10 Best Weekend Getaway Near Seoul, South Korea

A 600 old city, Seoul is now the capital of South Korea. It is a typical metropolitan city with a number of skyscrapers throughout the city. This capital city is also home to Buddhism culture; hence there are so many ancient Buddhist temples in Seoul that were built during the medieval period. If you are looking for a place near Seoul to spend the adventurous weekend with your friends on the hilltop or on an island, you will get various options. There are countless temples in Seoul that remain crowded with senior citizens as they came here for eternal peace. We have formulated a list of top 10 weekend getaways near Seoul that you can visit on your upcoming holidays. There is Gyeongbokgung Palace, N Seoul Tower, Dongdaemun Design Plaza, or Myeong-dong in downtown Seoul that you can visit all in a day. Moreover, other places that we have mentioned in the list are also 1-2 hour distance. Hence no need to plan a long weekend to these places as you can cover all the attractions nearby the listed places on short weekends.

List of Famous Weekend Places near Seoul 

1. Muuido

Muuido is a small island near Incheon International Airport that is quite popular among Seoulian for a short vacation as the place is surrounded by a water body which makes this a perfect place near Seoul to visit in summer. Whether walking around the island or having a dip in the Silmi Beach with your partner, everything in Muuido is excellent fun. Apart from the local sightseeing, you can also enjoy authentic seafood in Muuido. Food lovers can head to Kemuri wharf and hop to any local restaurant to try some delicious seafood like BBQ prawns, mollusks, or mussels. 

Distance From Seoul: 53.3 km

Top Attractions: Hanagae Beach, Silmi beach, Silmido Island, So-Muuido

Read More: Things to Buy in Seoul

2. Nami Island

Nami Island is a moon-shaped island in Gangwon Province, South Korea that is very popular among visitors all over the world. If you want to spend a peaceful weekend near Seoul, you can plan to visit Nami Island. Wherever you go, you will find long Tree-lined paths everywhere, whether it is the Ginkgo Tree Lane, Central Korean Pine Tree Lane, or Metasequoia Lane. These three lanes are also perfect for capturing nature-centric pictures. Nami Island is also popular among couples for pre-wedding photography as the long stretch of road covered with trees gives you enough location to capture the beauty of nature. Apart From this, you can click pictures with Superstar Ostrich in Central Korean Pine Tree Lane or can enjoy cycling on these pathways. 

Address: 1 Namisum-Gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-Do, South Korea

Distance From Seoul: 54.2 km

3. Andong

Andong is a South Korean city, and the capital of  North Gyeongsang is famous for its culture and folk traditions. Every couple of miles, you will get to see a Buddhist temple with bhikkhu chanting prayers. If you are fortunate enough then you will get a chance to enjoy the celebration at the Andong MDanceance Festival that is held in September or October every year. In your spare time, you can either visit Bongjeongsa Temple to gather some spirituality or Byeongsan Seowon to learn about the culture and traditions of Andong people. Drinkers can try the traditional drink soju as this is served with every meal here. 

Distance From Seoul: 191 Km

Top Attractions:  Bongjeongsa Temple, Hahoe Mask Museum, Andong Hahoe Folk Village 

4. Boseong (Boseong-gun)

Boseong is a beautiful city in South Jeolla Province of South Korea that is famous for its sprawling tea gardens. You will get to see the massive greenery of the tea garden by clicking Instagram-worthy pictures. If you have a keen interest in visiting beaches then head to Yulpo Beach and soak up some sunlight. Apart from this, Cheam-san, Illim-san, Jameson Natural Recreational Forest are some scenic locations in Boseong offering aquatic sports for thrill lovers. Boseong is located around 300 kilometers from Seoul; hence this is a perfect destination for a short weekend trip near Seoul. Moreover, to 9immerse into the spiritual vibe of Seoul, you can head to the Daewonsa Temple and spend some time with a Buddhist priest. 

Distance From Seoul: 311 Km

Top Attractions: Daehan Dawon Green Tea Farm, Illim-san, Cheam-san, Jamsan Natural Recreational Forest

Read more: Foods to Eat in Seoul

5. Namhae-gun

Namhae-gun is another island on the south coast of Korea that is famous for its aquatic scenic views. Here you will get plenty of rice terraces and beaches on the coastline where you will only see native peoples. These locations in Seoul are distinct from the city hence people are not aware of these places. Artisans can explore the art village that exhibits some beautiful paintings of ancient times. The sweeping ocean views and an array of mini islands are enough to capture the attention of the visitors to Namhae-gun island. Here you will get the best view of the natural beauty and cultural sites.

Distance From Seoul: 314 Km

Top Attractions: Darangee Village, Boriam Temple, Seomi Garden, Hallyeohaesang National Park, Namhae Cypress Natural Recreation Forest

6. Jeju Island

Jeju Island in South Korea is a beautiful place to plan an adventurous trip with your colleagues or friends. The delightful view of Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls has definitely created a mesmerizing view for the viewers. Teddy lovers can visit the teddy bear museum, where they will get to see a variety of old teddy bears preserved from ancient times. Moreover, Jeju Folk Village and Osulloc Tea Garden & Museum beautifully show the history and culture of Jeju Island. There are so many caves and cliff points on Jeju Island that are ideal for sportspeople to enjoy adventurous activities. 

Distance From Seoul: 454 Km

Top Attractions: Crater Lake, Seonim Bridge, Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls, Seongsan Ilchulbong, Manjanggul Cave, Jeongbang Waterfall, Jungmun Saekdal Beach, Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff,  Teddy Bear Museum, Love Land 

7. Busan

Busan is the second-largest city in South Korea and a very popular tourist destination in Seoul for both locals and globetrotters. Busan has many places, from mountains to beaches and temples to kid-friendly spots to keep people busy. Haeundae Beach here is the longest beach with a 1.5-kilometer stretch that features fishing, swimming and offers you an opportunity for unlimited fun. You can enjoy various festivals here under the panoramic skyline views. Also, you will see Sea Life Aquarium with various aquatic creatures swimming around in the aquarium. Moreover, on Gwangalli Beach, you will find an array of bars and pubs under the modern Diamond Bridge. Beomeosa Temple in Busan is another tourist destination founded by a Buddhist shrine in 678 A.D. It is located beneath the Geumjeong Mountain hiking trails. 

Distance From Seoul: 325 Km

Top Attractions: Haeundae Beach, Gwangalli Beach, Jagalchi Market, Taejongdae Resort Park, Sea Life Busan Aquarium, Beomeosa, Gwangan Bridge, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Read More: Beaches Near Seoul

8. Ganghwa Island

Ganghwa Island, also known as Ganghwado among natives of South Korea and this island is an estuary of the Han River. It is in the Yellow Sea on the west coast of Korea. Ganghwa Island is counted among the great weekend getaway near Seoul as there is a range of temples, royal headstones, mountains, and mudflats to explore. Art lovers can hop to the Hayden Museum of Art to check out contemporary paintings done by experienced artisans. 

Distance From Seoul: 49 Km

Top Attractions: Haeden Museum of Art, Ganghwa Anglican Church of Korea & Yongheunggung Palace, Huae Dondae, Royal Dog Mural.

9. Pocheon-si

On the northeast of Gyeonggi province, there is Pocheon city that covers a vast landmark on the counterpart. This is a gorgeous mountain area with massive greenery all around the mountains. Heading to Pocheon-si for vacation on the weekend is the best way to get rid of the tiredness of your all week. This is one hour away from downtown, hence a perfect destination to plan a short trip with friends or family. There you can visit a beautiful rock quarry, penis restaurant or an amusement park. Yes, you read it right. There is penis themed park and restaurant that serves delicious food. If you are looking for a bit of naughty fun, then you will definitely like this palace. 

Distance From Seoul: 41.4 Km

Top Attractions: Pocheon Herb Island, Gwangneung Arboretum, Soyosan, Unaksan, Sansan Lake, Pocheon Art Valley 

10. Daegu

Daegu is a place in South Korea with a gamut of electronic industries till the 1980s. This place is located in central South Koreahence easy to reach from everywhere in the country. Daegu is the prime destination for adventure lovers as there are multiple points where you will get ziplining, hiking trails, cable car rides, and cycling. Apart from that, the fantastic view of mountains and the ambiance of hanok village is genuinely unbelievable. During your visit, it is necessary to spend some time in Gyeongsang Gimnyeong Park as it is the residence of an early-20th-century governor. Apart from this, Daegu National Museum exhibits ancient pottery and Buddhist relics from the 19th century.

Distance From Seoul: 237 Km

Top Attractions: Apsan Park, Seomun Market, Donghwasa temple, Daegu Arboretum, Palgongsan mountain

Read More: Why is Seoul Famous ?

These are just a few places where you can head for a short vacation near Seoul. Many such places are in the vicinity with amazing views to explore. If you are looking for something exhilarating, then you will find many outdoor activities to do at these places in Seoul. You can enjoy hiking in the mountains or spend quality time with nature in the recreational areas. There are various markets in Seoul where you can visit the shops at reasonable prices. I hope that this article will help you to search for a suitable place near Seoul for a weekend trip.

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