5 Best Day Trips from Seoul You Can't Miss: A First-timer's Guide

Seoul is an incredible city, with bustling night markets, stylish cafes, and a rich history at every corner. But sometimes, the best adventures happen just beyond the city limits.

Every time I visit South Korea, I always make it a point to step outside Seoul’s neon lights, and I discovered that the surrounding regions are just as magical—if not more.

If you’re planning your itinerary, here are 5 amazing day trips from Seoul that deserve a spot on your travel list! Make sure to add them to your South Korea itinerary!

Table of Contents

Essential Travel Guides & Tips

Use the KTX for long distances and ITX or buses for shorter trips. Additionally, you can also take flights (if possible). Sometimes, flights can be cheaper than KTX. This is what I personally did when I flew from Seoul to Busan (for the second time).
Basic English is understood in tourist areas, but learning simple Korean phrases helps. You can download Google Translate or Papago.
South Korean Won (KRW) is the currency; cards are widely accepted.
Make sure to book in advance, especially for popular tourist attractions like the DMZ or Everland can sell out quickly.
Always make sure to bring your passport.
It’s highly recommended to book a tour for your Nami Island day trip, as DIY is pretty difficult. You can book your Nami Island Day Tour via Klook for a hassle-free experience!
If you’re joining a guided day tour, you can book a day trip via Klook (ARAPATRIAKLOOK for 5% OFF) or GetYourGuide (ARATHEADVENTURESS for 5%OFF), especially if you’re only spending a day.

Best Day Trips from Seoul

Busan

If you’re planning to go for a day trip from Seoul to Busan, it is definitely doable. Golden beaches, bustling seafood markets, and a laid-back coastal vibe—that’s Busan in a nutshell. This southern port city feels completely different from Seoul, making it the perfect seaside escape. This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in South Korea. Busan is approximately 2.5 hours via KTX train from Seoul Station.

Things to do in Busan:

Stroll along Haeundae Beach or Gwangalli Beach.
Explore Gamcheon Culture Village and its colorful hillside streets.
Savor fresh sashimi at Jagalchi Fish Market.
Ride the Haeundae Sky Capsule

Here are just some of the top things to do in Busan, but you can actually do more, depending on your preferences.

Pro travel tip: Book your KTX tickets in advance since weekends and holidays can get busy.

DMZ Tour

The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is not your typical sightseeing stop—it’s a powerful, eye-opening journey through one of the most heavily guarded borders in the world. This is one of my favorite day trips from Seoul! I learned about Korean history, and there are a lot of things to do in just one day. Furthermore, this is where you can get a glimpse of North Korea through this activity. Make sure not to miss this out when in Seoul, South Korea, and especially if you’re visiting for the first time!

The travel time from Seoul is around 1–1.5 hours by bus from Seoul. It is highly encouraged to purchase the DMZ Tour from travel agencies. But you can also book this activity via Klook!

Highlights of a DMZ Tour:

Walk through the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel
See North Korea from the Dora Observatory
Learn about the Joint Security Area (JSA)

Gyeongju

This is another major tourist attraction that you shouldn’t miss out on when visiting South Korea! Known as “the museum without walls”, Gyeongju is a history lover’s dream. As the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom, it’s filled with temples, royal tombs, and centuries-old treasures.

The travel time is approximately 2 hours via KTX train to Singyeongju Station. In my case, I took a day trip to Gyeongju from Busan, which is also a 2-hour bus ride!

Some of the must-see places in Gyeongju:

Bulguksa Temple: a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Cheomseongdae Observatory: the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia
Tumuli Park: home to large grass-covered royal tombs

Everland Theme Park

For pure fun and thrills, Everland is South Korea’s largest amusement park, offering attractions for all ages. The travel time is approximately 1.5 hours by bus or subway from Seoul.

What to expect at Everland:

Ride the T Express, one of the world’s steepest wooden roller coasters.
Seasonal flower festivals and colorful parades.
Safari rides and a petting zoo for animal lovers.
Rent a Korean school uniform while exploring the Everland themepark

Nami Island

With its famous tree-lined paths straight out of a K-drama, Nami Island is a dreamy escape just outside Seoul. This is one of the most beautiful places to visit in South Korea during the autumn season!

Things to do on Nami Island:

Rent a bike or take a scenic walk around the island
Visit the iconic Metasequoia Lane
Try local snacks like hotteok (sweet pancakes) and dak-galbi (spicy stir-fried chicken) in nearby Chuncheon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit Busan as a day trip from Seoul?

Yes, if you take the KTX train early in the morning, you can enjoy a full day in Busan and return at night.

Is Nami Island worth visiting in winter?

Absolutely! The snow-covered trees make it a magical winter wonderland.

Can I do Gyeongju without a tour guide?

Yes, but a guided tour can help you better understand the historical sites.

Is Everland suitable for adults without kids?

Definitely! There are plenty of rides, seasonal events, and attractions for adults, too.

Seoul is undoubtedly a beautiful city! But seeing more of the beauty of South Korea through taking day trips from outside Seoul makes you realize that the country has so much more to offer! That gives you plenty of reasons to love and visit South Korea!