One of the many awesome things about Seoul is that its excellent transportation options means it’s easy to explore the surrounding regions and cities of the capital. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best day trips you can make from Seoul.
While the western city of Incheon may be best known to visitors for the international airport, the sprawling city has a lot of attractions that are easily reached from Seoul. The immense and historically significant Ganghwado contains royal tombs, temples, and beautiful scenic views of the ocean for example. Another island in Incheon, Wolmido, is popular with couples for its small amusement park and rides while the city’s Chinatown is Korea’s only official Chinatown and home to some of the oldest Chinese restaurants in Korea. For something more modern, Incheon’s Songdo region is fast developing as a major business and economical hub and its beautiful park among other attractions are increasingly catching the attention of visitors.
South of Seoul, Suwon is another historically and culturally rich city home to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site of Hwaseong Fortress. Stop by the Korean Folk Village for an experience of life in the past and stop by a restaurant for the famous Suwon galbi. Speaking of food, Ansan is home to sizable communities of international residents from all over the world. As such, its Ansan Multicultural Food Street features some of Korea’s best and most authentic restaurants in international cuisine such as China, India, Vietnam, Thai, Russia, and more.
To Seoul’s northwest, the region of Ilsan in Goyang city is home to many major network stations and where many dramas and entertainment programs are recorded. The enormous Ilsan Lake Park is one of Asia’s largest manmade lakes and is a favorite for families and couples alike.
Further north, the city of Paju is home to the well known Heyri Art Village. This cluster of unique homes, cafes, museums, and galleries offers much to see and do and is quite picturesque. Younger kids may enjoy Provence Village in Paju with its colorful French village theme while shoppers will enjoy a visit to the Paju Premium Outlets.
Northeast of Seoul you can stop at the city of Euijeongbu which is considered the home of the popular budaejjigae or army stew. Beyond it lies the peaceful city of Pocheon with its many streams, rivers, and mountains. The Pocheon Art Valley is located in a former mining quarry and now houses a science museum, tram car, art installations, and more. Don’t forget to try the famous Pocheon galbi and makgeolli while you’re there!
Southeast of Seoul is the city of Yongin which is best known for the Everland Amusement Park, one of Korea’s most popular amusement parks. They also operate an equally popular and immense aquatic park in the warmer seasons. Also in this city is the sprawling Korean Folk Village that teaches visitors about life in Korea’s past.
The trendy area of Bundang is found just east of Seoul in the city of Seongnam with its café street a particularly favorite area. The UNESCO World Heritage site of Namhansanseong is also found in Seongnam and Namhansan, the mountain the historic fortress is on, is a favorite for mountain climbers.
Further east, Gapyeong and Yangpyeong are commonly associated with summer season for its many streams, rivers, and creeks. Visitors may best know the area as being home to Nami Island, whose rows of towering trees and scenic setting is sought after by thousands of visitors every year. Near Gapyeong is Chuncheon which is famous for the spicy and addictive Chuncheon dak galbi while further out from Yangpyeong you can reach Yeoju which is not only known for their outlet shopping but the restaurants that highlights the region’s rice- considered the best in all of Korea.