However, there are no fixed rules that a trip must start from Seoul. The route can depend on individual preferences, time available, and budget. Trips can be planned independently (THAILAND TEMPLES) or through organised tours, with stops along the way for Korean meals.
These destinations are popular tourist attractions, so crowds can be expected, including both international and local tourists (OSAKA, JAPAN).
Yongin (South of
Seoul)
Everland Theme Park
Everland Theme Park
can easily take between half a day and a full day. It is South Korea’s largest
theme park and one of the country’s most popular attractions. Originally known
as Yongin Farmland, Everland has developed into a large theme park with rides,
gardens, wildlife areas, seasonal events, and entertainment.
The entrance fee is approximately US$32 to US$47 per adult for a one-day ticket, depending on the visiting date.
Covering approximately 1.2 million square metres of land, much larger than Lotte World. Upon entering the park, clear signboards guide the way to the different themed areas. Cultural performances featuring colourful costumes may take place near the main entrance, alongside colourful decorations and themed architecture throughout the park.
Zoo Topia
One of Everland’s
unique features is Zoo Topia, an animal-themed area that combines a
safari-style ride with a theme park. The safari bus travels through the animal
enclosures, providing views of lions, tigers, bears, and other wildlife from
inside the vehicle. Some animals may come close to the bus, adding to the
excitement while remaining safely within the enclosures. Apart from the safari
ride, Zoo Topia also includes other wildlife exhibits and animal attractions.
Other Attractions in
Everland
Global Fair
The entrance area has
shops, restaurants, and visitor facilities.
European Adventure
This
European-inspired area has gardens, restaurants, and major rides. It is also
home to the famous T Express, one of South Korea’s well-known wooden roller
coasters.
Magic Land
A family-friendly
area with rides and attractions suitable for children.
American Adventure
An American-themed
area featuring various attractions, including thrill rides.
Seasonal Attractions
Everland also has
seasonal events throughout the year, with different decorations and activities
depending on the season. For example
Spring flower
festivals, especially tulips and roses
Summer water events
Autumn decorations
Winter lights and
Christmas celebrations
A visit to Everland involves a lot of walking, although resting areas are available for taking a break between attractions. With its combination of rides, wildlife areas, gardens, seasonal events, and entertainment, there is plenty to see and do within the park.
Korean Ginseng
Centres
A stop can be
included along the route from Yongin to the next destination at one of the
Korean ginseng processing centres. These centres provide an introduction to
Korean ginseng, from its cultivation over several years and traditional growing
methods to harvesting and processing.
Ginseng can be found in its raw form or made into products such as dried ginseng, ginseng tea, extracts, and other health-related products. Tasting ginseng tea may also be part of the visit, with various ginseng products available for purchase.
Traditional Kimchi
Cottage Industries
Likewise, while there
are kimchi-making centres operating on a larger scale, traditional kimchi
cottage industries continue to use traditional methods to prepare this iconic
Korean food. These places provide an opportunity to see different varieties of
kimchi, with some also allowing hands-on kimchi making.
Using traditional methods, kimchi is prepared through the selection of vegetables, seasoning, and fermentation. Some of these cottage industries also provide an opportunity to wear traditional Korean costumes and take photographs at no additional charge. Some are located in peaceful natural surroundings. Besides kimchi, other related products may also be available, with samples provided before purchase.
Gapyeong (East of
Seoul, Gyeonggi Province)
Petite France South
Korea
Petite France is a
French-themed cultural village in Gapyeong, designed to resemble a small
European village. From the main road, the colourful buildings can already be
seen. Walking up the slope leads to the village, with colourful buildings,
French-style architecture, narrow pathways, gardens, and a countryside setting
surrounded by nature.
The village was
created to introduce French lifestyle, art, architecture, and literature to
South Korea. The colourful buildings and French-inspired decorations give the
village a distinct European feel within the Korean countryside.
The idea behind Petite France was inspired by French culture and The Little Prince, the famous novel by French writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Different sections of the village feature displays related to The Little Prince, the Saint-Exupéry Memorial Hall, French-style buildings and interiors, and antique furniture. The outdoor gardens and higher viewpoints also provide views of the surrounding countryside.
Italian Village
Pinocchio & Da Vinci
Located next to
Petite France is the Italian Village Pinocchio & Da Vinci. The village
combines two themes: Pinocchio, the famous Italian fictional character from
Carlo Collodi’s novel, and Leonardo da Vinci, the renowned Italian artist,
inventor, and thinker.
Displays and exhibits include Pinocchio-themed attractions, Italian-style architecture, art displays, and Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions and ideas. Together with Petite France, the Italian Village adds another European-themed cultural attraction in the Korean countryside.
Daegwallyeong Sheep
Ranch
Nature, the
highlands, and the countryside are the main features of Daegwallyeong Sheep
Ranch. The route begins with a walk uphill along the trail, where wide
grasslands, rolling hills, fresh mountain air, and views of the surrounding
Korean countryside gradually come into view. The landscape changes with the
seasons, from green pastures in summer and golden fields in autumn to
snow-covered scenery during winter.
The trail then leads downhill to Korea’s first sheep ranch, where sheep graze freely across the pastures during the warmer months. Feeding the sheep may also be included as part of the visit. Besides the sheep ranch, cheese making may also be included. Freshly made cheese is served for tasting with light refreshments.
Alpensia
An overnight stay can
be considered when Alpensia is included as part of a South Korea tour, with
choices between staying in Alpensia, Pyeongchang, or Daegwallyeong. However,
Alpensia can also be included as a stop for a few hours.
Alpensia is a highland area surrounded by the mountains of Daegwallyeong. It is known for its open landscape, mountain views, fresh air, cooler climate, and pine-covered surroundings. It is a scenic stop along the Gangwon route, especially when travelling through Pyeongchang and the surrounding highlands.
Alpensia gained international attention as one of the main venues for the 2018 Winter Olympics held in Pyeongchang. The Olympic facilities and mountain setting brought greater attention to this part of Gangwon Province and made it a recognised destination for both international and local travellers.
Jeongdongjin Beach
(Sunrise Coast)
One of South Korea’s
popular sunrise spots, Jeongdongjin Beach is a place to walk along the coast,
wade in the water, or simply sit by the beach and watch the sunrise. The beach
is also a place to enjoy the coastal scenery at other times of the day.
Located on the east
coast of Gangwon Province near Gangneung, the beach stretches along the East
Sea. Jeongdongjin Station is unusually close to the coastline, with the railway
running almost alongside the beach. The station itself has become part of the
attraction.
Nearby is Sandglass
Park, named after its huge sandglass. The sand takes one year to move from the
top to the bottom before it is turned over again at midnight on New Year’s Day. The Jeongdongjin Time
Museum is also located here. It is housed in a steam locomotive and a
180-metre-long train, with displays centred around the theme of time.
Mount Seorak
(Seoraksan National Park)
Seoraksan brings
together mountain scenery, hiking, Korean Buddhist heritage, wildlife, and
landscapes that change with the seasons. There are different ways to explore
the area, depending on the time available and level of hiking involved.
The Seoraksan Cable Car provides one of the easier ways to reach the Gwongeumseong area. The ride takes around 10 minutes and reaches an area about 700 metres above sea level. From there, there are wide views of the surrounding peaks and rock formations. There are also easier walking routes and longer hiking trails, depending on the time available and level of hiking preferred.
The park also gives access to well-known natural features such as Ulsanbawi Rock, a distinctive formation made up of six large peaks. The Ulsanbawi trail is about 7.6 km and takes around four hours. The highest point is Daecheongbong Peak at 1,708 metres, the third-highest mountain peak in South Korea. Seoraksan is divided into Outer Seorak, Inner Seorak, and Southern Seorak, covering a large mountainous area across Gangwon Province.
Seoraksan has been protected for its natural value for decades and became Korea’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1982. The park is also home to Sinheungsa Temple, a Buddhist temple located at the foothills of Seoraksan.
Depending on the time available, a full day can be spent in Seoraksan National Park, particularly when hiking and covering several attractions. A shorter stay of a few hours is also possible, like the cable car, mountain views, and sights such as Sinheungsa Temple.