The 5 best day trips from Seoul

One of the best things about doing a working holiday in South Korea is how easy it is to do day or weekend trips to almost anywhere in the country. Thanks to the high speed rail network, you can cross the entire country in less than three hours!

Now, don’t get it twisted, Seoul is one of our favourite places, but sometimes it’s good to take a breather, try some different kimchi, see what life is like beyond the blinking billboards. Here’s five of the best day trips from Seoul.

Nami Island

Zipline into your own car-free K-drama

Just an hour from Seoul, car-free Nami Island is like a photobooth for young couples. From the symmetrical tree-lined roads to the filming locations of K-Drama Winter Sonata, you’re going to want to put a few days aside afterwards for photo admin.

In Spring, Cherry Tree Lane lights up in bright Barbie pinks. In Autumn, the leaf tunnels of Metasequoia Lane turn orange red. And in winter, as if it couldn’t get any more fairytale-like, the trees become covered in soft white snow. It’s a year-round destination, beautiful in all seasons.

Fun facts about Nami Island: it calls itself Naminara Republic and comes with its own flag. You get immigration stamps on arrival. And if you don’t want to get the 5-minute ferry to the island, you can arrive by zipline. Very James Bond.

Suwon

Step back into the Joseon Era

Although you can get to Suwon in 30 minutes on the subway, you will feel like you’ve travelled back through dynasties. The UNESCO Hwaseong Fortress was built in the 18th Century but it’s stone walls are as sturdy as the day it was built (probably). In fact, you’re allowed to walk all over them. And many do, especially at sunset.

Within the stone city walls, you’ll find folk craft markets and workshops, cultural reenactments, and opportunities to rent traditional clothes (hanbok) or try your hand at ancient Korean archery. It’s the ultimate digital detox. Oh, and there’s an entire street dedicated to fried chicken, Suwon-style.

Bukhansan National Park

Re-energise in a mountain monk hut

From city to the peaks in under an hour, Bukhansan is Seoul’s outdoor playground. And because this is South Korea, all the walking trails are wonderfully accessible. Hike to the summits of Baegundae, Insubong, or Dobongsan and restock your lungs with fresh mountain air.

Whether you’re a casual hiker or see walking poles as an extension of your inner self, there are trails for all levels. Discover centuries-old Buddhist temples, monk huts, city-to-mountain lookout points and summit scrambles. Having a national park with so much natural beauty so close to the capital is a rare thing so make the most of it! And bring snacks.

Jeonju

The birthplace of Bimbimbap

Okay, Jeonju is slightly farther… but totally doable as a day trip thanks to the KTX. In under two hours you’ll be in Jeonju Hanok Village, surrounded by traditional houses, hanbok rentals, and enough street food to fill your day bag (don’t do that).

As well as being incredibly instagrammable with its bright paper lanterns hanging from elegantly curved wooden roofs, it’s also a foodie paradise. It’s the birthplace of Bimbimbap and one of the best places to try it. Most people in Jeonju are here to eat. Mochi choco pies, Jeonju-style fried chicken, dumpings, hottoek. You’ll want to book two seats for the train back.

Icheon

Spa break with hot springs

Only an hour from Seoul, Icheon might not be as popular as Nami and Jeonju, but it’s only a matter of time. Locals have been soaking in the hot springs for centuries. Despite being rich in germanium, many believe the natural waters have health benefits like improved circulation and easing of muscle tension.

Icheon is also known for the best and fluffiest rice. In fact, restaurants will proudly label their dishes with ‘Icheon rice’. It’s that good. Good enough to justify a day trip? That’s up to you. But, if you’re up for a spa weekend in the countryside, then Icheon is hard to beat.

So there you have it, our favourite day trips from Seoul. Within one hour, you could be scaling mountain peaks, walking around old wooden neighbourhoods in traditional dress, trying the fluffiest rice you will ever have. Sound good? Check out out working holiday program in South Korea