The 8 Best Day Trips from Seoul: Tested + Ranked

The Best Day Trips from Seoul 2026: 8 Tested Itineraries

Best day trips from Seoul: DMZ at Korean border + Suwon UNESCO fortress + Nami Island (Winter Sonata) + Gyeongju ancient capital + Busan high-speed escape — all 30 min to 2.5 hrs.

Quick Summary

Best day trips from Seoul: DMZ at Korean border + Suwon UNESCO fortress + Nami Island (Winter Sonata) + Gyeongju ancient capital + Busan high-speed escape — all 30 min to 2.5 hrs.

Top 8 Day Trips from Seoul

1DMZ + Joint Security Area

Distance: 1 hrDuration: Full day

Korean border tour — JSA conference room (cross into North!) + 3rd Tunnel + Dora Observatory.

How to get there: Guided tour required (USFK/USO or licensed agencies), $80-150.

2Suwon Hwaseong Fortress (UNESCO)

Distance: 45 minDuration: Half day

Late 1700s walled city + Janganmun gate + archery + Hwaseong Haenggung Palace.

How to get there: Suin-Bundang subway line, 1 hr from Seoul Station, ₩2,300.

3Nami Island

Distance: 1 hr 30Duration: Full day

Winter Sonata K-drama filming site + tree-lined paths + bike rides + family-friendly.

How to get there: ITX-Cheongchun train from Yongsan + ferry, 1.5 hr, ₩12,000.

4Gyeongju (UNESCO Silla Capital)

Distance: 2 hr KTXDuration: Full day

1,000-year ancient capital + Bulguksa Temple + Royal Tombs + Anapji Pond by night.

How to get there: KTX from Seoul Station, 2 hrs, ₩50,000.

5Busan (high-speed escape)

Distance: 2 hr 30 KTXDuration: Full day

Seoul’s opposite — beaches + Jagalchi fish market + Gamcheon Culture Village + ocean views.

How to get there: KTX from Seoul Station, 2.5 hrs, ₩60,000.

6Andong Hahoe Folk Village

Distance: 2 hr 30Duration: Full day

UNESCO traditional Joseon village + Hahoe mask dance + Confucian heritage.

How to get there: KTX to Andong, then 1 hr bus to Hahoe.

7Everland Theme Park

Distance: 1 hrDuration: Full day

Korea’s Disney World — best wooden coaster (T Express) + safari + flower festivals.

How to get there: Yongin subway from Gangnam, then shuttle, ₩2,000 + ₩60,000 entry.

8Pocheon Art Valley + Herb Island

Distance: 1 hr 30Duration: Full day

Reclaimed granite quarry now art-filled lake + adjacent herb-themed garden park.

How to get there: Bus 138-6 from Dobongsan Station, 1.5 hr.

Planning more of Seoul? See our 3-day Seoul itinerary, South Korea travel guide, the destinations index, or our Ultimate Bucket List.

Seoul Day Trips FAQ

What is the best day trip from Seoul?

DMZ Joint Security Area tour — unique opportunity to step into North Korea. Book 2-4 weeks ahead via licensed operator.

Can you visit Busan as a day trip from Seoul?

Yes via KTX (2.5 hours each way). Tight but doable for highlights (Haeundae + Gamcheon + Jagalchi market). Better as overnight.

Is DMZ tour safe?

Yes — heavily monitored, US/Korean military escort. Strict dress code (no jeans, no sandals, no children under 11 in JSA).

How much is a Seoul day trip?

Most ₩15,000-50,000 transport. DMZ tours ₩100,000-200,000 (most expensive). KTX to Busan/Gyeongju ₩50,000-60,000.