenon that reveals the seabed at low tide and hides it beneath the waves at high tide. Additionally, you can explore the island’s attractions, such as the Jebu Island Lighthouse and various coastal trails, offering leisurely walks with stunning seaside views.

Suitable for : families, couples, and photography enthusiasts interested in Korea’s coastal landscapes.

• Jebu Island Marine Cable Car, Uiwang Railbike & Starlight Village Tour by Klook

Day Trip To Busan By KTX Train

As the country’s second-largest city, Busan offers a diverse array of attractions, from ancient Buddhist temples to modern skyscrapers that line the waterfront. Day tours from Seoul to Busan are an excellent way to experience the unique blend of culture, cuisine, and natural beauty that this city has to offer. However, as this is a large city, I would recommend staying at least 1 night to see the sights.

Although there aren’t really any guided tours to Busan from Seoul, it’s easy enough to get to Korea’s second biggest city and back in a day thanks to the KTX high speed train network that links the two cities. This is a good way to use the unlimited Korean rail pass . Once you’re in Busan, the main sights can be accessed by public transport or a city tour that starts once you arrive.

What to see & do : Highlights of a Busan tour include Haeundae Beach, renowned for its scenic beauty and festive atmosphere; Gamcheon Culture Village, with its brightly painted houses and artistic vibe; and Jagalchi Fish Market, where you can taste fresh seafood. The Haedong Yonggungsa Temple offers spiritual serenity by the sea, and Taejongdae Park presents panoramic ocean views,

Suitable for : beach lovers, cultural explorers, and food enthusiasts keen to try culinary delights.

• Busan One Day City Tour by Klook
• Busan Coastal Wonders & Cultural Gems Tour by Get Your Guide

Day Trip To Incheon City

Incheon City is Korea’s third-largest city and known for its historical significance, modern landmarks, and cultural diversity. Incheon blends history with modernity, featuring attractions from its time as a major port during the late 19th century to its current status as a global city. A day trip to Incheon offers an insightful journey into the city’s rich heritage, vibrant markets, and scenic coastal areas.

What to see & do : Explore Korea’s first Chinatown with its colourful streets, traditional architecture, and authentic cuisine. The Songdo district showcases futuristic urban planning and green spaces. Historical sites like the Incheon Landing Operation Memorial Hall offer a glimpse into Korea’s modern history. For a relaxing end to the day, Wolmido Island provides seaside attractions and amusement parks.

Suitable for : history enthusiasts, foodies, and urban explorers looking for a mix of cultural experiences.

• Incheon City Day Tour by Klook

Seasonal Day Tours From Seoul

There are various day tours from Seoul that only run during certain seasons and will whisk you away to gorgeous destinations that only dazzle for a short time. These day tour destinations shine bright and bold during their respective seasons, but often don’t offer much during the rest of the year, or at least not as much. Below are some of the best tours from Seoul that you can take in each season.

Spring Day Tours From Seoul

Spring is all about nature and beautiful blossoms , which you can see across the country with tours to cherry blossom festivals, flower festivals, and areas of natural beauty. Spring is a wonderful time to travel in Korea thanks to the warm weather and clear skies, as well as the many spring festivals that are on. April is one of the best times to visit Korea, and May is also really good.

Here are some of the best spring destinations with tours from Seoul:

• Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival
• Gyeongpodae Cherry Blossom Festival
• Garden Of Morning Calm Spring Festival
• Gurye Sansuyu Flower Festival
• Taean Tulip Festival

Summer Day Tours From Seoul

Summer in Korea is hot and wet, but there are loads of fun festivals and events happening across the country, including a giant mud festival that embraces the rainy weather. It’s also a time when nature is in full flow and there are many lush forests and parks to walk through, as well as rose gardens and tea plantations . Trips to the beach are popular and Seoulites will flock to the east coast for summer sun.

Here are some of the best summer destinations with tours from Seoul:

• Boseong Green Tea Plantation
• Boryeong Mud Festival
• Gangneung & Sokcho Beaches
• Caribbean Bay & Everland
• Daegu Chimac (Chicken & Beer) Festival

Autumn Day Tours From Seoul

Autumn in Korea starts from September and runs until early November and is arguably the best time to visit Korea, thanks to the many Korean autumn foliage spots that begin showing their colours from early October, and the weather is great. Besides autumn leaves , there are also harvest and culture festivals going on and tours to farms and countryside towns to try local produce are popular.

Here are some of the best autumn destinations with tours from Seoul:

• Seoraksan Autumn Foliage
• Daedunsan Autumn Foliage
• Gangneung Coffee Festival
• Jinju Lantern Festival

Winter Day Tours From Seoul

Winter in Korea is not the easiest time to visit, but it’s a season packed with fun winter activities and snowy sights . You will find dozens of winter festivals in Korea to enjoy on day trips from Seoul, including ice fishing festivals, snow and ice festivals, and winter illuminations. Winter sports lovers and families looking for snowy sights in Korea will love the many ski resorts accessible from Seoul.

Here are some of the best winter events with tours from Seoul:

• Hwacheon Ice Fishing Festival
• Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival
• Garden Of Morning Calm Illuminations
• Vivaldi Park Ski Resort
• Wondaeri Birch Forest

Best Time To Take Seoul Day Trips

While remarkable sights encircle Seoul in every season, temperate spring and autumn offer ideal weather for day trips. Summer is hot, so being outside can be difficult for long periods of time, the same can be said of winter as it’s so cold. However, you shouldn’t let the weather put you off as the right clothes and frequent indoor breaks can solve most problems from the adverse weather conditions.

Not only are spring and autumn warm and sunny, they’re not too wet. It mostly rains in Korea from June to August . Winter in Korea is very dry, making it a good time to take day trips out to the aforementioned winter destinations, as long as you’re wrapped up warm. Summer rains aren’t that bad though as the weather is a bit cooler when it rains, although it’s not good for the beach.

I recommend booking day tours on weekdays as these are less busy and you’ll encounter fewer local tourists. Koreans make the most of their free time and weekends and public holidays are a time to get out and enjoy popular sights outside the city (and in). If there’s a festival on then definitely visit during the week as some of the big festivals can see over 100,000 people per day on weekends!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about day tours from Seoul. These answers are based on my own experience and from research conducted to write this article. If you have any more questions about this topic, please feel free to post a comment at the end of this article.

What are the best day trips from Seoul?

Some of the best day trips outside Seoul include Nami Island in Chuncheon, Korean Folk Village in Yongin, tours to the North Korea border DMZ area, and Suwon’s UNESCO site Hwaseong fortress. For nature lovers, the Garden of Morning Calm and Seoraksan National Park are also exceptional day trip destinations.

What are the best family-friendly day trips?

Everland Theme Park, with its wide range of rides and attractions, offers fun for the whole family. Nami Island is ideal for outdoor activities in a picturesque setting. Other family-friendly Seoul day trips include Legoland Korea, Alpaca World, and Gangchon Rail Park in Gangwon-do.

Can you see Busan on a day trip from Seoul?

Busan, on Korea’s southern coast, can be accessed by KTX high speed train in under 3 hours, so it’s certainly possible to visit as a day tour. However, it’s difficult to fully appreciate Busan’s attractions like Haedong Yonggungsa seaside temple or Gamcheon Culture Village in one quick day trip and staying overnight is recommended.

Can you visit gyeongju from Seoul in one day?

While challenging due to the distance, a one-day trip to Gyeongju is possible with early departure by KTX. This allows for a visit to key historical sites like Bulguksa Temple and the Gyeongju National Museum, offering a glimpse into the Silla Kingdom’s rich heritage. However, an overnight stay is recommended or a day trip from Busan instead of Seoul.

Is Jeonju worth visiting from Seoul?

Jeonju is definitely worth visiting for the Jeonju Hanok Village, which offers an immersive experience into traditional Korean culture, architecture, and cuisine, particularly the famous Jeonju Bibimbap. The city’s rich history and cultural festivals add to its appeal, making it a rewarding day trip.

Which beach is the best for a day Tour from Seoul?

Eurwangni Beach, near Incheon, is accessible and family-friendly, featuring fine sand, shallow waters, and amenities like restaurants and cafes. Its proximity to Seoul makes it an ideal seaside escape for a day trip, especially during the warmer months. The beaches in Gangneung and Sokcho are also worth visiting from Seoul for a day or two.

Which national park is best for a Seoul day trip?

Seoraksan National Park is arguably the best national park for a day trip from Seoul with its stunning mountainous landscapes, autumn colours, and accessible hiking trails. The park’s natural beauty, including the famous Ulsanbawi Rock and scenic cable car rides, offers a refreshing escape into nature.

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Hi! My name is Joel, I'm the author of In My Korea and writer of this article. I've lived, worked and travelled in Korea since 2015 and want to share my insights, stories and tips to help you have the best experience during your trip to Korea.

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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 Dec 16, 2020 and updated Feb 3, 2024.

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Home » Experience the Best DMZ Tour to Visit North Korea From Seoul

Experience the Best DMZ Tour to Visit North Korea From Seoul

If you’re planning a trip to South Korea, an unmissable experience is taking a DMZ tour to North Korea. The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) along the border offers a unique opportunity to step foot into the reclusive nation, learn about the Korean War, and witness the tensions between the two Koreas firsthand.

When traveling to Korea, so much of the history, current events, museums, politics, etc., are related to the sights and locations that are visited on a DMZ tour. Some may say that it would be completely insane not to visit this unique area of the world.

Can we really say we visited North Korea? – The American soldier confidently replied, “Yes.

Best DMZ Tour to Visit North Korea

As an American, visiting the Joint Security Area (JSA) located in Panmunjom is the easiest and safest way to officially say you went to North Korea. We reached out to a popular tour guide in Seoul to help us organize our DMZ tour.

Based on their guidance and our research, this Panmunjom DMZ Tour easily stood out from the competition. Their reviews online are 5 stars and it’s ranked number one on TripAdvisor for things to do.

⚔️ 👨🏻‍✈️ Panmunjom DMZ Tour > Check Availability

If you’re looking for a private guided tour of the DMZ then you may be interested in the Private DMZ Peace Tour: Korea 3rd Invasion Tunnel and Suspension Bridge tour. Moreover, below are a few other fantastic tours to consider while in Seoul include:

• Full-Day Essential Seoul Tour
• Korean Cooking Class with Full-Course Meal & Local Market Tour
• Drinking and Eating through the Alleys of Seoul
• Pocheon Private Day Tour from Seoul Including Lunch

Visiting North Korea has long been a far-fetched travel idea for many. However, when you’re in South Korea, taking a DMZ tour is an amazing opportunity you don’t want to miss. Here’s why:

• Officially cross the border into North Korean territory at the Joint Security Area (JSA).
• Gain insights into the complex history and current events surrounding the Korean peninsula.
• Witness the stark contrast between the two Koreas up close.
• Learn about daily life in North Korea from a defector’s first-hand account.
• Explore key sites and museums related to the Korean War.

To get an idea of what a tour to the DMZ and JSA is like, we invite you to watch our VLOG below, “We went to North Korea and this is what about happened….” The video will help guide you to the sights and activities that seem the most interesting to you. It’s located at the end of the article.

What Are the DMZ Tour Options?

Depending on the goal of your visit, there are a few different options for tours available. You can check out the VIP Travel website to see what works best for you. Some visitors may want to say they crossed over the border into North Korea, so they sign up for the Best Half Day DMZ Tour from Seoul which includes a visit to the JSA.

Another option is to learn more about the history of the Korean War and visit key sites. In this case, the MDL[Military Demarcation Line] Special Tour may be the best option.

Which Tour Do You Recommend?

We participated in two tours on two different days. After our experience, we agreed that each experience had its highlights and together made up two great days of exploring. If you are short on time, then the Half Day DMZ Tour from Seoul may be a good option as it has all of the main locations in one half-day experience.

Are You Really Technically Visiting North Korea?

When we first shared the news of our visit, a few people on social media claimed that we didn’t actually visit North Korea. We had a feeling someone would try to dispute our claim and try to bring down our bragging rights!

So while on the JSA (Joint Security Area) Tour, we made a point to ask our American military escort, “Can we really say we visited North Korea?” The American soldier confidently replied, “Yes.” (He probably was thinking in his head, “What does she think we’re doing over here? Playing dress-up?!)

Again, you are crossing over the border from the DMZ into North Korean territory. If anyone tries to dispute the claim, tell them that they can take it up with the American military.

Tour With North Korean Defector

There are currently four companies that offer tours out to the JSA and DMZ. However, Cosmojin Tour Consulting  is the only company that has a North Korean Defector as part of their tours. One of the unique highlights of our experience was the opportunity to learn, first-hand, about daily life in North Korea and hear about the defector’s actual escape.

Throughout the day, guests are free to ask the defector questions. This will allow you to gain a personal perspective from someone who still has family separated between the two Koreas. To be in the presence of an actual North Korean defector was an enlightening, yet humbling experience.

Another positive aspect of our tour with the Panmunjom Travel Center was our guide was phenomenal. She was high-energy, very informative, and had a great sense of humor. Also, while at the JSA, she had a great way of making our group feel relaxed. Her enthusiasm and insight provided many directions in the demilitarized zones.

Important Things to Know

• There is a dress code for the day. The following are not allowed: sleeveless shirts, tank tops, jeans with holes, any leather or military patterned clothing, shorts, revealing or skanky clothing, flip flops, or sandals. The T-shirts must be collared.
• There may be times when photo and video opportunities are prohibited as this is a military zone.
• Your tour may be canceled or modified in the event of an unexpected or unsafe condition.
• Contact Panmunjom Travel Center as soon as possible. You need at least 3 days advance notice to be sure to secure your tour.
• You must bring your passport to participate in the tour.
• Bring snacks and water. Lunch comes with the tour but drinks are an extra charge. Water is available at the restaurant for free.

We now have the ultimate bragging rights for our 56th country visited. The Budget Savvy Travelers have officially visited NORTH KOREA! Thank you to Panmunjom Travel Center for getting us there.

Have you taken a DMZ tour to visit North Korea? If so, please share your experience or questions in the comments section below. Feel free to contact us or reach out to Panmunjom Travel Center at [email protected] if you have any questions about taking a tour.

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7 thoughts on “ experience the best dmz tour to visit north korea from seoul ”.

Very interesting blog. I thought that people do not travel in North Korea. Thanks for sharing! I’m glad I read your story.

Nice entry – I have not visited from the South side but rather from the North …. lots on NK in my own blog (with a few more locations to add yet). Just completed Panmunjom and the DMZ. Actually visiting NK via Pyongyang is not difficult, the biggest issue for most being that it is not cheap.

Thanks for stopping by. For us, money wasn’t the biggest issue…..it was our American passport. We had learned that American and Korean passports are not allowed into North Korea (very easily). I’d like to read more about your deeper travels into North Korea. Can you supply us a link?

Hi – Having an American passport has not been a problem for many years now. About 1/3 of our group of 20 were US citizens and that is about average. There are a small number of restrictions the most notable of which is that US citizens must fly into and out of Pyongyang. You are not permitted to take the train in or out of the country. Off course things are a bit tense at present between US and NK and you might want to consider that. Once you are accepted onto a tour you see and hear the exact same as anyone else on the tour. I make various references to US visitors in my blog. While the anti American rhetoric is relentless all the US citizens on our tour thoroughly enjoyed it. If you enter my blog using this link and go down to North Korea … and follow links from there you can read reviews in a logical order …

https://ramblingwombat.wordpress.com/travel-loops/

Be warned there are a lot of them .. I should add that they are based on what I saw and heard there so, yes, they are totally one sided …I have tried to add a bit of levity here and there …. Any questions you have, just ask .. I keep up to date with NK news..

Above all, enjoy my take on NK and GO!!!!!!!

Thank you for this information! It is helpful to get a first hand account from someone who actually made it in and observed what a typical tour was like. Great information for anyone coming across this tread. I’m sure travelers would seek you out for more Information if considering a tour. After traveling for so long, we’re used to the anti-American rhetoric. It just rolls off our “typical American fat rolls!” Ha ha! Too much? I’ll definitely flag those articles to read. Thanks for sending them. Are you from Australia? Kind regards. -A

I am originally from Northern Ireland which I left in 1989. Apart from just over two years in PNG and three in Fiji I have lived in Australia (now home) since then.

The anti US rhetoric in NK is beyond the imaginable and we all (including those from the US) couldn’t wait to hear what would come next.

Lets hope things always stay calm!

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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 .

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Experience North Korea

Over 15 years of Safe and Premium Tours to North Korea

The North Korea Experience

“Seeing is believing” they say in North Korea. We invite you to gain a different perspective of the country by experiencing its people, touching its landscapes and learning about its rich culture and 4,000 years of history. Our tours show you the complexity and hidden beauty of this undiscovered country.

Featured Tours

The dprk classic – new years eve special – 5 nights.

Join us in Pyongyang for the 2024/25 countdown on this extended tour of North Korea for New Year’s Eve and beyond! This special tour will see you on Kim Il Sung Square alongside thousands of locals for New Year festivities, which [...]

The DPRK Highlights – Party Foundation Day Special – 4 Nights

In this special 4-night tour of North Korea, join the festivities of Party Foundation Day on October 10 including a mass dance, and discover the highlights of this fascinating country! We’ll tour the major political sites in Pyongyang and take a [...]

Ski and Snowboard North Korea – Kim Jong Il Birthday Special – 7 Nights

This is your chance to ski the fresh-power slopes of North Korea! See the grand monuments of Pyongyang, visit the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), spend time at the Masikryong Ski Resort, and be in the capital for the major festivities [...]

Why Book With Us?

15 years of experience.

Our tours are authentic and cultural with a sense of adventure. We promote education and understanding, providing a platform for people-to-people engagement. We have brought thousands of people to experience the uncharted territory of North Korea with us.

Premium Accommodations

A tour to North Korea is certain to be packed with activities and the importance of a good nights rest and reliable facilities and amenities cannot be overstated. Our packages include prestigious accommodations at standard tour rates, not second-class lodging and basic guest houses in remote areas.

All-Inclusive Packages

There is no add-on pricing. Our published package price is what you pay. Our tours are an all-inclusive experience of return flights between Pyongyang, DPRK visa, premium accommodations, vetted meals, air-conditioned transport and driver, English-speaking Korean guides, entrance fees and unparalleled service!

Small Group Size

Our group size cap is smaller than our competitors to maximize your engagement with our local guides. Unless otherwise stated, our group tours are capped at a maximum of just 12 while maintaining standard tour rates.

Expert Local Guides

Our tours are led by some of the best local guides in the country. They are native North Koreans with a passion for showing visitors the beauty of their nation. All guides speak fluent English. We can even arrange local guides that speak Chinese, Spanish, Russian, French and German!

Unprecedented Access

We offer some of the most unique tours available. We offer family visits, cycling, skiing, marathons, surfing, and golf, all designed to maximize interactions with locals. We want you to experience the culture, the people, the landscapes and the history of North Korea.

Pyongyang is North Korea’s capital and largest city. An ideological stronghold of imposing architecture and grand monuments, Pyongyang is the beating heart of politics, economy, culture, and tourism in North Korea.

The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a buffer zone separating the Korean Peninsula, acting as the de-facto border between North Korea and South Korea.

Mt. Myohyang

Mt. Myohyang is one of North Korea’s most beautiful nature reserves, weaved with rewarding hikes and dotted with ancient relics.

Kaesong, the ancient capital of the Koryo dynasty, is abundant with well-preserved UNESCO sites and cultural treasures. Situated near the South Korean border, Kaesong has played a crucial role in inter-Korean relations.

Wonsan is a charming seaside town on North Korea’s east coast famous for its immaculate yellow-sand beaches and fresh seafood.

Nampo is an industrial port city and key trade gateway to Pyongyang located at the estuary of the Taedong River on the west coast.

Pyongsong is a satellite city of Pyongyang and a developing hub of science and technology often referred to as the ‘Silicon Valley’ of North Korea.

Hayden Peters from Australia

One of the best customer experiences of my life, superb, safe and easy.

Coen Scott from Australia

To put it simply, my experience with Uri Tours was the best money I’ve ever spent on recreation. The larger part of every day was spent seeing new and unique locations, my personal favorite was the ‘Palace of the Sun’. (I mean, how many people outside of the DPRK can say they’ve seen Kim Jong Il’s mummy.. right!?) The hotel where we stayed was great! Friendly staff, clean facilities, good food and it also featured a multitude of shops and services, including but not limited to; a tailor, a bookstore, an art shop, a pool, a bar, a bowling alley and a masseuse!

Conner Brenner

My trip to North Korea was one of the most fascinating experiences of my life. I was fortunate enough to visit the country with my grandfather who was 78 at the time. Due to his age and his physical disabilities, there were a lot of potential issues that needed to be discussed prior to the trip taking place. The team at Uri Tours were incredibly helpful and courteous during this process. Every concern was addressed, and nearly every email I sent the company was responded to on the same day. I felt like I was being treated with the utmost professionalism.

Tara Mina Bayati

The trip was amazing and far exceeded my greatest expectations. I am sure all of the local guides are great, but I truly cannot imagine anyone better than the ones assigned to us. They could not have been more phenomenal and I felt genuinely sad saying goodbye to them at the airport. This was truly an experience of a lifetime which was made possible by Uri Tours. I would highly recommend them to anyone interested in visiting the DPRK!

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THE URI STORY

A pioneering Korean-American family set out to explore the other side of their roots. What they found were people similar to them with a unique culture, rich history and distinct way of living. We have been offering safe and premium tours and travel to North Korea for over 15 years for international travelers.

North Korea (DPRK)

Why should you choose Koryo Tours?

Choosing to travel to unusual destinations such as North Korea is a big decision, and choosing the right people to take you is an incredibly important part of that. Learn about how we facilitate tourism responsibly in some of the most interesting and unique destinations on our planet, and at the same time ensure you get the most out of your once-in-a-lifetime experience .

I also want to see:

• Group Tours
• Private Tours
• Specialist Tours
• Special Events

A tour to North Korea (DPRK) is the ultimate in adventure travel. Join Koryo Tours as we explore Pyongyang and some of North Korea's most remote locations for an experience you'll never forget, all in the safe hands of North Korea tour experts.

Our North Korea tours are designed with the purpose of making sure you see and do as much as possible on tour in North Korea (DPRK). Touring this country is the opportunity of a lifetime for many, and we use our 28 years of North Korea experience to ensure you get the most out of your time there. We have classic , speciality , and budget North Korea tours scheduled throughout the year. Get in touch for help on deciding which North Korea tour is best for you. Our experts are happy to answer all your questions. Unsure if a North Korea group tour is for you? Read Why Choose a Koryo Tours Group Tour or contact us. Alternatively, head to our North Korea Private Tours and get in touch for a bespoke North Korea tour itinerary. North Korea Country Profile North Korea FAQs North Korea Map Note: We require all travellers on international and North Korea tours to have valid travel insurance . NOTICE: The North Korean border is currently closed due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Please check COVID-19 & North Korea for updated information. NO Tours to North Korea (DPRK) will be taking place until the border is open again. The tours below are planned departure dates but until the country is open to tourists again all tours will remain suspended.

Use the search function below to find tours. Please note that our tours for May Day start in April and tours for China National Day (1 October) start in September.

• Pyongyang Marathon

Budget Tours

June 2024 — 1 tour, june 29 - july 6/7 2024.

The Summer Holiday Tour in North Korea

7 nights in North Korea + Beijing-Pyongyang travel time

Discover North Korea’s rarely visited East coast from the industrial centre of Hamhung to the hiking trails of Mt. Kumgang From 1495 EUR per person

Please apply by 17th June, 2024 .

Sun, sea, and sand… Yes, that’s right!

North Korea may not be known as a summer get-away, or indeed known for its beaches, but we think a summer package holiday in North Korea is far too underrated, and one of the best holiday destinations to give you one of the most unforgettable trips of a lifetime. Plus, you won’t have to worry about tourists crowding the beaches!

Our Summer Holiday Tour is an annual favourite which gives you the highlights of North Korea – and more. This includes exploring the capital Pyongyang and historic Kaesong on the Korean Demilitarised Zone on the North-South Korea border, while also taking time to see the country's rarely visited east coast.

On the east coast, you will see the port city of Wonsan and the industrial centre of Hamhung , while having the chance to explore the hiking trails in Mt Kumgang . The weather is beautiful at this time of year – warm during the day but not too hot, making it one of the best holiday destinations this summer!

Scroll down for an overview of our Summer Holiday tour package highlights, tour itinerary, transport options , DPRK tourist visa information, and extra add-ons.

Koryo Tours International Tours

Mongolia | Turkmenistan | Kazakhstan | Bhutan | Russia | Tajikistan  

• Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum: World-class museum of the Korean War and site of the captured USS Pueblo
• Hamhung Fertiliser Plant: Giant chemical-industrial complex vital to DPRK agriculture
• Mt. Kumgang: The 'Diamond Mountain'. Breathtaking views and the best hiking in the DPRK

Briefing Day

28 june | friday.

*Pre-Tour Briefing | We require all travellers to attend a pre-tour briefing that covers regulations, etiquette, safety, and practicalities for travel in North Korea. The briefing lasts approximately one hour followed by a question and answer session. Please be punctual for the briefing. You can come early, meet your fellow travellers, and pay any outstanding tour fees. A proper briefing is an essential part of travel to North Korea. For this tour, we will hold two briefings. One in the morning for those departing by train this afternoon and the other in the afternoon for those departing by flight the next day.

• Recommended latest arrival in Beijing.
• 10:00   | Briefing for those departing by train.
• 16:00   |   Briefing for those departing by flight.  
• 17:26   |   Train travellers depart Beijing Station by Chinese domestic sleeper train to Dandong , the Chinese city on the border with North Korea. Please arrange independent travel to the train station and arrive at least an hour and a half early for the train departure.

Overnight   |   Hotel in Beijing not included in the tour for those taking the flight the next day. Contact us for recommendations near our office! Those travelling by train will spend the night on the train.

29 June | Saturday

Arrival day in Pyongyang

• Train transfer at Dandong Station from overnight sleeper train to Dandong-Pyongyang local. Our local representative in Dandong will assist with the transfer. Train crosses the China-North Korea border followed by North Korean customs and immigration.
• Flight departure from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) Terminal 2 on Air Koryo flight JS152 at 13:05. A 1.5-hour flight with basic lunch ( vegetarian option is subject to availability). Check-in starts 3 hours prior to departure.
• Flight arrival to Pyongyang's Sunan International Airport (FNJ) at 16:05. DPRK immigration and customs, meet your Korean guides and transfer to the city.
• Kim Il Sung Square   | Pyongyang’s central square lined with government ministries, museums, and The Grand People’s Study House.  
• Train arrival to Pyongyang Railway Station at 18:45.  
• Walk on Future Scientists' Street | An evening stroll through one of Pyongyang's newest neighbourhoods.

Overnight:   Yanggakdo International Hotel , Pyongyang  | Home away from home for most (but not all!) foreign visitors to Pyongyang, this 47-story hotel is located on an island in the middle of the Taedong River and offers great views of the city. Comfortable rooms and comprehensive leisure facilities: swimming pool, spa, billiards, bowling, gift shops, tea houses, beer brewed on-site, and a Chinese-run casino.

30 June | Sunday

Sunday in Pyongyang and drive to Kaesong

• Pyongyang Metro Tour  | One of the deepest metro systems in the world with stunning artwork reflecting the name of each station. Ride six stations on the Chollima Line.  
• Mansudae Fountain Park | The historic centre of Pyongyang popular with local citizens after school and on weekends. Flanked by examples of ancient and modern architecture from different eras.  
• Mansudae Grand Monument  | Enormous bronze statues of the DPRK leadership overlooking downtown Pyongyang. A presentation of flowers and bow by the group is customary here. Visitations are by special request only and decent dress is required. No shorts or flip-flop sandals allowed here.  
• Kim Il Sung Square  | Pyongyang’s central square lined with government ministries, museum and The Grand People’s Study House, Korea’s national library. See the centre of it all!  
• Foreign Languages Bookshop  | Store selling Korean publications translated into English, German, French, Russian, Chinese, and Spanish. Also pick up DVDs, postcards, and small works of art.  
• Moranbong Park | We’ll take a stroll in Pyongyang’s central park popular with locals for picnics, dances, and sports. The park is filled with historic pavilions, walls, and monuments – modern and ancient, a few of which are among the traditional ‘Eight Great Sights of Pyongyang’.
• Kwangbok Department Store  | Exchange for Korean currency and shop with the citizens of Pyongyang! Try the snack stands for some of Pyongyang’s best local eats.  
• Mangyongdae Native House  | Birthplace and childhood home of President Kim Il Sung. A traditional Korean house in a beautiful natural surrounding.

Tower of the Juche Idea  | Iconic tower is dedicated to the DPRK’s guiding philosophy on the Taedong River. Take the elevator to the top for 5 EUR for great views of the city.

• Drive south on the Pyongyang-Kaesong (formerly known as Reunification) Motorway  to Kaesong , historic capital of the medieval Koryo Dynasty (918-1392 AD). Once located in South Korea, the city changed hands during the Korean War. It is now located just north of the DMZ.  
• Dinner with a live Kayagum performance - a traditional Korean instrument in a unique setting!

Overnight:  Minsok Folk Hotel , Kaesong | Traditional style hotel where guests sleep on heated floors in Korean style. Housed in beautiful courtyards of Kaesong’s old city, structures date back to the Ri Dynasty. Basic bathroom facilities. Hot water not guaranteed and erratic electricity supply – please bring a torch.

1 July | Monday

Historic Kaesong and the Joint Security Area  (*Please note that due to the current political situation and recent chenges, it is our understanding that visits to Panmunjom and the JSA as well as to the Concrete Wall is not possible at least until further notice. If that is the case at the time of our vist we will visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kaesong as well a ginseng factory .)

• Old City Walk and South Gate | A stroll from the hotel through Kaesong’s historic district lined with homes dating back to the Ri Dynasty from the city’s historic South Gate.  
• Panmunjom Armistice Village and DMZ  ( *Currently suspended ) | The site of the signing of the 1953 armistice that ended the Korean War and demarcation line between north and south. On some days it is possible to visit the hut straddling the line, where negotiations between both sides once took place. Here we will be accompanied by military guides from the Korean People's Army.  
• Kaesong Koryo Museum  | Once the Songgyung Academy, a Confucian school, and now a museum on the Koryo Dynasty exhibiting historical objects, statues, pagodas, and porcelain from that era. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.  
• Kaesong Korean Stamp Exhibition Hall  | Store selling stamps, postcards, local ginseng , souvenirs, art, and more! One of the best postcard collections in the country and friendly staff.  
• Traditional Royal Korean Lunch ( pangsanggi )   | A meal made of 12 dishes served in brass bowls fit for the kings of old. The more dishes, the more distinguished the guest! Traditional Korean 'sweet meat soup' is an option here ( 5 EUR ).
• Sonjuk Bridge | Small stone bridge built in 1290, which in 1392 was the site of the assassination of the last loyal Koryo Dynasty minister Jong Mong Ju by a son of Ri Song Gye (founder of the next, and final, dynasty). This bloody act extinguished the Koryo which had ruled over Korea for 474 years and is said to have left a permanent mark on the bridge that can be seen to this day.  
• Drive back to Pyongyang . A 3-hour drive.  
• Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum and USS Pueblo  | We’ll tour this world-class museum led by a local museum guide. Renovated in 2012 and its exhibits of Korean War from the DPRK perspective containing artifacts, documents, photos, and lifelike dioramas. The exterior grounds house the War Victory Monument and displays of Korean People’s Army Hero Equipment and captures equipment from the US military, including the spyship USS Pueblo . Central to the understanding of the country today and highlight of the trip.  
• Mansugyo Beer Bar | A beer bar serving seven types of beer. Popular with locals after work and on weekends. Best place to drink pints with local people.

Evening walk on Ryomyong Street  | Pyongyang's newest futuristic neighbourhood.

Overnight:  Yanggakdo International Hotel, Pyongyang

2 July | Tuesday

Drive to Hamhung

• Drive east across the width of the peninsula before heading north to   Hamhung , the second largest city of the DPRK and major centre of industry. A 7 to 8-hour drive.

Stop by Sinpyong Lake Guesthouse to stretch your legs at this lakeside teahouse beneath rocky crags.

• Ulim Waterfall for a picnic lunch  | Hidden amongst the mountains on the road to Wonsan, ‘Echo’ Waterfall is a scenic stopover to enjoy lunch, stretch your legs, or go for a dip in the pool beneath.
• Tongbong Co-operative Farm  | Local farm in the outskirts of Hamhung. View the machinery barn, a local home, and the farm shop to buy some locally made products.

Home of Ri Song Gye  | Home of the first king of the Ri Dynasty (1392-1910) who extinguished the Koryo Dynasty, only to be then ousted by his own son. A traditional hall and pavilion and associated naughty stories of the former king’s retirement years – some not appropriate for the youth!

Overnight:  Majon Beach Guesthouse , Hamhung  |   A beachside holiday compound with basic but comfortable chalets. Rooms have heated floors but no running water. Bring a torch! There is a main building with restaurant, bar, billiards, table-tennis, bookshop, and Korean karaoke.

3 July | Wednesday

Hamhung and Wonsan AM

• Hungnam Fertiliser Factory  | Massive chemical-industrial plant producing various kinds of fertilisers. Tour of the plant control room, production facilities, and packing plant – just don’t light up next to the Ammonium Nitrate!

Hamhung Grand Theatre and Central Square  | Exterior view of the DPRK’s largest theatre on the city’s central square.

Tonghung Revolutionary Site | Hillside park with statues of the DPRK leadership overlooking Hamhung city centre and Songchon River. A presentation of flowers is customary.

• Drive south to  Wonsan , a major port city on the East Sea of Korea.  A 2.5 - 3-hour drive .  
• Wonsan Agricultural University  | The DPRK’s premier agricultural university set among beautiful hillside scenery. Tour the grounds and the neo-Romanesque teaching hall, originally built by Germans living in the area in the early 20th century.
• Songdowon International Schoolchildren’s   Camp   |   A classic socialist summer camp where Korean and international children can spend two weeks learning socialist values and teamwork. Tour the recently renovated dormitories, aquarium, birdhouse, gymnasium, and more!  
• Wonsan City Centre and Docks | Central square and ship terminal in downtown Wonsan. The Mangyongbong-92 ferry/cargo ship which one shuttled Koreans living in Japan back and forth across the East Sea of Korea is moored here.  
• Jangdok Island and Lighthouse  | Take a stroll on the breakwater to a small island in the middle of Wonsan harbour ( 1 EUR/USD entry fee ).

Overnight:  Dongmyong Hotel , Wonsan  | Waterfront hotel with stunning seaside views of Wonsan Harbor. Limited hours of hot water, bar, billiards, ping-pong, barber shop, beauty salon, dry sauna, and indoor seawater swimming pool.

4 July | Thursday

Mt. Kumgang, the 'Diamond Mountain'

• Kangwon Province Art Gallery | Small art exhibition selling artwork by local artists, where you can purchase paintings.  
• Drive south along the East Sea coast to the scenic  Mt. Kumgang , the ‘Diamond Mountain’ noted in East Asian history and famous in Korean legends. Home of some of Korea’s most spectacular natural landscapes and best hiking.  A 2.5 - 3-hour drive .  
• Sokwang Temple | Remains of a Buddhist temple established dating back to the late-14th century and associated with the dream that predicted the fall of the Koryo Dynasty. A historic and haunting place set in a serene mountain valley with stream. 
• Samil Lagoon  | A charming green-water coastal lagoon lined by pine forests. Named for the ‘three-day’ stay (sam-il) of a king in days-gone-by to take in the full beauty of the area. 

Overnight:  Kumgangsan Hotel , Mt. Kumgang  |   A very comfortable, clean and well equipped hotel. Bar, billiards, massage and a great terrace with barbecue options.

5 July |  Friday

Mt. Kumgang hiking and drive back to Pyongyang with stops along the way. AM

• Hiking in the Mt Kumgang area | ‘The Diamond Mountain’ – a series of peaks and canyons rising above Korea’s eastern seaboard and regarded since time immemorial as one of the most scenic regions in East Asia. An 8 km (round-trip) hike to a scenic ‘Nine-Dragons’ waterfall will take us through forests, along mountain streams and by emerald pools.
• Drive back up the coast to Wonsan  with a rest stop at Lake Sinjung.  
• Continue driving to  Pyongyang   (approx 4 hours drive)  with a stop at   Masik Pass Ski Resort , the DPRK’s largest ski resort. Opened in 2013, Masik Pass features nine main runs, two beginner slopes, and a lodge with full amenities.  
• Monument to the Party Foundation | Iconic structure featuring the hammer, sickle, writing brush which make up the emblem of the Worker’s Party of Korea and represent workers, farmers, and intellectuals.  
• Delicious farewell dinner.

Overnight |   Yanggakdo Hotel, Pyongyang

6 July  | Saturday

Departure Day from Pyongyang and Return to Beijing by flight or train. Please confirm your preferred transport method upon booking.

• Flight departure from Pyongyang on Air Koryo Flight JS 151 at 08:30 with scheduled arrival at Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) Terminal 2 at 09:50.
• Train departure by train to Beijing at 10:25 with transfer in Dandong. The scheduled arrival is to Beijing Station on Sunday, 7 July at 08:40. For this tour the default option is hard sleeper (six beds per berth).

End of Tour

Transport | Train and Flights to North Korea (Standard)

This tour travels between Beijing-Pyongyang by train each way in a hard-sleeper carriage (6 bunks per compartment). The train journey takes 24 hours with a transfer at the city of Dandong. One-way or round-trip flights are also available. The flight takes around 90 minutes. For an extra 199 EUR you can upgrade to a one-way flight. A round-trip ticket costs an additional 299 EUR.

Visit the DPRK border town of Sinuiju

If you're heading back to Beijing by train this option lets you get off for an overnight in Dongrim before the next day's tour of Sinuiju — the border city with China. Spend an extra 24 hours in the DPRK seeing the sites of North Pyongan province. You will then continue on through to Beijing.

Visit Dandong — the Chinese gateway to the DPRK

Instead of immediately returning to Beijing when your tour ends you can take some extra time to visit this fascinating border city, which directly faces the DPRK town of Sinuiju, but lies on the Chinese side of the Yalu River. We offer both one-night and two-night fully guided extensions that take in all the sights of Dandong, with a special North Korea theme.

Upgrade to your own room

All hotel rooms on our all-inclusive group tours feature twin beds, and will be shared. If you'd like a room to yourself then you can upgrade for an extra 40 EUR per night.

Insurance (7 to 9 nights)

We're unable to take you on one of our tours if you do not have medical insurance that covers the destination in question. Issues of isolation and infrastructure where we go mean it would be irresponsible of us to do so. We can provide this if you do not have it — or you can use your own.

What is / is not included?

• Return train Beijing – Pyongyang – Beijing with transfers at Dandong
• All meals on the tour apart from the meals on the train
• Hotel accommodation
• Koryo Tours tour leader
• Two local Korean guides, and a driver per group
• All transportation in North Korea

NOT INCLUDED

• North Korean visa fee 60 EUR
• Optional Air Koryo flights (one-way: 199 EUR; round-trip: 299EUR)
• Optional single room supplement (40 EUR per night)
• Tips for the local Korean guides and driver (approx 10-15 EUR per day)
• Optional activities such as the lift up the Juche Tower (5 EUR) or a visit to the funfair (approx. 2 EUR entrance fee per person)
• Entry tickets for special events if applicable – for example Pyongyang Circus (approx. 20 EUR per person)
• Meals include a complimentary beer and water, but you will need to purchase extra drinks if needed
• Spending money for souvenirs
• Sinuiju Extension: RMB 50 for the bus across the bridge to Dandong to be paid on the spot to the local guides

Groups will be in the experienced hands of two or three local Korean guides and an experienced Koryo Tours tour leader . Please note that when on tour your day-to-day itinerary may differ slightly to what is advertised above. Your tour leader will ensure, however, that everything available at the time is covered, and replacement options are provided where needed. We will also add in extras when there is time (such as a visit to a local bar or amusement park).

We visit North Korea regularly so know all the best places to go, and how to make the most of your days there to guarantee the experience of a lifetime. After the tour, we will send out a list of all participants' emails so you can keep in touch, swap photos etc. If you do not wish to be on this list then please let us know.

July 2024 — 2 tours

August 2024 — 3 tours, september 2024 — 6 tours, october 2024 — 2 tours, november 2024 — 1 tour, december 2024 — 2 tours, january 2025 — 2 tours, february 2025 — 2 tours, march 2025 — 1 tour, april 2025 — 5 tours, may 2025 — 1 tour, next tour departure dates, east pyongyang.

As seen from the top of the Juche Tower - this is a mainly residential district

Mass Dance - Pyongyang

Mass Dances are held on all major holidays. particpants number from 3000 to 50,000. Tourists can even join in!

Ryugyong Hotel - Pyongyang

Iconic 105-storey building towering over the capital. Koryo Tours have even been to the top of this!

Farming - East Coast

Korea is mainly mountains but has farmland too - a trip to the countryside gives a sense of what rural life is like

Youth Funfair - Pyongyang

A great place to visit in the evening, popular with locals and with all Italian-made rides

Fishing Village - East Coast

Bounded by seas to east and west the villages along the coasts are mainly populated by fishermen catching all manner of seafood

Kwangbok Street - Pyongyang

One of Pyongyang's famous mega-highways. with a dozen lanes accommodating far more cars than ever need to use it

Reunification Monument

On the road from the capital heading south - this monument symbolises ongoing hopes for peaceful reunification of the Korean peninsula

People's Theatre - Pyongyang

Home of the famous Moranbong Band - the DPRK's iconic rock/pop/ensemble

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20 Unforgettable Day Trips from Seoul That You Absolutely Must Experience | Exploring the Korean Lifestyle

If you’re in Seoul, don’t miss the opportunity to plan some day trips and explore more of the gorgeous South Korea. Day trips offer a chance to delve into South Korea’s rich history, savor local flavors, and immerse yourself in its stunning natural landscapes. With the country’s excellent public transportation system, getting around is a breeze, making it even more enticing to discover its hidden treasures.

If you want to plan for the perfect day trips from Seoul city, I’ve curated a list of the top 20-day trips for you to enjoy in South Korea. Let this be your guide to unlocking the wonders that lie just beyond Seoul’s city limits!

WHAT IS COVERED IN THIS ARTICLE?

Top 20 Best Day Trips from Seoul

1. nami island: a tranquil retreat from seoul.

Nestled in the Han River, a short distance from Seoul, lies the enchanting Nami Island , a perfect serene destination for the best day trip from Seoul . This place is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and romantic landscapes.

You must explore Nami Island’s romantic tree-lined paths, including the Metasequoia and Ginkgo Tree Lanes, famous for their seasonal beauty. Another thing you must do here is visit filming locations of the Korean drama “Winter Sonata,”.

You can also rent a bike to explore at your own pace, experience a thrilling zipline ride to the Island, and enjoy picnicking, shopping for souvenirs, and dining at the island’s restaurants.

Average Time from Seoul to Nami Island: The journey from the Heart of  Seoul to Nami Island typically takes around 1 to 2 hours, depending on the mode of transportation and any additional waiting time for transfers.

How to Get to Nami Island: Reaching Nami Island is a delightful journey in itself. You can travel here by ITX- Cheongchun, subway, and bus, or take a taxi directly to the location. To reach the island, you need to ride a ferry from Gapyeong Wharf or Zipline. The total travel cost for a day trip from Seoul to Nami Island ranges from ₩4000 to ₩11,000.

2. Incheon: Chinatown of South Korea

If you’re a fan of culinary adventures, a visit to Incheon promises to be a rewarding day trip from Seoul. The third largest city in South Korea, this place is the vibrant Chinatown that is renowned for Jajangmyeon, a savory Korean Chinese noodle dish that will tantalize your taste buds.

Every corner of Incheon is a culinary paradise that offers you a delightful experience filled with the aroma of sizzling woks and authentic flavors, creating a haven for food lovers.

But the allure of Incheon extends beyond its culinary delights. This dynamic city on the northwestern coast of South Korea is steeped in history, particularly its pivotal role in the Korean War. You can explore the remnants of the Incheon Landing Operation and immerse yourself in the echoes of the past.

Incheon seamlessly blends the past with the present, offering an unparalleled tapestry of experiences for you to discover. Don’t miss out on the chance to explore this enchanting city on your next trip from Seoul!

Time from Seoul to Incheon: The journey from Seoul toIncheon typically takes around 1 hour, depending on the mode of transportation and any additional waiting time for transfers.

How to Get to Incheon: The best way to reach Incheon from Seoul is via subway. You can also take a taxi but it would cost you much more. The total cost for a day trip from Seoul to Incheon ranges from ₩3000 to ₩9,000.

3. Korean Folk village: A glimpse into Traditional Korean life

If you want to experience Traditional Korean life, then visiting Korean Folk Village would make for the perfect day trip from Seoul for you. Beyond being a mere open-air museum, this place serves as a vibrant testament to traditional Korean life’s charm and vitality.

Here, you must explore the traditional houses and workshops representing different regions and social classes of Korea during the Joseon Dynasty. You can learn about traditional crafts like pottery, woodworking, and papermaking. Traditional performances, including folk dances, music, and acrobatics, are always being performed, which you would enjoy immensely.

Also, you must try on a hanbok, the traditional Korean clothing seen in K-Dramas, and engage in activities like making rice cakes and playing traditional games. You can also visit museums showcasing Korean folk artifacts and paintings and enjoy a meal at a traditional Korean restaurant. If you have time, ride a horse or take a ferry ride on the lake.

Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in this captivating cultural experience on your next trip!

Time from Seoul To Korean Folk Village: If using public transportation like the bus or subway, it generally takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the Korean Folk Village from central Seoul. If you decide to travel by Taxi, the travel time can be shorter, around half an hour to one hour, depending on traffic.

How to Get to Korean Folk Village: The best way to reach Korean Folk Village is via subway which can cost you from ₩3000 to ₩4500. If you decide on a taxi, the travel cost can range from ₩50,000 to ₩60,000.

4. Alpaca World: Where Tranquility Meets Whimsy in Nature’s Embrace

If you enjoy nature and animals, a visit to Alpaca World would make for a great day trip from Seoul. This pastoral paradise is nestled in a forested area with majestic mountains as its backdrop.

The main attraction of this place is the chance to interact with gentle alpacas and other farm animals. You can come and pet, feed, and even go on leashed walks with these friendly creatures.

Alpaca World is not just a farm; it’s an interactive haven where you can immerse yourself in the charm of alpacas and their surroundings. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a family with kids, or simply someone who enjoys the company of animals, Alpaca World offers a delightful retreat just a short distance from Seoul.

So, if you’re yearning for a day of whimsy, surrounded by adorable alpacas, breathtaking scenery, and the joyous spirit of a farm adventure, make Alpaca World your next destination!

Time from Seoul To Alpaca World: The travel time to Alpaca World from Seoul is typically 1.5 hours.

How to Get to Alpaca World: The best way to reach Alpaca World from Seoul is via a combination of a Bus ride to Chuncheon and then, taking a taxi to the end destination. The travel cost can range from ₩40,000 to ₩52,000.

Another way to reach Alpaca World from Seoul is by driving in a car, with an approximate cost of fuel ranging from ₩25,000 to ₩35,000.

5. Gwangmyeong Cave: Subterranean Symphony of Wonders!

If you’re looking for a unique and captivating day trip from Seoul, consider visiting Gwangmyeong Cave. Nestled beneath the picturesque city of Gwangmyeong in Gyeonggi Province, this cave is a harmonious blend of history, innovation, and entertainment that you must explore.

You can explore Gwangmyeong Cave either on foot or by tram, with paths and rides showcasing stalactites, stalagmites, and columns. At the Cave Museum, you can learn about its rich history as a thriving gold mine from 1912 to 1972.

You must also explore the illuminated Underworld Cave and the mesmerizing Wormhole tunnel and witness the multimedia Light Space and the glittering Golden Road. Another main attraction of Gwangmyeong Cave you must visit is the Cave Aquarium and the Cave Arts Center. You can also dine at cave restaurants and shop for souvenirs.

Gwangmyeong Cave is a successful example of repurposing an abandoned mine into a cultural and recreational space. So, don’t miss out on the chance to experience this subterranean symphony of wonders!

Time from Seoul To Gwangmyeong Cave: The travel time to Gwangmyeong Cave from Seoul is approximately 1.5 hours, but it depends on your departure point within the city and the chosen mode of transportation. If you take a taxi, the travel time can be reduced to just half an hour!

How to Get to Gwangmyeong Cave:  The best way to reach Gwangmyeong Cave from Seoul is via a combination of subway and bus rides. The travel cost can range from ₩4,300 to ₩5,500.

The fastest way to reach Gwangmyeong Cave from Seoul is by taxi, with an approximate cost ranging from ₩33,000 to ₩40,000.

6. Namhansanseong Fortress: A strategic vantage point

If you’re fascinated by history and panoramic views, a visit to Namhansanseong Fortress would make for a remarkable day trip from Seoul. Situated atop Namhansan Mountain in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, this ancient fortress offers you not only a strategic vantage point but also a glimpse into centuries of Korean history and resilience.

You must explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site that was built and defended by Buddhist monk-soldiers and served as an emergency capital for the Joseon Dynasty, accommodating up to 4,000 people.

Here, you can wander along hiking trails offering stunning views, explore Namhansanseong Palace, and delve into the fortress’s past at museums. You also get to experience festivals and events that bring its culture to life, immersing you in a journey through time within this self-sufficient defensive stronghold.

Plan your trip to Namhansanseong Fortress and step into a world where history and natural beauty converge today!

Time from Seoul To Namhansanseong Fortress: The average time to reach Namhansanseong Fortress is around 40 minutes if you travel by subway and then take a taxi from Ogeum Station, Seongnam-si. However, traveling from Seoul to Namhansanseong Fortress will reduce your travel time to 20 minutes.

How to Get to Namhansanseong Fortress: The best way to reach Namhansanseong Fortress is by taking a subway from Seoul to Ogeum Station. From there, you can choose to take a bus or taxi to the fortress. The entire trip would cost you between ₩20,000 to ₩24,000 one way approximately.

To cut the travel time in half, you can complete the entire trip by taxi, which would cost you somewhere between ₩23,000 to ₩28,000.

7. The DMZ: The Korean Demilitarized Zone

If you’re interested in history and geopolitics, a visit to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) would be a fascinating day trip from Seoul. Stretching approximately 250 kilometers (160 miles) in length and about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) in width, the DMZ serves as a highly fortified buffer region between North and South Korea.

You must visit the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) because it would make for an unforgettable journey. Here, you get to witness the division of the Korean Peninsula firsthand. Limited tours offer you a rare opportunity to explore both North and South Korea.

You have the chance to stand and experience the tension that still grips the region at the Joint Security Area (JSA), mere feet away from North Korean soldiers. You can also visit museums that delve into the complexities of the Korean War and the ongoing division of Korea.

Despite the heavy security and political tensions, the DMZ’s unintended natural beauty adds a layer of surrealism to its historical significance. A visit to the DMZ offers you a profound glimpse into a world caught between past conflicts and future possibilities!

Time from Seoul To the DMZ: you can reach the DMZ from Seoul in 1.25 to 2 hours, depending on your mode of transportation.

How to Get to the DMZ: The best way to reach the DMZ from Seoul is by taking a bus to the Gwanin Bus Terminal, from where you have to take a taxi to reach the destination. This would cost you between ₩27,000 to ₩33,500 approximately.

8. Everland: Korea’s largest Theme Park

If you’re looking for a thrilling day trip from Seoul, Everland, Korea’s largest theme park, is the perfect destination. Located in Yongin, Gyeonggi-do province, Everland promises you a captivating blend of entertainment and adventure.

Here, you can explore meticulously crafted themed zones that take you on a journey through different cultures. Enjoy exhilarating rides like T Express, the world’s steepest wooden roller coaster, and the Rolling X-Train spinning coaster. Don’t miss the Everland Zoo, home to over 2,000 animals, including tigers, elephants, and Komodo dragons.

Explore the Global Village showcasing cultures from Europe, America, and Asia. Enjoy shows featuring parades, acrobatics, and musical performances throughout the day. Special events like the Rose Festival and the Summer Splash Festival offer unique experiences. In summer, have fun at Caribbean Bay, the park’s large water park.

Whether seeking adventure or cultural experiences, Everland promises a day filled with fun for everyone.

Time from Seoul To Everland: If you decide to travel by bus, you can reach your destination within 1 hour. Alternatively, if you choose to take a taxi, your travel time would be approximately half an hour.

How to Get to Everland: You can easily reach here by taking a bus that would cost you between ₩3,000 to ₩4,500. Another way to reach here is by taking a taxi all the way, which would cost around ₩50,000 to ₩70,000 one way.

9. Busan: Visit the Captivating Jewel of South Korea

If you’re seeking a captivating day trip from Seoul, consider visiting Busan, a jewel on the southeastern tip of the Korean Peninsula. As South Korea’s second-largest city, Busan offers a magnetic blend of modern sophistication and timeless charm, inviting you to explore a tapestry of captivating experiences.

You must visit Busan and experience its dynamic atmosphere and diverse attractions that promise the perfect blend of tradition and modernity.

In Busan, you should visit Haeundae Beach for swimming and beachfront dining. Explore the vibrant Gamcheon Culture Village with its colorful houses and street art. Try fresh seafood at Jagalchi Market, a massive seafood market. Also, visit the beautiful Haedong Yonggungsa Temple overlooking the ocean.

Another must-do in Busan is exploring Taejongdae Park for its lighthouse and coastal views. Enjoy local music at Seaside Busking Street and stroll along the illuminated Gwangan Bridge at night. Whether you seek relaxation on the shores, cultural immersion, spiritual reflection, culinary delights, or panoramic views, Busan has something for everyone.

Don’t miss out on the chance to discover the enchantment of Busan on your next adventure!

Time from Seoul To Busan: The trip takes around 2.5 hours via, and 4 hours by bus and car.

How to Get to Busan: The best way is by taking the KTX high-speed train from Seoul, offering a quick and efficient journey at a cost of about ₩21,000 to ₩80,000 for a one-way ticket.

10. Bukhansan National Park: Visit Mountains North of the Han River                                                                                                                        

If you’re looking for a breathtaking day trip from Seoul, Bukhansan National Park is a must-visit destination. Nestled near the heart of Seoul, this park offers a tapestry of natural wonders, cultural richness, and accessibility that is truly irresistible.

You must visit Bukhansan National Park, climb to the summit, and be treated to breathtaking panoramic vistas, revealing Seoul’s sprawling beauty and the surrounding landscapes.

In Bukhansan National Park, you can explore a variety of adventures. Trails suit all skill levels for hiking enthusiasts, including the popular Baegundae Peak Trail, Uiamseong Trail, and Suraksan Trail. You can also visit several Buddhist temples, such as Bongeunsa Temple, Yeonghuisa Temple, and Guinsa Temple, providing serene spots for contemplation.

If you’re a history buff, exploring the ancient Bukhansanseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site from the Joseon Dynasty, is a must. You’ll enjoy panoramic views from this historic site. Wildlife enthusiasts may also encounter deer, wild boar, and diverse bird species while exploring the park’s natural beauty.

Don’t miss out on the chance to explore this enchanting oasis near Seoul!

Time from Seoul To Bukhansan National Park: Travel time to the Bukhansan National Park takes around 2 hours by bus.

How to Get to Bukhansan National Park: Getting to Bukhansan National Park is relatively easy, thanks to its proximity to Seoul and the well-developed public transportation system. You can take the local bus 704 for the national park which costs around ₩1,500 to ₩2,000.

11. Gangchon Rail Park: Experience the Rail thrills in South Korea

If you’re looking for a delightful adventure near Seoul, Gangchon Rail Park is a must-visit destination. Here, you can enjoy a variety of rail bike courses suitable for all ages and fitness levels, offering stunning views of the Bukhangang River and the surrounding mountains.

As you pedal along the tracks, you’ll pass through a themed tunnel and a funicular railway section, adding to the excitement. Make sure to take a break at Nanggu Village, where you can relax, grab a snack, and explore the area.

Additionally, the park offers ziplining adventures and a cozy cafe where you can unwind with a cup of coffee or tea. Don’t forget to check out the souvenir shops before you leave to bring home a piece of this memorable experience.

Add Gangchon Rail Park to your itinerary for a day filled with fun, adventure, and scenic beauty!

Time from Seoul To Gangchon Rail Park:  Travel time from Seoul to the Gangchon Rail Park can be estimated to be 1 to 2 hours.

How to Get to Gangchon Rail Park: The best way to get here is by taking a train, which can cost you around ₩8,000 to ₩14,000.

12. Jeonju Hanok Village: Visit the South Korea’s Traditional Folk Villages

If you’re eager to explore traditional Korean culture and cuisine, Jeonju Hanok Village is a must-visit destination. With over 800 Hanok, traditional Korean-style houses, the village offers you a picturesque stroll through narrow alleys showcasing beautiful architecture. You can even stay in one of the Hanok guest houses for an immersive experience.

Renowned for its culinary delights, especially bibimbap, a rice dish with assorted toppings, Jeonju is the birthplace of this iconic dish. Numerous restaurants in the village serve authentic bibimbap, and you can even learn to make it yourself at cooking classes available there.

Beyond food and lodging, Jeonju Hanok Village offers enriching cultural experiences. Explore museums dedicated to rice wine, paper, and fans to delve into Korean history and traditions. Here, you can engage in workshops on making hanji (Korean paper), playing gayageum (a stringed instrument), or donning hanbok (Korean traditional clothing).

Jeonju Hanok Village presents a vibrant blend of tradition and modernity, promising a culturally rich visit you won’t forget!

Time from Seoul To Jeonju Hanok Village: The travel time from Seoul to Jeonju Hanok Village is about 2 and a half hours by bus while taking the train will get you there in approximately 3 hours.

How to Get to Jeonju Hanok Village: The best way to Jeonju Hanok Village is by taking a bus, which would cost you approximately  ₩22,000 to  ₩31,000. Alternatively, you can take a train, which costs  ₩37,000 to  ₩70,000.

13. Seoraksan National Park: Visit South Korea’s Most Beautiful National Park

If you’re seeking adventure and natural beauty, Seoraksan National Park is the ideal destination with a plethora of activities to enjoy. If you are a hiking enthusiast, you will delight in the park’s numerous trails, catering to all levels of difficulty. The Biseondae Trail is a favorite, leading to the summit of Seoraksan Mountain, while the Gwonsumseong Fortress Trail offers breathtaking views.

Here, you can explore the park’s rich cultural heritage by visiting Buddhist temples like Sinheungsa Temple and Byeongnangsa Temple. You can experience the park’s natural wonders with visits to its stunning waterfalls, such as Gwongeumseong Falls and Biryong Falls.

For a panoramic view of the surroundings, you can take a ride on the cable car to the top of Gwongeumseong Fortress. Seoraksan National Park is a year-round destination, but the best times to visit are in the spring and fall when the weather is most pleasant.

Time from Seoul To Seoraksan Seoraksan Mountain: you can get here in about 2.5 hours from Seoul.

How to Get to Seoraksan Seoraksan Mountain:  The best way to reach Seoraksan Mountain is by taking a bus which will cost you around ₩15,000 to ₩25,000.

14. Petite France: Experience France in South Korea

Did you know you can immerse yourself in the charm and elegance of French culture but in South Korea? Petite France in the Gyeonggi Province of South Korea is a must-visit place and makes up for a wonderful day trip from Seoul!

You must visit Petite France as this enchanting cultural village offers you a whimsical journey into a world of authentic French architecture and the magical world of “The Little Prince.”

As you stroll through narrow cobblestone streets lined with vibrant buildings, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a traditional French village. Each structure, from quaint cottages to charming cafes, is a masterpiece designed to transport you to another time. Every corner of Petite France exudes a timeless elegance that is sure to captivate you.

Don’t miss the chance to experience the allure of Petite France and its charming blend of French culture and whimsy. Plan your visit and prepare to be enchanted by this captivating cultural village!

Time from Seoul To Petite France: If you take the bus you will reach there in about 1 hour and 15 minutes. But if you take a taxi you will reach there in 45 minutes.

How to Get to Petite France: The best way to reach Petite France is via taking a bus. It will cost you around ₩23,000 to ₩30,000. But if you take a taxi, it can cost you around ₩65,000 to ₩85,000.

15. Garden of Morning Calm: Visit the Garden of Plant Diversity  

Another great place that is considered the best day trip from Seoul is the Garden of Morning Calm. This garden is a great place to immerse yourself in tranquility and natural beauty.

You must visit the Garden of Morning Calm and explore its beautiful and diverse gardens like the French Rose Garden, English Cottage Garden, and Herb Garden, each offering a unique charm. Here, you can also visit the meticulously maintained bonsai trees in the Bonsai Garden and navigate through the challenging Maze Garden.

Moreover, you can visit the greenhouse showcasing a diverse plant collection as well as relax and admire the scenic mountain views. If you visit at the right time, you can also get to attend the seasonal events here that feature floral displays and cultural performances.

Add this place to your itinerary for a day filled with tranquility and natural beauty!

Time to Reach Garden of Morning Calm: it takes around 1 hour to reach here.

How to get to the Garden of Morning Calm: The best way to reach the Garden of Morning Calm is via taking a bus which will cost you around ₩27,000 to ₩35,000. But if you have the budget, you can take a taxi there as it can cost you around ₩60,000 to ₩75,000.

16. Heyri Art Valley: Visit Korea’s Largest Artistic Community 

Another great place that is a perfect day trip from Seoul is Heyri Art Valley. It’s a living canvas that invites you to experience the intersection of creativity, diversity, and nature.

You must visit Heyri Art Valley for its enriching and visually stunning journey into the heart of artistic expression. The main attraction is the community itself, with galleries, artisan studios, and workshops that provide a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creative process.

Plan to visit Heyri Art Valley and explore its celebration of cultural diversity and engage with artists from various disciplines and backgrounds!

Time to reach Heyri Art Valley: If you take a taxi you will reach there in 45 minutes. If you take the bus you will be there in 1 hour and 15 minutes.   

How to get to Heyri Art Valley: The best way to get to Heyri Art Valley is via bus which will only cost about ₩4,300 to ₩5,500. If you want private time while traveling, you can also go there by taking a taxi, which will cost you around ₩41,000 to ₩50,000.

17. Hwaseong Fortress: Visit the Architectural Inspiration of South Korea

If you’re fascinated by history and architectural marvels, a visit to the Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon, South Korea, is a must. This fortress is not just a relic of the past; it’s a living testament to Korea’s rich cultural heritage and military history.

You must visit  Hwaseong Fortress and walk along the 5.74-kilometer-long perimeter wall, lined with watchtowers and four magnificent gates, each with its own story to tell. As you explore the fortress, you’ll discover unique structures like Hwaseong Palace and Hwaseong Hyanggyo, offering a glimpse into Korea’s royal and educational past.

Moreover, Hwaseong Fortress’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site underscores its universal value and historical significance. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in this vibrant cultural space, where history comes alive through events and festivals celebrating Korea’s traditional culture and contemporary art forms.

Plan your visit and delve into the rich history of Hwaseong Fortress now!

Time to reach The Hwaseong Fortress: If you take a taxi it will get you there faster, in about 30 minutes, while taking the train will take about 1 hour.

How to reach the Hwaseong Fortress: The best way to reach the Hwaseong Fortress is by taking a train. It will cost you around ₩3,000 to ₩8,000. You can also take a taxi to reach there faster but can cost you around ₩48,000 to ₩60,000.

18. Gyeongju: Visit the Museum without Walls

If you’re an avid historian, a culture seeker, or someone simply drawn to the allure of ancient stories, Gyeongju promises an enchanting expedition into the heart of Korea’s extraordinary past.

You must come and visit theBulguksa Temple, a masterpiece of Silla architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nearby, you’ll find the Seokguram Grotto, home to a stunning seated Buddha statue.

For a deeper dive into history, you should visit the Gyeongju National Museum, where you’ll find a fascinating collection of artifacts from the Silla period. Tumuli Park is another must-see, housing ancient royal tombs that provide insight into Silla burial practices. Don’t miss the Cheomseongdae Observatory, a testament to ancient astronomical knowledge.

The Gyeongju Historic Areas, also a UNESCO site, encompass these and other cultural gems, making Gyeongju a captivating destination for history buffs and cultural enthusiasts alike!

How to reach Gyeongju: The best way to reach the historic town is by Train (KTX) from Seoul which will cost you around ₩45,000 to ₩85,000.

Time to reach Gyeongju: The time taken by train from Seoul to Gyeongju is around       2.5 hours.

19. Naejangsan National Park: Visit the Best Place for Fall Foliage

If you seek the vibrant hues of autumn, the serenity of ancient temples, or the thrill of mountain exploration, Naejangsan National Park is a must-visit place and a perfect day trip from Seoul. Here, you get to escape into a realm where nature’s wonders captivate your senses.

Located in the North Jeolla Province, Naejangsan is easily accessible from major cities and offers you a range of activities for nature lovers. Hiking enthusiasts can explore various trails, such as the Baegundae Peak Trail and the Uiamseong Trail, which cater to different skill levels. For a serene experience, you can visit the park’s Buddhist temples, including the Baekyangsa Temple and the Naejangsa Temple, offering tranquility and spiritual reflection.

Another thing that you will love to do in Naejangsan National Park is visit its waterfalls, such as the Wonnyeobong Falls and the Yuyudam Falls, which provide a refreshing escape.

While enjoying all these activities, you should also keep an eye out for rare orchids, vibrant butterflies, and the elusive Korean goral as you wander through the park’s diverse ecosystems!

Time to reach Naejangsan National Park: By using public transport, you can reach here in around 2 to 2.5 hours.

How to reach Naejangsan National Park: The best way to get to the Naejangsan National Park is via train(KTX) from Seoul. It will cost you around ₩65,000 to ₩105,000.

20. Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm: Visit Simple & Fuzzy Creatures in Seoul

The final place I’d recommend is the best day trip from Seoul to Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm. It’s a charming escape in the picturesque landscapes of South Korea where pastoral beauty meets the joy of mingling with fluffy, gentle sheep.

You must visit Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm for heartwarming interactions with the farm’s friendly residents—the sheep! Here, you have the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with these wooly companions, feel the softness of their fleece, feed them, and revel in the simple joys of connecting with these gentle animals.

Moreover, you can expect to be entertained by the skillful performances of shepherd dogs as they showcase their herding talents. The agility and intelligence of these dogs add an extra layer of excitement to your visit, providing a glimpse into the traditional practices of sheep farming—a must-add to your itinerary!

Time to reach Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm: Time to reach the sheep farm will be around 2 to 2.5 hours from Seoul.

How to reach Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm: The best way to reach the sheep farm is by taking a train(KTX) from Seoul to Jinbu Station. It will cost you around ₩46,000 to ₩65,000.

In conclusion, there are tons of places you can visit to have the best day trips from Seoul. From the tranquil beauty of Nami Island to the immersive cultural experience of the Korean Folk Village, and the historic marvels of Namhansanseong Fortress, each destination offers a unique glimpse into South Korea’s rich heritage and natural splendor.

Don’t you find yourself yearning to embark on these unforgettable journeys through South Korea?

If this travel guide has sparked your interest, why not explore our other articles for more inspiration? Leave us a comment, share your stories, and let’s continue to explore the wonders of travel together!

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Zen Moments in Korea

19 Day trips from Seoul: plan your perfect escape from the city

Last Updated on April 10, 2023 by Ingrid & Alex

Whether you are into nature, history, or photography, or you are a foodie, there are some amazing day trips from Seoul you could go on.

Most places are easily accessible by the comfortable train system, others you could visit by bus or by car. Here you can find some of our favorite destinations.

This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Read more about it on our  disclosure page here .

Table of Contents

Useful information for when you travel to seoul and south korea, majang lake – paju, suwon and hwaseong fortress, the garden of the morning calm, dmz – korean demilitarized zone, ganghwa island, nami island and petite france, cheonan and the hobbit cafe, yu gi-bang’s house in seosan, bukhansan national park.

• Hwadam Forest, Botanical Garden, and its monorail

Jeonju Hanok Village

Everland theme park, boseong tea plantation, the best day trips from seoul.

If you are traveling to South Korea for the first time, here are a few things and links you might find useful.

• Book your AREX Airport Express Ticket ,
• Take the Airport Limousine Bus ,
• Book a private transfer ,
• or read everything about getting from Incheon to Hongdae , Myeongdong , Bukchon Hanok Village , or Gangnam .

Communication and transportation

• Book your SIM Card & T-Money Card with airport pickup
• See if you would rather buy a SIM card or pocket wifi for your trip
• Or get an eSIM card directly in your email, and learn everything you must know about getting around Seoul

Getting around South Korea

• Rent a car in advance – choose an international website where you can use your credit card. Read everything about driving in South Korea
• Travel by fast train and book a multiple-day Korea Rail Pass

Other useful tips & links

• Lugg a ge delivery service – have your luggage delivered from the airport to your hotel and take the all-stop train. It might be cheaper than taking a taxi.
• Luggage storage service
• Don’t travel without insurance – this is a World Wide Travel Health Insurance + Covid suitable for almost anyone, and easy to book. On top of that, they also provide luggage insurance in case your luggage gets lost or damaged. Get the best offer here!
• Accommodation guides : where to stay in Seoul , Busan , and everywhere in between
• Should you get the Discover Seoul Pass ? See our analysis and alternatives for saving on your trip
• Take the Airport Limousine Bus,

The Majang Lake, or Majangho in Korean, was one of the first places we visited outside Seoul. Since our first trip, we returned many times that we craved a bit of peace and quiet.

An hour-and-a-half journey from Seoul’s City Hall, Majang Lake is surrounded by picturesque forested mountains. The site is also a favored camping destination. Koreans love camping, by the way, although not the wild & rough camping I grew up enjoying in the Carpathian mountains. Admittedly, it is not quite as glamorous as the Hong Kong-style glamping, but apart from sleeping in a tent or camper van, Korean camping sites provide all the comforts of a hotel: hot showers, gas stoves, running water, bathroom, supermarkets, and so on.

One of the main attractions of Majang Lake is the suspension bridge linking its forested shores. Officially the Gloucester Heros Bridge, also called the Gamaksan Suspension Bridge, was named to honor the 1st Battalion Gloucester Regiment of the British Army who fought in the Korean War. At 220 meters long and 10 meters high, it is the longest suspension bridge in South Korea. The pleasure of walking over the lake while enjoying the amazing view it’s surpassed only by the joy of taking and sharing a memorable selfie.

On the lake’s southern shore, near the suspension bridge, you can find the Red Bridge Café and Italian Restaurant. The coffee is good, and the food tastes almost Italian . However, the lake view from the restaurant’s terrace is WOW! Our usual routine was to stop for lunch or coffee and then cross the bridge and walk around the lake.

The western part of Majang is reserved for those who’d prefer floating on the lake itself. You can rent a hydro bike at the pier; you should be aware, though, that you might need to line up for half an hour or so during the weekends since it is crowded.

If you are into hikes, there are a few nice trails in the nearby ASEAN Recreational Forest; you should stock up on water and some snacks since there are no places to shop along the route.

Lastly, if you enjoy traditional Korean barbecue as much as we do, you should stop by one of the restaurants on the lake’s eastern side. In some of the places, you can eat in a little hovel just for you instead of sitting at one of the restaurant’s tables. We enjoyed the privacy, especially during the covid pandemic; however, sitting and dining on the floor in the Korean style can be quite uncomfortable if you are not used to it.

How to get there from Seoul City Hall?

You can use different combinations depending on where you stay in Seoul . Just be careful not to confuse Majang Station with Majang Lake or Majang Reservoir (or Majangho in Korean) J

The easiest in our view is to use a subway + taxi combination:

• Take Subway Line 1 from City Hall to Nogyang Station in Uijeongbu – circa 50-minute’s ride.
• Take a Taxi-on-Demand to Majang Reservoir (18-20 USD) – circa 15 minutes ride.

You can always choose to rent a car while in South Korea and easily get to anywhere you want. As with everything, renting a car without a local credit card can be challenging but not impossible. Check out the available options for car rentals here .

About 30 km south of Seoul, it’s the city of Suwon. It is linked to the capital by train, so it is easy and convenient to get there.

Boasting a population of 1.3 million, Suwon is a vibrant city with a thriving economy. If you own a Samsung phone or TV, it was probably designed at the Samsung R&D center in Suwon. It also hosts the Samsung Electronics HQ, among other Samsung subsidiaries.

The main tourist attraction is Hwaseong Fortress or Suwon Hwaseong, a UNESCO World Heritage site . The fortress’ wall surrounds Suwon’s center, and once it encircled the entire city. Walking around its walls and the wooded areas around it can take your mind away from the hustle and bustle of the 21 st century. Today’s visitors can admire the impressive fortress’s several gates and sentry towers.

Just south of the Hwaseong Fortress, tourists can stroll the streets of the traditional part of town. In addition, one can find a wide array of coffee shops and restaurants , many boasting a rooftop terrace overlooking the fortress.

Circa 3km from Hwaseong, one can visit Hyowon Park and Wolhwawon , the Chinese Garden. Imagine a beautiful garden with a small lake, wooden pavilions, and many flowers and greenery; it is the place Chinese fairytale princesses would live in.

Suwon is famous for its special Korean BBQ called the Suwon Galbi – make sure you try it while you are there.

As a Westerner, you might be reluctant to use public facilities. Don’t be! Korean public toilets are usually very clean, but none are as clean as the ones in Suwon. The local authorities take pride in the cleanliness and quality of their public lavatories. Furthermore, if you have already spent a few days in South Korea, you might have noticed the care and high-tech gadgets they invest in their toilets. It is the only country I lived in where I had to read the user’s manual before going to the bathroom for the first time. To honor the South Korean toilet tradition, the city of Suwon hosts a Toilet museum!

Colloquially called the Mr. Toilet House, the Toilet Culture Museum is a must-visit place for those who want to know more about the history of sanitation or just take a selfie with a giant golden turd – there is probably no other place on Earth you could do that, right?

How to get to Suwon from Seoul City Hall?

The easiest way to get there is by train:

• Walk to Seoul Station – circa 15 minutes walk from City Hall.
• Take the train from Seoul Station to Suwon Station in Suwon – circa 35 minutes ride.
• Walk to Hwaseong Fortress – circa 20 minutes walk. Alternatively, you can take a taxi.

Given that it hosts South Korea’s largest international airport, you probably passed by the city of Incheon on your way in. However, Incheon has several interesting points of interest which you could visit during a day trip from Seoul.

As the first city to open up to foreigners during the final years of Korea’s Joseon dynasty, Incheon became a cosmopolitan port in the late 19th century. Unsurprisingly, its multicultural heritage is still visible today.

Incheon has close to 3 million inhabitants, and it is one of the main transportation hubs in terms of air transport and oceanic transport. In addition, the local administration’s ambition is to become a global city, similar to Singapore and Hong Kong. To this effect, Incheon created a Free Economic Zone and a so-called Free English Zone, reflecting its plans to increase its inhabitants’ English language knowledge.

The other strategic direction of Incheon’s development is focused on the bio industry. Incheon is competing with San Francisco for the top place in terms of production capacity.

Incheon hosts the only official china town in South Korea. Since we lived in Hong Kong before moving to Seoul, Incheon China Town was among our first destinations; we were not disappointed.

The main entrance is through a paifang, an 11-meters-high Chinese-style gateway, opening into a colorful array of unmistakenly Chinese-inspired architecture. But, interestingly, it also contains a Japanese-inspired area, including a specific Arched Gate.

You can find a wide variety of restaurants covering many of the different Chinese culinary traditions. Moreover, you can enjoy the taste of unique Korean-Chinese fusion cuisine.

If you’d like to relieve some of your childhood fantasies, you should consider visiting Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village , which is close to China Town. There you’ll find a few street blocks where buildings are covered in fairytale-inspired murals. It is a good spot for photo opportunities; however, it is rather crowded during the weekends.

Once you visit the China Town area, you should consider exploring the nearby Wolmido Island . You could go there on foot, or take the bus, but we recommend the suspended monorail . On your arrival, enjoy the island’s Korean Traditional Garden and walk up its hilltop; it offers a nice waterfront view. Then, descend towards the Ocean and stroll on the boardwalk; many nice coffee shops and restaurants are there. You’ll also notice a monument honoring the American and UN troops who took part in MacArthur’s famous Incheon landing, turning the tide of the Korean war. And, you could spend a few hours at the Play Hill Theme Park.

If you like shopping (and who doesn’t?), you should check out the area at Bupyeong Station. The Incheon Subway and the Seoul Subway lines meet here, so it is convenient to stop at Buypeong before heading back to Seoul. You should visit the large underground shopping mall that mostly sells women’s fashion items. According to the American World Record Academy, it has more than 1400 stores spread over 31.000 square meters, making it the place with the highest number of stores in the world. It is said that many items could be acquired at a bargain compared to the prices in Seoul’s department stores and shopping malls.

How to get to Incheon from Seoul City Hall?

• Take Subway Line 1 from City Hall Station to Incheon Station – circa 1 hour and 30 minutes ride.
• Walk to Chinatown – circa 5 minutes walk.

Korea is known to the locals as the ‘Land of the Morning Calm’ because of its natural beauty and picturesque mountain landscapes, evoking a harmonious balance and equilibrium. The similarly-named garden perfectly reflects the country’s self-image. The place reminded me of the elvish settlements from fantasy movies: wildly beautiful yet neatly pedicured and maintained.

The vast arboretum lies to the east of Seoul, nestled between several mountain peaks.

It houses over 5000 plant species, some of them rare or endangered.

The garden is divided into twenty sections, each a micro-ecosystem of its own. For example, one section is dedicated to a thousand flower species from all over Korea. Another one represents a Japanese garden. There is even a part evoking the gardens of Victorian England, with a nice cottage included. Moreover, visitors can admire tropical plants in a dedicated greenhouse section.

The arboretum is traversed by a fresh mountain stream, the gurgling of water adding to the relaxing atmosphere.

One of the mountain trails leads up to a rock garden dedicated to flowers native to Korea’s mountains. Furthermore, there are several belvedere points to rest and admire the view.

You can enjoy a good meal or a hot tea at one of the garden’s restaurants or coffee shops.

If you are a K-drama fan, you’ll surely recognize the beautiful pond made famous by the ‘Moonlight Drawn by the Clouds’ K-drama; several notable scenes were filmed at the Pond Garden. In addition, not less than twenty films feature scenes filmed in the Garden of the Morning Calm.

The easiest way to get there is by train ( book your train ticket in advance, or get your Korea Rail Pass for when you plan to travel more by train):

• Take Subway Line 1 to Yongsan Station – circa 8 minutes ride.
• Take the ITX Express train at Seoul’s Yongsan Station and get down at Cheongpyeong Station – circa 50 minutes ride.
• Take the Gapyeong City Tour Bus to the Garden of the Morning Calm – circa 20 minutes ride. Alternatively, you can walk 1 km from Cheongpyeong Station to the Cheongpyeong Bus Terminal and take an intra-city bus to the garden.

However, many tourists prefer to book a guided tour which usually includes Nami Island and The Garden of Morning Calm – if you choose this option, you don’t need to worry about transportation.

Unsurprisingly the area dubbed as ‘ the world’s most dangerous border’ is also the number 1 tourist attraction in South Korea ; over 1.2 million visitors flock every year to the infamous Korean Demilitarized Zone or DMZ .

To understand the DMZ, we should touch a bit upon Korea’s 20 th -century history.

In 1910 Japan annexed Korea and ran it as part of the Japanese Empire. There are mixed feelings and differing interpretations of that specific period of Korean history to this day.

After Japan lost World War II, the southern part of the Korean peninsula was occupied by the Americans while the northern side was under Soviet administration.

Long story short, the USSR-supported North Korean government decided to unify the peninsula by force and invaded the South in 1950. It prompted the UN to initiate a ‘police action’ eventually joined by 21 nations to defend the South. As a result, China sent millions of ‘volunteer’ troops to help the North Koreans. A full-blown war ensued in all but name.

By 1953 the two sides fought each other to a stand-still, occupying more or less the same lands they did before the war along the 38 th parallel; millions died for nothing, and the Korean peninsula was totally devastated. Finally, an Armistice was signed on 27th July 1953, requiring the opposing armies to retreat two kilometers each to avoid direct contact. Hence, the Korean Demilitarized Zone was born, a 4km wide and over 250km long no-mans-land separating the Northern and Southern armies. Since then, the DMZ has been in place for the war that never also never ended; to this day, the North and South are still at war since a peace treaty was never signed.

Just north of Seoul, parts of the DMZ can be visited, but only by guided tours. There are two kinds of tours, a full-day tour, and a half-day tour. The main difference is that the full-day tour includes the Joint Security Area (JSA).

The JSA is the only point of the DMZ where the two opposing militaries actually meet. It is also where politicians from opposing sides can meet and discuss; Trump met Kim Jong-Un here a few years ago. Given the sensitive nature of the JSA, there are strict security rules for visiting. One needs to book the tour minimum of 72 hours in advance for security checks, and no children below the age of 12 are allowed – keep this in mind if you plan to go for the full tour.

When visiting the JSA, another important thing to keep in mind is the dress code. Officially the visitors are expected to show their respect at such an important geopolitical sight, but the real reason is actually much quirkier: North Korean authorities used pics of casually dressed tourists to convince its citizens of how poor and decadent the Western and South Korea citizens are. So no ripped jeans, sleeveless shirts, or mini-skirts, please! Also, avoid clothing with military-like prints, national flags, or other national symbols. For some reason, workout clothes are not allowed either: no sweatpants or leotards! As for footwear, no sandals or similar open-top or open-back shoes; loafers, mocassins, and dressier sneakers are fine.

While you are in the JSA, there are restrictions on what you can photograph. For example, you are not allowed, under any circumstances, to take pics of North Korean soldiers. However, you can take pics with the cool, sunglass-wearing South Korean guards if not otherwise advised. By the way, did you know that sunglasses are part of the South Korean guards’ uniform? It is supposed to shield the soldier’s emotions or, I would guess, the annoyance of being photographed by all the passing tourists.

Apart from the JSA, both the full-day and half-day tours cover important historical landmarks such as Imjingak Park or The Bridge of Freedom.

Since 1974 South Korea has discovered four underground tunnels dug under the DMZ; specialists believe there could be as many as twenty tunnels in total.

The so-called 3 rd Infiltration Tunnel is usually part of the guided tours. Although North Korea denies this, the corridor seems designed to allow a surprise attack on Seoul. Given its dimensions, it has room for 30.000 North Korean soldiers armed with light weaponry to pass every hour. That is 720.000 soldiers in 24 hours; imagine the damage they could do by falling behind the South Korean defenses.

Many are curious to get a glimpse of the isolated hermit state of North Korea, but travel to the country is severely restricted. However, you could safely do this by visiting the Dorasan Observatory. By using its high-power binoculars, you can observe parts of Kaesong, the ninth-largest city in North Korea. On a clear day, you could even glimpse the bronze statue of Kim Il-Sung, the founder of North Korea and grandfather of its current Supreme Leader.

But DMZ is not only about military history and political propaganda. Since it is an almost 1000 square kilometers area with virtually no human population, nature reasserted itself over the decades. There were sightings of the endangered Siberian Tiger, in addition to Amur Leopards and numerous bird species.

The DMZ can be visited by booking a guided tour . For more details, please read our comprehensive guide .

Just north of Incheon, a trip to Ganghwa Island can offer a Korean experience different from what you might expect from other trips within the country.

The most striking feature of the island is the extent of the oceanic tides. Imagine sitting on a beach, an ocean of mud as far as you can see, people playing in it or looking for shells kilometers away from the coast. While in Europe, the sea retreats only a few meters during low tide, and on Africa’s eastern shores, it might retreat hundreds of meters, at Ganghwa, the ocean can withdraw as much as 5 kilometers. The result is breathtaking, the sea leaving room for endless mudflats.

One can enjoy other natural beauties while on Ganghwa; these can be explored by hiking on one of the island’s trails.

The island is known for its unique turnip production. The local turnip seeds have been used in traditional medicine for a thousand years, it is said to have an anti-cancer effect, but it is used for treating skin diseases, digestive ailments, and respiratory diseases as well.

Ganghwa takes pride in its ginseng crop. I strongly encourage you to enjoy the local Korean chicken ginseng soup; my mouth waters just writing about it. Most tours include a basic ginseng farming lesson, digging in the ground included.

If you didn’t have the chance to do it in Seoul, Ganghwa is a good place to rent a hanbok, the traditional Korean dress, and take lots of unforgettable pictures. In addition, you can engage in other cultural activities, such as designing your own traditional Korean handkerchief.

We recommend trying the Mega Luge at Ganghwa Sea Resort for the more adventurous visitors. Don’t feel bad if you don’t know what a “luge” is; since I am not a Winter Olympics fan, I also had to look it up. The one on Ganghwa is similar to the ice-sliding luge, but it has wheels instead. It is quite safe, and people of all ages enjoy it. While you are at Gangwha Sea Resort, you should go for a ride with the gondola; it allows some scenic views of the island.

How to get to Ganghwa Island from Seoul City Hall?

The easiest way to get there is by booking one of the guided tours from Seoul .

However, if you prefer to strike out on your own, you can take the Bus from Sinchon Station:

• Take the subway from City Hall Station to Sinchon Station – circa 8 minutes
• Leave Sinchon Station via Exit 7 and take the long-distance bus 3000 to Gangwha – circa 60 minutes

The capital city of Gangwon Province, Chuncheon is one of the best and closest mountain destinations to Seoul.

A great weekend destination but also a place where to go for a day only.

While in the region you can find other popular destinations such as the Garden of the Morning Calm, Petite France, Nami Island, or Edelweiss Swiss Theme Park, I would suggest giving Chuncheon a chance as well.

Rent a bike from one of the places outside of the train stop and bike around Chuncheon Lake, stop and walk on the Soyanggang Skywalk, and go all the way to the deserted amusement park. You can also go along the stream and explore some of the unique cafes in town.

Greenboard Cafe (그린보드) is unique, located in the countryside, with beautiful flowers and green plants interior.

A bit outside of town you’ll find Alpaca World , a destination perfect not only for children but also for adults. It is a popular Instagram destination set in a beautiful natural location.

The Organic Cafe ( 유기농카페 ) is another pretty place set in between the fields where you will find different kinds of flowers depending on the season you choose to visit.

How to get to Chuncheon from Seoul City Hall?

The easiest way to get from Seoul to Chuncheon is by subway and train. It will take roughly 2 hours one way and you have 2 options:

• Take Line 1 from the City Hall to Cheongnyangni Station; From there hop on the ITX train all the way to Chuncheon Station
• Take Line 1 to Hoegi Station and from there take the Gyeongchun Line to the end of the line.

Namiseom or Nami Island is loved by both tourists and Koreans when it comes to natural destinations outside of Seoul. Usually linked together with Petite France, you will find plenty of tour options to choose from.

We tried to visit the island on a Saturday during the fall, but it was impossible to find a parking space anywhere in the city around the island. On top of that, we waited for one hour in line before we could actually see the parking lot.

Needless to say, we would strongly suggest you choose to go during the week and choose a tour so you won’t have to worry about parking spaces or the bus schedule.

The so-called Hobbit cafe in Cheonan is actually a bit outside of the city and when traveling by subway you will have to take a bus as well.

While coffee is not the best out there, they have plenty of pastries and their specialty is the cake filled with red bean paste. Learn from my mistake and do be fooled into thinking that the filling is chocolate and nuts.

Apart from the delicious sweets, you must come here for the architecture of the laboratories. That’s right, the actual cafe is hosted in a normal building, while the hobbit-like buildings are the place where the magic happens.

Around the city, there aren’t many other important tourist attractions, but you will be able to walk around rice paddies and explore other cafes, such as the one with a pool.

How to get to Cheonan from Seoul City Hall

Getting there might be easier than in other places because Line number 1 will get you directly to the city.

From the train station, take the bus or a taxi to either one of the cafes.

I must admit that getting to this place without a car proved to be a bit challenging. If you don’t speak Korean or are not used to the bus system in South Korea, I strongly encourage you to go by car.

The place is a museum where you can step back in time. The house was built in the early 1900s, during the Japanese colonial era. During spring, the location attracts thousands of people because of its fields of daffodils.

For K-Drama lovers, this is a must-see destination since many famous movies have been filmed here, such as Mr. Sunshine.

A few kilometers away, you can explore the coastline and the city of Dangjin. With its cafes along the sea and plenty of seafood restaurants, this is a dream destination for any foodie out there.

How to get there from Seoul City Hall

The address for Yu Gi Bang’s house is 72-10 Imunan-gil, Unsan-myeon, Seosan-si, Chungcheongnam-do (충남 서산시 운산면 이문안길 72-10) and you must first get to Nambu Bus Terminal from where you will take a bus to Unsan Intercity Bus Stop. From there, take bus number 45-2 to Yoogibanggaok.

It is worth knowing that from the bus stop, you will need to walk a bit, and most part of the road doesn’t have a sidewalk and is basically in the middle of nowhere, in between fields.

However, as with the previous destination, getting there by car is far easier and less time-consuming.

The mountains behind Seoul, are easily reachable from different places in town, hiding plenty of trails , temples, and cafes.

No matter your level there will be something for you to explore, and you can even get closer to nature by car or bus.

If you are really passionate about hiking, a great way to start your day would be to go on a sunrise hike on Bukhansan Mountain . You will spend a night at a mountain camp, meet like-minded people, and make some memories that will last forever.

Hwadam Forest , Botanical Garden, and its monorail

A beautiful forest park with 17 sections that have been populated with many types of local trees and plants in an effort to revive the country’s forest ecosystem.

Many people flock to the forest during the fall season because of the picturesque setting and the beautiful foliage. However, since the place is a botanical garden, every season has its beauty and will charm you with different types of flowers.

The monorail inside Hwadam Forest (화담숲) will help you see the park from above and is one of the main attractions. Bear in mind that because of that you might find it hard to get a ticket. Plan your trip for the first part of the day and try to get there as early as possible after the park’s opening time.

As with most destinations in South Korea, Hwadam Forest has been throughout the years set for various K-Dramas – Little Forest, Be With You, only to name a few.

How to get to Hwadam Forest from Seoul City Hall

Driving there would take around 40 minutes but getting there by public transportation is also easy.

Address : 278-1, Docheokwit-ro, Docheok-myeon, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기 광주시 도척면 도척윗로 278-1 )

By subway :

Make your way to Gangnam Station. From there, take the red line – Sinbundang Line to Pangyo Station. A short walk or a taxi ride away, you will find the forest.

It will take roughly one hour to get there by public transportation.

By organized tour

If you would don’t want to worry about timetables, trains, buses, and whatnot, you can always choose to go on an organized tour.

The tour will take you to Hwadam Forest, Gwangmyeong Cave, and will offer an ice cream-making experience. The itinerary departs from Honkig University Station early in the morning and takes you back in the afternoon at Myeong-dong station or Hongik Univ. station.

If the Hanok Villages in the city are not enough and you want to go for a day trip from Seoul, Jeonju can be reached in roughly one hour and a half by KTX.

I suggest you buy your train ticket ahead of time online so you don’t have to worry about availability and prices. Book it here!

In Jeonju Hanok Village (전북 전주 한옥마을) you will get to see over 700 traditional houses and you will feel like stepping back in time, back to the Joseon era.

The city was once the capital of Hubaekje – one of the 3 important Korean kingdoms, and at some point was surrounded by city walls.

For those who want to learn more about the city and its past, a visit to the Hanok Life Experience Hall should not be skipped. Go for a stroll on the streets and admire the houses, look for the Omokdae (오목대) because it offers the best view of the rooftops, rent a hanbok and take some beautiful pictures, and visit some of the local museums.

Another way of living in South Korea to the fullest is by choosing to stay overnight in a hanok. In Jeonju there are plenty of options, but Sarangroo or Starlight Rest Area not only has affordable prices but also beautiful traditional houses.

How to get to Jeonju Hanok Village from Seoul City Hall

From the City Hall, take Line 1 (blue line) to Yongsan Station, and from there take the KTX train all the way to Jeonju.

South Korea’s largest amusement park, a place that attracts millions of visitors every year, Everland Theme Park should be a great day trip from Seoul for anyone who enjoys this kind of activity.

In our family opinions are different when it comes to amusement parks, but I’m sure there are plenty of adrenaline lovers out there.

The park has 5 different themed zones. Magic Land is where you will want to go to when traveling with kids, American Adventure offers thrilling rides, European Adventure will have you walking through gardens, and Zootopia is a place where kids can meet with animals.

You can easily spend one whole day at Everland without getting bored.

How to get to Everland from Seoul Station

Get to Gangnam station (5002A or B) or Gangbyeon station (5002B or 1113 bus) and hop on the red bus heading to Everland Themed Park.

The ride will take between 1h30 min and up to 2 hours, depending on the traffic.

The easiest and fastest way is to book a transfer. The bus leaves from various places around town (Yeongdeungpo Station, Sindorim Station, Sinnonhyeon Station, or  Gangnam Station ), making it easy for you to take it, no matter where you choose to stay.

I must admit that we discussed a little before adding Busan as a day trip from the Seoul destination. Because of its location all the way to the southern shores of South Korea, but also because of its size and myriad of things to do, one could spend weeks in Busan without getting bored or seeing it all.

However, because KTX can get you there in roughly 2hours and a half, we cannot leave the city off this list.

Book your train ticket here!

While with 5 hours on the road, you won’t have too much time to explore, you can still spend some time at the fish market, lay on the beach at Haeundae (해운대해수욕장) or Gwangalli (광안리해수욕장), or go shopping at the largest departments store in South Korea.

Colorful and vibrant, with delicious food, Busan is one of our favorite cities in South Korea, and we strongly encourage you not to skip it, and hopefully spend at least a weekend there.

How to get to Busan from Seoul City Hall

As mentioned before, the fastest way to get from Seoul to Busan is by high-speed train.

Of course, there is always to flight option, but you will have to think about the time it takes to get to Gimpo airport, and also that you must come at least one hour before the flight.

Boseong tea plantations are one of the most iconic sights in South Korea.

Located near the southern coast, these vast green fields stretch out over rolling hills and valleys, creating a stunning landscape that’s unlike anything else in the world.

The region is home to some of the best tea-producing regions in all of Asia, producing teas that are highly prized for their flavor and aroma. Here, we tasted various traditional food with a green tea twist – for example, cold noodle soup with green tea, at the restaurant by the tea plantation’s entrance.

Visitors can take tours through these lush plantations or enjoy a cup of freshly brewed tea while taking in views from nearby peaks. If you are visiting during summer, come prepared with a hat and something to cover your shoulders because the sun is hot and there is some hiking involved.

Whether you’re looking for an immersive cultural experience or simply want to relax and enjoy beautiful scenery, Boseong Tea Plantations offer something for everyone.

You can book a day tour from Busan or Seoul , and enjoy round-trip transportation with a local guide.

Daegu is one of the largest cities in South Korea and serves as an important transportation hub for both domestic and international travelers.

The city has a population of over 2.5 million people, making it one of the most populous cities in all of Asia.

Daegu is known for its vibrant culture, delicious food, historical sites, and beautiful landscape that make it an ideal destination for tourists from around the world.

From traditional markets such as the Seomun Market to modern malls and from ancient temples like Dongwhasa to bustling nightlife spots, Daegu has something for everyone to enjoy!

Don’t miss a visit to the Daegu Art Museum, a walk on Kim-Kwang-seok Street, take a picture with the 83 Tower, especially during spring, take the cable car in Apsan Park, or enjoy a boat ride on Suseong Lake.

How to get to Daegu: take KTX directly from Seoul, and ride for around 1.5 hours.

Gyeongju is known for its rich history and cultural heritage.

It was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla, one of the Three Kingdoms that ruled much of the Korean Peninsula from 57 BC to 935 AD.

As such, Gyeongju has many archaeological sites and relics that are now designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These include Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, Cheomseongdae Observatory and numerous tombs from the Silla Kingdom period.

Today visitors can explore these ruins as well as other attractions such as Anapji Pond, Bomun Lake Resort Complex and several museums dedicated to preserving Gyeongju’s past. There are also plenty of shopping opportunities in this vibrant city along with traditional restaurants offering local cuisine.

How to get to Gyeongju: Take KTX to train to Singyeongju Station

Read our comprehensive guide for a day trip to Gyeongju

Best cafes in Seoul : most Instagram-worthy places, and the best coffee in town

4 Days in Seoul itinerary

5 days in Seoul itinerary

7 days in Seoul itinerary

PIN FOR LATER!

By Ingrid & Alex

Ingrid A former financial professional, I have been passionate about photography since an early age. My fascination with Korean culture was one of the reasons Alex accepted a business role in Seoul. Alex A former corporate business executive, I am a historical fiction writer. My business career allowed us to live in Seoul and explore South Korea for one year. We fell in love with the country, its culture, food, and people, and we strongly believe you will love it too! Because we know how difficult planning a trip can be, especially to South Korea, we are here to help you out and ensure you have an awesome time there.

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SEOUL - north  |  SEOUL - south

Day Trips from Seoul  | Busan  |  Best Collections

🥁 Festivals ( Seoul • Busan )

18 Popular & Unique Day Trips from Seoul under 3 hours

Koreatodo collection with a mix of popular, less travelled (but worthy) and easily accessible day trips by public transport from seoul under 3 hours., from the popular everland theme park, nami island to cultural experiences like the korean folk village or off the beaten track seoul day trips to gwangmyeong cave, alpaca world animal farm and many more., explore new destinations or visit your favourite places again on your holiday to korea, easily with our seoul day trips guide:, our guide includes where to go, how to go, location maps, bus/train routes, travel time required, useful tips  and other attractions to explore around the area., take your picks and be the first to share your korea's travel discoveries and favourites with your friends, nami island / petite france / the garden of morning calm / gapyeong rail park (gangwon & gyeonggi provinces).

Nami Island, beautiful in all seasons is probably the most popular and must-visit day trip for many visitors to Korea.

Nami Island is normally visited with Petite France, The Garden of Morning Calm and/or Gapyeong Rail Park. This can be done on a free and easy day trip by hopping on Gapyeong City Tour Bus at Gapyeong or join a local day tour from Seoul.

Directions Overview:

108 mins on Seoul Subway (or 40 mins on ITX Train), followed by short shuttle bus/taxi ride to destination.

Everland Theme Park (Yongin, GYEONGGI)

Korea's largest amusement park for all ages and a popular day trip option for many visitors to Seoul!

Ride on the World's top 10 fastest wooden roller coaster, T-Express with a steep drop at 77 degree! Visit the famous Panda Bao Family or get up close to the animals on the tram ride at Zootopia. Enjoy a fun and exciting day at Everland.

35 mins bus ride from Gangnam Station.

Gangchon Rail Bike Park +ATV (Chuncheon, GANGWON)

Built on the discontinued train line, Gangchon Rail Bike is the largest rail bike course in Korea. This will be a fun day trip from Seoul for all ages!

Pedal on the two or four-seater rail bike and enjoy breathtaking countryside scenery of farmland, mountains and flowing rivers. During the rail bike course, you will pass through different interesting themed tunnels of disco lights and music. At the end of the course, you can walk to nearby town for their local delights or rent an ATV for another exciting course. Alternatively, you can do this day trip together with Nami Island or The Garden of Morning Calm.

2 hrs on Seoul Subway (from Seoul/Myeongdong Station), followed by 2 mins walk to Park.

LEGOLAND Korea Resort (Chuncheon, GANGWON)

Officially opened on 5 May 2022, LEGOLAND Korea is the largest Legoland theme park in Asia and World's second largest. It is also the first Legoland resort to be built on an island.

The theme park offers authentic Lego experience with over 40 rides, shows and attractions across 7 themes. They include Pirate Shores, Bricktopia, LEGO Castle, LEGO City, LEGO Ninjago World, Brick Street and Miniland.

1hr 15mins on ITX-Cheongchun Train from Yongsan Station in Seoul, followed by 15mins free shuttle to theme park entrance.

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage) & Nearby Attractions (Suwon, GYEONGGI)

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site makes a worthy day trip from Seoul. The fortress stretches 5.74km long, forming a loop with many military structures built in Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).

Within the fortress wall, there are many other popular attractions, activities, cafes and restaurants within walking distance like Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, Suwon Chicken Street, Suwon Hwaseong Tourist Train ride, Korean Archery Experience, Flying Suwon (helium-filled balloon), Haenggungdong Mural Village, Suwon Workshop Street, museums and Cultural Heritage Media Art Festival (autumn).

30 mins/1hr from Seoul (ITX-KTX Trains/Seoul Subway), followed by 10 mins bus ride to destination).

Chinatown / Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village / Jayu Park / Wolmido Island (INCHEON)

Enjoy delicious Chinese cuisine especially jajangmyeon (black bean sauce noodles) at Incheon Chinatown. Photo-taking at Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village and enjoy the view from the top of Jayu Park.

Next, hop on the bus to Wolmido Island nearby. Enjoy the beautiful sea views, feed the seagulls, fun rides at Wolmi Theme Park or dine at its many cafes or fresh seafood restaurants.

67 mins on Seoul Subway (from Seoul Station). Incheon Chinatown is directly across the road from train station.

Gyeongju - UNESCO World Heritage (Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, Cheomseongdae Observatory, Daereungwon Royal Tombs, Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond, etc)

Gyeongju was the ancient capital city of the Silla Dynasty that ruled the Korean Peninsula for 992 years.

It is home to many historical heritage sites designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Buddhist art masterpieces, relics, palaces, royal tombs, temples and fortress from the culture of Silla Kingdom.

From Seoul (2hrs on KTX/SRT train) or Busan (35 mins on KTX/SRT Train or 50 mins on intercity bus).

Alpaca World (Hongcheon, GANGWON)

Alpaca World is the largest forest experience farm in Korea. Come here to touch and walk with the strange-looking but adorable Alpacas!

Enjoy other activities like horse riding, alpaca & deer safari train and animals performances. How about grabbing the picnic basket for an outing in the woods?

1 hr on intercity bus from Seoul, followed by another hour local bus [*no longer operating*] and 918m walk to Alpaca World.

Dumulmeori / Semiwon Garden / Strawberry Farms / Bukhangang Railroad Bridge (Yangpyeong, GYEONGGI)

A highly recommended day trip from Seoul easily accessible on Seoul Subway. Rustic beauty of mountain and river presented the moment you step out of the train station. Semiwon Garden is famous for its lotus. Dumulmeori is a popular filming location. Strawberry picking is a highlight for visitors to Yangpyeong.

Many of the attractions are within walking distance or you can rent a bike and cycle to Bukhangang Railroad Bridge. Check out the cafes and restaurants in town too.

70 mins on Seoul Subway (from Seoul Station). 12 mins walk to Semiwon Garden and onwards to Dumulmeori or Strawberry Farm.

Gwangmyeong Cave (Gwangmyeong, GYEONGGI)

An abandoned mine (for gold, silver) transformed into the best Cave Theme Park in Korea.

In-cave attractions include underground passage, underground lake, lights tunnel, etc.In addition, there is a 194m long Wine Cave where 170 types of wine from around South Korea are sold.

40 mins on Seoul Subway (from Seoul Station), followed by 45 mins bus ride to Cave.

Namhansanseong Fortress, UNESCO World Heritage (Gwangju, GYEONGGI)

A UNESCO World Heritage with rich history as the emergency capital during Joseon dynasty. Namhansanseong Provincial Park is surrounded in natural mountainous setting with numerous hiking trails along its fortress.

Its pine forest is the largest in the metropolitan area and do check out the Namhansansung Palace on this day trip as well.

55 mins on Seoul Subway (from Seoul Station), followed by 17 mins bus ride to Park.

Korean Folk Village (Yongin, GYEONGGI)

A large village enacting the daily life culture of a typical village during Joseon dynasty.

Korean Folk Village is a popular film site for many well-known historical dramas including My Love from the Star (2013), Moon Embracing the Sun (2012), Dong Yi (2010), etc. This is a great place to journey into the past to experience the wisdom and wits of Joseon dynasty.

55 mins bus ride from Gangnam Station, followed by 5 mins walk to entrance.

Seoraksan National Park (Sokcho, GANGWON)

Seoraksan National Park is a very popular park with the locals and foreign visitors to Korea. There are many scenic hiking courses and visitors can take the cable car to the mountain top.

At Sokcho Town, the must-visits include its 'Best Traditional Markets for Foreign Tourists' and Sokcho Beach. Overnight stay is highly recommended.

2.5 hrs intercity bus from Seoul, followed by 30 mins bus ride to Park.

Provence Village / Heyri Art Village / Paju Premium Outlets / SkinAnniversary Beauty Town (Paju, GYEONGGI)

Get close to the Korean city, Paju located beside the west end of DMZ, the world's most militarised border.

Explore Provence Village, a French culture town with beautiful pastel-like buildings. Next, walk to nearby Heyri Art Village to discover your favourite art works. Complete your day trip stopping by Paju Premium Outlets or facial at Asia's largest beauty complex, SkinAnniversary Beauty Town.

20 mins on Seoul Subway (from Seoul Station), followed by 50 mins bus ride to both villages.

DMZ Train (GYEONGGI)

Journey into the land of history and mystery from the comfort of DMZ Train by KORAIL.

You can get to train terminals closest to the DMZ and join your preferred tour to visit the key DMZ attractions from there before departing back to Seoul.

per train shedule.

Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm (Pyeongchang, GANGWON)

Korea’s first sheep farm, located in the Alps of Pyeongchang. Over 300 sheep graze on the vast field in nature at Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm.

Visitors can walk on the 1.2km trail to feed and touch the sheep, bring back beautiful memories.

2.5 hrs on intercity bus from Seoul, followed by a short local shuttle bus or 8 mins taxi ride to Farm.

Daegwallyeong Sky Ranch (Pyeongchang, GANGWON)

A huge ranch of over 400 cows, 100 sheep, 40 horses and goats.

There are tractor carriages that bring visitors on a 5km course around the ranch and to the observation deck. Wanna try horseback riding at this vast natural grassland?

2.5 hrs intercity bus from Seoul, followed by 12 mins taxi ride to Ranch.

Wondaeri Birch Forest (Inje, GANGWON)

For something different from the mainstream day trips from Seoul, check out Wondaeri Birch Forest.

This is a beautiful nature sanctuary with over 700,000 birch trees, scenic hiking paths and stunning lookout spots.

1.5 hrs on intercity bus from Seoul, followed by 20 mins local bus ride to Forest.

KoreaToDo TOP PICKS - Tours, Activities & Discount Tickets

➥ Handpicked experiences by KoreaToDo for their uniqueness, value, popularity, price competitiveness and at times, tedious to reach by public transport.

DMZ 3rd Invasion Tunnel & Majang Lake Suspension Bridge Day Tour

220m long bridge by the lake

Nami Island, Petite France, Italian Village & The Morning Calm Day Tour

Korean Folk Village, Suwon Hwaseong & Suwon Nammun Market Day Tour

Authentic cultural experience

Alpaca World, Nami Island & Gangchon Rail Bike Day Tour

enjoy the best of Gangwon!

IN THE SOOP BTS Ver. (PyeongChang) Filming Location Tour

incl. official merchandise gift!

Legoland Korea & Nami Island Day Tour

World's 2nd largest Legoland!

Everland Day Tour (Admission, Tour Guide & Round Trip Transfer)

Eng./Mandarin speaking guide

PRIVATE DAY TOUR: Nami Island & Rail Bike (& more)

hotel pickup & admissions

♔  KoreaToDo recommends  Klook.com , Asia leading in-destination service provider.

🌸SEASONAL HOT PICKS🌸 Handpicked Experiences from Seoul

2024 Boryeong Mud Festival, Daecheon Beach & Oeam Folk Village Day Tour

19 Jul - 4 Aug 2024

famous summer festival in Korea

2024 Boryeong Mud Festival, Daecheon Beach & Suspension Bridge Day Tour

Korea's famous mud festival!

Hongcheon Starlight Music Beer Festival & Alpaca World

31 Jul - 4 Aug 2024

beer coupons & limited beer mug

Other KoreaToDo 'Best of Collections' that you may like:

Top Hidden Attractions & Secret Places to Explore in Seoul

Top 100 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Korea

Top Shopping Heaven in Seoul

Still looking? Explore KoreaToDo handpicked collection of:

Seoul - North of Han River

Seoul - South of Han River

22 BEST DAY TRIPS FROM SEOUL [FULL GUIDE]

WHAT ARE THE BEST DAY TRIPS FROM SEOUL? BEST DAY TRIPS FROM SEOUL BY TRAIN OR BUS? BEST BEACH NEAR SEOUL?

After spending some time in the capital, Seoul, the city can get quite overwhelming. Sometimes we need a short break!

You can find a lot of things to do in South Korea within 2 hours from Seoul. Some are more off the beaten track than others. So we’ve listed our day trips from Seoul in this post.

Fortunately, due to Seoul’s incredible public transportation system, you can easily take day trips from Seoul without spending hours on the bus or subway.

From Art Village, Alpaca farm, and Island hopping, to UNESCO World Heritage sites, amusement parks, and beautiful nature sites, we listed our favorite day trips just outside Seoul.

Most sites can be reached by bus or train, but for some having a car will make your life easier.

WHAT ARE THE BEST DAY TRIPS FROM SEOUL?

1. heyri art village in paju.

Heyri Art Village is located northwest of Seoul in Paju. Heyri Art Village is like a fairytale. You have many galleries, restaurants, and museums all around in a beautiful village. Some buildings are more traditional whereas others are in very modern architecture.

You can also visit the French-style Provencal village, a peaceful botanical garden, a fresh wine farm, the Pinocchio museum, and much more! In Paju, you can also go shopping in their big outlet mall, located a few minutes from Heyri Art Village.

Paju has quickly become one of Korea’s most popular tourist spots after being featured in a few Korean dramas like “The Master’s Sun”, “My Love from the Star” and “The Girl Who Sees Smells”.

Paju is located just outside of Seoul, so easily accessible by taking the Gyeongui-Jungang line from Seoul (1h and about 2500 won one way). We arrived at Heyri Art Village, right before lunch and had a relaxing day out.

• ADDRESS: here

2. Jeonju and its Hanok Village is one of the best day trips from Seoul!

Jeonju is located 2 hours from Seoul with the KTX. It is a must-see in South Korea to immerse yourself in Korean history. In this village, you will see beautifully restored Hanok (traditional Korean houses). The village has existed since 1930.

There are many things to see in Jeonju besides the Hanok Village. Also, make sure to try the food there, as Jeonju serves some of the best food in Korea.

We really fell in love with Jeonju Hanok Village and would recommend taking at least a day trip to visit the main sites. We actually wrote a full post about Jeonju, here .

3. Visit Alpaca World near Seoul

Around 2 hours from Seoul, you can visit the Alpaca World. It is the ideal place to spend good times surrounded by farm animals such as Alpaca, Sheep, Birds, Deer, and camel,… Alpaca World is the largest forest farm in Korea. Adults and children will have fond memories of this place.

The Alpaca World is nestled in the mountains area of the Gyeonggi Region, which makes a perfect and beautiful day trip from Seoul.

They do have cafes there, however, the food options are rather limited. So eat before in one of the local restaurants.

Overall, the Alpaca World is a fun day trip from Seoul.

• INSTAGRAM: here
• WEBSITE: here
• BOOKING: here

4. The Beautiful Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

Do you like history? Wondering where to go in Korea? Then Suwon is the place for you! Suwon is located 30 minutes by KTX train from Seoul and is known for its UNESCO World Heritage Palace and Hwaseong Fortress. The palace was the largest palace dating from the Joseon dynasty. It was built in 1796 and completely surrounded by defensive walls, now the walls have wide hiking trails, which are perfect for an afternoon stroll on a sunny day.

You can get to Suwon from Seoul by taking the KTX from Seoul Station (30 minutes and around 8000 won one way) or take the metro line 1 towards Sinchang (60 minutes and around 2000 won in one direction). From Suwon station, you can take the bus to the fortress from exit 4 or 5. You can also take bus 3000 from Gangnam station, or bus 7700 from Sadang station.

5. Pocheon Art Valley, another great day trip from Seoul

Former granite quarry, Pocheon Art Valley has now become a space dedicated to art and culture. The valley has an observation deck, an art gallery, and a performance hall. Also, there is a cafe, walking trails, a monorail, etc.

Lake Cheonjoho in Pocheon Art Valley has the distinction of being very pure. Indeed, the lake water is formed from spring water and rainwater which flows through the granite quarry. A magnificent place to discover especially in winter when the lake is frozen!

Check out our full post for Pocheon Art Valley here.

JOIN A TOUR: Going to Pocheon is not really possible via Public Transport. Hence the only option is to go by car or join a tour here .

6. Majang suspended bridge and Majang Lake

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Trazy – Korea’s #1 Travel Shop (@trazy_korea)

Located in Paju, the Majang Suspension Bridge is 220 meters long and 10 meters high, which makes it the longest suspension bridge in South Korea.

The beautiful bridge blends perfectly with the surrounding nature. There is a scenic walking trail around the lake, which makes it a perfect day out from Seoul. There are also nice cafes and restaurants around the lake, check out Red Bridge Cafe, the view from the cafe is stunning.

The flooring of the bridge changes from wood panels to glass floor for some thrills. It’s really fun to walk on the glass panel and see the water at the bottom. Majang Lake is a relaxing day trip from Seoul.

7. La Petite France

La Petite France is a theme park located in South Korea near Seoul, where visitors can discover French culture. The whole village is focused on the concept of the “Little Prince”. There are many decorations, and statues from the universe of the Little Prince, as well as an exhibition dedicated to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.

In addition, the interior decoration, the building materials, the roof, the windows, and the floor are all French.

Going to La Petite France is a pleasant day trip from Seoul. Just about 1.5 – 2h drive from Seoul. We enjoyed it a lot and took the rest of the day to drive around the beautiful area of Gapyeong along the river.

• BOOKING: Organized tour which combines other great sights around Gapyeong

8. Edelweiss Swiss Theme Park

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Andy Xu (@96.01.11)

Just like La Petite France, Edelweiss Swiss Theme Park is great for discovering the culture of Switzerland. The park is also located in Gapyeong, just a bit further from Seoul than La Petite France.

Edelweiss Swiss Theme Park became very popular amongst locals. It offers beautiful scenery with the mountain surrounding the village. Here visitors will discover more about the food and culture of Switzerland. Within the village, there are a few museums such as the Cheese Museum and Chocolate Museum.

We enjoyed spending our day at Edelweiss Swiss Theme Park. Make sure to also explore the beautiful Gapyeong area and the gorgeous Bukhan River.

9. Korean Folk Village

The Korean Folk Village (한국민속촌) is a great place to learn and experience the Korean culture and the Joseon era. The park expands to over 245 hectares. You can admire old thatched and tiled houses along a pretty river.

Also, throughout the day, enjoy various performances: Traditional music, martial arts on horses, traditional dances, traditional wedding ceremonies, etc. Please note, that some shows are only available in certain seasons. Don’t forget to check out their website.

Finally, you can also eat in a vintage setting and try out various experiences. For example, hanbok fitting, pottery, cotton weaving, bamboo braiding, etc.

Korean Folk Village is located in Yongin near Suwon, easily accessible from Seoul, which makes it a perfect day trip from Seoul.

10. Garden of the Morning Calm, a peaceful gateway from Seoul

The Garden of the Morning Calm (아침고요수목원) It is the largest and oldest private garden in Korea. It is home to almost 5,000 types of plants, including 300 varieties from the Baekdusan Mountain, known to the Koreans as a spiritual mountain.

The flowers are blooming from March to November. Therefore, the garden is generally more visited during this period. In addition to the magnificent plantings in the garden, many festivals and exhibitions are organized throughout the year.

In the winter you can go at night, to see the majestic garden full of light. This is a unique experience.

The Garden of the Morning Calm is located in Gapyeong, about 1.5h drive from Seoul.

Check out our full post here.

11. Visit the stunning Nami Island

Nami Island (남이섬) is one of the most popular excursions near Seoul. It is well known for its row of picturesque trees, but also for being the location for the famous drama “Winter Sonata” (2002).

The island is really beautiful in autumn when the rows of pines and maple trees turn red as well as when the Ginkos take on their golden robes. Take advantage of this getaway to unwind and take a bike ride on the beautiful trails of Nami.

Nami Island is one of our favorite day trips from Seoul. Check out the full post here if you plan a visit to Nami Island.

• BOOKING: We advise you to book in advance so that you do not have to queue up to get your entry ticket. You can do so with Klook, here .

12. Everland Park

Everland Park is undoubtedly the best-known park in Korea with its many attractions and its animal park. The park is famous for thrill seekers with its big roller coasters. Everland is also great for kids and has a lot of animals. There are also many shows and various attractions during the day. Everland’s Flowery Park is also very popular with couples regardless of the season.

A day spent in Everland is guaranteed fun and one of the best day trips from Seoul. We highly recommend this fantastic place near Seoul. Make sure to book in advance to avoid the queue at the entrance. You can do so here .

13. China Town in Incheon

The only official Chinatown in Korea, Incheon Chinatown was established in 1883. Indeed, the area was known at the time for its stores selling products imported from China. Unsurprisingly, you will find in this area many Chinese restaurants, small shops selling products of all kinds, and cafes.

We recommend you to go to C27 cafe. Quite known in Seoul, this café also exists in Incheon. We particularly like this one because it is on several floors and each one has its own decoration in totally different styles. Also, you can go to the roof terrace and take the opportunity to take pictures of the neighborhood. It is a very nice place to discover.

Apart from the great Chinese restaurants and strolling around the area, we recommend visiting Jjajjangmyeon Museum (짜장면박물관), Samgukji Mural Street (삼국지 벽화거리) and Uiseondang Temples (의선당).

14. Gangchon Rail Park

Have you ever cycled on rails? No? So go to Gangchon Rail Park (강촌 레일파크). Go aboard small carts and pedal along the old railroad tracks while admiring the magnificent landscapes. The journey takes around 40 minutes and you will pass through several tunnels with different themes. In addition, you can enjoy magnificent landscapes all along the route.

Then, at the end of the rail bike journey, you reach a rest stop where you can buy drinks and snacks. Finally, get on the Romantic Train. It is a short 15-minute train ride along the Bukhangang River. It’s very nice to do with friends or family.

If you want to go there on weekends or holidays, book your places in advance here . During the week, try to come relatively early, as there is a limited number of departures.

15. Gwangmyeong Cave

The Gwangmyeong Cave (광명동굴) was opened to the public in August 2011. Originally, this cave was the largest metal mine in the region. Indeed, it mainly harvested gold, silver, bronze, zinc, and other minerals.

Today, the place has become a tourist. It now houses exhibitions and concerts. It mainly focuses on entertainment, with aquariums, sculptures, light shows, and many other attractions for children. A nice place to discover, especially in summer

16. Visit DMZ, for a sneak peak at North Korea

One of the most intriguing places in the world is the border between North Korea and South Korea, the Demilitarized Zone of Korea (DMZ). It is divided into several spaces. One of them is the JSA (Common Security Zone), a region where South Korean and North Korean soldiers meet.

It is also the location of unification meetings since the ceasefire was signed in 1953. In addition, you can visit the Dorasan Observatory, Dorasan Station, and the third tunnel.

17. Muuido Island, one of the best beaches near Seoul

Muuido Island is perfect for a day out. Head to Hanagae Beach, the largest shore on Muuido Island, with a kilometer-long sandy beach. From Muuido you can also walk to Silmido during low tide and So-Muuido in the south via a walking bridge. Check out our full post here here .

Seonjaedo is another beautiful island located southwest of Seoul. If you head there at low tide around 10 am, the water will reveal a path that will lead you to Mokseom Island. Mokseom Island is a tiny island, only accessible at low tide. 

Not far from Incheon International Airport, Eurwangni Beach is also one of the most representative beaches on the West Coast. In addition to its magnificent view and white sand, the shallow waters of the beach allow children to swim safely. 

Do you want to check out other awesome beaches? Here is the list of the 25 best beaches in Korea!

18. Sindo, Sido and Modo Island

Sindo (신도), Sido (시도) and Modo (모도) islands are the perfect gateway from the busy city life of Seoul. Located off the coast of Incheon, these 3 islands are easily accessible by ferry. All 3 islands are connected by a bridge which makes it easy to visit them all within a day.

Expect sandy beaches, relaxing coastal roads, mountains, and delicious seafood on these 3 islands. Make sure to explore Sugi Beach and Baemikkumi Sculpture Park, the highlights of the 3 islands.

The biggest island is Sindo: 16.1 km long, 6.92 km² of land located 14 km northwest of Incheon.

READ: To find out more about Sindo, Sido and Modo islands, check out our full post here.

19. Go skiing in Konjiam Resort in the Winter

Located in Gwangju-si in the province of Gyeonggi-do, Konjiam station is the largest station outside of Seoul, at merely 45min drive. It offers 11 tracks of different levels, as well as 5 high-speed chairlifts. The resort also has a limited number of skiers (7,000 people maximum with less than 15 minutes waiting to access the slopes). 

READ: 10 BEST SKI RESORTS IN KOREA

20. Have fun at Wolmido Island in Incheon

Wolmido Island (월미도) is located in Incheon and it’s a perfect place to escape the busy Seoul. Many people go there during the weekend because of its proximity to  Seoul  and its easy access. Many cafes and seafood restaurants can be found along the coast. There are approximately 50 seafood restaurants in the same street.

Among the many points of interest in Incheon, the island of Wolmido is our favorite sight to enjoy the fresh air from the ocean, and delicious seafood restaurants but also go on a beautiful cruise during sunset. 

Wolmido Island is located about 1h drive from Seoul and 1km from the coast of Incheon. A few years ago, a new highway was built to connect Wolmido Island to the mainland. By public transport take the subway to Incheon Station (line 1, exit 1). It takes about 1h from Seoul Station and no line transfer is required. From Incheon Station exit 1, take local bus 2, 10, 23, or 45 and get off at Wolmido City Tour Stop

READ: Check out our full post on Wolmido Island here.

21. Ganghwado Island, one of the most unique islands in Korea

On Ganghwado, located just 1 hour from Seoul, you can see thousands year old dolmens, fortresses, beautiful temples and so much more history. Of course, you can also enjoy the beach at Dongmak Beach and explore one of the most amazing cafes, called Joyang Bangjik.

We wrote a full guide about Ganghwado here .

22. Visit Namhansanseong a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Namhansanseong is one of the largest Korean fortresses.

Due to its architecture, the building exudes surprising strength! You will be very impressed at the sight of it!

The two observation towers that you will see are palpable signs of the strategic role it played in the past. You will have the chance to appreciate numerous secret doors, and the exceptional contrast of the walls. So let’s go and discover this highly strategic architectural gem.

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• 25 BEST BEACHES IN SOUTH KOREA
• EXPLORE THE GARDEN OF THE MORNING CALM NEAR SEOUL
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Many commercial theme parks and no mention of Namhansanseong, which is not only close to Seoul but also an UNESCO world heritage site. I love your blog.

Hi there, thanks for your comment. Indeed, we should add Namhansanseong to this post! –> https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1439/

Home » Travel Guides » South Korea » 15 Best Day Trips from Seoul

15 Best Day Trips from Seoul

South Korea’s popularity as an intrepid traveller’s ideal destination has skyrocketed in recent years, with Seoul often topping the lists of places to go.

With its unique culture, modern skyscrapers and delicious cuisine, it’s easy to see why the capital is rapidly becoming a phenomenal Asian destination.

However, it’s not only all about Seoul when it comes to the intriguing sites in Korea that are piquing tourist’s interest.

Aside from the capital’s fascinating mix of culture, cuisine and tradition, there are countless hidden gems scattered around the surrounding areas, from gorgeous beaches to ancient temples and everything in between.

Check out this quick handy guide to find out where to start planning your day trips from Seoul.

1. Korean Folk Village

Intended to be an amalgamation of Korean culture presented to the public in astounding detail, the Korean Folk Village has been open since 1974 and is an authentic showcase of almost 300 replica houses from different regions and social classes.

This fascinating mixture of exhibits and performances is one of the most popular day trips for people visiting Korea for the first time, and is an eye-opening introduction to the national culture.

Available tour : Andong Day Trip: Hahoe Folk Village from Seoul

2. Hwaseong Fortress

Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its cultural significance and impressive architectural achievement, Hwaseong Fortress is by far the most popular attraction in Suwon, a city to the south of Seoul.

Constructed during the Joeson Dynasty in the 18th Century, Hwaseong Fortress is spread out over five kilometres and surrounded by high walls, backdropped by the stunning Paldal Mountain.

Visitors can hike the perimeter of the walls soaking in some of the gorgeous views, before making their way to the center, where there’s an enormous statue of King Jeongjo, the ruler at the time of construction.

Recommended tour : Suwon Hwaseong Fortress (UNESCO) Half-Day Tour from Seoul

3. Ansan Multicultural Food Street

Shattering the presumption that Korean food and culture may be a little “samey”, Ansan Multicultural Food Street is a melting pot of countless mouth-watering cuisines, from Thai and Vietnamese to Russian, to name a few.

Whether you’re in search of a mouth-watering meal or simply want to experience the electric atmosphere, Ansan is without question a journey for the senses.

Other than the vast assortment of street food available, there are various world class restaurants in the area.

The Kantipur restaurant is particularly accomplished in creating delicious Indian and Nepali meals, while the Samarkand Cafe is a go-to for meat lovers.

4. Paju Book City

A paradise for intellectuals, curious travellers and children, Paju is most well-known for being the home of the Paju Book City, a cultural complex featuring publishers, printing, and distribution enterprises.

Here you can wander the streets learning the various stories behind the businesses, or visit famous book cafes such as Darakwon and Moongongsa.

The Tan Tan Story House is a particularly beloved stop, well known for hosting various events to get children interested in books.

5. Jayu Park

Tucked away in the coastal Incheon Metropolitan City, Jayu Park is predominantly a historical site that houses a vast number of structures commemorating key events concerning American-Korean relations over the last century.

The highlight is most definitely the majestic statue of General MacArthur that stands at over 15 metres and signifies the treaty of amity between the United States and Korea.

Near the park, you’ll also find a thriving and wildly popular Chinatown, serving some truly mouthwatering Chinese dishes made by descendants of some of the first ever Chinese settlers in the area, as well a healthy dose of pioneering Chinese-Korean fusion food.

6. Gangchon Rail Park

You can expect a visit to Gangchon Rail Park to be novel, active, and beautifully scenic.

It involves riding rail bikes through one of two routes you can choose from, leading you through the charmingly picturesque Korean countryside.

You’ll arrive at either Gimyujeong Station or Gyeonggang Station, depending on which route you take.

Both paths are back dropped by gorgeous mountain scenery and split up by tunnels playing popular Korean music.

7. Muuido Island

Known for its beautiful beaches and gently rolling, forested hills, Muuido Island is the ideal beach getaway for locals and travellers who want to escape the hectic pace of life of the capital.

Instantly recognisable by the colourfully painted beach huts lining the shore, Hanagae Beach is without a doubt the most picturesque and popular destination on the island.

From enjoying seafood in the sun during the day, to attending lively barbecues at night, the atmosphere at Hangae is always laid back and enjoyable.

If you want to do something more active you can hike around other parts of the island – the ocean views are particularly beautiful from the top of the numerous hills.

8. Ganghwado Island

Filled with commemorative statues, Buddhist temples and paddy fields, Ganghwado is a rural island and a gorgeously scenic and interesting alternative to spending a day in the city.

It is popular with people looking for both nature and culture combined.

Discover Korean history dating to the Bronze Age at the Goindol Rocks, or wander the pine forests at Bomunsa Temple, which is also famed as a place from which you can catch beautiful sunsets.

Ganghwado actually consists of various islands, both inhabited and uninhabited, so be sure to research where you want to go before embarking on your trip.

9. Nami Island

Reachable in under 30 minutes by ferry, Nami Island is both beautifully picturesque and tranquil in equal measure, perfect for visitors who want to spend the day strolling around lantern adorned gardens and serene forests.

The Garden of Morning Calm is particularly breath-taking; not only is it attractive, but it is also Korea’s oldest garden.

Photographers tend to head to the famous tree-lined lanes that consist of paths flanked by trees decorated with colorful lanterns, such as the Maple Land of True Love.

If you happen to be visiting in winter, then don’t miss the biggest light festival in the whole of Korea, with thousands and thousands of lights illuminating the island.

It’s a truly magical experience.

Available tour : Nami Island with Petite France and Garden of Morning Calm

10. Yeongjong

Home to a gorgeous collection of temples, ecologically significant beaches and hot springs, Yeongjong Island is a refreshing respite from the bustling streets of Seoul.

The best of these temples is without a doubt the Yonggunsa Temple, famed for the gorgeous 1,300-year-old zelkova tree standing outside, adding a serene majesty to the already tranquil atmosphere.

After exploring the temples, head down to the Eurwangni Beach to explore the dramatic mudflats that have formed there.

These are considered to be extremely valuable, given that they are the most significant feeding grounds for the vast numbers of shore birds that migrate to Korea.

11. Mount Seorak

Situated in one of the most beautiful natural reserves in the country, Mount Seorak is the third highest mountain in Korea and it offers what are easily some of the best views too.

The Seoraksan National Park is comprised of the Baekdamcheon, Gayadong and Suryeomdong Valleys which are all hike-worthy to a fault, although the highlight is without question hiking to the peak of Mount Seorak to take in the breathtaking panoramas of the land below.

The hikes however are not the only attraction in the area, as it’s also home to the Baekdamsa Temple, renowned for its gorgeous mountain location and architectural beauty.

Suggested tour : Seoraksan National Park and Naksansa Temple 1 Day Tour

12. Mangwolsa Mountain Temple

Nestled within the Bukhansan National Park, you’ll find the beautiful Mangwolsa Mountain Temple, the oldest in the area, and skilfully rebuilt after being destroyed once in the Japanese invasion and again during the Korean War.

Its fascinating history traces its function as a refuge for everyone from monks and soldiers to volunteers, but it’s now used as a temple for Buddhist nuns.

The highlight of the temple is the 13-storey pagoda where Buddha is enshrined, which attracts visitors from far and wide to pay their respects.

Yongin is the colorful, ever-exciting city that is wildly popular with locals because of its many theme parks, which are the main reasons people visit.

Everland is one of these, and is in fact one of the most visited theme parks in the world.

It is made up of several zones, such as European Adventure and Zootopia.

Home to hologram theatres and one of the tallest wooden rollercoasters in the world, a day trip to Everland is sure to be adrenaline-filled and family friendly.

Book online : Everland Tickets and Transfer from Seoul

14. Hwaseong Haenggung

Located deep within Hwaeseong Fortress, far from the outer walls encircling it, you’ll find the enormous Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, the largest of its kind outside of Seoul.

On a guided tour, you can find out more about its former use as King Jeongjo’s residence as you wander the grounds of the traditionally designed buildings.

Once there, you can also enjoy a few lessons of traditional Korean archery, just as the King used to do, at the internal archery site.

15. Suwon Chicken Street

As a widely enjoyed and mouthwatering treat, fried chicken is hugely popular with locals, who will regularly get together to socialise with family and friends and share this tasty delicacy.

Suwon’s bustling Suwon Chicken Street is a thriving community street with up to 14 chicken restaurants all on the same road – some more than 40 years old.

One of the most highly recommended is Yongsung Chicken, where you can enjoy the crispy speciality and an ice cold Korean beer that’ll have you coming back for more.

15 Best Day Trips from Seoul:

• Korean Folk Village
• Hwaseong Fortress
• Ansan Multicultural Food Street
• Paju Book City
• Gangchon Rail Park
• Muuido Island
• Ganghwado Island
• Nami Island
• Mount Seorak
• Mangwolsa Mountain Temple
• Hwaseong Haenggung
• Suwon Chicken Street

8 Best Seoul (South Korea) Day Trips

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Check out the best Seoul day trips in my new guide! Getting out of the big capital city for at least one day is a must to see more local culture and try new things!

I always recommend taking a few day trips from any major city because it really allows you to explore more of the country. Sometimes big cities can be full of tourist attractions, so taking some day trips allows you to leave the business behind and explore more landscapes. 

South Korea is a stunning country full of different cuisines, cultures, and nature. This makes taking a few Seoul day trips even more worthwhile! 

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information.

Visiting Seoul, South Korea

As the capital of South Korea, Seoul is the country’s cultural center. It’s also famous for being the center of K Pop Music and K Drama films. 

Most visitors to Seoul never want to leave because of the amazing cuisine, the endless shopping, and the many cultural attractions around the huge city. 

Once you’ve completed your Seoul itinerary, add a day or two at the end for some amazing day trips.  

Ready to check out the best Seoul day trips? Here are the top ones not to miss!

• See the border between North and South Korea at the DMZ 
• Learn about Prince Joengjo at the Hwaseong Fortress
• Take a hike in Naejangsan National Park 
• Ride some rollercoasters at Everland Theme Park  
• Visit the micronation of Nami Island 
• Check out the stunning views in Bhukansan National Park 
• Climb to the top of Mount Seorak
• See traditional Korean life in Andong 

The DMZ is the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea. It’s one of the best day trips from Seoul, especially for those interested in the intense history between the two different sides of the Korean Peninsula. 

You should book a tour as most solo visitors without a tour guide are not allowed to enter the zone. Make sure to bring your passport and be prepared to go through military checkpoints, as there are several. 

There are a number of different DMZ tours highlighting different aspects of the DMZ and the area. Here are some popular options.

There is also a small village located near the border called Imjingak Park. The memorial altar is vital to check out. Many South Koreans that have relatives or villages in North Korea come here to pay respect to their families that they can no longer see or talk to. 

The 3rd infiltration tunnel is also a popular place to visit in the DMZ. It’s 358 meters underground, so it’s definitely not for those that are claustrophobic. However, if you don’t have any issues with small places, going down into the tunnel allows you to see the spaces North Korea digs to launch attacks on the South. 

If you’re interested in a half-day or full-day visit option, check out this tour . And this DMZ tour is private , just for your group!

2. Hwaseong Fortress 

You can visit this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site just an hour south of Seoul. The most popular thing to do is walk along the fortress wall. It’s 3.4 miles long, so you can get in a workout visiting. Or you can walk along a short section before turning back. 

King Joengjo built the fortress in the late part of the 18th century. It was partly built to defend the city and as a memorial to his father, Prince Jangheon. 

Hwaseong Fortress is located in South Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Suwon-si, Jangan-gu, 영화동 320-2. The hours depend on the season, so please check the calendar before planning your trip. Tickets are 1,000 won (about $1 USD). 

3. Naejangsan National Park

There are many national parks just a few hours from Seoul. Nawjangsan is one of the most beautiful parks, with many hiking trails. If you can only come here for a day, you will need to take the high-speed KTX train. 

The bus takes about half a day to get to this national park. So if you take the bus, you will need to spend the night near the park and head back to Seoul the next day. 

While you can visit Naejangsan National Park any time of the year, most Koreans will tell you that it’s the best in autumn when the leaves start to change colors. 

Naejangsan National Park is located at 936 Naejangsan-ro, Jeongeup-si, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea. It’s open every day from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. It cost 3000 won to enter (about $2.30 USD). 

4. Everland Amusement Park 

If you want to get an adrenaline rush while in South Korea, come to Everland Theme Park. It’s also one of the best day trips from Seoul for those traveling with kids. 

Everland Amusement Park is the biggest theme park in South Korea. It’s much busier and better than the small amusement park, Lotte World , located in Seoul. 

Everland is only about an hour away from Seoul, so it’s an easy day trip. There are many different rollercoasters as well as rides for smaller children. 

They also have fun parades in the afternoon, but the ones around Christmas and the holiday season are the best!

Everland Theme Park is located at 199 Everland-ro, Pogok-eup, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. They are open every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are 58,000 won (about $45 USD) for adults and 46,000 won (about $35 USD) for children. 

5. Nami Island 

Located right in the middle of the Han River, this tiny island is one of the best day trips from Seoul. South Korea recognizes the small island as a micronation, so you need your passport to enter. 

They even have their own currency and flag, so it really feels like you’re in another country. I recommend booking a tour of the island so the guide can take you to all the best spots. 

You can also use their transportation with a tour rather than taking the public bus. 

Since you can use a private shuttle with a guide, and they can take you to all the notable spots, you can do Nami Island in half a day and then return to Seoul for dinner and nightlife. 

Here is a map of Nami Island . It costs 14,000 won to enter the island (about $11 USD). 

6. Bhukansan National Park 

While South Korea has many national parks, Bhukansan is the only one located in the Seoul metro area. It’s the closest national park to the city, so it’s a very popular place to visit, both for Seoul locals and expats. 

The main activity in the national park is hiking, with trails ranging from easy to very difficult. 

Most people choose one of these hiking trails as they lead to the best views:

• Bukhansan Direct Peak Ascent : Just as the name says, the trail takes you to the top of Bhukansan Mountain. It’s a 3.2-mile point-to-point trail with incredible views at the top. 
• Baegunbongammum : This 2-mile out & back hike is a little challenging in some places, but you can take it slow to make it to the top. 
• Bukhansan Main Route : Try this 5.3-mile point-to-point trail if you have some energy and want to spend a good portion of the day hiking. It takes about 5 to 6 hours to complete and has spectacular city views. 

7. Naksansa Temple and Mount Seorak

If you’ve seen photos of South Korea, you probably already know about the stunning landscape, including snow-capped mountains and large trees with leaves changing colors. 

To immerse yourself in the nature of South Korea, take a trip to Naksana Temple and Mount Seorak. These places are close together on the east coast, so you can visit them on the same day. 

You can also book a guided tour to make seeing both places easier. 

Most tours go to Mount Seorak first, where the shuttle will take you to the mountain. Then you can take a hike to see incredible views. Most tours use the Biryong trail because it takes less than an hour and is one of the more accessible trails in Seoraksan National Park. 

If you want to explore more of the national park, go on your own rather than taking a guided tour. 

Seoraksan National Park is located at South Korea, Gangwon-do, Sokcho-si, Seoraksan-ro, 833 KR. It’s open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Entrance cost 3,500 won (about $3 USD). 

After the mountain, you can head to Naksana Temple. The temple is huge and stunning, so most people spend at least two hours here. 

Naksana Temple is located at 100 Naksansa-ro, Ganghyeon-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea . The entrance is 4000 won (about $3 USD). 

8. Andong 

Seoul might be a very modern city, but there are other cities and locations around the country that are still very steeped in tradition. Andong is one of the best places to come if you’re interested in the traditional culture of Korea. 

The city is known for its many open-air heritage museums. Also famous Hahoe Folk Village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The residents still live a very traditional life, including sleeping in homes with thatched straw roofs. 

If you’re a fan of Soju (an alcoholic beverage), I recommend touring the Andong Soju Museum . You can learn about the production process and why it’s such an important drink in South Korea. 

You can also check out the Andong Maskdance Festival if you’re here in September or October . They have dance shows where the participants wear intricately decorated masks and traditional Korean clothing. 

Top Things to Do in Seoul

Even though you now have an amazing list of the top day trips from Seoul, you might still need some recommendations on what to do in Seoul. 

You can read my full guide on the best activities around the city here.

• Take a stroll in Namsan Park . When the weather is nice in Seoul, taking a stroll through Namsan Park is a must. The N. Seoul Tower is also here if you go to the top and see some incredible city views. 
• Shop in Insadong . This district in central Seoul is the perfect place to buy everything from traditional Korean clothing to ceramics to locally grown herbal teas. Spend a few hours wandering down the alleys before stopping into a cafe or teahouse for some lunch. 
• Take a tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace . You can enter more than 300 buildings and learn about the history of the Joseon dynasty. 
• Party in Hongdae . If you’re interested in nightlife or entertainment while in Seoul, Hongdae is the place to go. Karaoke bars are also a big thing in this part of town. Many tourists also come here to get souvenirs as there are many street vendors, and the prices are lower compared to the larger markets. 
• Take a cooking class. Korean cuisine is incredible, and there is nothing better than taking a cooking class to learn to make your favorite dishes. You can also do a food walking tour if you prefer to eat rather than learn to make the dishes. 
• Eat at the local Noryangjin Fish Market . This inexpensive market is the best place to come to try some amazing Korean seafood dishes. They have everything from shellfish to whole fish to octopus. 

How to Get to Seoul 

Seoul has a large international airport where you can fly from just about any location. Check for flights going to Incheon International Airport (ICN). 

If you’re flying from Europe or North America, you might have a few connections, but flying into Seoul is still very easy. You can use Emirates Airlines , Air New Zealand , and Korean Air. 

When to Visit Seoul 

The city is absolutely breathtaking in the spring when the cherry blossoms and other flowers are in full bloom. March to May are the best times to see the flowers, and the weather is also very mild. 

Autumn from mid-September to mid-November is also a nice time as all the leaves in the city and the national parks change colors making for a stunning backdrop for photos. 

Don’t Miss These Seoul Day Trips! 

Ready to take some Seoul day trips? Please add some of these amazing places to your South Korean itinerary!

If you have a few extra days to take some day trips, spend one in a national park and the other day visiting a temple or other historical site. This way, you can see more of the culture and nature of South Korea. 

Which of these Seoul day trips are you planning to do? 

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This post was contributed by Natalie Castle. Natalie has been traveling mostly solo for the past 6 years internationally and across the United States. She loves seeing new destinations, especially where she can go to the beach or go for a long hike. She discovered her love for travel writing a few years ago and hopes to encourage other people to begin solo traveling through her writing. When she’s not working, you can find her with a glass of red wine planning her next trip.

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North Korea Says It Will Stop Sending Trash Balloons as South Korea Vows Strong Retaliation

North Korea says it will stop sending trash-carrying balloons into South Korea, claiming that its campaign left the South Koreans with “enough experience of how much unpleasant they feel.”

South Korean soldier wearing protective gears checks the trash from a balloon presumably sent by North Korea, in Incheon, South Korea, Sunday, June 2, 2024. South Korea said Sunday it’ll take strong retaliatory steps against North Korea over its launch of trash-carrying balloons and other provocations on South Korea.(Im Sun-suk/Yonhap via AP)

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea said it will stop sending trash-carrying balloons into South Korea, claiming Sunday that its campaign left the South Koreans with “enough experience of how much unpleasant they feel.”

The North's announcement came hours after South Korea said it would soon punish North Korea with "unbearable” retaliatory steps over its balloon activities and other recent provocations.

Observers say South Korea will likely restart front-line loudspeaker broadcasts into North Korea that include criticism of its abysmal human rights situation, world news and K-pop songs. North Korea is extremely sensitive to such broadcasts because most of its 26 million people have no official access to foreign TV and radio programs.

It wasn’t immediately unclear if South Korea would move ahead with its punitive measures following North Korea’s suspension of balloon launches.

On Sunday night, Kim Kang Il, a North Korean vice defense minister, said that the North will temporarily suspend its balloon activities. He said they were a countermeasure against previous South Korean leafleting campaigns.

“We made the ROK (Republic of Korea) clans get enough experience of how much unpleasant they feel and how much effort is needed to remove the scattered wastepaper,” Kim said in a statement carried by state media.

He said that if South Korean activists float anti-Pyongyang propaganda leaflets via balloons again, North Korea will resume flying its own balloons to dump rubbish hundreds times the amount of the South Korean leaflets found in the North.

Earlier Sunday, South Korea’s military said that more than 700 balloons flown from North Korea were discovered in various parts of the country, in addition to about 260 balloons found a few days earlier. Tied to the balloons were manure, cigarette butts, scraps of cloth, waste paper and vinyl, but no dangerous substances, according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Kim, the North Korean official, said North Korea flew 3,500 balloons carrying 15 tons of wastepaper.

South Korea’s national security director Chang Ho-jin said earlier Sunday that the government decided to take “unbearable” measures against North Korea in reaction to its balloon launches, alleged jamming of GPS navigation signals in South Korea and simulation of nuclear strikes against the South in recent days.

Chang called the North’s balloon campaign and its alleged GPS signal jamming “absurd, irrational acts of provocation that a normal country can’t imagine.” He accused North Korea of aiming to cause “public anxieties and chaos” in South Korea.

North Korea often responds with fury to South Korean civilian leafleting because they contain propaganda messages critical of the North's authoritarian rule and outside news. In 2020, North Korea exploded an empty, South Korean-built liaison office in the North in anger over the South Korean balloon activities.

Experts say North Korea’s balloon campaign, reportedly the first of its kind in seven years, is meant to stoke an internal divide in South Korea over its conservative government’s tough policy on the North. They say North Korea is also expected to further ramp up tensions ahead of the U.S. presidential election in November.

Since 2022, North Korea has sharply increased a pace of weapons tests to build a bigger nuclear arsenal. Last week, it fired a barrage of nuclear-capable weapons into the sea in a drill simulating a preemptive attack on South Korea.

Copyright 2024 The  Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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(LEAD) Yoon says S. Korea will never overlook N. Korea's 'despicable' provocations

(LEAD) Yoon-Memorial Day

SEOUL, June 6 (Yonhap) -- President Yoon Suk Yeol said Thursday South Korea will not sit idle against North Korea's "despicable" provocations and vowed to protect people through robust military readiness and a strong alliance with the United States.

Yoon made the remark during a Memorial Day speech at Seoul National Cemetery amid high tensions after South Korea fully suspended a 2018 inter-Korean tension reduction pact in response to the North's sending of balloons filled with trash across the border last week.

"North Korea -- after firing artillery shells into the West Sea and launching missiles -- recently carried out a despicable provocation that would make any normal country ashamed of itself," Yoon said. "The government will never overlook the threat from North Korea."

To deter the North Korean threats, Yoon vowed to bolster the alliance with the U.S. and enhance cooperation with the international community.

"We will maintain an ironclad readiness posture and respond to provocations resolutely and overwhelmingly," Yoon said. "Building upon the more robust ROK-U.S. alliance and cooperation with the international community, we will firmly safeguard our people's freedom and safety."

Yoon criticized the North Korean regime for refusing to "accept the progress of history" and instead remaining on a "backward path, threatening our lives."

"The Republic of Korea has now become the brightest country in the world, while the land north of the Military Demarcation Line remains the darkest in the world," he said.

Referring to North Koreans as "our compatriots" living just "around 50 kilometers away from here," he noted their suffering from starvation with their freedom and human rights brutally deprived.

He stressed that "we will only be able to restore the North Korean people's freedom and human rights" by becoming a stronger country.

"Peace is maintained through strength, not through submission," he said.

Since last week, Pyongyang has sent nearly 1,000 balloons carrying trash to the South in what it called a "tit-for-tat" action against anti-Pyongyang leaflet campaigns by activists in Seoul.

It also attempted to jam GPS signals near the western sea border.

After the South Korean government on Sunday warned of "unendurable" measures, including resuming loudspeaker broadcasting, the North said it will temporarily halt dropping balloons across the border.

Yoon also vowed to take better care of the nation's heroes, saying the country will take full responsibility for the bereaved families no matter what happens.

Specifically, he announced plans to innovate welfare services for the patriots and veterans by improving medical care and expanding rehabilitation support.

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South Korean, Chinese and Japanese leaders discuss thorny topics and ways to boost cooperation

Leaders of South Korea, China and Japan will meet in Seoul on Monday for their first trilateral talks in more than four years. (AP video shot by Yong-ho Kim)

Chinese Premier Li Qiang, left, waves to media members before getting into a car as Kim Hong-kyun, right, South Korean 1st vice foreign minister, follows behind at the Seoul airport in Seongnam, South Korea, Sunday, May 26, 2024, as the premier arrives for a trilateral meeting. Leaders of South Korea, China and Japan will meet next week in Seoul for their first trilateral talks since 2019. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

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Chinese Premier Li Qiang waves as he arrives for a trilateral meeting at the Seoul airport in Seongnam, South Korea, Sunday, May 26, 2024. Leaders of South Korea, China and Japan will meet next week in Seoul for their first trilateral talks since 2019. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Chinese Premier Li Qiang, second right, is welcomed by Kim Hong-kyun, right, South Korean 1st vice minister, as the premier arrives for a trilateral meeting, at the Seoul airport in Seongnam, South Korea, Sunday, May 26, 2024. Leaders of South Korea, China and Japan will meet next week in Seoul for their first trilateral talks since 2019. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, left, shakes hands with Chinese Premier Li Qiang before their meeting in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, May 26, 2024. (Daisuke Suzuki/Kyodo News via AP)

Chinese Premier Li Qiang speaks during a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, May 26, 2024. (Daisuke Suzuki/Kyodo News via AP)

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, right, shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during a meeting at the Presidential Office in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, May 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon, Pool)

Chinese Premier Li Qiang, center left, is welcomed by Kim Hong-kyun, right, South Korean 1st vice foreign minister, as the premier arrives for a trilateral meeting at the Seoul airport in Seongnam, South Korea, Sunday, May 26, 2024. Leaders of South Korea, China and Japan will meet next week in Seoul for their first trilateral talks since 2019. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrives for a trilateral meeting, at the Seoul airport in Seongnam, South Korea, Sunday, May 26, 2024. Leaders of South Korea, China and Japan will meet next week in Seoul for their first trilateral talks since 2019. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, second from right, speaks to South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, second from left, during a meeting at the Presidential Office in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, May 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon, Pool)

Chinese Premier Li Qiang waves to media members upon his arrival for trilateral meetings at the Seoul airport in Seongnam, South Korea, Sunday, May 26, 2024. Leaders of South Korea, China and Japan will meet next week in Seoul for their first trilateral talks since 2019. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, third left, holds a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, third right, in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, May 26, 2024. (Daisuke Suzuki/Kyodo News via AP)

Chinese Premier Li Qiang waves to media members before getting into a car as Kim Hong-kyun, right, South Korean 1st vice foreign minister, follows behind at the Seoul airport in Seongnam, South Korea, Sunday, May 26, 2024, as the premier arrives for a trilateral meeting. Leaders of South Korea, China and Japan will meet next week in Seoul for their first trilateral talks since 2019. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida speaks during a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, May 26, 2024. (Daisuke Suzuki/Kyodo News via AP)

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, right, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida gesture during a meeting at the Presidential Office in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, May 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon, Pool)

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, left, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida move their positions during a meeting at the Presidential Office in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, May 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon, Pool)

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The Japanese and South Korean leaders raised sensitive topics like Taiwan, North Korea and the South China Sea as well as ways to boost cooperation when they individually met China’s premier Sunday on the eve of a fuller trilateral meeting.

It was unclear how serious discussions the three leaders had on those thorny issues, which are not among the official agenda items for Monday’s three-way gathering in Seoul, the first of its kind in more than four years.

No major announcement is expected from the meeting, but observers say that just resuming the highest-level talks among the three Northeast Asian neighbors is a good sign and suggests they are intent on improving relations. Their trilateral meeting was supposed to happen annually but it had stalled since the last one in December 2019 because of the COVID-19 pandemic and complex ties among the three countries.

After meeting Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters that he expressed serious concerns about the situations in the South China Sea, Hong Kong and China’s northwestern Xinjiang region. He said Japan is closely monitoring developments on self-governed Taiwan.

He referred to China’s military assertiveness in the South China Sea, clampdowns of pro-democracy movements in Hong Kong and human rights abuses against minorities in Xinjiang. Last week, China also launched a large military exercise around Taiwan to show its anger over the inauguration of the island’s new president who refuses to accept its insistence that Taiwan is part of China.

During a separate meeting with Li, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, on his part, asked China, as a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, to contribute to promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula, while speaking about North Korea’s nuclear program and its deepening military ties with Russia, according to Yoon’s office.

Yoon’s office said Yoon and Kishida in their separate meeting expressed worries about North Korea’s nuclear program and agreed to strengthen their cooperation with the United States.

South Korea, Japan and the U.S. have long urged China — North Korea’s major ally and economic pipeline — to use its leverage to persuade the North to abandon its nuclear ambitions. But China is suspected of avoiding fully enforcing U.N. sanctions on North Korea and sending clandestine aid shipments to help its impoverished neighbor stay afloat.

The three leaders also discussed how to bolster economic and other cooperation.

Yoon and Li agreed to launch a new South Korean-Chinese dialogue channel involving senior diplomats and defense officials in mid-June. They also agreed to restart negotiations to expand the free trade agreement and reactivate dormant bodies on personnel exchanges, investments and other issues, according to Yoon’s office.

Chinese state media reported Li told Yoon that the two countries should safeguard the stability of their deeply intertwined industrial and supply chains and resist turning economic and trade issues into political and security-related issues.

Kishida said he and Li reaffirmed Japan and China will seek progress on various areas to promote mutually beneficial relations. Kishida and Yoon also said they agreed to further strengthen ties, which have warmed significantly since last year following an earlier setback over issues related to Japan’s 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula.

South Korean officials said that a joint statement after Monday’s trilateral meeting will cover the leaders’ discussion on cooperation in areas like people-to-people exchanges, climate change, trade, health issues, technology and disaster responses.

The three Asian nations are important trading partners and their cooperation is key to promoting regional peace and prosperity. They together make up about 25% of global gross domestic product. But the three countries have been repeatedly embroiled in bitter disputes over a range of historical and diplomatic issues originating from Japan’s wartime atrocities. China’s rise and a U.S. push reinforce its Asian alliances have also significantly impacted their three-way ties in recent years.

Experts say South Korea, China and Japan now share a need to improve ties. South Korea and Japan want better ties with China because it is their biggest trading partner. China, for its part, likely believes a further strengthening of the South Korea-Japan-U.S. cooperation would hurt its national interests.

China, meanwhile, has always sent its premier, the country’s No. 2 official, to the trilateral leaders’ meeting since its first session in 2008. Observers say China earlier argued that under then-collective leadership, its premier was chiefly in charge of economic affairs and best suited to attend the meeting, which largely focuses on economic issues.

But they say China may face more demands for President Xi Jinping to attend because he has concentrated power in his hands and defied the norms of collective leadership.

Associated Press writers Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo and Simina Mistreanu in Taipei, Taiwan contributed to this report.

Will North Korea fly trash balloons into South Korea again? A look at rising tensions between them

South Koreans are alert for possible new launches by North Korea of balloons carrying rubbish into the South, a day after Seoul activists flew their own balloons to scatter political leaflets in the North

SEOUL, South Korea -- South Koreans were alert Friday for possible new launches by North Korea of balloons carrying rubbish into the South, a day after Seoul activists flew their own balloons to scatter political leaflets in the North.

Any resumption of trash balloon launches by North Korea would likely prompt South Korea to respond, possibly with anti-North Korean loudspeaker broadcasts or live-fire exercises along their heavily fortified border. North Korea would probably retaliate with its own measures, further escalating tensions between the rivals.

Here is a look at the soaring animosities between the Koreas over the balloon launches:

Last week, South Korean authorities discovered about 1,000 North Korean-flown balloons carrying manure, cigarette butts, scraps of cloth, waste batteries and vinyl in various parts of South Korea. No highly dangerous materials were found, but some South Koreans worry that North Korea may launch balloons with biological or other hazardous materials in the future.

South Korean officials called the North Korean balloon campaign and other recent provocations “absurd, irrational” and vowed “unbearable” retaliation. They suspended a 2018 military agreement on easing frontline military tensions with North Korea.

Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, said the balloons were a response to campaigns by South Korean civilians to fly propaganda leaflets into North Korea. Analysts say the North's action was also likely designed to trigger a divide in South Korea over its conservative government's tough policy on North Korea.

For years, South Korean civic activists have used helium-filled balloons to drop anti-North Korean leaflets and USB sticks with South Korean dramas and world news in the North, which forbids access to foreign news for most of its 26 million people. The launches infuriate North Korea, which has previously fired at the balloons and destroyed an empty South Korean-built liaison office in the North in response.

North's vice defense minister, Kim Kang Il, said Sunday that his country would stop the balloon campaign but threatened to resume it if South Korean activists sent leaflets again.

In defiance of the warning, a South Korean civilian group led by North Korean defector Park Sang-hak said it launched 10 balloons from a border town on Thursday carrying 200,000 anti-North Korean leaflets, USB sticks with K-pop songs and South Korean dramas, and one-dollar U.S. bills.

“We sent the truth and love, medicines, one-dollar bills and songs. But a barbaric Kim Jong Un sent us filth and garbage and he hasn’t made a word of apology over that,” Park said.

North Korea hasn't immediately responded. Many experts predict it will resume flying trash-carrying balloons when weather conditions are favorable. North Korea's state media have previously called Park “human scum without an equal in the world."

Following the suspension of the 2018 tension-easing agreement, South Korea is ready to retaliate against a new North Korean balloon campaign by restarting frontline live-fire drills or loudspeaker broadcasts of anti-North Korean messages and outside news. Such steps are likely to further enrage North Korea.

Flying balloons with propaganda leaflets into each other's territory was one of the most common psychological campaigns by the two Koreas during the 1950-53 Korean War and at the height of the Cold War.

But the North Korean balloons sent into South Korea in recent days carried only garbage, not political leaflets. It was the North's first balloon campaign in seven years.

In a Memorial Day speech Thursday, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said that “North Korea carried out a despicable provocation that would make any normal country ashamed of itself.” U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller earlier called the trash-carrying balloons “disgusting" and “childish.”

Frontline loudspeaker broadcasts were also used by the rival Koreas for psychological warfare during the Cold War, along with giant frontline billboards and propaganda radio broadcasts.

In recent years, the two Koreas have agreed to halt such activities but sometimes resumed them when tensions rose. South Korean officials say they have no legal grounds to ban private citizens from flying balloons to North Korea, after the country’s constitutional court last year struck down a law criminalizing such leafleting as a violation of free speech.

Many in South Korea believe a resumption of loudspeaker broadcasts would severely sting North Korea's leadership because of fears the broadcasts would demoralize frontline troops and residents of the rigidly controlled society and eventually weaken Kim Jong Un's leadership.

In 2015, when South Korea restarted loudspeaker broadcasts after a lapse of 11 years, North Korea fired artillery rounds across the border, prompting South Korea to return fire. No casualties were reported.

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