How about making the most of your vacation to South Korea by learning more about Seoul’s environs as well as the city’s well-known attractions? You will learn much more about this stunning Asian nation in this post, and you will be able to plan an additional itinerary for your trip.
It is feasible to go and return on the same day to any location mentioned in this article. To really appreciate everything, you may need to get up quite early and come back a little later.
However, those who don’t mind the infamous round journey will value the advice since they won’t need to worry about making hotel reservations in other places.
Although South Korea is a tiny nation with excellent public transportation, certain places may seem to be far distant. Let’s learn more about Seoul’s surroundings.
Places around Seoul to visit
- Sokcho
- Pyeongchang
- Nami Island
- Boryeong
- Gyeongju
- Busan
Sokcho
150 kilometers from Seoul, in the province of Gangwon, lies Sokcho. The bus ride takes roughly two hours, and the fare is W20,100 ($17.23). Find out more about travelling about Seoul and receive advice on using the country’s public transportation.
The Seorak-san National Park, which is made up of gorgeous mountains, waterfalls, and an amazing view of the sea, is located in this city. Depending on the degree of difficulty selected, visitors may hike on pathways surrounded by nature for anywhere between one and eleven hours.
In order to preserve sustainability, the park was designated by Unesco as a Biosphere Reserve, and more than 2,000 animal species and 1,400 plant species have been logged there. Yeongnangho Lake, which has an 8-kilometer radius, mirrors the mountains.
It is worthwhile to stop by and view it in addition to the Buddhist temple Sinheungsa, which was constructed in the 15th century and is also a highly well-liked tourist destination. Enjoy and learn about a 5-day itinerary recommendation for Seoul.
Enjoy the Seorak Cultural Festival in October if you’re in the vicinity. The Taffy Vendors, a group of traditional Korean vocalists, will be performing there. The city’s official tourist website in Sokcho has further details on things to do there.
Pyeongchang
This region is the best spot to go if you want to go to South Korea in the winter; in fact, the area hosted the Winter Olympics in 2018.
The distance between the city and Seoul is around 140 kilometres; thus getting there by bus takes about two hours. To get there, you may alternatively hire a vehicle in Seoul.
Snowboard at Phoenix Snow Park to have fun in the snow, or visit Woljeongsa Temple for a more leisurely ride; Odaesan National Park also offers spectacular views.
Nami Island
A crescent-shaped island known for serving as the backdrop for the Korean drama Winter Sonata, which even includes a monument of the lead pair, is included in the list of cities close to Seoul. Nami Island is the ideal location for a romantic retreat. It is situated in Chuncheon City, 75 kilometers from Seoul.
Visitors may board a boat to the island and access it for W10,000 ($8.54).
You may also travel via zipline if you like adrenaline-pumping extreme activities. You might pack some food for a picnic or visit one of the mouthwatering nearby eateries.
Boryeong
The city of Boryeong, often referred to as Daecheon, is situated in South Chungcheong Province along the Yellow Sea coast. This is the location of the Mud Festival!
This is the best spot to go if you want to have a really enjoyable and unique experience of the Korean summer; the festival typically lasts for the first two weeks of July.
Seoul is 150 kilometres away from the city, and traveling by bus takes around 2 hours.
Gyeongju
It was not going to be left off the list of sites near Seoul since the city served as the capital of the former kingdom of Silla during the 7th and the 9th centuries. There are several tourist attractions in Gyeongju, some of which are included as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Be sure to stop at Bulguksa Temple if you’re in the area.
Seven of South Korea’s national treasures are housed at this temple, which is the country’s oldest. Entry costs W5,000 ($4.27), and there is the option of an English-speaking guided tour. You may go to the Seokguram temple, a cave that holds a Buddha statue, if you wish to go a little farther (approximately 40 minutes).
Anapji Pond, a recreation of the ancient imperial palace complex situated on the lake’s beaches, is another lovely and historic location in Gyeongju. Due to the illumination, evening is the ideal time to come; however, as there are no eateries nearby, it is advised that you bring a snack. The admission is just W2,000 ($1.71) per person.
The Gyeongju National Museum has hundreds of Silla-era relics, so I’d say the trip is an addition to the previous excursions. Yangdong Folk Village can also transport you to a previous era.
Among the parks, I singled out the Cheonmachong Tomb, which is home to several monarchs’ graves. Each mound has a person and their valuables buried there. Gyeongju National Park is beautiful, so wear comfortable clothing and shoes if you want to appreciate it. There are paths that go to the top of a hill, where the view is spectacular.
Last but not least, Cheomseongdae, which was constructed by Queen Deon-Seok (632–647), is said to be the earliest astronomical observatory in Asia. Renting a bike will let you see everything; the tower is 9.4 meters high and is part of a historic complex.
Busan
According to the distance from Seoul (330 km), it could seem that Busan is not really one of the towns on the outskirts of Seoul and that the commute is too lengthy; yet, using Korean public transportation, it is feasible to go to the southern metropolis in only 2h30.
With more than 4 million residents, it is the second most populous city in the nation and has many entertainment options and stunning beaches. Go to Haeundae Beach to get a sense of Busan.
One of the busiest areas in the city, with plenty of music and people taking in the sunset, Gwangan Beach has a stunning appearance owing to the major bridge. Busan Tower provides a lovely view if you want panoramic vistas, particularly at night.
Due to the Haedong Yonggung Temple’s seaside location, the mood is much more spiritual. Gamcheon Culture Village is a highly traditional neighborhood with vibrant residences perched atop a hill. There is a monument of the Little Prince and his fox buddy viewing the city.