10 Best Day Trips From Seoul

10 Best Day Trips From Seoul

Ready to explore beyond Seoul? Here are the top 10 day trips you shouldn't miss, each offering unique experiences and unforgettable adventures! This guide provides: ✅ Free 1-day DIY Itineraries to Cities Outside of Seoul ✅ Discounted Activities, Tours & Travel Essentials
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1️⃣ Suwon

Suwon-si
@koreafiles
Ancient Walled City. Home to the UNESCO World Heritage Hwaseong Fortress, Suwon offers rich history and stunning views.
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FREE DIY TRAVEL ITINERARY

DISCOUNTED DAY TOURS

2️⃣ Nami Island + Garden of Morning Calm + Gapyeong Rail Park

Combine these three for a perfect day. Enjoy the romantic tree-lined paths of Nami Island, the serene beauty of the Garden of Morning Calm, and a fun rail bike ride through Gapyeong’s scenic landscapes.

Nami Island (남이섬 종합휴양지)
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Nami Island is an independent country within Korea. It is officially called The Naminara Republic. It has its own diplomatic and cultural policies and is self-governing. The citizens of the island are called the Naminarians. It even has its own national flag with a moon and compass-shaped star portraying the Oriental sentiment and environmentally-friendly image of Nami Island. Just like other countries, they also have their national anthem and passport. How cool is that? So when you visit Nami Island, you are literally in another country within a country. Kdramas filmed here: Twinkling Watermelon (2023) A Time Called You (2023) When My Love Blooms (2020) Hi Bye, Mama! (2020) Winter Sonata (2002)
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Garden of Morning Calm (아침고요수목원)
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Wander through the beautiful Garden of Morning Calm, a serene filming location for the following Kdramas: My Happy Ending (2024) Alchemy of Souls (2022) Now, We Are Breaking Up (2021-22) Navillera (2021) Missing: The Other Side (2020) Perfume (2019) Lovely Horribly (2018) I'm Not A Robot (2017-18) School 2017 (2017) Moonlight Drawn by the Clouds (2016) She Was Pretty (2015) Smile Again, Dong Hae (2010-11) Mary Stayed Out All Night (2010) You’re Beautiful (2009)
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Gangchon Rail Park (강촌레일파크)
@koreafiles
This is a railway bike course with a Gimyujeong-themed tunnel that allows you to see a beautiful view of the Bukhan river (North Han River)
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To maximize your day, save time and energy, it is recommendable to just get a package tour instead of going here DIY. 

DISCOUNTED DAY TOURS

3️⃣ Alpaca World

Alpaca World
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A delightful escape where you can feed and interact with adorable alpacas. Perfect for families and animal lovers!
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DISCOUNTED DAY TOURS

4️⃣ Incheon

Incheon
@koreafiles
Explore the vibrant Chinatown, stunning Wolmido Island, and the futuristic Songdo Central Park. Incheon offers a mix of culture, history, and modernity.
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DISCOUNTED DAY TOURS

5️⃣ Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)

Visit the Demilitarized Zone for a unique historical experience. Highlights include the Third Tunnel and Dora Observatory where you can have a glimpse of the North Korean soil. 

DMZ (Demilitarized Zone)
@koreafiles
The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a weapons-free buffer zone between North and South Korea, following the 38th parallel. Stretching 150 miles across the Korean peninsula, it includes the historic "truce village" of Panmunjom, where the Korean War armistice was signed. Visitors can tour this tense yet fascinating area, witnessing the stark division between the two Koreas. Key attractions include observation points such as Imjingak Peace Park, The Third Tunnel and Dara Observatory, offering a glimpse into the region's complex history and ongoing tensions.
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Independent visits to the DMZ are not possible. Due to security concerns, visitors must join an authorized tour package conducted by licensed travel companies. These tours include transportation, a guide, and access to restricted areas. Visitors are required to bring their passport for entry into the DMZ.

DISCOUNTED DAY TOURS

6️⃣ Everland

Everland
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Korea’s largest theme park offers thrilling rides, a beautiful zoo, and spectacular seasonal festivals. A must-visit for adventure seekers!
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DISCOUNTED DAY TOUR

7️⃣ Gangneung

Gangneung-si
@koreafiles
Famed for its beautiful beaches and rich cultural heritage. Visit Anmok Coffee Street, Ojukheon House, and the vibrant Jumunjin Fish Market.
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Soon I'll share my FREE 1-day DIY Gangneung Itinerary so make sure to subscribe to my Thatch account to be updated!

DISCOUNTED DAY TOUR

8️⃣ Jeonju

Jeonju-si
@koreafiles
A food lover’s paradise known for its Hanok Village and delicious bibimbap (where it originated). Immerse yourself in traditional Korean culture & cuisine.
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Soon I'll share my FREE 1-day DIY Jeonju Itinerary so make sure to subscribe to my Thatch account to be updated!

DISCOUNTED DAY TOURS

9️⃣ Gyeongju

Gyeongju-si
@koreafiles
Often called “the museum without walls,” Gyeongju is rich with ancient relics, including Cheomseongdae and Bulguksa Temple. Perfect for history buffs!
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DISCOUNTED DAY TOURS

Gyeongju is just less than 2 hours from Seoul via KTX so you can easily explore the city DIY-style even just for one day only. But if you are staying in Busan too, you may just avail any of the day tours below ⬇️

🔟 Busan

Busan
@koreafiles
Experience Korea’s second-largest city with its stunning beaches, bustling markets, and cultural sites. Highlights include Haeundae Beach and Gwangalli Beach, Gamcheon Culture Village, and Jagalchi Fish Market.
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FREE DIY TRAVEL ITINERARY

DISCOUNTED DAY TOURS

Similar to Gyeongju, Busan is very accessible from Seoul via KTX so you can easily take a day tour if you have limited time in Korea. To maximize your stay, you can just book any of the day tours below when you arrive in the city ⬇️

Bonus: Jeju Island

Jeju Island
@koreafiles
Korea's largest island perfect for beach and nature lovers! Highlights include Hallasan, the country’s largest mountain, pristine beaches like Hamdeok and Gwakji, breathtaking falls like Pokpo and Cheonjeyeon, and lots of aesthetic cafés and restaurants.
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FREE DIY TRAVEL ITINERARY

Notes:

✅  This guide will always be for FREE! But you can support me and my work by:

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Creating travel itineraries and guides so you don't have to. Whether you're a Kdrama enthusiast, a Kpop fan, or simply eager to explore Korea for the first time or nth times, Korea Files offers insights and curated travel recommendations to make your journey unforgettable. 🎬 Special Interests As a certified Kdrama and Kpop fan, I can curate specialized itineraries focusing on filming locations and Kpop-related activities. With intermediate Korean skills, I ensure detailed custom itineraries and guides packed with insider tips. 🗺 Unique Travel Experiences Most, if not all, my trips are DIY and self-funded, ensuring authentic reviews. As a seasoned travel planner, I provide budget travel tips, must-go places and hidden gems. Expect well-curated itineraries and guides worth your reading time and hard-earned money. ✈️ Travel Guides Beyond Korea While Korea remains the primary focus, I can also create travel guides and itineraries for other countries that I frequently travel to like Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines. 📲 Stay Connected Follow Korea Files on Instagram @koreafiles. Let’s make your next adventure to Korea—and beyond—truly unforgettable!
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