If you’re planning a trip to South Korea, don’t make the mistake of spending your entire trip in Seoul.
While Seoul is an incredible city, some of the best experiences in Korea are waiting just outside the capital. From historic cities and coastal towns to traditional villages, islands, mountains and even the Korean Demilitarised Zone, there are plenty of day trips from Seoul worth adding to your itinerary.
The best part? You can use Seoul as a convenient base and explore many of these destinations without having to change hotels.
In this guide, I’ll share some of the best day trips from Seoul, including what to see, how to get there and which places are easiest to visit independently versus with a tour.
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Short on time?
My top recommendations for your Seoul travel itinerary include:
💸 Save money: Seoul Pass helps you save up to 50% while getting access to up to 70 attractions with this one pass.
🗺️ Tours: Klook (very popular in Korea), GetYourGuide, and Viator.
📍 Recommended Activities:
💄 Design your own K-Beauty Product
🎏 Discover foodie hidden gems in this local street tour.
🌷 Step into another world at the Garden of the Morning Calm – a floral wonderland!
🛤️ Getting Around Seoul: Order a T-money card to use public transport (buses, trains) and pay at convenience stores in Korea.
🚄 Travelling across Korea: The Korea Rail Pass provides unlimited rides on almost all trains operated by KORAIL.
🏥 Travel Insurance: World Nomads
📶 Staying Connected: Get instant access to data with Airalo eSIM.
Best Day Trips from Seoul at a Glance
If you’re planning to explore outside of Seoul, there are a few tips to know for planning your trip. Firstly, one of the most convenient and easiest ways to travel around Korea is via public transport. For intercity travel across Korea, the high-speed trains operated by KORAIL are the quickest way to reach across large distances. As a foreigner, you can save money and get unlimited rides on KTX trains using the Korea Rail Pass.
The Korea Rail Pass (KR Pass) provides unlimited rides on almost all the trains operated by South Korea’s major railway provider KORAIL. There are different options for KR Passes including booking a pass to cover trains for flexible 2 or 4 days or 3 or 4 consecutive days. Not only does the KR pass cover 80 routes and +600 stations. The pass offers discounts only available for foreign tourists including on tourist attractions and accommodation.
Short on time? Here’s a quick overview of the best day trips from Seoul.
📌 Overview of Day Trips from Seoul
| Location | Activities & Attractions |
|---|---|
| Ganghwado Island | ✨Underrated place to explore 📍Historical sites & fortresses 🏞️ Aesthetic cafes & gorgeous natural scenery |
| Pohang | 🌊 Beaches, mountains & temples ☕️ Aesthetic & seaside cafes 🎬 K-Drama filming locations |
| Nami Island | ☀️ Beautiful all-year round 🍃 Gorgeous natural scenery 🚲 Fun activities including cycling, boats & more |
| Petite France | 📍 French-themed village 🎬 K-drama filming locations |
| Garden of Morning Calm | ☀️ Beautiful all-year round 🍃 Gorgeous natural scenery & gardens ✨ Annual light festival |
| Incheon | ✨ Underrated place to explore 📍Fairy Tale Village, Incheon Central Park & Incheon Chinatown |
| Demilitarised Military Zone (DMZ) | 🏞️ Imjingak Park, Third Infiltration tunnel 📍Glimpse of North Korea |
| Suwon | 📌 UNESCO World Hertiage Site ✨ Panoramic views of city ☕️ Aesthetic cafes |
| Korean Folk Village | ✨ Underrated place to explore 🎭 Cultural experieneces (performances & seasonal events) |
| Seoul Land | 🎡 Oldest theme park in Korea ✨ Seasonal festivals all-year round |
| Everland | 🎡 Korea's largest amusement park 🎢 Thrilling rollercoasters, rides & themed areas |
| Ansan | ✨ Underrated place to explore 📌 Ansan Multicultural Village, Ansan Botanical Garden 🍴 Mixture of food cuisine |
| Gwangmyeongdonggul Cave | ✨ Themed cave park with light installations 🍴 Local stalls, restaurant & cafe |
| Jeonju | 📍Historical sites & natural scenery 🍴 Great local eateries 📌 Perfect for a traditional hanok stay |
| Gyeongju | 📍Lots of historic sites ☕️ Lots of great cafes & restaurants 🍃 Beautiful all-year round |
15 Best Day Trips from Seoul
Ganghwado Island (강화도)
Best for: History, cafes, nature and escaping the crowds
If you’re looking for a more unusual day trip from Seoul, consider Ganghwado Island in Incheon. Ganghwado is an underrated destination with a mix of historic sites, fortresses, mountains, viewpoints and picturesque cafes. It’s also a great option if you want to get away from Seoul without spending hours travelling across the country.
One of my favourite things about Ganghwado is that it tends to be much quieter than Seoul’s major tourist attractions. You may find yourself exploring alongside mostly local visitors rather than large groups of international tourists.
Some of the best things to do include visiting historic fortresses, checking out viewpoints towards North Korea and spending an afternoon cafe hopping.
You can reach Ganghwado using public transport, although renting a car can make exploring the island much easier.
👉 Planning a Ganghwado day trip? Read my complete Ganghwado Island day trip guide for everything you need to know before you go.
If you’re visiting Korea for the first time make sure to read these 10 must-know tips for your trip including visa requirements, how to travel around Korea, and other essential travel information.


Pohang (포항)
Best for: Beaches, coastal views and K-drama fans
Looking for a coastal alternative to Busan? Add Pohang to your Korea itinerary.
Located on the eastern coast of South Korea, Pohang is home to beaches, seaside cafes, temples, viewpoints and some surprisingly unique attractions. One of the highlights is Yeongildae Observatory, where you can walk above the ocean and enjoy views of the coastline. You can also visit the famous Hwanho Space Walk, an unusual elevated walkway with panoramic views over Pohang.
Pohang is particularly worth considering if you’re a K-drama fan. Several locations around the city were used in dramas including Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha and When the Camellia Blooms.
To reach Pohang you can take a day trip from the main cities in Korea including Seoul, Busan, or Daegu. The best way to get to Pohang is by taking a high-speed train (KTX Train) or taking an express bus.
👉 Want to explore more of Pohang? Check out my Pohang travel guide for the best things to do and K-drama filming locations.


Nami Island (남이섬)
Best for: Nature, photography and K-drama fans
Nami Island is one of the most popular day trips from Seoul, and for good reason.
Located in Gapyeong, around 63 km from Seoul, this small crescent-shaped island is surrounded by Cheongpyeong Lake and is beautiful throughout the year. You’ll find tree-lined paths, gardens, walking trails and plenty of scenic spots to photograph. You can explore the island on foot or rent a bicycle if you’d rather cover more ground.
Nami Island is also particularly popular with K-drama fans. It has appeared in several Korean shows, including Winter Sonata, Secret Garden, My Love from the Stars and Running Man.
Things to do on Nami Island
Some of the most popular places to see include:
- Metasequoia Lane
- Ginkgo Tree Lane
- First Kiss Bridge
- Winter Sonata filming locations
- Story Tour
- Cycling around the island
Nami Island is often combined with nearby attractions such as Petite France, the Garden of Morning Calm and Gangchon Rail Park.
How to get to Nami Island from Seoul
This is one of those day trips where a tour can save you a lot of hassle.
You can take the ITX-Cheongchun train from Seoul to Gapyeong Station, then continue to Gapyeong Wharf and take the ferry to Nami Island. The alternative is booking a direct shuttle bus or joining a Nami Island day tour.
If you’re visiting for the first time, I’d personally lean towards a tour if you want to combine Nami Island with several other attractions in the area.
If you’re a tourist you can reserve your tickets online for discounted admission to Nami Island in advance.


Petite France (쁘띠프랑스)
Best for: K-dramas, photography and something different
Petite France is a colourful French-themed cultural village in Gapyeong, surrounded by mountains and the lake. With pastel buildings, galleries, gardens and plenty of photo opportunities, it feels completely different from Seoul.
The village has also appeared in several Korean dramas, including My Love from the Stars, Secret Garden, Personal Taste and Beethoven Virus.
Things to do in Petite France
Inside the village you’ll find galleries featuring antique furniture, marionettes and other cultural displays. You can also watch traditional music box and marionette performances or take part in activities such as French games and plaster crafts.
Another highlight is the Saint-Exupéry Memorial Hall, dedicated to the author of The Little Prince and Night Flight.
🎟️ You can book your Petite France ticket online, or make things easier by booking a day trip with transport included.


Nami Island & Petite France
For first-time travelers to Korea, it isn’t the easiest day trip from Seoul. Since there are no direct bus or train connections from Seoul to Nami Island or Petite France. You will have to organise multiple modes of transit and make several transfers. Additionally, if you reach one of these places, it can also be quite difficult to get to the next destination without a car, because these places are spread out from each other. I personally recommend organising a tour which covers all the transport transfers and the entrance fees.
Public Transport
Depending on where you’re based in Seoul you’ll want to take a train (ITX-Cheongchun line) to Gapyeong Station. I recommend booking an ITX train in advance instead of the regular subway to save time on the transfer and you can reserve your seats online. From Gapyeong Station you’ll either take public transport or a taxi to Gapyeong Wharf where you can purchase a ferry ticket to Nami Island. If you plan on taking an ITX train make sure to arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Another option to reach Nami Island from Seoul is taking a direct shuttle bus or a local day trip tour. This saves you the hassle of organising all the different transport transfers and it includes admission to attractions.
To save money on high-speed trains in Korea order the Korea Rail Pass (KR Pass). The KR Pass provides unlimited rides on almost all trains operated by KORAIL and offers discounts for foreign tourists on tourist attractions and accommodations.
Day Trip Tours to Nami Island
The easiest and most popular way to get to Nami Island is by joining a day trip tour. It’s the quickest and most convenient way to visit Nami Island in addition to Petite France, and the Garden of the Morning Calm. The best part about going on a local day trip is all the round-trip transfers are organized, it covers all entry admissions and you get to skip the queues for attractions. Depending on the season you visit Nami Island there are also unique seasonal tours that offer visits to unique attractions and seasonal activities. Read the following recommendations to decide which one works best for your trip.

If you’re visiting Korea during autumn (September to November), you’ll be treated to fall foliage and have the option to explore fall foliage hot spots through this day trip tour.

If you’re looking for a unique seasonal tour that covers Nami Island and a flower festival consider this one-day seasonal guided tour.
If you’re travelling to South Korea during the winter months (December to February) you’ll be treated to picturesque snowy landscapes and the chance for snow sports. Try these local one-day tours that suit your preferences, from skiing and/or exploring all the winter hot spots across Korea.

If you’re looking to explore Korea’s top winter attractions such as Eobi Ice Valley, Nami Island and the Garden of the Morning Calm consider this day trip tour. Not only does it cover round-trip transfers and admission into these attractions but you also have the chance to experience a winter light festival through this local tour.

Vivaldi Winter Ski & Nami Island
Experience the beauty of Nami Island in winter with its frozen lakes, snowy landscapes, and cozy cafes. After you’ve done some sightseeing you can try either skiing or sledding for a winter adventure on this fun winter day trip from Seoul.

Nami Island & Elysian Gangchon Winter Ski
Experience a mix of sightseeing and adventure in one day by enjoying Nami Island’s winter landscape and then going skiing at Elysian Resort on this day trip from Seoul.

Nami Island & Winter Strawberry Picking
A trip to Korea wouldn’t be complete without an authentic local experience. Add a strawberry-picking experience with your day trip to the winter attractions of Nami Island and Garden of the Morning Calm.
The Garden of Morning Calm (아침고요수목원)
Best for: Gardens, photography and winter illuminations
Another popular day trip from Seoul is the Garden of Morning Calm in Gapyeong.
This expansive garden features a collection of themed gardens surrounded by pine forests and mountains. It’s a beautiful place to visit throughout the year, with different seasonal scenery depending on when you visit. One of the most unique areas is the Sunken Garden, which is shaped like the Korean Peninsula.
If you’re visiting Korea during winter you’ll want to add the Garden of Morning Calm as a day trip. You’ll be lucky to experience the Light Festival where the garden is lined with over 30,000 LED lights and is a magical sight to experience. This festival is usually held from December to March every day and you can organize a visit through a local tour.
Planning a trip to Korea in winter? Don’t miss out on these 20-must-see places in South Korea in winter.

Gangchon Rail Park (강촌레일파크)
Best for: Friends, families and outdoor activities
If you want to do something a little more active, add Gangchon Rail Park to your Seoul day trip itinerary. The attraction lets you pedal along an old railway track while taking in views of mountains, rice fields, countryside and tunnels. The rail bike course is approximately 8.5 km, including around 6 km on the rail bike before continuing by train. There are both two-person and four-person rail bikes, making this a fun option if you’re travelling with friends or family. You can also find cafes, photo spots and other activities nearby.
Book your visit to Gangchon Rail Park in advance by reserving your entrance ticket and/or local transfer in advance.
How to get to Gangchon Rail Park
The easiest option is driving or joining an organised tour. If you’re trying to combine Gangchon Rail Park with other Gapyeong attractions, I’d recommend a day tour rather than attempting to squeeze everything into one day independently.
My tip: Don’t try to visit Nami Island, Petite France, the Garden of Morning Calm and Gangchon Rail Park independently in one day. They’re spread out, and the transport connections can eat into your sightseeing time.
Instead, choose a day tour that combines the attractions you’re most interested in.
Incheon (인천)
Best for: Food, culture and an easy day trip
Incheon is one of the easiest day trips from Seoul because it’s located right next to the capital. Many travellers only see Incheon when flying into Korea through Incheon International Airport, but the city itself deserves some time on your itinerary.
Important tip: Visiting Korea for the first-time? Make sure to check out these apps for travelling in Korea for your next trip.
Things to do in Incheon
You can easily spend a day in Incheon with a diverse range of things to do around the city. For sightseeing, I recommend strolling at Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village, Incheon Central Park, and making a stop at Jeondeungsa Temple.
If you’re looking for a place for affordable shopping check out Bupyeong underground market in Incheon. You can find everything at this market from affordable skincare, bags, and clothes to household items.
A must-see place in the city includes Incheon Chinatown (인천 차이나타운). Chinatown is a popular destination in Incheon due to its influence on Chinese immigrants and food. You’ll be treated to a unique experience away from the bustling city of Seoul with Chinese delicacies and unique architecture. I also recommend grabbing a bite in the area by trying jjajangmyeong which is a noodle dish with black bean sauce that originated in Korea.
A great way to end your day in Incheon is by checking out Wolmido Island around sunset. A visit to Womido Island will allow you to try a boardwalk experience in Korea. It’s a great place to catch a sunset and also check out the Ferris wheel, carnival games, rollercoasters, and local food. If you’re feeling adventurous you’ll want to try out the famous ride Disco Bang Bang. This famous ride became popular from its entertaining DJ who tries to ‘throw you off’ the ride. Wolmido is a great free alternative if you don’t want to pay for Lotte World in Seoul.
: If you’re visiting Korea during spring (March to May) Incheon Chinatown is a great place to see the cherry blossoms and is less explored compared to Seoul Forest. If you want more spring recommendations for Korea, I’ve written a guide here.


Demilitarised Military Zone (DMZ)
Best for: Korean history
There’s a rich history behind why Korea is divided into its South and North territories. After drafting an agreement that ceased the violence of the Korean War, the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) stands as the border between the territories. The DMZ is a great place to visit to learn more about Korean history and the situation between South and North Korea.
Important Tip: The DMZ tours do not operate on Mondays and Korean National Holidays (except Korea’s New Year and Thanksgiving Day). You’ll also need to bring a current valid passport.
How to travel to the DMZ
With strict entrance requirements, the best way to visit the DMZ is either through a half-day or full-day tour from Seoul. If you choose a half-day option you’ll be able to see all the sites in a small amount of time with no planning involved. Depending on which DMZ tour you choose you’ll get to enjoy different sites including Imjingak Park, Dora Observatory, the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, and Dorasan Station. For example, at Imjingak Park you’ll be able to see Freedom Bridge and a derailed steam train from the Korean War. This park has also been dedicated to the millions of South Koreans who were separated from their families.
If you visit Dora Observatory you’ll get to use binoculars to see North Korea’s propaganda village. On a clear day, you might even get a glimpse of North Korean soldiers. Meanwhile a visit to the Third Infiltration Tunnel you’ll be given a hard hat and get to walk along 265m of the 1,635m long tunnel which is situated 73m below ground.
Depending on what you want to see and experience at the DMZ will determine which local tour is best for you. Here are recommendations on half-day and full-day tours to the DMZ.

DMZ, 3rd Tunnel & Suspension Bridge
Add to your day trip to the DMZ by visiting the 3rd invasion tunnel, Dora Observatory to see North Korean Territory. You’ll also get to visit the Suspension Bridge where a fierce battle during the Korean War took place and be treated to stunning mountain views. Explore all these sites in this one-day tour.

Walk back in time on this one-day trip to the DMZ tour from Seoul. You’ll get to explore Freedom Bridge, the 3rd Tunnel, Dora Observatory, and the Unification Village and get a local guide sharing the history and highlights of Korea’s history. You’ll also be treated to a gondola ride with unique scenery views of Korea.

If you don’t want a full-day tour to the DMZ consider this local guided tour from Seoul to the DMZ. You’ll be picked up from Seoul and visit the DMZ to discover the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel and other attractions including Freedom Bridge and Dora Observatory to see North Korea’s propaganda village.

Get a glimpse of North Korea at the DMZ Peace Observatory and learn more about the DMZ in this day trip tour. You’ll also be treated to a visit to the local gem of Ganghwado Island. This island is home to picturesque mountains, temples, unique cafes, viewpoints of North Korea, and gorgeous views.
Suwon (수원)
Best for: History, architecture and cafes
Suwon is one of the easiest day trips from Seoul and one I’d recommend if you don’t want to spend hours travelling.
The city’s biggest attraction is Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built during the Joseon Dynasty. The fortress stretches for more than 5 km around the city, with impressive gates, walls and watchtowers. Walking along the fortress gives you a completely different perspective of Korea compared with the modern skyscrapers of Seoul.
Suwon is also home to plenty of cafes and restaurants, so you can easily combine sightseeing with a relaxed afternoon exploring the city.


How to get to Suwon?
Public Transport
Suwon is around 34 km south of Seoul and is easily accessible by public transport. You can take the subway, which takes around 50 minutes, or a faster train depending on your route.
If you want someone else to handle the transport and itinerary, you can book a Suwon Hwaseong day tour. For a more flexible experience, a private Suwon tour is another option, particularly if you’re travelling with a group.

Korean Folk Village (한국민속촌)
Best for: Traditional Korean culture
If you want to explore a traditional culture village without the usual city crowds consider the Korean Folk Village in Gyeonggi-do. Visitors will be treated with a mixture of regular houses and mansions from all over Korea that have been moved here and restored to recreate a village from the Joseon dynasty.
What makes this village interesting are the cultural experiences that aren’t available in other cities. From seeing artisans using traditional techniques to make handicrafts and watching local performances such as a traditional wedding ceremony, martial arts on horseback, nongak (farmer’s music), and other special events available by season. You can also find workshops including pottery; constructing bamboo products such as furniture and baskets; blacksmithing; natural tie-dying and; bronzeware.
How to Get to Korean Folk Village
There are several ways to get to the Korean Folk Village. If you plan to go by yourself you’ll need to take a combination of public transport options (subway and bus). To find the best transport route you’ll need to map your transfers using Kakao Map or Naver Map. The easiest and most convenient way to get here is through a day trip tour with round-trip transfers and admissions to all attractions covered.
: Don’t forget to have data connectivity in Korea by ordering a prepaid SIM card in advance. I recommend ordering unlimited data either via an eSIM or SIM card for airport pick–up.

Seoul Land (서울랜드)
Best for: Theme parks on a budget
Seoul Land is one of the oldest theme parks in South Korea. It has a mixture of rides and attractions for all ages to enjoy. Despite this theme park being more outdated it’s a great place to visit with less crowds compared to Everland and Lotte World. Seoul Land is also a more affordable park to visit compared to these two theme parks.
Seoul Land also features seasonal festivals all year-round at the park including Halloween and Christmas. One of the most popular seasonal times to visit is during winter when they open up a snow slope for all ages to enjoy. They also decorate the park with igloos to add to your winter explorations in Korea.
Reserve your tickets to Seoul Land in advance to get discounted admission as a foreign tourist.
Everland (에버랜드)
Best for: Thrill seekers, families and theme park fans
Go on a fun adventure by visiting Korea’s largest amusement park, Everland. It’s the perfect place to spend a full day for all ages from exploring a mini safari, trying out carnival games, testing out the thrilling rides, and more. The theme park has five themes including American Adventure, Magic Land, European Adventure, Zoo-Topia, and Global Fair.
If you’re a thrill seeker you’ll want to explore the park’s several big rides from the T-Express, Korea’s first wooden roller coaster, and several high-tech VR rides. If this isn’t for you the park also has a 4D movie theatre, water rides, and a live hologram theatre. Make sure to also check out the zoo and safari theme park which boasts pandas, sea lions, bears, tigers, and more.
How to get to Everland
Everland is about 46 kilometres from Seoul, and you can reach it in multiple ways. If you want to go to Everland on your own, you’ll have to take a combination of public transport transfers, which can take over 2 hours. I personally don’t recommend taking public transport for a one-day trip to Everland. Getting back from Everland to Seoul at the end of the day is very hectic with crowds and long lines for public transport.
Instead, consider booking a shuttle service as part of a day trip tour package. The shuttle bus will have several pick-up locations in Seoul and usually offers round-trip transfers. Depending on where you board the bus, the journey takes about 40 to 70 minutes.
Important tip: If you’re booking activities or tours on KLOOK get 5% off your reservation by using the code KELLYTODAY.


Ansan (안산)
Best for: Off-the-beaten-path experiences
If you’re looking for a more laid-back place to explore in South Korea consider the city of Ansan. Ansan is often an overlooked city by foreign tourists and is a hidden gem that deserves more widespread recognition from visitors. This city is located southeast of Seoul in Gyeonggi-do province and is only about an hour away from the capital city. Since it’s located on the coast of the Yellow Sea it has a range of diverse landscapes to enjoy. Top attractions to explore include Ansan Multicultural Village, Ansan Botanical Garden, and Ansan Reed March Park.
If you’re a foodie you’ll want to experience the gastronomic side of Ansan. The city boasts a mixture of cuisines from all over the world. You can find food from all over South-East, Central, and East Asian countries to try in this area.
If you’re visiting South Korea at the end of the year you’ll want to add Ansan Starlight Village (안산별빛마을) to your itinerary. The village is a park that showcases the style of Provence in France and during this event is decorated with stunning lights and over 200 displays inspired by real-size objects and animals.
The easiest way to visit Ansan from Seoul is by public transport or an organised bus transfer. If want to check out Ansan Starlight Village I recommend booking this day trip tour from Seoul. This local tour covers Ansan Starlight Village, Gyeonggi Uiwang Rail Bike, Gwangmyeong Cave Day, and round-trip transfers making it hassle-free for you.

Gwangmyeongdonggul Cave (광명동굴)
Opening hours: 9:00 to 18:00 (Weekdays)
Best for: Summer and something unusual
If you want to escape the hot weather of Seoul during the summer months, consider a visit to Gwangmyeong Cave. This abandoned copper, silver, and gold mine opened in 2011 for tourism as a themed cave park with a range of artistic and cultural things to try.
Visitors will be treated to different themed areas including the cave aqua world, the cave arts centre, the space of light, the wormhole square, and more. In addition to these themed areas, there is the largest dragon sculpture in Korea and an LED light display to explore during your visit. After you’ve done exploring, you can grab some food from the local stalls, restaurant, or cafe whilst taking in the unique scenery at the theme park.
How to get to Gwangmyeongdonggul Cave
The easiest way to reach Gwangmyeongdonggul Cave is by taking public transport. From Seoul, it will take multiple public transport transfers, and the best route can be mapped out using Naver Map or Kakao Map.
Important tip: The Gwangmyeongdonggul Cave is not open on Mondays, and the last admission is one hour before closing.

Jeonju (잔주)
Best for: Food, traditional architecture and culture
Jeonju is one of my favourite places that I always find myself visiting in South Korea. Located in North Jeolla province, it boasts a rich cultural heritage and delicious food that shouldn’t be missed.
A must-visit place in Jeonju is Jeonju Hanok Village (전주 한옥마을 ), which will make you feel as if you’ve stepped back into the Joseon Dynasty. With over 800 Korean traditional hanok houses, you’ll get to experience slow travel and some of the best food to try in the country.
Recommended local cuisine to try in Jeonju includes bibimbap, choco pie, and Kongnamul gukbap. Whilst you can try Bibimbap anywhere in Korea, Jeonju is the birthplace and is a must-try dish in this city.
If you’re looking for a unique experience in Korea, add a traditional hanok stay to your Korea trip.


Things to do in Jeonju
With its traditional hanok houses that you’ve seen in historical K-dramas, Jeonju also has other local sightseeing attractions to check out. The best part about visiting Jeonju Hanok Village is that most of the attractions are within walking distance, which makes it easier to explore Jeonju within a day. A few of these attractions include Nambu Market, Pungmun Gate, and Gyeonggijeon, a historic shrine that now serves as a royal portrait museum. If you have the time, I strongly recommend trying a traditional hanok stay in Jeonju or in Seoul for your trip.
If you’re visiting Korea in autumn (September to November) you’ll want to pay a visit to Gyeonggijeon (경기전) which features shrines, storehouses, and guardrooms that are stunning with the orange, red and yellow leaves in the background.
Hanbok Rental
A trip to Korea wouldn’t be complete without renting a traditional Korean dress (hanbok). Instead of renting a hanbok in Seoul with the busy crowds, consider trying this cultural activity in Jeonju. Not only will you get to explore without the usual city crowds, but you’ll get to explore different cultural sites compared to the well-known tourist attractions in Seoul. Read everything you need to know about hanbok rentals here.
How to get to Jeonju
Take a day trip from Seoul to Jeonju using a 1.5-hour KTX train. Alternatively, a cheaper option includes taking an express bus to Jeonju. The easiest and most convenient way to get to Jeonju however, is through a day trip tour which includes round-trip transfers and a local guide giving you insider recommendations on the best places to visit.


Gyeongju (경주)
Best for: History, temples and UNESCO World Heritage Sites
One of my favourite day trips from Seoul includes the ancient capital of Gyeongju. This city was previously the capital of the kingdom of Silla (BCE 57-CE 935) and has been recognised for its historic value through Gyeongju’s Historic Areas designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.
Nicknamed the ‘museum without walls,’ you’ll be treated to endless archaeological and historical sites that have been well preserved and are a must-see experience. A day trip visit will allow you to walk back into Korea’s history by exploring the royal tombs, shrines, and gorgeous scenery, as well as allow you to enjoy the delicious cuisine and more. The city’s streets are lined with aesthetic cafes and local eateries that serve both Korean and Western cuisine with a gorgeous view of Gyeongju’s historic sites.
Some of the top must-see attractions in Gyeongju include Bulguksa Temple, Cheomseongdae Observatory, Daereungwon Tomb Complex, and Gyeongju Tower. Whilst Gyeongju is beautiful all year round, my personal favourite times to visit include autumn to see the fall foliage and different flower fields.
If you’re travelling to Korea in autumn, don’t miss out on these 20 must-see fall foliage spots in Korea.
How to travel to Gyeongju?
By Train: If you’re taking a train, consider getting the foreigner discount train pass to save money and get around numerous cities via train. From Seoul, the most convenient and easiest way to get to Gyeongju is via the high-speed train (KTX). Direct trains are available from Seoul Station usually every hour and should take about 2 to 2.5 hours. After you reach the KTX train station in Gyeongju, you’ll have to take a bus or catch a taxi to the main attractions in Gyeongju because the station is located outside of the city center.
By Bus: You can take a 3.5-hour express bus from Seoul to Gyeongju. You can often show up at the Express Bus Terminal and get tickets without an issue, otherwise, you can reserve your tickets online.
Join a Tour: The easiest way to reach Gyeongju from Seoul is by booking a local tour. There are some great options that will get you to Gyeongju and back in a day and let you see all the main attractions. This local tour covers Bulguksa Temple, Daereungwo, Gyochon Village (Woljeonggyo), and more and gets you back to Seoul all in one day.
Private transfer: You can book a private driver that will pick you up from Busan and get you to Gyeongju and see all the main sites and back in your own time. This is a great option to split with a group and you’ll also won’t have to rush to see all the attractions.


Tips for Planning Day Trips from Seoul
Google Maps isn’t the best navigation option in South Korea because of limitations with local mapping data. Instead, download Naver Map or Kakao Map before your trip.
Consider a Korea Rail Pass
If you’re planning several longer trips around Korea, look into the Korea Rail Pass. It provides foreign visitors with unlimited rides on eligible KORAIL trains for the duration of the pass.
Just make sure to compare the cost of the pass with your individual train tickets before buying.
Book popular tours & attractions ahead
Popular destinations such as Nami Island, Everland and the DMZ can get busy, particularly during weekends and peak travel seasons. I recommend checking Klook, GetYourGuide and Viator before your trip so you can compare available tours and activities.
Don’t underestimate travel time
Something that looks “close” to Seoul on a map isn’t necessarily quick to reach.
Some destinations require several train, subway, bus or taxi transfers. When you’re only visiting for one day, those connections can take up a significant portion of your sightseeing time. This is why I generally recommend tours for places where attractions are spread out, particularly around Gapyeong.
Final Thoughts: Which Seoul Day Trip Should You Take?
One of my favourite things about travelling around South Korea is how easy it can be to experience completely different sides of the country from Seoul.
You can spend one day exploring ancient temples and royal tombs in Gyeongju, another wandering through traditional hanok houses in Jeonju, and another looking towards North Korea from the DMZ.
If it’s your first trip, I’d prioritise Nami Island, the DMZ and Suwon. If you’ve already explored the major tourist attractions, look further afield to Ganghwado, Pohang or Ansan for a different experience.
And if you don’t want to spend your holiday figuring out complicated transport connections, don’t feel like you have to do everything independently. For several of these destinations, a well-organised day tour can save you hours of planning and make it possible to see much more in a single day.
Which of these day trips from Seoul would you most like to visit? Let me know in the comments!
📝 Other Resources You Might Find Helpful 📝
- Save time and planning with a Downloadable Notion Travel Template
- 🇰🇷 10 Things to Know Before Travelling to South Korea
- 🍂 20 Best Fall Foliage Spots in South Korea
- Local Guide to Best Areas to Stay in Seoul
- 20 Best One-Day Classes in Korea Worth Your Money
Travel Planning Resources ✈️
Here are my recommendations that I’ve tried personally to make your next trip easier.
Public Transport 🚊 If you plan to use public transport, make sure to order a T-money card in advance. It can be used on subways, buses and taxis throughout Korea. For booking Korea’s high-speed trains, you can save money with a Korea Rail Pass, which offers unlimited rides for the duration of your pass.
Arriving in Korea ✈️ Most travellers arrive at Incheon International Airport when starting their trip. If you’re heading to Seoul, you can either take public transport or book a private transfer directly to your accommodation. If you’re taking a train, use the Airport Express (AREX) to your destination.
Attractions & Tours 🌟 Klook and GetYourGuide are my preferred platforms for booking local tours and activities in Korea. They make it easy to compare experiences, check reviews and find the best deals. You can also download their mobile apps to easily access your bookings while you’re on the go.
Power Adaptors : South Korea uses Type C and Type F sockets with a standard voltage of 220V. If you’re travelling from a country with a different voltage, check that your electronics are compatible before plugging them in. You may need a voltage converter. I always recommend bringing a universal adaptor, especially if you’re planning to travel to multiple countries. It’s useful for future trips and often comes with additional USB ports for charging your devices.
Accommodation 🛌: I book all my accommodation in Korea through Booking.com. They have a wide selection of accommodation worldwide, flexible booking options and a range of deals. They also have a Genius loyalty programme, which offers discounts and other benefits on selected stays.
Easy Car Rental 🚗 Get hassle-free car rentals through DiscoverCars. You can compare a wide range of suppliers, prices and rental options in one place. I’ve often found it cheaper than booking directly, and comparing multiple suppliers makes it easier to check whether you’re getting a good deal.
Stay Connected 📶 wherever you go by purchasing an eSIM for your travels. With Airalo, you can get instant access to mobile data without having to physically swap a SIM card every time you travel to a new country.
Travel Insurance 🛡️ I use World Nomads for overseas travel insurance. Having travel insurance gives me peace of mind knowing I’m covered for unexpected events while travelling.
Camera Gear 📸: Curious about the camera gear I use for my travel photos? Find out what’s in my camera bag here.
Found this helpful? 👇🏼
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Your photos are incredible! South Korea has been creeping up on my must go list. Between all the cute cafes and the architecture, it’s right up alley.
Thanks so much, Timpani! Hopefully you’ll get to visit South Korea one day it’s a beautiful country to explore.
I love going on day trips after exploring a city. Your list is fantastic and would definitely add many of it to my own itinerary. I wish I could visit Nami Island in every season. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Kitti! You’ll definitively need to visit South Korea one day. There’s so many great day trips to try!
My next big trip will hopefully be to Seoul! I am itching to go and will be sure to reference this for planning day trips. I’d love to see Pohang – especially to see those filming locations you mentioned!!
You’ll definitively need to visit Korea soon! Pohang is a great day trip from Seoul if you have the time!
It looks like we will have to plan a long enough stay in Seoul to do some of these great day trips. I love all the great outdoor sights there is to see. And funs tops like Nami Island too. Good to know that some can be done by public transit.
You’ll definitively need to stay for more than a week to explore outside of Seoul! Hopefully you can visit soon!
So many great day trips! I’ve only visited Seoul on a layover…I’d love to go back. It’s such a cool city.
Thanks, Meghan! You’ll definitively have to go back to Seoul for a longer stay next time!
Hard to pick which day trips from Seoul to take!
There are so many options to choose from right? At least you won’t be stuck on ideas!
I like the idea of exploring out of Seoul. The caves look awesome and your photos are beautiful. Thanks for sharing!
Seoul is great for first-timers but I definitively agree with exploring outside of the main city. All these cities have a unique charm and something to offer for every type of traveler!
Seoul has been on my wish list for a long time, so a few trips out to balance out the city time sound great. Thank you for sharing, saved for future travel!
You’ll definitively need to add at least one day trip from Seoul to your Korea trip! Glad you found this post helpful Anja hopefully you can visit Korea soon!
Ganghwado Island looks very picturesque. I would like to go there. Petite France too!
Ganghwado Island is a lovely underrated place to visit in South Korea. Hopefully, you can visit soon!
I have not yet been to Korea so your list of places to visit outside of Seoul is quite useful. The Korean folk village looks quite interesting.
Glad you found this post helpful Rhonda! Hopefully you’ll be able to visit South Korea soon.
I’m a huge fan of day trips. And this guide to so many different places from Seoul is epic! Would especially love to explore Nami Island…so beautiful!
Wow, it looks like there’s a whole lot to do outside of Seoul, thank you for such an extensive list! Definitely will share to keep in mind while planning any future trips 🙂
These are fantastic day trips! The Garden of Morning Calm is perfectly named and I’d love to go to Incheon! It’s always great to explore outside of major cities for hidden gems :)!
These day trips all look like they have something unique to offer! I would love to visit Petite France, I love all the colorful buildings, and the architecture is so charming!
Amazing pictures and great tips as always! I can’t wait to visit a number of these places when in Seoul!
Oh, so many great day trips from Seoul. I would love to visit Nami island in every season.