A Guide To Places To Visit Near Seoul

Seoul is a city that is renowned for its unique mix of ancient and modern culture. It is the capital city of South Korea and a major international hub, filled with incredible things to see and do. With a population of over 10 million, it is the largest city in the country and the third-largest in the world. From vibrant nightlife and bustling shopping districts to historic palaces and ancient temples, visitors to Seoul can explore a host of attractions and activities.

The city has something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a cultural experience, an outdoor adventure, or a chance to sample the local cuisine, you are sure to find something to suit your taste in Seoul. One of the most popular activities in the city is visiting its many historical sites. Seoul is home to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the iconic Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Jongmyo Shrine, and the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty. These fascinating attractions provide an insight into Korea’s rich history and give visitors a unique glimpse into the country’s past.

But there’s more to Seoul than just its impressive history. The city also offers plenty of fascinating places to visit nearby. From charming mountain villages to vibrant coastal towns, there’s something for everyone near Seoul. Here are some of the best places to visit near the city.

1. Nami Island

Nami Island is a small island located on the Han River close to Seoul. It’s one of Korea’s most popular tourist destinations and a must-visit for anyone visiting the city. Nami Island is renowned for its lush green landscape and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. It’s also known for its unique cultural attractions such as galleries, cafes, and traditional Korean houses. Visitors can take part in activities such as cycling and kayaking or simply take a leisurely stroll around the island and admire its natural beauty.

There are several ways to get to Nami Island from Seoul. The most convenient way is by taking the Nami Island Ferry from Gapyeong Pier, which takes about 90 minutes. You can also take a bus from Gimpo Airport, which takes around two hours. Alternatively, you can take a train from Cheongnyangni Station to Gapyeong Station, which takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

2. Gyeongju

Gyeongju is a city located on the east coast of South Korea and is one of the country’s most important archaeological sites. It was once the capital of the Silla Kingdom, which ruled much of the Korean peninsula from 57 BC to 935 AD. It is home to numerous historical attractions such as tombs, temples, and palaces as well as beautiful beaches and natural scenery.

The city is easily accessible from Seoul by train or bus. The train journey takes around 3 hours from Seoul Station, while buses take around 4 hours from Central City Bus Terminal. Once there, visitors can explore attractions such as Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, Gyeongju National Museum, and Anapji Pond. There are also plenty of outdoor activities such as cycling, hiking, and boating to enjoy in Gyeongju.

3. Sokcho

Sokcho is a small coastal city located in the far northeast corner of South Korea. It’s known for its stunning beaches and nearby mountain trails, making it a popular destination with both locals and tourists alike. It’s also home to several national parks such as Seoraksan National Park, which is renowned for its diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.

Sokcho is easily accessible from Seoul by bus or train. The bus journey takes around 4 hours from Central City Bus Terminal while trains take around 5 hours from Yongsan Station or Yongsan Express Bus Terminal Station. Once there, visitors can explore attractions such as Jumunjin Beach, Daepo Port, Sokcho Fish Market, and Yangyang Lavender Farm. There are also plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping to enjoy in Sokcho.

4. Gapyeong

Gapyeong is a small town located on the banks of the Han River close to Seoul. It’s known for its peaceful atmosphere, lush green landscapes, and proximity to Nami Island. It’s also home to several historical attractions such as Petite France Village and Garden of Morning Calm as well as several natural attractions such as Chuncheon Lake and Cheongpyeongsa Temple.

The town is easily accessible from Seoul by bus or train. The bus journey takes around 1 hour from Central City Bus Terminal while trains take around 1 hour and 15 minutes from Yongsan Station or Yongsan Express Bus Terminal Station. Once there, visitors can explore attractions such as Petite France Village, Garden of Morning Calm, Chuncheon Lake, and Cheongpyeongsa Temple. There are also plenty of outdoor activities such as cycling, hiking, boat rides and hot-air balloon rides to enjoy in Gapyeong.

5. Chuncheon

Chuncheon is a small city located close to Seoul in Gangwon province. It’s known for its natural beauty and proximity to two of South Korea’s most visited national parks – Seoraksan National Park and Naksansa Temple. The city’s other attractions include Chuncheon Lake, Cheongpyeongsa Temple, Sokcho Fish Market, and Myeongji Botanical Garden.

Chuncheon is easily accessible from Seoul by bus or train. The bus journey takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes from Central City Bus Terminal while trains take around 2 hours from Yongsan Station or Yongsan Express Bus Terminal Station. Once there, visitors can explore attractions such as Chuncheon Lake, Cheongpyeongsa Temple, Sokcho Fish Market, and Myeongji Botanical Garden. There are also plenty of outdoor activities such as cycling, hiking, fishing, skiing, and snowboarding to enjoy in Chuncheon.

Popular Tours Near Seoul

In addition to exploring the city’s many attractions on your own, there are some popular tours that you can take to get a deeper understanding of Seoul’s culture and history. Here are two popular tours that you might want to consider:

Full-Day Private Tour of Gangwon-Do Province

This full-day private tour takes you on a journey through some of Gangwon-do Province’s most iconic sights including Nami Island, Petite France Village in Gapyeong County, Seoraksan National Park in Sokcho City, Chuncheon Lake in Chuncheon City, Cheongpyeongsa Temple in Gapyeong County, Myeongji Botanical Garden in Chuncheon City, Sokcho Fish Market in Sokcho City, Yangyang Lavender Farm in Goseong County, Virgin Mary Statue in Inje County, and Jeongdongjin Beach in Gangneung City.

You’ll be able to explore these iconic sights at your own pace with an experienced guide who will provide you with fascinating insights into each location along the way. This tour promises to be an exciting adventure with plenty of photo opportunities along the way! To book this tour click here.

Seoul City Tour with Museum Visit

This full-day tour takes you on an exciting journey through some of Seoul’s most iconic sights including Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace & Secret Garden, Jongmyo Shrine & Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty, Bukchon Hanok Village & Insadong Antique Shopping District, Namsan Park & N Seoul Tower Observatory Deck Visit with cable car ride up & down Namsan Mountain (tickets included), and the National Folk Museum of Korea (tickets included).

You’ll be able to explore each location at your own pace with an experienced guide who will provide you with fascinating insights into each location along the way. This tour promises to be an unforgettable experience with plenty of opportunities for photo taking along the way! To book this tour click here.

Conclusion

These are just some of the many places you can visit near Seoul – there’s so much more to explore! Whether you’re looking for cultural experiences or outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone near this fascinating city. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty, Seoul promises to be an unforgettable experience!