Hey fellow wanderers! While Seoul is full of amazing sites and sips, sometimes you just need to step outside of the fast-paced rhythm of the city and breathe in something new—without losing half your day to travel. I’ve rounded up six of my favorite day trips from Seoul that you can reach in two hours or less. From historic fortresses to serene islands, quirky theme parks to coastal escapes, each one offers a perfect one-day adventure.
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Table of Contents
1. Suwon – Hwaseong Fortress & Foodie Finds
Only 45 minutes south of Seoul, Suwon is home to the UNESCO-listed Hwaseong Fortress. Its 5 km wall is perfect for a light hike, and has beautiful views. Don’t miss a chance to hit up the Starfield Mall and see the latest large scale Instagram worthy “library”. Before heading home, swing by Suwon’s Fried Chicken Street or the colorful mural village for a hearty dose of art and flavor.
Klook offers a great tour option with transportation from Seoul: Book tickets here!
2. Everland – A Visit to Korean Theme Parks
A little over an hour south of Seoul, you must check out the experience that is Korean theme parks. Everland won’t disappoint with cute characters, lots of charm and some thrilling rides. Included within the theme park is a zoo for smaller children or animal lovers. I wouldn’t get in the long lines for the safari rides, but the smaller exhibits are quick and quite enjoyable.
Our family had such a fun day with great weather (love Fall in Korea) and really enjoyed many of theme park features. If you are not a thrill ride seeker, don’t fret, there is plenty to enjoy just wondering the grounds, beautiful gardens, shows, snacks and more. Never mind that I had no business on the backwards rollercoaster, I still enjoyed myself!
To visit Everland with discounted tickets and transportation from Seoul: Book tickets here!
3. Incheon – Port City Charm & Chinatown
About an hour west, Incheon is a feast for the senses. Stroll through Incheon’s Chinatown for jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles) and mooncakes, visit Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village for playful photo ops, and walk along Wolmido Island’s seaside promenade. If you’re into history, check out the Incheon Landing Operation Memorial Hall. I have yet to have this experience, but it’s on my list of places to visit before we depart next year.
Klook offers a great day trip tour, Book Tickets Here!
4. Nami Island – Nature & K-Drama Magic
A little under 2 hours away, Nami Island is postcard-perfect year-round: cherry blossoms in spring, golden ginkgo in fall, and snow-dusted paths in winter. Take the ferry or try the zipline for a thrill. It’s a true story book day out in nature with lots of activities, restaurants and some shopping. Nami Island is also pet friendly for those that don’t want to leave Fido behind! Read about our day date to Nami Island here. Many visitors pair it with nearby Petite France or the Garden of Morning Calm for a full day of sight-seeing.
Klook offers a great tour of Nami Island, with lots of great add-on options: Book Tickets Here!
5. The DMZ – History & Perspective
Roughly 90 minutes north lies one of the most unique day trips in the world: the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Join an official guided tour to visit the Third Tunnel of Aggression, Dora Observatory, and the Imjingak Park. There really is nothing like sipping tea while you are gazing over the border into North Korea. The mix of tension, history, and hope makes it unforgettable. I found it to be the most impactful tour I have taken while here in Korea, not only learning about Korean history but gaining cultural awareness as well. Of all the day trips from Seoul, don’t skip this experience. I
We used this tour with several out of town visitors and loved it each time: Book Tickets Here!
6. Korean Ceramic Village (Icheon) – Clay, Craft & Culture
About 1.5 hours southeast, Icheon is South Korea’s pottery capital. Here, you can watch master artisans at work, try your hand at the wheel, and browse gorgeous celadon and porcelain. Pair your visit with the city’s famous Icheon rice meals—simple, wholesome, and deeply satisfying. I loved our day trip visiting the Ceramic Art Village, meeting the creative artists and of course shopping all the beautiful galleries full of treasures. They make great gifts and souvenirs as well. It was such a fun experience, you can check out my post about our day trip here.
To visit Icheon Ceramic Village with transportation from Seoul: Book Tickets Here!
Seoul is such a wonderful city to visit (and live) but it is worth it to venture outside the busy city streets and visit some of the gems that exist just beyond. I have truly enjoyed all of these day trips from Seoul and the different sides of Korean culture I have been able to experience during each of them.
Final Thoughts
Seoul is such a large city with so many historical and amazing sights to see and taste. However, don’t miss out on at least a few of these amazing day trips from Seoul. They show a different side of Korea, highlighting history, the arts, beautiful Korean scenery and of course, some pop culture fun! Travel time is under 2 hours for most with lots of options for public transportation, paid tours or driving yourself. Enjoy!
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