10 Best Weekend Destinations near Seoul
Escape Seoul for a Short Getaway
There’s nothing better than a spontaneous weekend trip whenever you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Seoul. Below are some destinations near Seoul where you can get away from it all without much planning.
Forests with clear valley streams and coasts with the refreshing sounds of waves are all surprisingly close. So, check out some of these hidden gems around Seoul, whether you’re looking for a date spot to spend time with your partner or a place to make memories with the whole family.
1. Gapyeong
Celebrated for its charming nature
Good for: Couples, Adventure
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 neighborhoods, so if you want to maximize a short weekend, look no further than Gapyeong.
Gapyeong
2. Chuncheon
A city brimming with art and romance
Good for: Couples, Adventure
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 railroad 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.
Chuncheon
3. Yangpyeong
Where you’ll get close to nature
Good for: Families, Photo
Yangpyeong and its stunning nature make it one of the most thrilling destinations for photography and nature enthusiasts. 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 elegant green spaces and great backdrops for photos, while the Toy Museum and Yangpyeong Railbike are firm favorites among kids. The Toy Museum is perfect for a rainy day and entertains the little ones for hours. When the sun shines, hop on the Railbike and see what’s around.
Yangpyeong
4. Paju
A city of books and culture
Good for: History, Photo, Unusual
Paju is a city of book publishers where 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 neighborhoods and communities such as Heyri Art Village, English Village, and Provence Village.
There are places that memorialize the painful history of Korea, such as Imjingak Pyeonghwa-Nuri Park and the Third Tunnel of (North Korean) Aggression, which history buffs are guaranteed to enjoy. If nature is what you seek, plenty of options can satisfy your needs, from Yulgok Arboretum and Soul-Won to Byeokchoji Culture Arboretum.
Paju
5. Ansan
A laid-back city by the sea
Good for: Couples, Families, Food
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 city center. 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 broiled shellfish that’s always ready to be served.
Ansan
6. Namyangju
Mountains, valleys, and streams for days and days
Good for: Families, Adventure
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 traveling with kids, Duk-so Natural History Museum is a dinosaur-themed park that’s very popular with children.
Namyangju
7. Eurwangni
Ideal for an ad-hoc weekend getaway
Good for: Couples, Families, Food
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 traveling with children, the water at Eurwangni Beach is not very deep, so be sure to check it out.
Eurwangni
8. Ganghwado
Where Korea’s long history lives and breathes
Good for: Families, History
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 explore at your own pace. Oegyujanggak within the Goryeo Palace Site is rich in intricate artefacts that kids love, such as procession diagrams and models.
History buffs should visit Ganghwa Natural History Museum, the Ganghwa History Museum, and Sound Experience Museum to discover their extensive collections. The area is also famed for its many beaches and mountains like Mt. Mani. Ganghwado is accessible by land, so pack your weekender and go.
Ganghwado
9. Incheon
Tranquil seas and a vibrant city in perfect harmony
Good for: Couples, Photo, Nightlife
Incheon is a city that attracts visitors more so because of its duality. You’ll find pristine nature and charming landscapes but will be taken by surprise by its vibrating nightlife and urban pulse. 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.
In the neighboring Songdo, a relatively new city, you’ll discover splendid nightscapes that give it the feel of a true city of the future. Its trendy restaurants are perfect for a romantic date nights.
Incheon
10. Pocheon
A city with refreshing valley streams and recreational forests
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
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. Have your camera ready to capture the magical moment when the first rays of the sun hit the crystal clear water.
Pocheon
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