Seoul & Gangwon Getaway
A perfect 5-day loop starting from the neon lights of Seoul to the misty peaks of Seoraksan and back.
Incheon → Seoul → Sokcho → Yangyang → Pyeongchang → Danyang → Seoul → Incheon
Seoul's Royal Roots
Grab your rental car and an international SIM. The drive into the city takes about an hour, but it's a great way to get used to the local flow.
Incheon International Airport
Grab your rental car and an international SIM. The drive into the city takes about an hour, but it's a great way to get used to the local flow.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
This is the big one. Try to time it for the changing of the guard at the top of the hour. Renting a Hanbok nearby actually gets you in for free, and it’s the best way to get those classic photos without feeling out of place.
Bukchon Hanok Village
A short walk from the palace. It’s a living neighborhood with traditional houses. Keep your voice down as people live here, but do duck into the small tea houses hidden in the alleys.
N Seoul Tower
Head up Namsan Mountain before sunset. You can take the cable car or drive partway. Seeing the city lights flicker on from the observation deck is the best "welcome to Korea" moment.
Heading East to the Mountains
We're hitting the highway toward the east coast. The rest stops in Korea are legendary—stop at a "Hyueso" for walnut cakes (Hodu-gwaja).
Depart Seoul
We're hitting the highway toward the east coast. The rest stops in Korea are legendary—stop at a "Hyueso" for walnut cakes (Hodu-gwaja).
Nami Island
Technically a detour, but it's a classic. You take a short ferry to this half-moon island. It's famous for the tree-lined paths. It gets crowded, so the further you walk from the ferry pier, the better it gets.
Sokcho Jungang Market
Drive the rest of the way to the coast. This market is famous for Dakgangjeong (sweet and spicy fried chicken). Grab a box and head to the nearby "Abai Village" to see the old fishing boats.
Peaks and Temples
Day 3｜Peaks and Temples (40km, 1h drive)
Seoraksan National Park
Start early to beat the tour buses. Take the cable car up to Gwongeumseong Fortress for instant views, or if you're feeling active, hike the trail to Ulsanbawi Rock. The granite peaks look like something out of a painting.
Sinheungsa Temple
Located right inside the park entrance, you can't miss the massive bronze Buddha statue. It's incredibly peaceful in the afternoon light.
Naksansa Temple
A 20-minute drive south. Unlike mountain temples, this one sits on a cliff overlooking the East Sea. The sound of the waves crashing while the temple bells ring is unforgettable.
Coastal Breeze to Olympic Heights
Drive down the coast to Anmok Beach. Every building here is a unique cafe. Grab a brew and sit on the sand for a bit.
Gangneung Coffee Street
Drive down the coast to Anmok Beach. Every building here is a unique cafe. Grab a brew and sit on the sand for a bit.
Haslla Art World
This is a massive outdoor/indoor art park built into a cliff side. The photo spots overlooking the ocean are world-class, and the museum itself is wonderfully weird.
Daegwallyeong Sheep Ranch
Head up into the "Alps of Korea." The rolling green hills are a total contrast to the rocky coast. It's very misty and cool up here, so bring a light jacket even in summer.
The Scenic Route Back
Mancheonha Skywalk
On the way back toward Seoul, we'll pass through Danyang. This skywalk sticks out over a cliff with a 360-degree view of the Namhangang River.
Starfield Library (COEX)
Back in Seoul, head to the Gangnam district. This massive open-air library inside a mall is an architectural marvel. It's a great spot to do some last-minute souvenir shopping.
Han River Park (Banpo)
End your trip like a local. Order "Chimaek" (chicken and beer) for delivery right to the park grass and watch the Rainbow Fountain show on the bridge.
- Download Naver Maps or KakaoMap; Google Maps doesn't work well for walking/driving directions in Korea. Most highway tolls are automated, so ensure your rental has a "Hi-Pass" card.