Best Day Trips from Seoul

If you're planning to visit Seoul you can discover some of the city's main attractions on tours and excursions to the highlights of the city centre and surrounding areas. However, the South Korean capital is also a great place to use as a base for exploring nearby attractions, ranging from islands and nature parks to mountains and amusement parks.

Some of the best things to do in Seoul include discovering nearby sites such as Nami Island, which includes a visit to the Morning Calm Garden, a tour of the Korean Demilitarised Zone, a full-day tour of the Pocheon Valley, a visit to Seoraksan and Naksansa Temple and a trip to Everland amusement park.

An exciting excursion to Nami Island, complemented by a visit to the Morning Calm Garden, will take you to a serene corner of nature near Seoul. Nami Island, located about 54 km from Seoul and famous for its picturesque beauty and tranquil setting, is a perfect escape from city life. Upon arriving on the island, you will be greeted by cobblestone streets and natural landscapes that will make you feel as if you have stepped into a fairy tale.

The Morning Calm Garden, a place on Nami Island, will invite you to enjoy a relaxing and meditative atmosphere. Surrounded by lush trees, serene ponds and artistic sculptures, this garden is an oasis of peace where you can unwind and discover the beauty of nature.

Moreover, its meticulous and tranquil design reflects the philosophy of living in the present moment, making it an ideal place to find serenity, especially if you plan to visit Seoul in March or during the spring months when greenery is at its best.

As you explore Nami Island and the Morning Calm Garden, you will have the opportunity to stroll along shady paths, cross charming bridges and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding environment. You can marvel at the traditional Korean architecture found on the island, which contrasts perfectly with nature.

Interesting facts

• Price: approximately 51 euros per person.
• Duration: between 10 and 11 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get to see one of the main sites of the Han River.
• Disadvantages of these tours: it is a full-day experience, so it is not recommended if you are planning a short stay in the city.

A tour of the Korean Demilitarised Zone from Seoul is a fascinating experience that will give you a unique insight into the history and geopolitics of the Korean peninsula. This zone, which acts as a strip of separation between North and South Korea, is a place charged with meaning and tension. During the tour, you will delve into the history and current realities of this division, gaining an insight into the situation in the region.

One of the highlights of this tour is the opportunity to visit the Joint Security Area, where the meetings between the two Koreas take place. There you will get a close-up view of the buildings and markers that mark the border and hear stories about the historical incidents that have taken place in this heavily guarded area. You will also get to see soldiers from both sides in a unique close proximity not seen since the Korean War.

The tour also usually includes a visit to the Korean War Exhibition Hall and other sites of historical and military interest. You will hear moving accounts of the Korean War and how it affected the peninsula as a whole. In addition, you will have the opportunity to learn about the peace and reconciliation efforts that have taken place over the years and the prospects for the future.

It is important to mention that, due to the highly controlled and guarded nature of the Demilitarised Zone, these types of tours often have strict restrictions and protocols. You are therefore advised to follow the instructions of the guides and authorities to ensure a safe and respectful experience. If you are interested in the subject matter, you can also visit the Korean War Museum in Seoul.

Interesting facts

• Price: approximately 56 euros per person.
• Duration: about 6 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get to know one of the most hostile borders in the world and learn about the conflicts that led to the separation of Korea into two parts.
• Disadvantages of these tours: they are physically demanding experiences, so they are not recommended for people with reduced mobility.

A full day trip to Pocheon Valley takes you to a natural oasis of scenic beauty and tranquillity. As you move away from the hustle and bustle of the city, past Seoul's finest palaces and distinctive museums, you'll move into a landscape of mountains, serene lakes and lush green fields.

One of the highlights of this tour will be a visit to Sanjeong Lake, a body of water surrounded by mountains and forests that creates a relaxing atmosphere. Here you can enjoy a pleasant walk along the lakeside paths, picnic on the shores of the lake or even hire a boat to explore the lake from an alternative perspective. The tranquillity of this place will allow you to unwind and recharge your batteries.

You can also visit the Herb Island Garden, an enchanting place full of fragrances and colours. This themed garden offers a variety of aromatic plants and flowers, as well as art installations and sculptures that create a unique atmosphere. You may also have the opportunity to participate in workshops to create candles and perfumes with natural ingredients, adding a creative and sensory experience to your day.

On your excursion to the Pocheon Valley, you will surely have the opportunity to visit the Sinbulsan Temple, which is located on top of a mountain. Climbing up to the temple will give you panoramic views of the surrounding valley, as well as the opportunity to experience the spirituality and tranquillity of this sacred place, especially if you plan to visit Seoul in the summer when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear.

Interesting facts

• Price: approximately 84 euros per person.
• Duration: about 9 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will have the opportunity to visit one of the main natural sites around the South Korean capital.
• Disadvantages of these tours: although they are half-day experiences, you will have little free time to explore the sites on your own.

A full day tour to Seoraksan and Naksansa Temple will take you on a natural and spiritual adventure to one of the most beautiful places in South Korea. Seoraksan, known as Mount Seorak, is a national park that is home to natural beauty with rugged peaks, crystal clear waterfalls and meandering trails set in the heart of nature.

One of the highlights of this tour is a visit to the Naksansa Temple, which is located on the slopes of Mount Seorak. This ancient Buddhist temple offers a fascinating insight into traditional Korean spirituality and architecture. As you walk through the temple grounds, you can admire the Buddhist statues, dense gardens and ornate structures that make this place a haven of tranquillity.

In addition to the spiritual experience at Naksansa Temple, you can embark on a hike on the Seoraksan trails that will take you through varied landscapes. From pine forests to panoramic views of mist-shrouded mountains, each step will give you a different view of the lush nature that surrounds the area. The trails vary in difficulty, so there are options for all types of hikers.

During the tour, you may also have the opportunity to sample the local cuisine at one of the nearby restaurants. Korean food is known for its delicious taste and variety of dishes, adding a culinary touch to your experience that is similar to the best food tours in Seoul.

Interesting facts

• Price: approximately 78 euros per person.
• Duration: between 10 and 11 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get to know one of the most outstanding sacred mountains in South Korea.
• Disadvantages of these tours: it is a full-day experience and very physically demanding, so it is recommended for visitors planning a stay of several days in Seoul.

The Everland Amusement Park tour from Seoul is an experience that combines the adrenaline rush of the rides with the natural beauty of the surroundings. Located just outside the bustling capital city, exactly 36 km away, Everland offers visitors an escape from the urban grind. As you venture out on this excursion, you will lose yourself in a universe of fun and fantasy that will delight you at every turn.

As buses depart Seoul for Everland, the cityscape gradually gives way to rolling hills and lush greenery. The amusement park stands as an oasis of entertainment, with its iconic carousels, roaring roller coasters and themed rides that will capture your imagination. From the roar of the roller coasters to the laughter on the Ferris wheel, the thrills are contagious and create unforgettable memories for friends and families who share this adventure.

The magic of Everland extends beyond the thrill rides. The meticulously manicured gardens offer a tranquil space to relax and enjoy nature. The Garden of Seasons, in particular, dazzles with its ever-changing beauty throughout the year. Visitors can stroll among vibrant flowers in spring, discover the lush greenery of summer, marvel at the warm tones of autumn and feel the serenity of a snow-covered winter landscape.

To round off the tour, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of dining options ranging from fast food stalls to themed restaurants. The culinary offerings reflect the diversity of Korean and world cuisine, catering to all tastes. You can also enjoy these rides if you plan to visit Seoul in winter, as the park includes indoor attractions.

Useful facts

• Price: approximately 64 euros per person.
• Duration: between 10 and 11 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will be able to visit the most prominent amusement park in South Korea.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: although it includes common areas, gastronomic offers and offers for the whole family, Everland Park is mainly aimed at children and teenagers.

You can book tours in advance of your visit or book them once you are in the city, which is not recommended if you plan to visit Seoul in the summer or during peak season months, when crowds increase and tours can go up in price for last-minute bookings or sell out.

If you book in advance, you can also organise an itinerary for your visit and make the most of your time, combining these excursions around the city with tours of Seoul's best museums or some of the highlights of the South Korean capital.

If you are planning to visit Seoul during the high season, I advise you to book tours in advance. This will save you time and money, as well as taking the hassle out of organising transport and transfers to the tour sites, which are not usually located in the immediate vicinity of the capital.

Bear in mind that if you decide to join a full-day organised tour, you will be able to make the most of your time in South Korea, but you will also spend less time on other excursions, so you should combine your experiences to avoid missing out on the main sites in the capital. If you're planning a short stay, here's a list of activities to help you get to know Seoul in 3 days.

If you want to get to know the true idiosyncrasy and spirit of Seoul, I recommend that you don't just take in the main attractions of the capital, but also spend some time exploring the experiences that the surrounding area has to offer. This way you can visit the most outstanding natural parks, the islands of the Han River, amusement parks and even the Demilitarised Zone, which is one of the most hostile strips of land on the planet.

In addition, by getting to know the surroundings of the South Korean capital, you'll be able to meet local people who are very different from those in Seoul, with less Western influence, which will allow you to better understand the local culture and fraternise with these citizens. You will also get to know other types of gastronomy and the millenary customs that Asian countries carry with them in their rural areas and that are characteristic of their social profile.

If you opt for a guided tour, you will be able to relax and delegate the organisation of transfers, ticket purchases and the organisation of the tour to the tour company, which will allow you to better enjoy the tour, without rushing and without worries in a destination that is often complicated for Western tourists due to cultural and language barriers.

In addition, you will have time to discover some of Seoul's best night-time excursions after these full-time experiences. On the other hand, the assistance of expert local guides will allow you to get a better understanding of the legends, secrets and mysteries of the ancient Korean civilisation from a different perspective.