Day Trips from Seoul: 3 Epic Escapes You Can DIY
Street food, palaces, fashion, and stylish cafes… Seoul’s got it all. But what do you do when you need a break from soju nights and the city noises? Day trips.
After 18 visits to Korea since 2006, I’ve done a handful of day trips from Seoul. While I have more than a few ideas up my sleeve, I’ll share only the most convenient ones you can pull off on your own even with zero Korean knowledge. Three of them, to be exact.
Let me walk you through the easiest day trips from Seoul, from the historic walk around Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon, romantic strolls on Nami Island, to serene moments at the Garden of Morning Calm.
Get ready to factor some peaceful strolls into your itinerary!
Why is the DMZ not mentioned?
Of course, one of the most anticipated day trips from Seoul for nearly every traveler I’ve spoken to is the DMZ, Demilitarized Zone. So just a heads up that I won’t be talking about it here.
Why? As popular as it is, you cannot DIY a visit to the DMZ. The only way to get there is with a certified guide and a tour bus, which I highly recommend this one I joined.
Now that we got that out of the way, let’s look at the three places you can go on your own!
⏳ Planning Seoul last minute? Here’s everything you need! 💡
- T-Money Transportation Card, usable on metro trains and buses
- A local eSIM that lets you stay connected on your own number
- Must-have Apps: Papago AI Translator, Kakao Maps, Kakao Metro
- Checklist: Grab my FREE Korea Travel Checklist to help organize your thoughts!
Best Hotel: G3 Chungmuro (⭐️ Rating 8.7)
🗓️ Pre-Designed Itineraries:
⏰ Shuttles and Guided Tours to Places Mentioned:
Seoul Day Trip 1: Nami Island
The first option among our day trips from Seoul is the most fun one… and also the most crowded.
In the river that separates Gyeonggi from Gangwon Province is a small island called Nami. The locals call it Namiseom (남이섬), while foreigners know it as Nami Island.
K-Drama fans from older generations will recognize it from Winter Sonata (2002), which gave it its popularity. Am I giving away my age if I say I was bawling my eyes out watching it in middle school? 😅
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
- Admission Fee: 16,000 KRW (US$12), entrance and ferry included
- Location: 1 Namiseom-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do
A Quick Historical Background on Nami
Once part of the mainland in Chuncheon, it became an island after the construction of the Cheongpyeong Dam in 1944, which caused the water level to rise and flood the land around it.
The island was named after General Nami, a military officer falsely accused of treason during the reign of King Sejo. Although his body was never discovered, he was supposed to be buried in that general area.
Top Things to Do on Nami Island
Namiseom is now a self-declared micronation, with its own flag and passport. The ticket booths at the entrance are labeled “Immigration,” which I think is adorable.
You can either rent a bike on the island or stroll along the various paths. The island is just the perfect size for on-foot exploration if you’re used to walking a lot!
Zipline Entrance
Why ride the ferry like everybody else when you can make a grand entrance from the sky?
It currently costs around 49,900 KRW (US$35) to zipline from Chuncheon onto the island with an entrance fee included. I didn’t do it when I went, but it’s definitely on my list.
If you get to do it before me, send me pictures, or it didn’t happen!
Metasequoia Tree Lane
This is probably the most famous sight on the island. Massive sequoia trees line both sides of a fairytale-like path, making for a perfect photo spot.
And believe it or not, it’s not crowded! I imagine it’s because there are so many things scattered around the island, they’re never crowded in one place.
General Nami’s Tomb
Because his body was never discovered, he’s not really here, but you can visit a memorial tombstone.
The Song Museum
Here, you will learn all about Korean music, from its early days to K-pop as we know it.
There are many other things to do on the island. The Picture Book Library is a child-friendly option, as well as the Handy Craft Studio, where you can take part in pottery-making or glass-blowing!
Where to Eat on Nami Island
Hotteok (호떡). Let me say it again, Hotteok. It’s a mini sweet pancake served in a paper cup, something you have to get on Nami Island, although you will find it in other parts of Korea, too.
Head over to Sonata Café and grab yourself a Hotteok. Top it up with a scoop of ice cream if you’d like!
As you walk along the main street that cuts through the middle of the island, you’ll find countless restaurants toward the end of the path. From traditional Korean food to pizza and pasta, whatever your heart desires, you’ll find it on Namiseom.
2 Ways to Get to Nami Island from Seoul
There are two main ways to get from Seoul to Nami Island. The most economical way is the ITX train. The shuttle bus will be a bit pricier, and you will have a bit less time freedom, but more convenience.
Option 1: ITX Train + Gapyeong City Bus Tour
- Take the metro line 1 (blue) to Yongsan Station (용산) OR Cheongnyangni Station (청량리)
- From your ITX station of choice, buy the ticket at the counter for Gapyeong Station (가평).
- I recommend booking ahead of time to get the earliest train possible. Click here for step-by-step instructions on booking tickets online.
- From Gapyeong Station, hop on the red Gapyeong City Bus Tour (8,000 KRW, T-Money Card accepted)
- Get off at Gapyeong Wharf / Nami Island. This should be about a 5-minute ride. Check the full bus schedule below so you know when to get there and when to leave the island.
Option 2: Direct Seoul-Nami Island Shuttle Bus
- Book your bus ticket HERE for the best deal.
- Wait for the bus at the designated stop at your pickup time, either in Hongdae, Myeongdong, or Dongdaemun. Infographics are provided on the website.
Seoul Day Trip 2: Suwon’s Hwaseong Fortress
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992, the Hwaseong Fortress fused Eastern and Western military techniques to create an impenetrable defense for the city of Suwon. It was considered a pinnacle of military architecture of its time.
The fortress was a filial tribute from King Jeongjo the Great to his late father, Crown Prince Sado. The wall runs almost 6 kilometers with multiple fortresses and points of interest.
If you want to spend a full day in Suwon, follow this itinerary that combines the fortress with a handful of other interesting stops, including fried chicken. Yumm!
History of the Hwaseong Fortress
King Jeongjo, the 22nd king of Joseon, lost his father at age 10.
His father, the controversial Crown Prince Sado, grew up abused and became a violent man. When he threatened the life of a court official’s son, people wanted him executed.
However, if he were to be tried and executed as a criminal, his wife and Jeongjo would automatically be considered criminals as well. For their sake, his father ordered the crown prince to climb into a wooden chest and stay in there until he starved to death. It took over a week.
As soon as Jeongjo became king, his first order of business was to move his father’s grave to Suwon and build another strong city near it as a filial tribute and a statement.
What to See at Hwaseong Fortress
What made the Hwaseong Fortress different from other fortresses of its time across Korea, Japan, and China was the combination of military, political, and commercial functions.
Strolling along the 5.7 kilometers, which takes around 3 hours, you’ll find floodgates, observation towers, arrow launcher towers, firearm bastions, command posts, and even secret doors. The variety is endless.
You’ll also notice that it utilizes the hills and slopes to its military advantage. Just pure genius.
I recommend starting from Hwaseomun Gate, where you’ll also find the visitors’ center.
Hwaseong Fortress Visitors’ Information
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM year-round
- Free Admission
- Location: 334 Jangan-dong, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do
Optional Stop: Hwaseong Haenggung Palace
When King Jeongjo visited his father’s tomb, he would stay at this palace. It also served as a safe house for the royal family should Gyeongbokgung in Seoul be threatened.
There are many Haenggungs around the country for the royal family’s use in times of war. Hwaseong Haenggung was the biggest of them.
Hwaseong Haenggung Visitors’ Information
- Hours of Operation: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Admission Ticket: 1,500 KRW ($1)
- Address: 825 Jeongjo-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do
Getting to Suwon Hwaseong from Seoul
You just gotta love the train system in Korea. No matter which city you’re in, they’re so convenient, especially in and around Seoul. In this case, you’ll only need the good old metro to get to Suwon.
To the Fortress
- Take the Bundang line (yellow) metro to Suwon Station (수원).
- Come up at exit 7 and you’ll find the main bus stop.
- Take bus 66, 66-4, or 60 to Hwaseomun Gate (화서문).
- The bus ride costs 1,450 KRW. The T-Money card is accepted.
To Haenggung
- Take the Bundang line (yellow) metro to Suwon Station (수원).
- Come up at exit 7, and go to the main bus stop.
- Take bus 66, 66-4, or 60 to Haenggung (행궁).
- Walk about 200 meters ahead, and the palace will be on your right.
With an Organized Day Tour
Alternatively, you can join a day tour from Seoul to Suwon. This particular one includes a visit to the fortress wall, the temporary palace, and the Korean Folk Village in Yongin.
Seoul Day Trip 3: The Garden of Morning Calm
The Garden of Morning Calm, also known as the Morning Calm Arboretum, is best visited in the morning. With its serene backdrops and steaming hot coffee at the café, this place will cure any stress you have.
- Opening Hours: 8:30 AM until sunset year-round
- Admission Fee: 11,000 KRW ($8)
- Location: 432 Sumogwon-ro, Sang-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
How This Garden Came to Be
The Garden was built by Professor Han Sang-Kyung in May of 1996. He named it after “The Land of Morning Calm,” a nickname given to Korea by an Indian poet
He wanted the garden to reflect Korea’s natural beauty and the spirit of the Korean people. Inside are 27 themed gardens, all filled with over 5,000 kinds of plants, a lot of them unique to the Korean Peninsula.
Thanks to its unparalleled beauty, the garden has served as the setting for countless Korean TV shows, including She Was Pretty with Park Seojun and Love in the Moonlight with Park Bogum and Kim Yoojung.
What to See in the Garden
From the map below, you’ll get an idea of the size of this place. Although it’s impossible to see everything (or maybe, if you speed walk like a champion), I’ll list out a few items you shouldn’t miss.
- #5: Millennium Juniper
- #8: Sunken Garden
- #9: Pagoda Valley
- #12: Korean Garden
- #16: Road to Heaven
- #18: Moonlight Garden
If you visit between December and March, you can catch the garden’s nighttime lighting festival from sunset to 9:00 PM, when all the plants light up in the most colorful sight.
How to Get to the Garden From Seoul
You can get to the Garden of Morning Calm in almost the same way as getting to Namiseom. The only difference is you’ll get off two stations earlier.
Options 1: ITX Train & Local Taxi
- Take the metro line 1 (blue) to Yongsan Station (용산) OR Cheongnyangni Station (청량리)
- From your ITX station of choice, buy the ticket at the counter for Cheongpyeong Station (청평).
- I recommend booking ahead of time to get the earliest train possible. Find instructions on how to book train tickets online HERE.
- From Cheongpyeong Station, hop on the red Gapyeong City Bus Tour (8,000 KRW, T-Money Card accepted)
- Get off at The Garden of Morning Calm. Check the full bus schedule below. And yes, you can use the same City Tour bus to get from Namiseom to the garden and vice versa!
Options 2: Join an Organized Day Tour
Most organized day tours from Seoul will take you to the Garden of Morning Calm, followed by Nami Island, and a few other stops around Gapyeong.
If you’re limited on time in Seoul, joining a tour guarantee you get to see both places in one day, and it eliminated a lot of stress of juggling transportation.
Follow My Itinerary for Seoul!
I assume you have at least 4-5 days in Seoul if you’re planning to escape the city. Feel free to use these itineraries I’ve designed for 5 days in Seoul or a full week in Seoul
Both options include a day of city escape. You can choose which of these options above you want to go for your countryside excursion.
Other Helpful Travel Tips for South Korea
Most visa-free visitors to South Korea need a K-ETA in order to enter Korea. Check if you need one and apply about a week before you travel. This replaces the arrival form.
- Make sure you protect your trip with a travel insurance.
- Get this eSIM for local data without giving up your number.
- Must-have Apps: Papago AI Translator, Naver Maps, Kakao Metro
Don’t forget to learn some important dos and don’ts in Korean culture, as well as some useful Korean phrases, before you arrive!
Grab My South Korea E-Checklist
To make sure you don’t leave anything important out of your preparations, I’ve made a digital checklist to help you get ready. I leave 2 pages blank for you to customize your own checklist, too!
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