Top 10 Weekend Destinations near Seoul

In Gapyeong, abundant in green forests and clear valley streams, you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities like hiking, trekking, agricultural tourism and hot-air balloon rides. You can try out some leisure water sports at Cheongpyeong Lake or observe the stars at Nature and Star Observatory. The Garden of Morning Calm is where you should head if you're looking to take a walk while taking in the natural surroundings. There's also a unique theme park with French- and Swiss-themed areas, so if you want to maximise a short weekend, look no further than Gapyeong.

BOOK NOW

At one time the go-to destination for co-ed social events before Korea's transportation infrastructure developed into what it is today, Chuncheon is now a city alive with retro vibes. Rail bikes, or multi-rider carts ridden on decommissioned railway lines, are especially popular with young couples. The theme park on Nami Island takes up the entire park and holds fun events throughout the year. Be sure not to miss unique attractions like the Toy Robot Museum and the Museum of Books and Printing.

BOOK NOW

In the mornings when misty air rises at the confluence where the Bukhan River and Namhan River meet, photographers gather to capture the otherworldly scenery on camera. Semiwon Garden and Yangpyeong Wildflower Arboretum offer an elegant charm, while the Toy Museum and Yangpyeong Sheep Ranch are favourite destinations for kids. They're especially recommended for families travelling together.

BOOK NOW

Paju is a city of book publishers. Each publisher runs a book cafe in buildings that show off their individuality, which makes Paju a must-see destination for literati. Paju is quite unique in that it's home to themed areas and communities such as Heyri Art Village, English Village and Provence Village. There are places that memorialise the painful history of Korea, such as Imjingak Pyeonghwa-Nuri Park and the Third Tunnel of [North Korean] Aggression, which may be interesting destinations for history buffs. If nature is what you seek, plenty of options can satisfy your needs, from Yulgok Arboretum and Soul-Won to Byeokchoji Culture Arboretum.

BOOK NOW

Daebudo and Jebudo in Ansan have the characteristics of islands but are conveniently accessible by car, making them great places to enjoy a seaside atmosphere in the middle of a city. The tidal range is so wide that a walkable path reveals itself at low tide for a totally different experience. You may feel as if you've been transported to a remote island and forget that you're actually in the middle of a major city. On Jebudo, there is a coastal promenade where you can always walk just above the water regardless of the tide level. While you're here, don't forget to try some of the fresh, delicious seafood dishes like grilled shellfish that's always ready to be served.

BOOK NOW

Namyangju is very popular among trekking enthusiasts thanks to the many mountains in the region, including Mt. Cheonma, Mt. Chukryeong and Mt. Yebong. There are lots of valleys with clean and clear streams, including those at Myojeoksa Valley and Bigeum Valley. They're also famous as resorts. If a leisurely stroll through nature is what you're after, you can check out Water Garden or Dasan Ecological Park where you won't have to worry about hiking up mountains. If travelling with kids, Duk-so Natural History Museum is a dinosaur-themed park that's very popular with children.

BOOK NOW

Eurwangni is just 30 minutes away by public transportation from Incheon International Airport, which means that it's a great getaway spot that requires little planning. Compared to other tourist destinations near Seoul, it's very convenient since it can be reached with just one ride on an airport shuttle. Dining on seafood while admiring the open sea or sipping tea at a charming cafe will satiate your need for a quick getaway. If travelling with children, the water at Eurwangni Beach is not very deep, so be sure to check it out.

BOOK NOW

Ganghwado is home to many relics of Korean history, from the Goryeo Palace Site and Chojijin Fortress to dolmens that have been registered as World Heritage Sites. Most of the historic sites offer plenty of information to absorb and are not crowded, so you can go at a pace that best suits you. Oegyujanggak, a place within the Goryeo Palace Site that housed the royal protocols of the Joseon dynasty, is rich in visual materials that will appeal to children, such as procession diagrams and models. There's no shortage of museums either, from the Ganghwa Natural History Museum to the Ganghwa History Museum and Sound Experience Museum. There are also many beaches and famous mountains like Mt. Mani. Ganghwado is accessible by land, so all you have to do is just pickup and go!

BOOK NOW

Korea's west coast is famous for its beautiful sunsets just about anywhere, but the sunsets at Soraepogu, where Sorae Ecology Park is located, are so impressive that they just might move you to tears. In autumn, lush reed fields add a bit of flair to the sunsets not found elsewhere. Incheon is a city that attracts visitors more so because of its duality. In contrast to Incheon’s hidden natural charms, Songdo, a relatively new city, is famous for its splendid nightscapes that give it the feel of a true city of the future. It's highly recommended for date nights thanks to the many amenities and trendy restaurants.

BOOK NOW

Home to Korea National Arboretum, the premiere arboretum of Korea, and many other recreational forests and arboretums, Pocheon is one of the best places to visit for nature walks. You can quickly get back to nature and go for a therapeutic walk in the woods or check out some arboretums that are eager to show off their gardens of dazzling flowers to visitors of all ages. If a summer resort vibe is what you're after, we recommended Sanjeong Lake, Cheonggye Lake and Mt. Jijing Valley Stream.

BOOK NOW