However, there are a few destinations located particularly close to the capital and are all accessible by Seoul’s efficient and affordable subway, making them the perfect day trips to get a feel for life outside the big city. Check them out below.
Incheon
Home of the “world’s best airport,” Incheon is the port of arrival in Korea for international visitors. But its much more than an airport; it was a city of great importance in the American/UN victory in the Korean War, it was home to the majority of Chinese immigrants not so long ago and its port is responsible for ushering in the modernization of Korea as a center of industrialization.
For foodies, Incheon is a must-visit destination for fresh grilled seafood and jajjangmyeon, a dish of black bean noodles that originated in the city’s Chinatown, a picturesque (though not so authentic) neighborhood of snack vendors, souvenir shops and art galleries. Red lanterns and Chinese murals decorate the streets, adding to the quaint atmosphere.
Just a short bus ride from Chinatown is Wolmido, a Coney Island-esque locale that boasts an amusement park as well as the entertaining games, performers and cotton candy stalls one would expect to find on a boardwalk. For those seeking a bit more quiet, hop a ferry to Muuido, a tranquil island of sandy beaches and hiking paths.
Chuncheon
Located east of Seoul, Chuncheon is a city for nature lovers and those eager to get a breath of fresh air. One of the perfect places to soak up the city’s natural beauty is Nami Island, an idyllic stretch of land made up of tree-lined nature paths, water-side picnic spots and nature-inspired sculptures and artwork. Rent a bike or partake in one of the many water sports available on Nami.
Don’t leave Chuncheon without sampling dalk galbi, the city’s most famous (and my personal favorite) Korean dish, made of succulent stir-fried chicken, cheese and veggies in a spicy sauce. Chuncheon’s Myeongdong neighborhood has a street dedicated to the dish, but don’t fret about which restaurant is the best. They’re all good. I assure you.
Paju
When I first visited Paju, I was surprised at how bright and colorful it was, considering its proximity to the North Korean border. In fact, Heyri Art Village is the definition of cheerfulness, with its quirky museums, beautifully landscaped parks and funky modern architecture. The village is also a popular filming location for a number of K-dramas, music videos and movies so Hallyu fans might recognize certain spaces and places.
If you manage to not spend all day in Heyri, go bargain hunting at the Paju Premium Outlets, which consist of over 200 shops including Polo Ralph Lauren, Lacoste and Tory Birch to name a few. The outlet mall is spacious and not nearly as crowded as the stores in Seoul. Or, if you’re a bookworm, check out the Paju Book City.
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Yongin
Many tourists usually make their way to Yongin, as the city boasts some of Korea’s most famous attractions.
The Korean Folk Village is set in a natural environment and contains over 260 restored traditional Korean homes from all regions of the country. There is also a variety of workshops where traditional handicrafts are made. Additionally, visitors can watch reenactments of important cultural ceremonies and partake in fun activities around the village.
For thrill-seekers, Everland is an impressive theme park with attractions for the entire family. The T Express is one of the world’s biggest wooden roller coasters and alone, makes the one hour trip from Seoul worthwhile. Attached to Everland is Carribean Bay, Korea’s best water park complete with water slides, wave pools and plenty of areas to soak up the summer sun.
Although not technically in Yongin, but in the general vicinity, is Suwon’s Hwaseong Haenggung, a former summer palace of Korean royalty. Unlike Seoul’s palaces, each room of the complex is decorated in the style of the period in which it was first constructed, which makes it far more interactive and interesting in my opinion.
Pocheon
Like Paju, Pocheon is located rather close to the DMZ, but despite the obvious military presence, there is still a number of ways to enjoy what the city has to offer.
The Pocheon Art Valley, located in what used to be a granite quarry on Cheonjuho Lake, makes for a great family picnic spot. Interesting sculptures and art installations (including a makgeolli igloo) are also sure to be the center of all your selfies. However, if you’d like a more memorable meal, head over to Deulmusae, a family-run restaurant that serves up traditional Korean fare on ceramic plates in the shape of genitals. (See what I mean here.)
Finally, the city’s Herb Island is in major need of some renovations and upkeep, but does have some pretty gardens and quaint restaurants and shops. The ideal time to visit is spring, when the flowers are in bloom. Otherwise, it’s a bit on the creepy side.
Other day trips worth mentioning include Ilsan Lake Park, Icheon Ceramic Village and the DMZ.
Which day trips are your favorites? Which did I leave out? Leave them in the comments box below.
Words and photos by Mimsie Ladner of Seoul Searching unless otherwise noted. Content may not be reproduced unless authorized.
