A weekend trip around the Seoul metropolitan area lets you enjoy nature, history, and food all within a 1 to 2 hour drive from the city. Pick a course by theme and every weekend feels different.
Nature — Gapyeong
Gapyeong pairs a Cheongpyeong lakeside drive with cozy cafes. Walk the lakeside path or add Nami Island (paid entry); spring and autumn offer the best photo spots.
History — Suwon Hwaseong
Suwon Hwaseong, a UNESCO World Heritage fortress, lets you walk the walls over a blend of old and new cityscape. Weekends often have the Hwaseong Cultural Festival and traditional performances, and you can add hanbok rental, Haenggung Palace, and the local fried-chicken alley.
Other themes
- Family: Everland in Yongin
- Food and cafes: Heyri Art Village in Paju
- Global vibe: Incheon Chinatown
To dodge weekend traffic, set off early in the morning.
Full guide with picks by theme, departure timing, and seasonal packing