5 Easy Day Trips from Seoul
#1: Suwon
Suwon is a very popular day-trip destination. The city is located just an hour outside of Seoul. It is the capital of Gyeonggi Province and is known for its well-preserved historical landmarks, particularly the Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is accessible via public transportation (subway and bus) from Seoul, making it the perfect easy day trip.
Besides its historical side, Suwon also has a very modern vibe. It is often seen as a “Mini-Seoul,” as it has almost everything that the capital has to offer. From trendy clothing stores to cozy cafes to beautiful parks, There’s a lot to discover in Suwon!
Places to visit in Suwon
How to get to Suwon
By Subway: This is your best option. Take Subway Line 1 (Sinchang bound) toward Suwon Station. Remember that Line 1 trains may go to different locations, so you might need to change trains. The destination will be displayed in Korean and English on the side of the train. Look for trains with a destination towards Suwon or Sinchang. This journey takes about one hour.
By Train: This is a more costly option, but itx and KTX trains frequently run between Seoul station and Suwon station. A ticket costs between ~5,000 and 8,500 KRW, and the journey takes 30-40 minutes.
By Bus: Express buses like the 3000 and 7000 series run from various points in Seoul to Suwon
#2: Nami Island
Nami Island, also known as Namiseom (남이섬), is a picturesque escape into nature not too far from Seoul. If you are craving some time off from the urban vibes of the city during your Seoul trip, this is the place to go! The half-moon-shaped island Namiseom is located in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province.
It was formed in 1944 after the construction of the Cheongpyeong Dam, which led to the area’s flooding by the North Han River. Nami Island is named after General Nami, a famous figure in Korean history.
How to get to Nami Island
By train: If you want to go to Nami Island by train, you have two options:
Gyeongchun Line: Sangbong → Gapyeong Station (about 50 min.)
itx-Cheongchun: Yongsan → Gapyeong Station (about 60 min.) or Cheongnyangni → Gapyeong Station (about 42 min.)
From Gapyeong station, it is a ~20 min. walk to the island
By car: Nami Island is a roughly two-hour drive from Seoul. Parking is available and costs 6,000 KRW for small cars and 10,000 KRW for large cars, plus an additional fee of 1,000 KRW per hour after the first 12 hours.
#3: Garden of Morning Calm
The Garden of Morning Calm (Korean: 아침고요수목원) is located in Gapyeong.
It is, in my opinion, one of the most breathtaking arboretums in the country and a great destination to visit during your Seoul trip if you love nature. Horticultural professor Han Sang-Kyung first opened it in 1996. It spans 300,000 m², is home to 5,000 plant species, some rare and endangered, and attracts 600,000 (!) visitors annually
The “Garden of Morning Calm” draws its inspiration from Korea’s nickname, “the Country of the Morning Calm,” and its distinct design pays homage to Korean aesthetics with a focus on imbalance and harmony.
How to get to the Garden of Morning Calm
By subway, train & bus: The most common way is taking the subway/train from Seoul to Cheongpyeong Station on the Gyeongchun Line. From there, you have a couple of options: A 20-minute taxi ride (approximately 18,000 – 20,000 won) or a local bus (approximately 25 min. ride) to the garden. The local buses operate in a 30-80-minute interval, so be sure to plan your journey ahead of time if you want to take the bus from Cheongpyeong Station. The bus stop is located right in front of the Garden of Morning Calm and is called “Arboretum/Bus Terminal” in English.
By car: It's roughly 1.5 hours from Seoul to the Garden of Morning Calm. Parking is available in front of the garden's entry area.
#4: DMZ
If you are interested in Korean history, visiting the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a must-do during your Seoul trip. The DMZ is a 4-kilometer-wide buffer zone established by the armistice agreement that ended the Korean War in 1953, stretching across the Korean Peninsula. It is one of the most heavily fortified borders in the world.
Important: Travelers who want to visit the DMZ can only do so with a tour guide. Tours to the DMZ must be booked through official operators, and it's recommended to reserve your spot in advance due to high demand. Options range from half-day to full-day tours.
#5: Gangneung
Are you looking to explore the Korean seaside during your Seoul trip? Then, Gangneung is the perfect destination.
The small coastal city is located in Gangwon Province on South Korea's east coast. Gangeung is known for its beautiful beaches and delicious local cuisine. The commute to Gangneung is a bit longer compared to the other day trips I have introduced so far, but it is so worth it.
The drive to Gangeung takes approximately 2.5-3 hours; if you take the KTX, you can get there in as little as two hours. It always baffles my mind how quickly you can get to the seaside from Seoul.
Things to do in Gangneung
How to get to Gangneung
By KTX: If you go to Gangeung on a day trip, the KTX is your best option as it is the fastest and most reliable way to get to Gangeung. There are frequent KTX trains between Seoul Station and Gangeung Station. The journey takes under two hours and costs ~30,000 KRW per person.
By Bus: You can also go to Gangeung by express bus. This option is cheaper (~22,000 KRW per person), but the commute takes approximately 2.5 hours.
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Hope you found this guide helpful. Wishing you safe travels and an amazing time in Korea!
- Lara ✨
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