A Domestic Summer Vacation for Those Living in Korea

Seoul is a wonderful city full of life and endless activities to keep you entertained during any season. During summer, however, there’s a certain feeling that makes us want to pack up and escape the fast pace of the city in favour of a slower lifestyle. 

Now that the feeling of summer has officially arrived in Seoul, consider visiting one of these beautiful locations for your South Korean summer vacation! 

Gangwon-do 

Taking a trip east to the province of Gangwon-do (강원도) is probably the easiest and fastest way to fulfill your summer beach fantasies! Gangwon-do is a mountainous, forested province in northeast South Korea and is also home to three popular summer vacation spots among locals: Sokcho (속초), Yang Yang (양양), and Gangneung (강릉). If you’re interested In knowing more about what exactly each city in Gangwon-do has to offer, check out this guide to Gangwondo!

All photos were taken by Yasmin Momeni

How to Get There

Gangwon-do can be reached by bus from the Seoul Express Bus Terminal (서울고속버스터미널), or train from Seoul Station (서울역), depending on where exactly you’re headed!

Things to do in Gangwon-go

• Sokcho Beach

• Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market

• Glasshouse Cafe 

• Dongsan Beach

• Soontofu Gelato

• Anmok Beach

• Gyeongpo Provincial Park

• Pharmasea Cafe

Busan 

Busan is the second-largest city in South Korea, but despite its large population, the city has a drastically different feel to it than Seoul. The abundance of beaches, mountains, and temples surrounding the city give it a laid back vibe that can’t be found in many other large cities in Korea. Busan has an interesting mix of vibrant city life in some areas, and a laid back feeling of a small seaside town in others. Busan is also known for it’s delicious regional seafood, so be sure to eat your fill while you are there! 

All photos were taken by Yasmin Momeni

How to Get There

Busan is accessible by taking a train from Seoul Station, or by plane from Gimpo International Airport (김포국제공항).

Things to do in Busan

• Haeundae Beach

• Gwangalli Beach 

• Beomeosa Temple 

• Geumjeong Mountain

• Gorilla brewery 

• SeongJeong beach 

• Dalmaji-Gil Road 

• Jagalchi Fish Market 

• Gamcheon Cultural Village 

Jeju 

Jeju is by far the most famous vacation destination among foreigners and locals alike! Every year Seoulites head to Jeju Island to enjoy its beautiful beach resorts, volcanic landscapes, and challenging hiking trails. Jeju is also famous for the citrus fruit Hallabong! It’s similar to an orange but bigger and sweeter! This fruit is grown exclusively in Jeju Island and is one of the things that Jeju is most well known for. If you are interested in Korean pop culture at all, you will also know that the island is home to G-Dragon's cafe as well as Lee Hyori’s home where they filmed the hit tv series Hyori’s Bed and Breakfast! 

All photos were taken by Yasmin Momeni

How to Get There

From Seoul, you can take a plane to Jeju island from Gimpo International Airport. 

Things to do in Jeju

• Hallasan Mountain 

• Udo Island

• Susanbong Peak

• Goblin (Dokkaebi) Road

• Hyeopjae Beach

• Bijarim Forest

• Hamdeok Seoubong Beach

• Anthracite Coffee Roasters

• Lazy Pump Cafe