By Lee
Best Day Trips From Seoul: 7 Destinations Most Tourists Miss
Beyond Nami Island and DMZ: day trips from Seoul to Ganghwado, Yangpyeong, Chuncheon, Asan hot springs, Icheon pottery, and Paju art village.
When you think of day trips from Seoul, the same names always come up: Nami Island, DMZ, Suwon Hwaseong, Gyeongju... Sure, these are famous for a reason, but I find the places missing from that list even more intriguing. These are spots where you'll hardly see any foreign tourists, no lines, and you won't have to wait 30 minutes just to take a photo.
I've compiled a guide to places in Korea where I've thought, "Why does no one talk about this?" These are 7 day trip destinations within 1-2 hours from Seoul, all accessible by public transport. Every location in this guide is doable in a day, and most can be reached with transportation costs under ₩5,000.
This list isn't ranked. Pick based on your interests and travel style. If you love history, check out Ganghwado and Asan. For foodies, Chuncheon is a must. If you want quiet nature and cafes, head to Yangpyeong. For art and shopping, Paju is the place. If you're interested in small-town travel in Korea, also check out our Korea Small City Travel Guide.
You can use this list as-is to plan a day or fill a sudden free day during your Seoul trip. Before you head out, make sure to download our 10 Essential Apps for Traveling in Korea to make public transport much easier.
Ganghwado Island
About 90 minutes by bus from Sinchon, Seoul. Ganghwado is one of the places I most often recommend in Korea, yet you'll hardly meet any foreign tourists there. I don't know why, but it makes for a much more relaxed experience.
The core of Ganghwado is its Goryeo Dynasty history. During the 13th-century Mongol invasions, the Goryeo royal family chose this island as a refuge. You can still find the Goryeo Palace site and the Oegyujanggak archives. Ganghwa Fortress is great for a leisurely walk, and the view of the mudflats from the fortress walls is unbelievably open for a place so close to Seoul. If you visit in spring (March to May), the island is in strawberry farm season, and you can enjoy freshly picked strawberries from roadside stalls at a bargain.
Sunset is a must-see in Ganghwado. The western sea sunset from Seokmodo or Dongmak Beach is so impressive, you'll wonder if such a sunset is possible near Seoul. The southern mudflat area is also famous as a migratory bird site, making it a great spot for birdwatching in October and November.
TIP: Don't just stick to the town center in Ganghwado. Take a bus or taxi to Dongmak Beach on the southern part of the island. Enjoying a coffee while watching the sunset from a mudflat cafe is the highlight of this island.
- Transport: Bus from Sinchon Bus Terminal or Gangnam Express Bus Terminal to Ganghwa (about 90 minutes, one-way about ₩4,500)
- Duration: A day trip is enough (depart in the morning, return after sunset)
- Estimated Cost: Transport ₩9,000 + meals/entrance fees ₩20,000~30,000
- Recommended Season: March to May (strawberry season), October to November (migratory birds, autumn foliage)
Yangpyeong
Yangpyeong, just an hour away by train from Yongsan Station, has long been a weekend cafe destination for Seoul locals. Yet, it's still relatively unknown to foreign tourists. Close to where the Han River begins, the area offers a landscape of rivers and mountains that feels completely different from Seoul. If you've enjoyed a Han River outing in Seoul, discover another side of the river in Yangpyeong.
Yangpyeong's charm is surprisingly diverse. Organic restaurants and trendy cafes are nestled among fields, and the weekly Saturday Yongmun Market is a humble spot to taste local produce and food. Renting a bike to ride along the Bukhangang River bike path is a popular course, with a refreshing breeze that's incomparable to Seoul's city air. The Ginkgo Tree at Yongmunsa Temple, over 1,100 years old, is the oldest in Korea, and in late October to early November, its yellow leaves fill the temple grounds, making it a destination in itself.
Yangpyeong itself is a town, so a day trip is sufficient without overnight stays. The train schedule is well-organized, allowing you to leave Seoul at 9 AM and comfortably return before 7 PM. Combining brunch at a cafe, a riverside walk, and a market visit fills the day nicely.
TIP: As soon as you get off at Yangpyeong Station, the cafe alley next to the Yangpyeong County Art Museum offers many outdoor terraces overlooking the river. Arrive before 11 AM to avoid lunchtime lines.
- Transport: Mugunghwa or ITX-Saemaeul train from Yongsan or Wangsimni Station on the Jungang Line (about 1 hour, one-way ₩3,500~5,600)
- Duration: A day trip is enough
- Estimated Cost: Transport ₩10,000 + meals/cafe ₩30,000~50,000
- Recommended Season: May to June (fresh greenery), October to November (Yongmunsa Ginkgo Tree)
Chuncheon
Most people think of Chuncheon as just a stop on the way to Nami Island. I think that's the biggest misconception about Chuncheon. Nami Island is in Gapyeong, not Chuncheon, and Chuncheon itself is a worthy day trip destination for its dakgalbi and makguksu alone.
Chuncheon's Myeongdong Dakgalbi Alley is a street lined with spicy-sweet dakgalbi grill restaurants, and if you visit around 1-2 PM, you'll find them packed with locals. The official food tour in Chuncheon is to have makguksu as a dessert after dakgalbi. Old specialty spots like Yupori Makguksu and Gangchon Makguksu always have lines during meal times, but they move quickly. If you're curious about Korean street food and city-specific food culture, also check out our Best Korean Street Food Cities Ranked.
The area around Soyanggang Dam is famous for the Cheongpyeongsa Temple course, which involves a short boat ride. A 5-minute boat ride takes you to a temple deep in the valley, where you can experience a quiet mountain temple atmosphere, especially on weekdays. With Legoland Korea opening in 2022, it's also become a popular family destination.
TIP: In Dakgalbi Alley, be sure to order extra fried rice. Many locals say the fried rice, made with the leftover sauce, is even better than the main dish. The sauce stuck to the bottom of the pan is the key to the fried rice.
- Transport: ITX-Cheongchun train from Cheongnyangni Station (about 1 hour 15 minutes, one-way about ₩7,000) / Gyeongchun Line subway takes about 1 hour 40 minutes
- Duration: A day trip is enough (food tour + Soyanggang course)
- Estimated Cost: Transport ₩18,200 + dakgalbi/makguksu ₩20,000~30,000
- Recommended Season: Year-round (especially spring/fall Soyanggang drive)
Asan Onyang Hot Springs
When you think of hot springs, Japan might come to mind first, but Korea also has hot spring towns with centuries of history. Onyang Hot Springs in Asan, Chungnam, is one such place. It was a retreat for kings during the Joseon Dynasty, with records of King Sejong and King Hyeonjong frequently visiting these hot springs. If you're familiar with how to book KTX, you can reach Cheonan-Asan Station from Seoul Station in about 35-50 minutes by KTX.
There are various hot spring facilities around Onyang Oncheon Station, ranging from large spas to humble neighborhood bathhouse-style hot springs. I preferred the experience of mingling with locals in less commercialized places. The bath temperatures are higher than Seoul's public baths, and the skin-smoothing effect is noticeably different.
Besides the hot springs, Asan is home to Hyeonchungsa Shrine, dedicated to Admiral Yi Sun-sin. The shrine, surrounded by vast lawns and pine forests, is excellent for a stroll, and the memorial hall displaying the admiral's relics and life is worth seeing. Combining a hot spring visit with Hyeonchungsa makes for a fulfilling day.
TIP: Among the various facilities in Asan, 'Asan Spavis' offers both a large water park and hot springs. It's much cheaper and quieter on weekdays. If hot springs are your main goal, the small baths near the station are cheaper and offer a more local vibe.
- Transport: KTX from Seoul Station to Cheonan-Asan Station (about 35-50 minutes, one-way ₩14,500~17,000) / Mugunghwa train on the Janghang Line takes about 1 hour 40 minutes, one-way ₩7,600 ※ Check the official website before visiting
- Duration: A day trip is enough (2-3 hours in hot springs + 1-2 hours at Hyeonchungsa)
- Estimated Cost: Transport + hot spring entrance ₩10,000~25,000 + meals ₩15,000~20,000
- Recommended Season: Winter (hot springs are best when it's cold)
Icheon Pottery Village
Icheon is a city registered in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the crafts category. Located about an hour southeast of Seoul, it is a village where centuries-old pottery traditions are still alive. The 'Pottery Village' around Seolbong Lake is packed with pottery workshops and galleries, making it ideal for a half-day to full-day visit.
What sets Icheon apart is the opportunity to get hands-on. Most workshops offer pottery wheel experiences or hand-painting programs, and many places accept walk-ins without reservations. These 1-2 hour experiences cost around ₩20,000~30,000, allowing you to create a souvenir and have a unique experience. Finished pieces are mailed to you after firing in 2-3 weeks, so you don't have to worry about carrying heavy items.
The Icheon Pottery Festival (Gyeonggi Ceramic Festival) held every spring and fall attracts ceramic artists from across the country, offering a chance to buy their works and participate in various experience programs. Even outside the festival season, a stroll through Seolbong Park and pottery viewing makes for an enjoyable day. Icheon rice set meals are also a local specialty, so be sure to have them for lunch.
TIP: Pottery purchased in Icheon is much cheaper and of better quality than what's sold in Seoul's Insadong or Namdaemun. Buying directly from the artist's workshop adds value, as the artist's seal is stamped on the back of the piece. If you have the budget, consider purchasing a tea set.
- Transport: Bus from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal or Gangnam Express Bus Terminal to Icheon (about 1 hour, one-way ₩5,600~7,200)
- Duration: Half-day to full-day (including experience time)
- Estimated Cost: Transport ₩14,000 + experience ₩20,000~30,000 + meals ₩15,000~20,000
- Recommended Season: April to May, September to October (pottery festival season)
Paju
Paju is a city located at the northwestern edge of Gyeonggi Province, near Seoul. It's the closest city to the DMZ, but even without a DMZ tour, Paju itself offers a full day's worth of activities. Just visiting Heyri Art Village, Paju Book City, and the premium outlets can fill your day.
Heyri Art Village is a cultural space created by over 100 artists, writers, and architects. The entire village is formed by unique buildings, with galleries, cafes, small museums, and workshops mixed in. It's lively with families and young couples on weekends, but if you visit on a weekday morning, you can enjoy it almost exclusively in peace. With many book cafes and unique cafes, cafe hopping can easily fill your morning.
Paju Book City (Book City) is a 10-minute drive from Heyri. It's a unique industrial complex where Korea's major publishers are gathered, offering architectural sights and the Forest of Wisdom, Korea's largest open library, with walls filled with books. Nearby, Paju Premium Outlets offer a good shopping option for those interested in both domestic and international brands.
TIP: The 'Forest of Wisdom' in Paju Book City is open 24 hours. Visit early in the morning to avoid the afternoon crowds. You can quietly enjoy the space filled with over a million books, and your photos will turn out much better.
- Transport: Take bus 2200 or 2206 from Hapjeong Station (about 50-60 minutes, ₩2,800) / Taxi available after getting off at Unjeong Station on the Gyeongui-Jungang Line
- Duration: A day trip is enough
- Estimated Cost: Transport ₩6,000 + meals ₩20,000~30,000 (shopping not included)
- Recommended Season: Year-round (Heyri Market is focused in spring and fall)
Incheon
If you entered Korea through the airport, you've already set foot in Incheon. However, not many people take the time to explore Incheon city before heading straight to Seoul. Incheon Chinatown and Gaehang-ro Street are just 40-50 minutes by subway from Seoul, and Wolmido Amusement Park and the Incheon seaside can be fully enjoyed in a day. For more detailed information on Incheon, refer to a separate guide.
- Transport: Direct Incheon Line 1 from Seoul Station or Hongdae Station (about 40-50 minutes, ₩1,550~2,050)
Honorable Mentions
Besides the 7 places above, there are other day trip destinations near Seoul worth recommending. If you have more time, check out this list too.
- Gapyeong Jaraseom: In the same area as Nami Island, Jaraseom is a much quieter island for camping and picnics. It's also famous for the Jaraseom Jazz Festival every October. About 1 hour by ITX-Cheongchun from Cheongnyangni.
- Yeoju: Upper Han River, home of Goryeo celadon. Yeoju Pottery World is often introduced along with Icheon. A walk on Gangcheon Island and a visit to Silleuksa Temple are recommended. About 1 hour 10 minutes by bus from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal.
- Uiwang Wangsong Lake: A quiet lakeside walking course 30 minutes southwest of Seoul. The Railroad Museum is right next door, making it suitable for family trips.
Day trips from Seoul offer far more diverse options than you might think. Among these, I especially recommend Icheon Pottery Village and Yangpyeong. With hardly any foreign tourists, you'll have a more authentic experience, and you're likely to feel "I'm glad I came today" when you return to Seoul. If you're planning a broader trip to Korea, also check out our First-Time Korea Travel Checklist.
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