So, you are achieved with dynamic Seoul?

You are completed with its high vogue. You are by way of with its cutting-edge expertise. You may’t hear to a different Okay-pop beat.

Nicely, you are in luck. Lower than two hours away from the capital’s historical palaces and timeless temples are some tremendous day trips. From studying about Joseon historical past to visiting the DMZ, the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea, these are our favorites.

1. The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)

Sitting between Seoul and North Korea, Paju is the closest metropolis to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that divides the Korean peninsula. At Panmunjom and the Joint Safety Space (JSA), North and South Korean troopers face one another throughout the army demarcation line. The environment is noticeably tense at this traditionally vital spot, the place necessary occasions such because the signing of the Korean Armistice Settlement passed off.

For the reason that finish of the Korean Struggle in 1953, authorities have uncovered 4 unfinished tunnels that North Korea constructed into South Korea. Three are actually accessible to guests on guided excursions. The third tunnel is especially fashionable and barely unnerving due to its proximity to Seoul – it finishes simply 52km (32 miles) away from the capital. Situated 7km (Four miles) from the army demarcation line, Imjingak park acts as a gesture of hope for unification. In-built 1972, it has many relics from the battle on show, together with tanks and a destroyed practice.

For those who be a part of a DMZ tour, you can go to the Dora Observatory, which gives clear views of North Korea, together with the town of Kaesong and the settlement of Gijeong-dong. The nickname of the latter, “propaganda village,” comes from claims that the pristine-appearing settlement is definitely uninhabited, apart from a handful of caretakers who sometimes flick lights on and off to simulate indicators of life. Many imagine it exists merely to encourage South Koreans to defect for a “higher life” throughout the border.

Close to the observatory is Dorasan Station, the northernmost station on South Korea’s rail community. To go to the DMZ (together with Panmunjom and infiltration tunnels), you should be a part of an official guided tour with an accompanying army escort, however you’ll be able to go to Imjingak independently.

Easy methods to get to the DMZ from Seoul: Paju is 33km (20 miles) northwest of Seoul, and it is simply accessible by practice from Yongsan Station, with a journey time of 1 hour. Buses additionally run to Paju from Seoul’s northwestern districts.

2. Suwon

The capital and largest metropolis of Seoul’s surrounding Gyeonggi Province, Suwon is a well-liked day journey for its historic and cultural heritage websites. The huge Hwaseong Fortress has partitions that stretch for over 5.5km (3.5 miles) with 4 fundamental gates, together with Janganmun, the most important gateway in Korea. With scenic views and a wealthy historical past, this UNESCO World Heritage web site is a must-visit.

Hidden inside the fortress partitions are Haenggung Palace and the royal residential quarters. They have been as soon as utilized by royalty as a short lived dwelling whereas touring on royal enterprise. Although the Japanese colonial occupation destroyed a lot of the location, restorers have largely rebuilt it, providing a captivating window into previous royal life.

Feeling hungry? Suwon is known for its beef, and the native galbi (marinated ribs) are a must-try for carnivores. Kabojung is without doubt one of the best spots to pattern galbi – the federal government has acknowledged the proprietor as a Korean Meals Grand Grasp. Near Suwon Metropolis Corridor station, Yuchi Hwoegwan serves up a celebrated haejangguk (hangover stew), chock stuffed with beef, cabbage, scallions and extra. This nutrient-rich soup is ideal after an enormous night time out.

Easy methods to get to Suwon: Suwon is 31km (19 miles) south of Seoul. Trains run frequently between Seoul’s Yongsan Station and Suwon Station, and the journey takes slightly below one hour.

3. Ganghwa-do 

About 50km (31 miles) northwest of Seoul, Ganghwa-do is technically part of Incheon Metropolis, and as Korea’s fourth-largest island, this scenic spot gives lots to see. It has additionally served because the setting for a lot of of Korea’s most necessary historic occasions.

Within the southern a part of the island. Jeondeung-sa has the excellence of being Korea’s oldest Buddhist temple, courting again to 381 CE. The temple grounds sit inside the historical Samnang Fortress, and the scenic environment current picture-perfect views in all seasons. These curious about a extra immersive expertise can join a Templestay program.

It is a reasonable hike up some steep steps to achieve the summit of 469m (1538ft) Mani-san, Ganghwa-do’s highest peak, however the surrounding views are memorable. On the high is a sacred altar referred to as Chamseongdan that Dangun, the legendary founding father of Korea, is claimed to have used. One other sacred spot on the island is the gorgeous Jeokseok-sa Buddhist temple on the western facet of Mt Goryeo-san.

If all that hilltop mountain climbing wears you out, head to the Toga restaurant within the village of Heungwang-ri (near the slopes of Mani-san) for a hearty bowl of tofu and salted shrimp stew, made with the island’s well-known tiny shrimp. The selfmade tofu is available in a milky white broth that is solely calmly seasoned by the shrimp however nonetheless deep in taste. 

Easy methods to get to Ganghwa-do: Ganghwa-do is about 50km (31 miles) northwest of Seoul. Buses run from Seoul’s Hapjeong Station within the west of the town to Ganghwa Terminal in slightly below two hours.

4. Chuncheon

The capital of Gangwon Province, Chuncheon – with its surrounding rivers and hills – is a high vacation spot for nature lovers and out of doors exercise fanatics. Namiseom Island within the Bukhan River has turn into famed for its majestic bushes and scenic views. It additionally has cafes, vacationer retailers, a small museum and a gallery, and you may discover on foot or lease a motorbike. To succeed in the island, catch the ferry, or take the zip wire should you’re feeling adventurous. 

In summer season, Chuncheon and the encircling areas are nice locations to attempt water sports activities corresponding to waterskiing, kayaking and rafting. There are numerous water sports activities facilities alongside the Bukhan River. Korea’s largest synthetic lake, Soyang Lake, is fashionable for its scenic trails and fairly roads; you may also journey to a number of cities throughout the lake by ferry.

With regards to meals, Chuncheon has a complete alley of eating places devoted to dakgalbi, a well-liked dish of rooster marinated in a gochujang-based (purple pepper paste) sauce and cooked with greens in an enormous pan. You may eat the stir-fried rooster in lettuce wraps or by itself.

Easy methods to get to Chuncheon: Chuncheon is 75km (46 miles) northeast of Seoul and is accessible by direct bus from Seoul’s Dong Seoul Terminal in a bit of over an hour, or by practice from Cheongnyangni Station in slightly below two hours.

5. Busan

Regardless of its location on the alternative facet of the nation, vacationers can attain the coastal city of Busan from Seoul in 2 hours and 15 minutes by practice. It makes for a improbable (although considerably lengthy) day journey or – higher nonetheless, a extra leisurely weekend break from the capital.

Mountains, a scenic shoreline, nice avenue meals and a cosmopolitan vibe make Busan, the nation’s second-largest metropolis, one in every of South Korea’s most pleasant cities to hang around in. Its high attraction is the atmospheric, waterside Jagalchi Fish Market, the place you should purchase and eat a few of Korea’s freshest seafood. 

Different highlights embody the wonderful golden sands of Haeundae Seashore and the Busan Cinema Heart, an architecturally dazzling construction with the largest out of doors display screen within the nation. We additionally suggest strolling the lanes of Gamcheon Tradition Village, sampling the native bingsu (flavored shaved ice), and knocking again photographs of potent soju (Korea’s favourite spirit) in a tent bar.

Easy methods to get to Busan: Busan is on the southeastern coast of South Korea, 325km (202 miles) away from Seoul. Direct high-speed trains run from Seoul to Busan, connecting the 2 cities in as little as two and a half hours.