Seoul Weekend Getaways

Last year while living in Seoul, we were constantly searching for things to do just to get out of town. Seoul has a lot to offer, but it is still good to leave the big city every once in a while and explore the rest of the country. Though we are no longer living in Seoul, we thought we’d share some ideas for weekend getaways for people feeling the need to escape the city.

Leaving the city is quite simple via the extensive bus and train systems in place throughout the country. If navigating is still a bit of a problem for you, be sure to check out our guide to traveling around Korea. We outline some of the most used websites for booking bus and train tickets making your weekend getaway from the capital totally possible!

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How to Get Out and Explore Rural Korea

1. Ganghwado Island

This fortress island is located at the mouth of the Hangang River and therefore had strategic positioning in protecting Korea from invasions. The historical importance of the island is still visible today as many defensive posts and fortresses can be seen around the island.

Besides the many historical sites to see, you can also go check out the mudflats along the coastline. Digging for clams or just spending the afternoon getting dirty is a lot of fun. Ferries to the smaller islands run daily and you can a trip out to the famous Bomunsa Temple. In mid to late April, be sure to hike up Goryeosan Mountain to see the mountainside covered in pink azaleas.

Ganghwado Island Guide

Getting to Ganghwado

2. Andong

Andong is known as “The Most Traditional City in Korea” and is a great place to go for a weekend away. It was the home of many nobles from the Joseon Dynasty and their houses are still there today. Some of these hanok homes have been converted into guesthouses that are great during the winter as the ondol floor heating keeps you nice and toasty throughout the night.

During the day, explore the Hahoe traditional folk village, stroll around Bongjeongsa Temple, or chow down on ungodly amounts of Andong jjimdalk and Andong soju (a strong 45% alcohol content). If you are going in the fall, be sure to check out the Andong Maskdance Festival where you can experience part of Korea’s heritage and even get dance lessons yourself!

More of Andong

Getting to Andong

3. Muuido

Northwest Korea isn’t really known for having the best beaches. Most are really just muddy tidal flats that aren’t the best places for swimming or sunbathing. However, Muuido Island off of Incheon, has a sandy beach that is a perfect summer destination.

Explore the island by walking the along one of the many coastal trails which offer incredible views of the sea. There are also a few easy mountains on the small island that will give you 360 degree views. However, it’s the island’s two beaches that make Muuido worth the trip. Silmi Beach is reachable by foot from the ferry terminal. During low tide, there is a small island that you can easily walk across to. Hanagae Beach is a bit further away, but offers many beach huts for rent along its beautiful sandy shores.

Exploring Muuido Island

Getting to Muuido

4. Yongpyong

During the winter it’s hard to get yourself to go outside when it is so cold. But why not embrace the elements and go skiing or snowboarding at one of the resorts nearby? The resorts offer clothing rentals if you don’t have your own gear and Yongpyong resort offers instructional classes in English.

At most of the resorts, there are plenty of other activities to do instead of hitting the slopes. Go hiking in the snow off one of the smaller peaks, High 1 resort has a casino, and Pyeongchang has an indoor waterpark and spa.

A Guide to Skiing in South Korea

Let's Go To... Yongpyong Ski Resort!

Getting to Yeongpyeong

5. Danyang

Wanting rolling hills, national parks, winding rivers and unique temples? Consider a trip to Danyang! One of our favorite weekend trips was to the Chungcheongbukdo province where we spent the Chuseok holiday camping along the river, fishing, and exploring the surrounding area. What's not to love in a place that has so much to offer?!

For more information about the area, be sure to check out our guides and video from our time there!

Guinsa: Korea's Most Unique Temple

Our Chuseok Trip Video to Danyang

6. Jeonju

Are you looking for a weekend destination that is cultural but not in the middle of rural Korea? Jeonju is the perfect place for you! The Jeonju Hanok Village located in the middle of the city gives you a peek into very historical Korean hanok houses with loads of modern restaurants and shopping thrown into the mix! Seriously, this place has something for everyone and as it is only a couple of hours away on the high speed KTX train, it is the perfect place to spend a weekend away from the overcrowded capital.

For more information about this amazing village with details of what to expect and where to stay, check out our guides below! We highly recommend booking marking them for later if you have Jeonju as a destination for your upcoming getaway.

Why You Need To Go To Jeonju NOW

Jeonju Rooftop Hanok Guesthouse

Our Jeonju Weekend Getaway Video

Let's Go To.. Jeonju's Deokjin Park!

7. Southern Coast Beaches

For warmer waters and sunshine, you simply can't beat going to Korea's southern beaches. The waters are bluer down south and the coastlines are sandier. On most of our free weekends, you could find us camping along the tree lines overlooking stretches of sand all over Korea's southern coast. If you are feeling the heat and are in need of some relief, there really isn't a better place to find it! Most places are about a three hour high speed KTX train ride away from Seoul, so not too bad at all!

Be sure to check out our favorite beaches in the Jeollanamdo Province to find your perfect getaway beach.

Best Beaches in Jeollanamdo

Gosapo Beach

8. Damyang

Damyang is such a lush and green city and with it only being a two and a half hour journey on the high speed KTX train away from Seoul, it is a great choice for a day trip or weekend getaway. Damyang is famous for its bamboo forest, metasequoia avenue, historical gardens, and so much more! While living in major cities can be endlessly exciting and full of opportunity, we found ourselves longing for natural beauty that is often far away from heavily populated areas.

Check out our guide to Damyang below for more information and ideas for your next trip there!

Off the Beaten Path - Damyang

9. Yeosu

Our home for four years, we can't say enough good things about Yeosu! We also have a TON of information we've written about for this city, so planning your weekend getaway here should be a breeze. The stunning coastline is the biggest draw of this southern city in Korea and with loads of hikes, cable cars, and beaches, you're sure to have plenty of opportunities to enjoy it. Yeosu is best to visit spring through fall as the city really comes to life in the colorful seasons. There is no snow in the winter, but the wind can be a bit brutal so keep that in mind if you are planning your trip December - mid March.

Check out our guides and video tours of the coastal city of Yeosu. Be sure to check out our YouTube Channel for more Korea content and subscribe, like, and SHARE! We really appreciate it.

Yeosu City Guides

Yeosu Island Hopping Guides

Yeosu Tour Video

10. Hadong

One of our favorite getaways from city life, Hadong will be sure to relax you with some actual peace and quiet. Seoul can be an overwhelming city, so if you need a break from the crowds, consider making Hadong your next weekend getaway destination. There is so much to see and do here as this mountain town is nestled in the fertile valleys surrounding the Jirisan mountain range. Here they plant expansive rice fields, fruiting trees by the hundreds, and tea fields. If the agriculture and gorgeous flowering trees don't draw you in, the hiking opportunities are sure to!

Check out our guide to all the surprising things to see and do in Hadong, South Korea.

Off the Beaten Path - Hadong, South Korea

What about you? What are some of your favorite weekend getaways from the city? We love hearing from you in the comment section 

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