Cecelia ChangWinter in Seoul doesn’t mean staying indoors. Thanks to efficient trains and buses, it’s easy to head out on a day trip and experience snow-dusted landscapes, cosy cafés, and crisp coastal views. Yes, all without needing a car! We’ll be sharing five easy day trips from Seoul you can take. And these destinations are especially rewarding during the colder months.
Also read: 12 Best Day Trips From Seoul & How to Get There
Day trips from Seoul to take in the winter
Chuncheon
Chuncheon is best known as the birthplace of dakgalbi, the spicy stir-fried chicken dish that has become a Korean classic. Winter is an especially good time to visit, when cold weather makes sizzling dakgalbi even more satisfying.
Beyond food, the city’s lakes and rivers take on a quiet, misty beauty, and scenic rail journeys into Chuncheon feel like part of the experience.
Getting there: ITX-Cheongchun train from Yongsan or Cheongnyangni Station (around 1–1.5 hours).
Hongcheon
Hongcheon comes alive in winter with seasonal attractions and snowy landscapes. Each year, the area hosts the well-known Ggong Ggong Ice Fishing Festival, where visitors can try ice fishing on frozen rivers.
Nearby, Vivaldi Park draws skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Meanwhile, Alpaca World offers a gentler winter outing, with alpacas roaming snowy fields — a hit with families and first-time visitors.
Getting there: Intercity bus from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal (about 1.5–2 hours).
Nami Island
Image credit: tawatchaiprakobkit from Getty Images
In winter, Nami Island transforms into a serene snowscape, with bare tree-lined paths and occasional snowfall creating a calm, storybook atmosphere. Fewer crowds make it easier to explore at a relaxed pace.
Getting there: ITX-Cheongchun train to Gapyeong Station, followed by a short ferry ride.
Gangneung
Image credit: unsan from pixabay
Gangneung offers a different take on winter with cool sea breezes, quiet beaches, and a thriving café scene. It’s perfect for travellers who want coastal views without the summer crowds.
Getting there: KTX from Seoul Station to Gangneung Station (around 2 hours).
Sokcho
Sokcho is where mountains and sea meet, and winter sharpens that contrast. Fresh seafood, bustling markets, and snowy views near Seoraksan National Park. One highlight is Sokcho Eye, a seaside Ferris wheel offering panoramic views of the coast and snow-dusted hills. It’s especially striking in clear winter weather.
Getting there: Express or intercity bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal (around 2.5–3 hours).
Also read: My 3-Day Gangwon Winter Itinerary in Korea: Everything You Need to Know
From snowy countryside towns to calm winter coastlines, these destinations prove that some of the best day trips from Seoul are even better when the temperature drops. Which one of these places excites you the most?
