5 Day Trips from Seoul with Popular Attractions Near Cheap Hotels

Seoul’s awesome transportation system makes for some easy sightseeing both inside and outside the city. Many day trips from Seoul are less than an hour away from the metro, allowing you more time to savor a hike in Bukhansan National Park or enjoy one more roller coaster ride at Everland theme park.

AGODA EXTRA: It’s been called the scariest place on earth, but the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) still manages to attract more than a million visitors every year. The zone serves as a buffer between South Korea and North Korea and basically divides the Korean Peninsula in half. During a day trip from Seoul to the DMZ, tourist attractions include everything from infiltration tunnels, Freedom Bridge and the Odusan Unification Tower.

1. Trek through a world record-breaking forest at BUKHANSAN NATIONAL PARK

It’s no secret that Bukhansan National Park is one of the most gorgeous day trips from Seoul. More than five million people go there every year! The number of visitors is so astonishing that the Guinness Book of World Records recognizes the park as being the “Most Visited National Park per Unit Area.” Explore more than 10 hiking trails, which take you to scenic viewpoints like Baegundae (Bukhansan) peak and the five peaks of Dobongsan Mountain. The Bukhansanseong Fortress Course provides a historical journey as well as a scrumptious nature walk.

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2. Zipline onto a man-made paradise and famous movie location at NAMI ISLAND (NAMISEON)

The most thrilling way to arrive on Nami Island is to ride the zipline at Namiseon Zip Wire! But if making a grand entrance isn’t on your day trip itinerary, just take the ferry. Located about one hour by train northeast of Seoul, Nami Island features a mix of serene landscapes and man-made adventure. Walking trails showcase native foliage during all four seasons of the year, and the Gongsaengwon Garden is where you can snap a selfie with The ‘Winter Sonata’ Statue, named after the Korean drama filmed on the island. Other endearing landmarks are the Tomb of General Nami and Yu Qing Cheng’s Happy Garden Sculpture Gallery. Families particularly love the hands-on workshops in Nami Island Handicraft Studio and paper-making classes at Greenshop Hands-on Learning Center. Children can spend a few hours in the Picture Book Library.

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3. Discover some of South Korea’s most fascinating history at SUWON

Suwon missed becoming the country’s capital in the 18th century, but as a result, the city of one million people still maintains some of South Korea’s most distinguished historical assets. The number-one tourist attraction in the area is Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. The UNESCO World Heritage Site features hikes around 18th-century fortress walls to Hwahongmun and the Paldalmun Gate. Explore the Hwaseong Fortress Museum, also on the grounds.

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4. Escape the airport during a long layover in Seoul at MUUI ISLAND (MUUIDO)

Why spend a long layover in Seoul inside Incheon International Airport when you could be awaiting your next flight from a beach on Muui Island? Take the airport rail link to Yongyu Station, and then board the ferry on Jamjindo Island. In less than 10 minutes you’ll be taking in seaside views from Hanagae Beach If you’re up for a little adventure, hike up Horyonggoksan mountain and Kuksa-bong Peak. The treks are short, and the views of the Yellow Sea can’t be beat. Another popular destination on the island is Silmi Beach. At low tide, travelers can walk to nearby Silmido Island. This uninhabited plot of land contains no people and few attractions, but stories of the bizarre war-time training that once took place there are intriguing enough to spawn a visit.

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5. Make it a two-day trip for visiting Everland and the Korean Folk Village in YONGIN

One day is hardly enough time to see all there is to see in Yongin. In fact, many visitors like to visit Everland theme park one day and the Korean Folk Village the next. And that doesn’t leave much time left to explore Yongin Daejanggeum Park!

Everland is the country’s largest theme park, and tickets to Everland grant access to each of the park’s zones, including Zootopia, where visitors can see animals in their natural habitats, and Magic Land, home of the Thunder Falls roller coaster.

Korean Folk Village is an entire community focusing on the daily life of Koreans during the Joseon period. The village is comprised of authentic Korean houses, and tourists are invited to join in festivities that include farmer’s music (nongak), horseback riding and even traditional wedding ceremonies.

Yongin Daejanggeum Park is an outdoor film set that opened to tourists in 2011. Visitors can explore actual backdrops and settings used in some of South Korea’s most popular television series and dramas.

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