5 Easy Seoul Day Trips For First-Time Visitors

For many travelers to Korea, Seoul is the main event. But just outside the bustling capital lie countless overlooked gems waiting to be explored. Why settle for battling crowds at Seoul’s top attractions when you can experience the real Korea off-the-beaten path?

The question is, how can first-timers easily venture beyond Seoul to uncover these authentic local treasures? The answer lies in these 5 easy day trips you can take from Seoul—day trips that allow you to escape the city while still keeping Seoul as your convenient home base. You get a local’s perspective into the hidden corners of Korea that average tour companies don’t bother with.

So, let’s dive right in!

1. Suwon: A Walk Through History

The city of Suwon 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 from Seoul.

There are many fun things to do in Suwon and you could easily spend an entire day here. As mentioned, the city’s most famous landmark is the Hwaseong Fortress, or Suwon Hwaseong (수원 화성), a fortress and wall that surrounds the center of Suwon. It was constructed from 1794 to 1796 by King Jeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty and includes King Jeongjo’s palace (Haenggung), a perimeter wall, four main gates, and two sluice gates over the Suwoncheon, Suwon’s main stream.

Besides the 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!

How to get to Suwon from Seoul

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: Your Escape Into Nature

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.

Tourists and locals alike visit Nami Island for its beautiful landscapes, which feature tree-lined paths, woodlands, and riverside walks. The island gained additional international fame as the filming location for the hit Korean drama Winter Sonata.

While the island is beautiful during every season, it is an especially popular destination during the fall. From late October to early November, you can see absolutely spectacular fall foliage here. The whole island will be covered in orange and yellow leaves. The ginkgo tree lane is an especially popular photo spot during the fall.

A popular way to explore the island is by bike. There are bike rentals available, with prices starting from 5,000 KRW for 30 minutes.

To enter the island you will need a ticket, which covers both the entry fee and the ferry ride to the island and back. The ticket is around 13,000 KRW.

How to get to Nami Island from Seoul

Book a guided tour: To save on hassle, you can book a guided Nami Island tour* that includes the commute to the 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: Korean Landscape Architecture

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.

The garden also holds special seasonal festivals throughout the year. The exact dates of the festivals might vary, so I recommend checking the official website before your visit.

Winter: Lighting Festival (January – March)
Spring: Spring Festa (April – May)
Summer: Hydrangea Festival (July)
Autumn: Maple Festival (October – November)

How to get to the Garden of Morning Calm from Seoul

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.
Book a guided tour: Although the park is reachable through public transportation, it is located in a secluded area, making it tricky to access, especially for first-time travelers. If you’d prefer, you can book a guided tour* that includes a shuttle to the park.

4. DMZ Tour: Understanding the North-South Divide

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.

The DMZ is truly a unique place to visit and a trip offering unique insights into the Korean north-south divide you won’t forget any time soon.

Popular destinations to visit within the DMZ include Imjingak Park, which contains various monuments and relics from the Korean War, and the Dora Observatory, which offers views into North Korea via binoculars.

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. You can book tours through platforms like Klook* and GetYourGuide*.

5. Gangneung: Plan A Seaside Getaway

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.

Here are some spots to visit in Gangneung:

Gyeongpo Beach: This beach is known for its turquoise water and sandy beaches. It’s easily accessible and offers a range of accommodations and activities nearby
Anmok Beach: This beach is popular among tourists and locals alike. Around the area, there are lots of cafes, which is why the main street is also called “Coffee Street.”
Gangneung Jungan Market: This traditional market is located in the city center and is known for its large variety of local street food.
BTS Bus Stop: If you are a fan of the K-Pop group BTS, the Gangeung BTS bus stop is a must-visit. Located in Gangneung is the original shooting location of BTS’ Spring Day album cover. The famous bus stop is located here: 8-55, Hyangho-ri, Jumunjin, Gangneung-si

How to get to Gangeung from Seoul

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.

These day trip destinations, just outside of Seoul, give you an authentic taste of everything that makes Korea so special – from natural scenery to rich history and living traditions. Beyond just checking tourist boxes, you’ll create moving personal connections and lasting memories during your Seoul trip.

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Hello! I'm Lara.

5 Easy Day-Trips from Seoul for First-Time Visitors: Avoid Tourist Traps and Experience the Real Korea