Experience the beauty of South Korea's countryside with these day trips out of Seoul
There’s Seoul much more to see and do than just the usual suspects like shopping for K-fashion and K-beauty products along the bustling streets of Myeongdong, visiting your iconic attractions like the N-Seoul Tower and the Coex Aquarium and of course feasting on local delights.
Looking for a quick escape from the city? A day trip out to the countryside is perfect for a quick recharge! Day tours are the perfect option if you’re too lazy to do the research. We’ve rounded up 15 must-hit spots that are just a stone’s throw away from Seoul for an unforgettable experience.
1. Nami Island, Petite France, Garden of Morning Calm & Gangchon Rail Biking
Image by @mongabong
The most popular attraction in South Korea outside of Seoul, Nami Island rests in Chuncheon in Gangwon-do province. With tree-lined avenues that are stunning all year round! We recommend visiting during autumn when you’ll find the park dressed in crimson and gold leaves, perfect for your #OOTD.
Le Petite France, which was inspired by The Little Prince is perfect for travellers who want a taste of French ambience in the Korean countryside. The theme park exudes a quirky and whimsical vibe featuring live shows and scenic views!
Get your outfits and cameras ready for this incredibly picturesque garden in Gyeonggi-do. While it’s very popular during spring and autumn, the Garden of Morning Calm is exceptional all year round. During the winter, you can also witness the magical light festival!
Work off all that Korean BBQ you had for dinner with some light exercise around Gangchon on a rail-bike! You’ll barely feel the ache in your thighs thanks to the breathtaking scenery around you.
2. Alpaca World, Jade Garden & Gubongsan Mountain Observatory
Image by @keweitay
Who doesn’t love alpacas? At Alpaca World, you can get up close with the cutest furriest alpacas and even take them on a walk! There are also deer, birds, rabbits and goats which we are sure the little ones will love interacting with.
The Jade Garden is home to a whopping 3,000 plant species, and beautiful brick houses that look like they're straight out of a fairytale - great photos guaranteed!
The nearby Gubongsan Mountain Observatory is the sweet ending you’ll need at the end of the day. With freshly brewed coffee in hand, watch the sunset over the city of Chuncheon before heading back to Seoul.
3. [Seasonal] Seoraksan Autumn Day Tour with Cable Car
Seoraksan Mountain is one of the best places to catch the autumn foliage! Located in Gangwon-do, a hike along any of the routes will offer you the best views. The best spots are said to be the Cheonbuldong Valley, Osaek Mineral Spring, Osaek Jujeongol and Baekdam Valley.
Needless to say, make sure your cameras and phones are all charged and at the ready!
4. Haneul Park with Pink Muhly Grass
Image by @leezynn
The Pink Muhly grass that you’ve seen making waves on Instagram can be found in Korea, and it's only in full bloom during autumn, so be sure to plan your trip wisely!
Image by @leezynn
Haneul Park is actually located within Olympic Park, which was part of the 1988 Seoul Olympics! With various other sections full of different types of plants and flowers, it would take about 3 hours to finish exploring this vibrant garden!
#KlookTip: As it is situated atop of a hill and it would take roughly 3hrs to cover the entire park, it is recommended that you make your way up to the peak early in the morning, you’ll also be able to enjoy some golden hour light too!
5. Everland Theme Park
Everland Theme Park is one of the biggest theme parks in Korea with something for everyone regardless of their age. Combining a mini safari, carnival games and of course thrill rides, you’ll easily spend the whole day there!
Just an hour away from Seoul, pre-book your shuttle tickets from Seoul to avoid having to navigate on your own. Tickets are also mobile e-tickets for the ultimate fuss-free experience.
6. [Seasonal] Vivaldi Ski Resort
If you’re travelling during winter, make the most out of Korea’s snowy season and head outdoors for some snow sports! Go snow tubing, skiing or even ice skating at Vivaldi Ski Resort.
If you’re visiting with bae, recreate your favourite K-drama scenes from ‘Legend Of The Blue Sea’ and ‘That Winter, The Wind Blows'.
7. [Seasonal] Pyeongchang Trout Festival
This Ice Fishing Festival in Pyeongchang is a must-try if you’re visiting during winter! Learn how to catch your next meal from the locals, and after getting the hang of it, sit by a hole in the frozen lake and wait for your catch.
Nothing tastes better than eating your catch! Have them freshly grilled in front of you or cut into sashimi slices and eaten raw. If you’re not into fishing, you can also go ice sledding or take part in other snow sports.
8. Ansan
Ansan is located in Gyeonggi-do and is home to Farm Land and Starlight Village, two attractions that are perfect for all-around family bonding!
Farm Land is an animal farm that gives its guests the opportunity to interact with a host of cute animals. Touring the park, petting and feeding sheep, and handling parrots and other animals are activities everyone will enjoy.
Once it gets a little darker, you can appreciate the full beauty of Ansan Starlight Village, a park filled with sparkling lights all-year long.
9. [Seasonal] Naejangsan National Park
If you're looking for an escape to revel in the beauty of mother nature, look no further than Naejangsan National Park. This nature reserve in Jeollabuk-do houses nearly 82 sq. km. of vibrant and stunning scenery that features vast woodlands and a few serene ponds.
Naejangsan is perfect for travelling couples as the autumn hues of the park create a deeply romantic atmosphere that evokes a warm, comfy feeling that you can associate with your significant other.
10. Jeongdong-Simgok Badabuchae Gil
Looking to escape the bustling cityscapes for a nice nature hike? Put on your walking shoes and don’t forget your sunglasses! The 2.8 km Jeongdong-Simgok Budabuchae Gil trail is accessible via a breathtaking stroll or bike ride with a gorgeous backdrop of the coast that’s suitable for people of all ages.
11. Jeonju Hanok Village and Baegyangsa
The Jeonju Hanok Village takes you back to the Joseon Dynasty, with traditional Hanok houses that you’ve seen in the historical K-dramas. Come autumn, this village becomes even more picturesque thanks to the falling Gingko leaves, painting the floor a beautiful golden yellow.
Afterwhich, head to Baeyangsa, one of the most beautiful temples in Korea. The crimson red maple leaves definitely will not disappoint.
12. DMZ
There’s a reason why Korea is divided into its North and South territories. After drafting an agreement that ceased the violence of the Korean War, the Korean DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) stands as the border between the territories.
With strict entrance requirements, the Korean DMZ just may be the best chance for you to get anywhere near the North.
13. Hwaseong Fortress
Dating all the way back to the Joseon Dynasty, The Hwaseong Fortress is located in Gyeonggi-do Province and was built in the 18th century - 'Hwaseong' means 'Brilliant Castle' and was constructed in honour of King Jeongjo's filial piety to his father.
Catch an impressive live showcase of a story set in the Joseon Era portrayed by actors in the village and recreate scenes of your favourite K dramas at these filming locations of 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo' and 'Twenty Five, Twenty One'.
For a fuss-free day tour, the Hwaseong Fortress UNESCO Cultural Heritage Tour from Seoul includes:
- English-speaking guide
- Visit to Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, Hwaseong Trolley, Temporary Palace (Hwaseong Haenggung)
- Lunch and tour of Korean Folk Village
- Round-trip transfers
- Admission fees
14. Yangpyeong Dumulmeori
For a gorgeously scenic daytrip, head out to Yangpyeong Dumulmeori! 'Dumulmeori' translates to 'two water area,' and refers to the place where the Bukhangang River and Namhangang River meet.
Explore the sprawling grounds and fields and take in the beauty of the area, which is also a well-known filming locations for many Korean dramas and movies. You can also make friends with cute cuddly sheep at the sheep ranch and enjoy the many photo ops around!
15. Gwangmyeong Cave
Did you know that Gwangmyeong Cave is rated as one of the top 100 things to do when in Korea? Enjoy a tour to Hwadam Forest and Gwangmyeong cave in Gyeonggi-do, which is a bout a 40-minute drive from Seoul.
Both attractions are must-visits for sure - Hwadam Forest is home to over 4,000 species of native and imported flora, and definitely heaven for nature lovers while Gwangmyeong Cave is not your usual geological landmark either. It is actually a cave that's transformed into a arts and culture space of sorts, with more than 20 views in the cave, including the Wine Cave where you can taste wine, the Golden Waterfall, the Horror Experience Hall, Underground Lake and more!
