The Top Ten Most Unmissable Day Trips From Seoul For 2026
Read on for ten of the must-do day trips from Seoul in 2026!
Seoul is an endlessly lively city to explore, with numerous things to do and see, but there are also many unmissable day trips to take from the South Korean capital.
Whether you want to visit the North Korean border at the DMZ or just want a relaxing day in nature at Nami Park, there are so many options when it comes to escaping the city and discovering more of South Korea.
Having visited several of the best day trip destinations from Seoul, I’ve curated this blog post to help you decide where to visit, how to travel to each destination and what to expect.
Plan Your Trip With My Recommended Resources:
🚆Bus or Train: Bookaway is a great resource for tickets
🏨 Accommodation: I always use Booking.com
🚙 Rental Car: Discover Cars has the best car rental prices
❤️ Travel Insurance: I recommend using Visitors Coverage
✈️ Flights: Kiwi.com has the best prices on flights
📱eSIM: Airalo has a fantastic range of eSIMs
Top Ten Unmissable Day Trips From Seoul
So, without further ado, let’s dive into what I believe to be the ten most unmissable day trips you can take from Seoul:
1. DMZ
Probably the most famous and popular day trip you can take from Seoul is Korea’s demilitarized zone, otherwise known as the DMZ.
The DMZ is the heavily militarised border between North and South Korea, and has been in place since 1953. Although heavily guarded, it is a fascinating tourist attraction. You can even see the otherwise off-limits North Korea.
My day trip to the DMZ was one of the most extraordinary trips I’ve ever taken. I was fascinated to learn the history of the zone, and being able to see into North Korea at the Dora Observatory through binoculars was something I’ll never forget.
The DMZ is only 30 miles or so north of the capital, and it takes one hour to drive there. I recommend booking a guided tour that includes pick-up and drop-off from Seoul.
There are different tour lengths you can take, which include different stops at the DMZ, including:
- Dorasan Train Station – This train station used to connect South and North Korea. It is now more of a museum, but it remains a fascinating place to see.
- DMZ – Includes a museum and exhibition hall with various historical photos.
- 3rd Infiltration Tunnel – This is a huge tunnel system running underneath the border and was used by Prisoners of War to escape from North to South Korea.
This was an amazing experience, but you do need to be in good physical condition as the tunnels are very long and can be claustrophobic. - Dora Observatory – Here you can get a glimpse of a nearby North Korean village using binoculars. This was the highlight of my tour.
2. Nami Island
If you fancy escaping to nature from the hustle and bustle of city life in Seoul, then a popular destination is Nami Island.
Just 20 miles from Seoul, in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, Nami Island is one of the most beautiful natural spots in Korea and was also the filming location for the popular Korean drama: ‘Winter Sonata‘.
There are many varied activities available at Nami Island, from walking through peaceful woodland areas, to visiting one of the lush gardens on site, such as Ginkgo Tree Lane, the Garden of Morning Calm and more.
If that sounds a little bit too serene for your liking, then you can also rent a bike or even enjoy the thrill of a zip-line ride. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants on the island, but it is also an ideal place for a picnic.
If you would like to experience Nami Park at its most picturesque, visit the Cherry Blossom Tree festival in spring, which hosts numerous exhibitions and cultural activities.
How to get to Nami Island from Seoul 🚆
The best way to reach Nami Island from Seoul is by train. You can catch an ITX-Cheongchun train from either Yongsan Station or Cheongnyangni Station to Gapyeong Station.
From Gapyeong Station, there are shuttle buses to the Nami Island ferry terminal. The ferry to the island runs every 30 minutes from 8am to 9pm and only takes 5-10 minutes.
If that sounds too complicated, book a guided day trip tour to Nami Island, which includes pick-up and drop-off from Seoul.
3. Busan
Although it is better to spend at least a couple of days in Busan, it is indeed possible to visit the popular coastal city for just one day if you’re short on time.
With high-speed trains available from Seoul, you can reach Busan in just over 2 hours, giving you plenty of time to relax on Busan’s famous Haeundae Beach for some much-needed rest and relaxation.
I loved my time in Busan and consider it a must-visit destination in South Korea, even if you plan on staying in Seoul.
It is arguably a more desirable destination than Seoul for many reasons, as I discuss in my Seoul vs Busan blog post.
You could also have time to see Busan from up high at the Busan Tower before your return trip back to the capital.
👉 Read my South Korea 10-Day Itinerary here:
South Korea 10-Day Itinerary: An Essential Travel Guide For 2026
4. Suwon
Suwon is one of South Korea’s most interesting historical cities, and it takes an average of around 30 minutes to reach from Seoul. If you’re a history buff, Suwon is a must-visit day trip during your time in Seoul.
It is home to Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to the 1700s and features an impressive illumination show at night.
Hwaseong Haenggung Palace is another fascinating historical site in Suwon. You can also visit Suwon’s Korean Folk Village, an open-air museum that recreates life during the Joseon era.
5. Bukhansan National Park
Although technically based in Seoul, Bukhansan National Park is still regarded as a day trip from the capital, offering the chance to escape the hectic pace of city life.
Probably the most popular hiking spot in all of South Korea, Bukhansan National Park has several beautiful trails, ranging from easy to more difficult routes.
The Baegundae Peak trail is regarded as the best trail in the park. It is 8 kilometres long in total and takes between 4 and 6 hours to complete, depending on your fitness level.
It’s totally worth doing, though, as the views from the top of the peak are simply breathtaking. I spent a day hiking through Bukhansan National Park, and it was one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had when visiting Seoul.
If you’re a nature lover, then it’s an absolute must. Escaping the city for one day was literally a breath of fresh air!
How to get to Bukhansan National Park 🚆
The park is easily reachable from central Seoul as well. You can catch a metro train from either Gupabal Station (Line 3) or Dobongsan Station (Lines 1/7) to Bukhansanseong and then a bus to the park entrances.
Buses take up to 30 minutes to reach the park entrance, but are clearly marked and easy to find from the stations.
You can always take a taxi to the Bukhansanseong Fortress Entrance instead of public transportation.
6. Incheon
If you’re planning a trip to Seoul, then you will be passing through Incheon, as this coastal city is most well known by tourists for its international airport.
What most tourists don’t realize, however, is that Incheon is actually a great destination in its own right, and worth a visit before flying out of Korea on your return home.
There is so much to do and see in Incheon, whether that is cultural experiences, historical sites or bustling markets you want to visit. Here are my top three things to do when visiting:
- Songdo Central Park – This peaceful park is a delightful place to visit. It features a canal where you can go kayaking, and there are deer in the park you can feed.
- China Town – The only China Town in all of Korea is in Incheon, making it an interesting and unique place with Chinese architecture and street snacks.
- Sinpo International Market – Incheon has several exceptional food markets, and Sinpo is arguably the most popular one. Here you can try many different kinds of modern Korean snacks from countless vendors.
👉 Read my Travel Guide to South Korea here:
South Korea Bucket List 2026: 15 Incredible Places & Things To Do
7. Seoraksan National Park
One of the most stunning parks in South Korea is Seoraksan National Park, and it takes roughly 2-3 hours to reach from Seoul. That may sound too long to visit on just a day trip, but this park is a must for any serious hikers visiting the capital.
With stunning scenery, a diverse array of fauna and flora and waterfalls, it is a truly exceptional day out from the capital.
Ulsanbawi Rock Trail is the most popular hiking trail, where you pass by unique rock formations. There is also a cable car available as an alternative to hiking.
How to get to Seoraksan National Park from Seoul 🚌
If you’re planning a trip to Seoraksan National Park, then you can catch a bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Sokcho. From Sokcho, you need to catch another bus (either line 7 or 7-1) to the park entrance.
8. Everland Theme Park
If you’re looking for a day trip from Seoul for you and your family, then Everland Theme Park is a fun day out from the capital.
This is the largest theme park in South Korea and is reachable from the capital in around an hour and a half. Everland is a mix of fairy-tale and sci-fi themes, making it appealing to both adults and kids alike.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker and want to experience several rollercoaster rides or check out the various animal exhibits, you’re really spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do.
How to get to Everland Theme Park from Seoul 🚌
There is a dedicated shuttle bus from Seoul to Everland, which runs every day and stops at multiple locations throughout the city.
You can buy a package ticket in advance that includes a coach transfer to and from Seoul, as well as your admission ticket to Everland.
9. Alpaca World
Another great option if you have kids (or just want to see some alpacas!) is Alpaca World, located in Hongcheon Gangwon-do, roughly 3 hours from Seoul.
Claiming to be the world’s first Alpaca theme park, here you can get up close and interact with the animals amidst beautiful nature settings.
It’s possible to walk with the alpacas and feed them, though there is an extra cost involved for these activities.
How to get to Alpaca World from Seoul 🚌
Public transportation to Alpaca World from Seoul is quite complicated; it requires multiple transfers and takes up to four hours.
Your best option is to visit Alpaca World as part of a tour. It is possible to go on a guided tour to Alpaca World that also visits other nearby attractions, such as Nami Island.
10. Naksana Temple
Last but definitely not least in this list is Naksana Temple, one of the most historic Buddhist temple sites near Seoul.
Located in Yangyang, Gangwon Province, this beautiful temple site dates back to 671 AD, and overlooks Naksan beach and the East Sea.
With stunning sea views and a peaceful atmosphere, this is one of the most beautiful temples in the country. A day trip here would be a welcome change from busy and noisy Seoul.
How to get to Naksana Temple from Seoul 🚌
The best way to reach Naksana Temple from the capital is by bus. You can catch a bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Yangyang, which takes roughly 2 hours. From Yangyang, the temple is just 15 minutes away by taxi or local bus.
Map of Day Trips from Seoul
Check out this interactive map of Seoul, featuring pins of all the day trip destinations mentioned in this blog post:
Helpful Links For Planning Your Trip
Here are some helpful links to help plan your trip to South Korea:
🚄 Book trains, buses, ferries in South Korea – find trains from Seoul to Busan, ferries to Jeju Island and more.
🏨 Find hotels in South Korea – from budget stays in Seoul to beach hotels in Busan and more.
🍜 Join a food tour in Seoul – perfect for exploring the city’s street food and local dishes.
🌅 Book a Busan day tour – see Gamcheon Village, Jagalchi fish market, scenic Yonggungsa and more.
Top Ten Day Trips From Seoul FAQs
Still not sure about taking a day trip from Seoul? Let me answer some of the most commonly asked questions about this topic:
What is the best day trip from Seoul?
This is, of course, a very subjective question, but in my opinion, visiting the DMZ is the best day trip you can take from Seoul. Getting so close to North Korea and being able to catch a glimpse across the border was something I’ll never forget.
What is public transportation like in South Korea?
South Korea’s public transportation, in my experience, is excellent overall. The metro in Seoul is very punctual and spacious, and the KTX train from the capital to Busan was very comfortable.
Another positive about public transportation in this country is that it’s inexpensive, especially the metro system in Seoul.
How many days should you spend in Seoul?
I recommend spending a minimum of 4-5 days in Seoul, ideally a week or more, as there are so many interesting neighbourhoods to explore and things to do.
If you only have a day or two in Seoul, however, be sure to check out my one-day and two-day itineraries for the capital.
Conclusion: Top Ten Day Trips From Seoul
That concludes my top ten list of the best day trips from Seoul, which includes surprisingly varied types of destinations to visit.
Whether you want to check out the historical sites in locations such as Suwon or the DMZ, experience a family day out at Everland theme park or Alpaca World, or just want a day out in nature, there are plenty of options.
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading through this list of the best unmissable day trips from Seoul, and that it has helped to shape your itinerary for your next visit to this amazing country.
You may also enjoy reading these blog posts about South Korea:
➡️ How To Survive Seoul In Summer – A Travel Expert’s Advice
➡️ Travel Tips For South Korea: A Comprehensive Guide To Safety
➡️ BEST Food Tour In South Korea 2026: The Ultimate Foodie Guide!
➡️ Ultimate Foodie Guide To Gwangjang Market: What To Eat & More
➡️ Planning your trip? Here are my favourite resources:
🏨 Accommodation: I recommend using Booking.com
🚙 Rental Car: Use Discover Cars for the best car rental prices
❤️ Travel Insurance: I recommend using Visitors Coverage
✈️ Flights: Use Kiwi.com for the best prices on flights
