Best Day Trips from Seoul

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

Among the best things to do in Seoul is to discover nearby sites such as Nami Island, which includes a visit to the Morning Calm Garden, a tour of the Korean Demilitarized 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 urban life. Upon arriving on the island, you will be greeted by cobblestone streets and natural scenery that will make you feel as if you have entered 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.

In addition, 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.

Facts of interest

• Price: approximately 51 euros per person.
• Duration: between 10 and 11 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will be able 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 to the Korean Demilitarized Zone from Seoul is a fascinating experience that will give you a unique look 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 fraught with meaning and tension. During the tour, you will delve into the history and current realities of this division, gaining 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 be able to see up close the buildings and markers that mark the border and hear stories about the historical incidents that have taken place in this highly guarded area. In addition, you will get to see soldiers from both sides in a unique situation of proximity not seen since the Korean War.

The tour also usually includes a visit to the Korean War Exhibit 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 Demilitarized Zone, these types of tours often have strict restrictions and protocols. I advise you, therefore, 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 excursion to Pocheon Valley will take you to a natural oasis of scenic beauty and tranquility. As you move away from the hustle and bustle of the city, past Seoul's finest palaces and distinctive museums, you will move into a landscape of mountains, serene lakes and lush green fields.

One of the highlights of this excursion will be a visit to Lake Sanjeong, a body of water surrounded by mountains and forests that creates a relaxing atmosphere. There you can enjoy a pleasant walk along the lakeside trails, picnic on its shores or even rent a boat to explore the lake from an alternative perspective. The tranquility of this place will allow you to disconnect and recharge your batteries.

In addition, you can visit the Herb Island Garden, an enchanting place full of fragrances and colors. 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 on creating 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 tranquility of this sacred place, especially if you plan to visit Seoul in 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 in 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 located 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 tranquility.

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 resembles that offered by 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 who have planned a stay of several days in Seoul.

The Everland Amusement Park excursion from Seoul is an experience that combines the adrenaline 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 routine. As you venture 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 urban landscape 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 cap off the tour, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of dining options ranging from fast food stands to themed restaurants. The culinary offerings reflect the diversity of Korean and world cuisine, catering to all tastes. You can also enjoy these excursions if you plan to visit Seoul in winter, as the park includes indoor attractions.

Interesting 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 outstanding 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 oriented to 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 summer or during the high season months, when the influx of visitors increases and tours can go up in price for last-minute bookings or sell out.

If you book in advance you can also organize an itinerary for your visit and make the most of your time, combining these excursions around the city with tours of the best museums in Seoul or with some of the most outstanding tours 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 allow you to save time and money, as well as not having to worry about arranging transportation and transfers to the tour sites, which are not usually located in areas close to the capital.

Keep in mind that if you decide to participate in an organized full day tour you will be able to optimize your time in South Korea, but you will also spend less time on other excursions, so you should combine your experiences well to avoid missing out on the main sites of the capital. If you are planning a short stay, here is a list of activities so you can get to know Seoul in 3 days.

If you want to know the true idiosyncrasy and spirit of Seoul I advise you not to stay only with the main attractions of the capital, but also spend some time in the experiences offered by the surroundings. This way you can visit the most outstanding natural parks, the islands of the Han River, amusement parks and even the Demilitarized Zone, which is one of the most hostile strips of land on the planet.

In addition, getting to know the surroundings of the South Korean capital, you will be able to cross paths with local people very different from those in Seoul, with less Western influence, which will allow you to understand more and better the local culture and fraternize 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 organization of transfers, ticket purchase and tour organization to the tour company, which will allow you to better enjoy the tour, unhurried and carefree in a destination that is often complicated for Western tourists because of cultural and language barriers.

In addition, you will reserve time to discover, after these full time experiences, some of the best night tours in Seoul. On the other hand, the assistance of local expert guides will allow you to get to know and contemplate better and from a different perspective the legends, secrets and mysteries of the millenary Korean civilization.