Slow Escapes: 5 Peaceful Day Trips Near Seoul to Enjoy Autumn Lightly
As autumn quietly settles over Korea with cooler air and softer colors, even the busiest cities begin to slow down. If you’re spending the season in Seoul, you might start craving a different rhythm. something quieter, more scenic, and closer to nature.
The good news is, you don’t need to travel far.
Within just one to two hours by subway or bus, you can reach places where the trees turn golden, the air feels fresher, and time seems to stretch a little longer. No car is needed. No tour guide required. Just curiosity, a T-money card (Korea’s rechargeable transportation card), and maybe a camera.
Here are five simple day trips that will take you out of the city and into the heart of a Korean autumn.
1. Suwon Hwaseong
Where history, markets, and fortress walls meet
Less than 90 minutes from Seoul, Suwon is one of the easiest places to step into Korea’s past. Its highlight is Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site that wraps around the city center. You can walk along the stone walls, rent a hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) for photos, or enjoy sweeping views from above.
Inside the fortress, you’ll also find a bustling market and the famous “Chicken Alley,” where Suwon-style fried chicken is crispier and juicier than anywhere else. At night, the fortress lights up beautifully, creating a completely different atmosphere. K-drama fans may also recognize Suwon from scenes in historical dramas.
[ Travel Info ]
- From Seoul Station: Approx. 1 hr 10 min
- Nearest Station: Suwon Station (Line 1)
[ Places to Visit ]
(1) Janganmun Gate (Hwaseong Fortress : 장안문)
📍 1, Jeongjo-ro 885beon-gil, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
(2) Paldalmun Traditional Market (팔달문 시장)
📍776-2, Jeongjo-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
(3) Suwon Chicken Street (수원 통닭 거리)
📍 46-2, Paldallo 1(il)-ga, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
2. Dumulmeori & Semiwon, Yangpyeong
Lotus gardens and river views just beyond the city
If you’re looking for peace and nature, Dumulmeori is a riverside village in Yangpyeong where two rivers meet. On quiet mornings, the reflections on the water feel almost unreal. Just a short walk away is Semiwon Garden, known for lotus ponds and seasonal flowers. Even in cooler weather, its pathways and pavilions create a calm, meditative atmosphere, perfect for a slow autumn afternoon.
Dumulmeori is also known as one of the best sunrise spots near Seoul, and many Korean dramas and films have used its scenery as a backdrop. It’s a place that feels cinematic even when you’re simply standing by the water.
[ Travel Info ]
- From Seoul Station: Approx. 1 hr 20 min
- Nearest Station: Yangsu Station (Jungang Line)
[ Places to Visit ]
(1) Dumulmeori (두물머리)
📍 50, Bukhangang-ro, Yangseo-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
(2) Semiwon Garden (세미원)
📍93, Yangsu-ro, Yangseo-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
(3) Cafe Influx (카페 인플럭스)
📍351, Dasan-ro, Joan-myeon, Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do
3. Incheon Chinatown & Open Port Area
Street food, culture, and modern history
Take Line 1 all the way to the last stop, and you’ll find Incheon’s Chinatown. Red lanterns hang above, dumplings steam on every corner, and you can taste Korea’s original jajangmyeon (black bean noodles) here. Just behind Chinatown is the Open Port Cultural District, filled with restored 19th-century buildings that reflect the beginning of Korea’s modern era.
As you wander, try local snacks like red bean-filled gonggalppang (crispy hollow bread), only found here. After your meal, you can walk a few minutes further to the harbor to catch the sea breeze, a refreshing contrast to the busy streets.
[ Travel Info ]
- From Seoul Station: Approx. 1 hr
- Nearest Station: Incheon Station (Line 1)
[ Places to Visit ]
(1) Chinatown Main Gate (차이나타운)
📍 12-17, Chinatown-ro 26beon-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon
(2) Jjajangmyeon Museum (짜장면 박물관)
📍56-14, Chinatown-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon
(3) Gaehangjang Street (Open Port Street) (개항장 거리)
📍 24, Gwan-dong 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Incheon
🚴4. Dasan Ecological Park, Namyangju
A riverside trail, hidden cafés, and a breath of fresh air
For open skies and riverside paths, head to Namyangju’s Dasan Ecological Park. Rent a bike or take a stroll, watching golden reeds sway along the Han River. Nearby, you’ll find cafés with wide windows overlooking the water. perfect for reading, chatting, or simply watching the river flow by.
In autumn, the silver grass fields create a sea of gold that’s perfect for photos. Along the way, you’ll also find small signs about Dasan Jeong Yak-yong, a renowned Korean scholar, adding a touch of history and culture to your walk.
[ Travel Info ]
🚉 From Seoul Station: Approx. 1 hr 10 min
📍 Nearest Station: Yangjeong Station (Gyeongui–Jungang Line)
[ Places to Visit ]
(1) Dasan Ecological Park (다산생태공원)
📍 767, Dasan-ro, Joan-myeon, Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do
(2) Cafe GYCs (긱스 남양주BMW점)
📍 25-29, Dasanjungang-ro 19beon-gil, Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do
(3) Dasan Heritage Site (정약용 유적지)
📍 11, Dasan-ro 747beon-gil, Joan-myeon, Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do
5. Provence Village & Heyri Art Village, Paju
Art, cafés, and storybook colors north of Seoul
For something artsy and photogenic, head to Paju. Provence Village is filled with pastel-colored buildings and European-style streets, while nearby Heyri Art Village is a community of galleries, bookshops, and creative studios. Take your time strolling through gardens, browsing art shops, or sipping coffee outdoors.
Because Paju is close to the DMZ, the area has a unique mix of history and creativity. At Heyri, you can also find independent bookstores with English titles, making it a fun stop for travelers who love books and culture.
[ Travel Info ]
- From Seoul Station: Approx. 1 hr 30 min (subway + bus)
- Nearest Transfer: Hapjeong Station → Bus (No. 2200)
[ Places to Visit ]
(1) Provence Village (프로방스 마을)
📍 69, Saeori-ro, Tanhyeon-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do
(2) Heyri Art Village Main Gate (헤이리 마을)
📍 70-21, Heyrimaeul-gil, Tanhyeon-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do
(3) HwangInyoung Music Space (황인용뮤직스페이스카메라타)
📍 83, Heyrimaeul-gil, Tanhyeon-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do
🌾 Final Thoughts
You don’t need a packed itinerary or a weekend away to enjoy Korea’s autumn.
With just one free day and a T-money card, these trips offer a peaceful reset, right when you need it most.
Take the train. Take your time.
And let the season show you something new.