Top 10 Places to visit near Seoul

Top 10 Place to visit near Seoul

Suwon

Everland 

Korean Folk Village

Edelweiss Swiss Theme Park and Petite France

Muuido Island

Nami Island

Wolmi Park

Hot Springs in Ansan

Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village and Sinpo International Market

Ganghwado Island

Seoul is not the only place you can go to South Korea, there are many places to visit that are amazing places to take day trips to on the weekends. You can go visit multiple different islands on the west coast that have beautiful beaches. Many of them are only a few hours away from Seoul and some are right next to Incheon airport. If you want to experience mudflats the fifth-largest mudflat in the world is in this area. You also can visit beautiful spots in nature on these islands. 

Another popular thing to visit is the hot springs. The best area to go is Ansan which is about an hour away from Seoul. These are different from Jjimjilbangs and many people go to heal and recover. There are a variety of different hot spring spots in Ansan and you need to figure out which one is best for your budget. If you want to have a day learning about how people lived before the 20th century you should also visit the Korean Folk Village in Suwon. This is also close to the fortress in Suwon so you can make an awesome day trip out of it.

If you love fairy tales you will love to go see Fairy Tale village in Incheon and its one of the best places to get awesome pictures. There is also a market nearby as well as a theme park and a nature park. You can make a great day out of exploring this area as it is close to Incheon airport. You can do this during the beginning or end of your stay to make the most of your time.

Those who are adventure seekers should go to Everland, this theme park is like Lotte World but is in a very scenic area and is outdoors. You can easily spend all day here and want to return for more. There are also themed villages close to Seoul, the top two to see are the Edelweiss Swiss Theme Park and Petite France. They are also super close to each other so you can make a day trip to go see them. Each offers a different experience and are great for those who are on a budget.

By Marissa Owens, Intern Editor

Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa, USA

mowens3107@outlook.com

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Go beyond your 42SHARE Home

Common let's have fun!! 

Want to let out your inner child spirit? or just want to disconnect from your daily routine either as a student or work (anything you are doing in Seoul lol)? well read the following list of places we recommend you to visit at least once in your lifetime for an memorable time!! 

Lotte World 

If you haven't heard of this place before, Lotte world is a theme park operated by Lotte Group. This place is perfect for entertainment and sightseeing, in there you will find thrilling rides, ice rink, various parades, folk museum, a lake, accommodations, department stores and a lot more!! 

Keep in mind that Lotte World is divided into Lotte World Adventure, a world themed indoor area, and a Magic Island theme outdoors by Seokchonhosu Lake. The Lotte World Adventure is the largest indoor amusement park in the world! At the Folk Museum you will be able to observe cultural items on display dating back 5,000 years in Korean history. As well as miniature villages and a playground. Also depending on the season, at the Lotte World Garden Stage there will be various themed musicals and if you are into K-pop you will want to go to Lotte World Star Avenue!!  

For more information, visit their Official Website!! 

Nami Island 

We talked about Nami Island before in our blog post about "Stay in Korea for the Winter" however we didn't go in further detail about the history. Namiseom Island was formed as a result of the construction of Cheongpyeong Dam. It is a half moon-shaped isle, and on it is the grave of General Nami, who led a great victory against the rebels in the 13th year of the 7th king of the Joseon Dynasty, King Sejo (reign 1455 - 1468). Namsiseom Island is located out of Seoul but it's only an hour away and you can take the subway with no problem!!  

In the middle of Nami Island you will see a big grass field of about 316,320 square yards, which features education and training facilities as well as camping sites. If you are into water-sports, there are a lot of activities you can do there such as zip lining into the water, motorboats and water skiing. There is also a theme park with a merry-go-around, shooting range, and a roller skating rink. There are also accommodation for visitors to stay at such as resort villas and bungalows.

For more information click HERE! 

Everland 

Another popular theme park is Everland Resort!! However it is further away from the center of Seoul compared to Lotte World. Part of the entertainment includes various rides, festivals, theme areas, and a Zootopia!! The diverse attractions are available to enjoy with no age limits, and there are different themed festivals including Tulip Festival, Rose Festival, Summer Splash, Halloween Festival, Romantic Illumination, and much more!! 

Two of the most popular rides of the park is T-Express and Korea's first wooden roller coaster. Their Zootopia is a must-see by many since it exhibits 2,000 animals of 201 species. Lost Valley opened in 2013 and features the largest ecological safari world and offers a tour by amphibious car to see 150 animals of 20 species. A pair of giant pandas given from the Chinese President Xi Jinping as a symbol of friendship between Korea and China can also be seen at the Panda World. 

For more information, visit their Official Website!!

Trick Eye Museum 

Like Magic and Illusions?? well say no more and visit the Trick Eye Museum!! The Trick Eye Museum has other businesses around the world, is a "one of kind" painting gallery which combines art with high-end techonology featuring AR (Augmented Reality) effect and 2D/3D illusions. Within the Museum there is an Ice Museum which is filled with objects that are fully made out of ice, such as iced TV, ice kitchen, ice slope, etc. You don't need to purchase an additional ticket for the Ice museum, with one you can enjoy both!! 

A great part about this museum is that it stays open everyday from 9 am to 9 pm (last admission by 8 pm), making it popular among couples and tourists!! Outside of the museum you will see a statue which is seen as a landmark to find the Trick Eye Museum!! 

For more information, visit their Official Website!! 

We hope you found this information helpful and get the chance to visit any or all of these locations!! We are sure it will be a memorable experience for you, remember to read our other blog posts about living in Korea!! 

Stay in Korea for the Spring 2020

Come to Korea in the Spring!! 

Spring is one of South Korea's seasons that don't last long but is a beautiful and romantic time to be in as well!! Usually Spring last from mid March to May and every year you will witness beautiful cherry blossoms (usually beginning of April). Because of the Cherry Blossoms there are various seasonal items and perfect locations to take the perfect picture!!

Flower Festivals ONLY in the Spring

Cherry Blossoms are everywhere in South Korea during the Spring, but unfortunantly they don't last long so here is a list of places we recommend for you to go if you want to capture the perfect Instagram picture or your new profile pic!! Also keep in mind that most of the dates are to be determined (TBD) due to we can't know when the cherry blossoms will show.  

The Apricot Blossom Festival (Gwangyang Maehwa) 

Dates for 2020: First half of March TBD  

Once a year since 1997, the celebrations of this festival are specified on the Apricot fruit and its products. This festival takes place in Maehwa, a village in South Jeolla region and Maehwa in Korean translates to apricot due to the popularity. The scenery is beautiful and with the Baegunsan Mountain located near the acres of apricots, creates a romantic view!! 

Visit this Website for more information!

Yeouido Spring Flower Festival

Dates for 2020: Usually April 7 on wards, but depends on cherry blossom blooming 

Every April at this festival you will experience cultural street performances and be able to enjoy a stroll through the Cherry Blossom tunnel!! Also the Hangang River is there too so you may want to enjoy a picnic there and do the classical thing of eating chicken and beer or ramen and enjoying the view. 

Visit this Website for more information!

Seokchonhosu Lake Cherry Blossom Festival 

Dates for 2020: 04.5 - mid-April

Another great place for Cherry Blossom is Seokchon lake as there are trees lined up around the entire lake! Besides of taking your pictures and enjoying the view, you can also enjoy many activities, exhibitions and cultural performances as well. 

Visit this Website for more information!


Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival 

Dates for 2020: Average March 24 TBD 

Want to go to the great island? There are plenty of beautiful Cherry Blossoms in Jeju!! At the Jeju the cherry blossoms there are considered the King Cherry Tree Blossoms since they are the largest and most luxurious among all cherry blossoms. Keep in mind tho that the full blooming of these trees only last for about 2 to 3 days!! All the other trees will continue to blossom from late March to the second week of April. 

Visit this Website for more information!

Jinhae Gunhangje Festival

Dates for 2020: Average first week of April TBD 

This festival is held in the area of Jungwon Rotary and Downtown Jinhae with the blooming of cherry blossoms!! There are various programs such as a pre-event, cultural performances, military performances and more!!   

Visit this Website for more information!


Icheon's Baeksa Village Festival

Dates for 2020: Average first week of April TBD 

The Icheon's Baeksa Village is home to a number of "sansuyu" (cornus fruit) trees which have been growing there over 100 years!! Through each season the trees change colors but in early Spring they change to bright Yellow and in Autumn to vivid red fruits. Because of these amazing trees the festival is hosted to bring visitors and experience the gorgeous trees through Korean traditional folk games and a Sansuyu Flower Parade. We believe is one of the places you won't want to miss out!!  

Visit this Website for more information!

Cheongpungho Cherry Blossom Festival

Dates for 2020: Average first week of April TBD 

Another great place to experience the gorgeous Cherry Blossoms is at the Cheongpungho Cherry Blossom Festival!! The event is held at the Cheongpung lake area of Jecheon where you can experience various flowers besides the cherry blossoms such as the white cherry trees, forysthia and azalea. Also there will be exhibitions, performances, bungee jumping by the lake, and many water sports!! Great way to enjoy your spring vacation!! 

Visit this Website for more information!

Taean Tulip Festival

Dates for 2020: Average second week of April 'till March TBD 

Want to see other kind of flowers besides Cherry Blossoms!? well check out this great event where is located at the Korea Flower Park in thhe Chungcheongnam-do Province. The Park is purposely designed for this festival and is considered in the TOP 5 by the World Tulip Summit!! There will also be ceremonies, singers and cultural art performances, animal feeding experiences and a firework show!! A lot more too!! 

Visit this Website for more information!

Learn more about Culture and Arts!!

If you want to learn more about South Korean culture and the history of arts in this great country, you will want to schedule to experience one of these amazing festivals ONLY during Spring!!

Jeju Fire Festival

Dates for 2020: Average Beginning of March TBD 

Yes FIRE!!! this festival is held in order to pray for a good harvest and good health in the new year in accordance to the lunar calendar. At the event visitors will be able to experience various folk games, hands-on programs and a beautiful natural environment of Jeju Island!! Don't worry the festival is completely safe and monitored.

Visit their Official Website for more information!

Yeongam Wangin Culture Festival

Dates for 2020: Average Early April TBD 

The history behind this festival is that it celebrates the greatest achievements of Korea's Dr. Wangin who travelled to Japan over 1,600 years ago to spread cultural and art knowledge. Dr. Wangin's teachings includes the Thousand-Character Text (a primer of Chinese Characters) and the Analects (Discourses) of Confucius. The festival takes place at the Historical Site of Dr. Wangin and Sangdaepo Historic Park. There will be various performances and cultural exhibitions!!! 

Visit this Website for more information!

Goryeong Daegaya Experience Festival

Dates for 2020: Average Second week of April TBD 

Daegaya (AD 42-562) was a nation that inhabited the Korean Peninsula around the 4th Century. Daegaya nation was sophisticated and held extremely high standards of culture. They created the Gayageum (the twelve-stringed traditional Korean harp) which became a large role of establishing the culture of music. Therefore the nation is thought to be a powerful force in the area (now gyeongsangnam-do) and to have influence on the wider world. At the festival you will be immersed into the ancient history of Korea's Daegaya since there are interactive programs with relic exhibitions, wooden boat-making "mokseons" (which were used to trade with other societies) and much more!! Nearby the festival there is a Farming Village where you can go pick strawberries and experience the Korean Farming Lifestyle!! 

Visit this Website for more information!

Mungyeong Traditional Chasabal Festival

Dates for 2020: Average last week of April to May TBD

Do you enjoy Ceramics!? Come to the Mungyeong Traditional Chasabal Festival which takes place at Mungyeongsaejae Open Set in Gyeongsangbuk-do an area famous for traditional ceramics!! The event has been occurring since 1999 and has become a premier festival recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports & Tourism! If you come you will be able to join in a traditional tea ceremony and pottery-making programs which are operated by local artisans and won't mind to help you out! 

Visit this Website for more information!


Daegu Yangnyeongsi Herb Medicine Culture Festival

Dates for 2020: Average beginning of May TBD

Interested in Herbs!? This event is a tradition that goes back to 350 years ago since it was an international market where herbal medicines from China, Russia, Europe, and many other regions were sold! The festival displays medicinal herbs found in Korea's mountains and offers visitors an opportunity to experience a wide range of relaxing and curative traditional medicinal procedures. This is great for those who are really interested in Korea's medicinal herbs as well as the sciences and traditions of Asia. 

Visit their Official Website for more information!

We hope that you find this information useful and be able to visit any of these events in Korea!! Remember to check out our other blog posts about living in Korea!!