Korean islands near Seoul


When we think of islands in Korea, the first ones we’d think of are usually Jeju or Nami. Both of them are beautiful but are full of the usual bustling tourist crowds.

What most of us didn’t know is that South Korea possesses over 3000 islands, and over 30 of them can be found near Incheon Port near Seoul. Here are some of the best ones to swing by on a day trip from the city – with a travel duration of no more than 2.5 hours.  

Read our other articles on Seoul here:

Note: As of 15th November, South Korea is part of Singapore’s list of VTL-approved countries. You can read up more about VTL regulations and procedures here.


1. Seonjaedo – Secret sand path to an inaccessible island


8 Korean Islands Near Seoul For Day Trips From Just 1h Away That Aren't Jeju or Nami seonjaedo
Image credit:
@o.o___babe_jo

There’s a certain magic about Seonjaedo. Head over during low tide – usually around 10AM and 10PM – and you’ll witness the waters gradually receding to reveal the sand path leading to Mokseom Island. It’s a tiny uninhabited island to the south that’s usually inaccessible, so this is your opportunity to explore before the tide comes back in.

8 Korean Islands Near Seoul For Day Trips From Just 1h Away That Aren't Jeju or Nami seonjaedo sand path
The sand path to Mokseom Island

Image credit: @parkjw64

Apart from the secret sand path, it also boasts views of sloping hills and thick forests. Stray further inland, and you’ll find rice fields and vineyards as far as the eye can see.

8 Korean Islands Near Seoul For Day Trips From Just 1h Away That Aren't Jeju or Nami seonjaedo scenery
Image credit: @ye_ggggg_ri

Directions: Take bus 790 from Oido Station (Seoul Subway Line 1)
Duration from Seoul: 1.5 hours


2. Wolmido – Theme park with thrilling rides


8 Korean Islands Near Seoul For Day Trips From Just 1h Away That Aren't Jeju or Nami wolmidoImage credit: @luv_luv_it

If you can’t get enough of amusement parks like Lotte World back in Seoul, drop by Wolmido Theme Park for that pseudo-Disneyland trip. And here’s the best thing – there’s no entrance fee! You’ll only need to purchase tickets for individual rides – prices start from ₩5000/adult (~SGD$5.79) and ₩4000/children (~SGD$5.59).

Korean islands - Wolmido Theme Park
Image credit: @by.heeyeon

Rides include the two-storey Viking Ship and 115-metre Ferris Wheel – sure to get that adrenaline pumping. There are also bumper cars and carousels, for those who don’t enjoy thrill rides.


Image credit:
@zurnal_kim

Once you’re done, calm yourself down at Wolmi Traditional Park. Aside from the luscious gardens, you’ll also find serene ponds and a Bukchon house similar to the ones you’d find at the Bukchon Hanok Village.

8 Korean Islands Near Seoul For Day Trips From Just 1h Away That Aren't Jeju or Nami wolmido seafoodImage credit: @sadeulgangbaha

If all that sightseeing gets you hungry, make your way over to the coast and prepare yourself for a seafood feast of crab, oysters, and squid at any of the restaurants along the shore. 

Note: Wolmido is home to a range of tourist attractions. So if you’re looking to cover these hotspots within a day, book a 9-hour guided tour around the island with Klook here

Duration from Seoul: 1 hour

Wolmido Theme Park
Address: 81 Wolmimunhwa-ro, Gaho-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon, South Korea
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10AM-10PM | Sat-Sun 10AM-10.30PM
Getting there: 
Train: Take the subway from Seoul Station and alight at Incheon Station, Seoul Subway Line 1 and Sunin Line, Exit 1.
Bus: From Incheon Station, take bus 45 at Dongil Apartment Bus Stop and drop off at Wolmi Theme Park Bus Stop.

Wolmi Traditional Park
Admission: Free
Address: 377-1, Wolmi-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon, South Korea
Opening hours: 5AM-10PM, Daily
Getting there: From Incheon Station, Seoul subway line 1, take buses 2, 15, 23, 45 and drop off at Sunchang Corporation


3. Daebudo – Sunset observatory


Korean islands - Sunset Observatory
Image credit: @lharisma_ardana

Daebudo’s known as the “Hawaii of Ansan” due to its beautiful scenery, and it’s well worth its nickname. Traverse across the Daebudo Haesolgil hiking trail, and you’ll be treated to views of beaches, mudflats, and the iconic five windmills of Daebudo.

Korean islands - Sunset Observatory windmilss
Image credit: @_nezu_nezu

Korean islands - Sunset Observatory
Gubongdo Sunset Observatory
Image credit: @kkwanghunny

For some sweet sunset views, grab your cameras and head up the Gubongdo Sunset Observatory. You’ll be greeted with skies painted with brilliant orange and yellow hues, a great backdrop for artistic photos at the compass-shaped art installation.

8 Korean Islands Near Seoul For Day Trips From Just 1h Away That Aren't Jeju or Nami daebudoImage credit: @jin_h0513

Directions: Take the subway from Seoul Station and alight at Choji Station. Go out at exit 1 and take Bus 123 to the island.
Duration from Seoul: 1.5 to 2 hours


4. Jaraseom – Annual Winter festival with sleigh rides


Korean islands - Jaraseom
Image credit:
@jooliakorea 

The island of Jaraseom is just a stone’s throw away from the famous Nami Island. To visit, take the subway over to Gapyeong Station. You’ll walk for about 15 minutes before reaching the island, which will bring the journey’s duration up to an hour and fifteen minutes.

Korean islands - Jaraseom Winter Festival
Image credit: @calvin_wu

If you’re here during winter, pop by the Jaraseom Winter Festival for a slew of activities like sleigh-riding, ice fishing, and piping hot food like hotteok (Korean hot pancake) that would be especially delectable amidst the biting winter chill.

Korean islands - frozen river
Put on your best skates and glide through the frozen river
Image credit: @travelticklings

Korean islands - flower fields
Image credit: @wu4nusen

The gentle hills and flower fields make it a huge hit amongst locals seeking a break from the daily grind. 

Directions: From Sangbong Station, transfer to Gyeongchun Line and get off at Gapyeong Station. Walk 15 minutes to reach Jaraseom Island.

Duration from Seoul: 1.5-2 hours


5. Muui-Do – Pristine beaches with cabins for overnight stays


8 Korean Islands Near Seoul For Day Trips From Just 1h Away That Aren't Jeju or Nami muuido
Image credit: @suziesan

If you’re longing for that lazy beach getaway, make a trip down to the idyllic island of Muui-do

8 Korean Islands Near Seoul For Day Trips From Just 1h Away That Aren't Jeju or Nami hanagae beach
Image credit:
franc.__.i

It’s famous for the pristine beaches that line its shores, with the most notable one being Hanagae Beach. You can easily spend the whole day lounging on its powdery soft sands while listening to the rhythmic crashing of the waves ahead of you.

Korean islands - zipline
Enjoy an overarching view of the beach houses and sea whilst whizzing down the zipline

Image credit: @wy_002

If you want to extend this day trip into a short 2D1N getaway, you can easily rent out one of the beach cabins there from ₩10,000 (~SGD$11.58). Rooms can host up to 4 people and come complete with a heated floor, blankets, and pillows. Do note that bookings are done based on a first-come-first-served basis, and with only 30 cabins available, spaces tend to run out fast!

Directions: Take the subway from Seoul Station to Incheon Station, board Bus 222 straight to Jamjinnaru Ferry Terminal and hop on a 5-minute car ferry ride. 

Duration from Seoul: 1.5 to 2 hours


6. Deokjeokdo – Hhiking trail with coastal views


8 Korean Islands Near Seoul For Day Trips From Just 1h Away That Aren't Jeju or Nami deokjeokdo
Image credit: @limboyeong9

For a true break from the crowd of Seoul’s locals and tourists, head over to Deokjeokdo. It’s located just an hour away from Incheon – simply hop on a ferry from Incheon port, and you’ll be there in an hour. 

8 Korean Islands Near Seoul For Day Trips From Just 1h Away That Aren't Jeju or Nami seopori beach
Image credit: @travel_with_benoit

On the west side, you’ll come across the vast white sands of Seopori Beach, the island’s main attention-grabber. If you walk through the surrounding pine grove, you’ll come across a scenic hiking trail that’ll bless you with beautiful coastal views – the best kind of reward after sweating it out. 

8 Korean Islands Near Seoul For Day Trips From Just 1h Away That Aren't Jeju or Nami beach deokjeokdo
Image credit:
@sujin._.chae

 Korean islands - Deokjeokdo
Image credit:
@amyin_lalaland

Directions: Take the subway from Seoul Station and alight at Dongincheon Station. Walk out the Daehansorim Bookstore exit and hop on Bus 12 or 24 to the ferry port, where you can then cruise over to the island.
Duration from Seoul: 2 to 2.5 hours


7. Ganghwado – Numerous photogenic cafes


Korean islands - Ganghwado
Image credit:
@sompicgram

Ganghwado’s calm waters, pristine beaches, and rolling hills are the picture of tranquility – a casual walk by the water’s shore will no doubt wash your stresses away. 

Besides being the fifth-largest island in South Korea, this quaint island is home to a bunch of Insta-worthy cafes that you can hit up whenever you need a breather.

Korean islands - I’m Fine Cafe
Image credit: Rufusstory 

If you’re looking for a pink haven, I’m Fine Cafe promises cutesy pink decor, stunning views of the sea and drool-worthy desserts such as their Blueberry Cheesecake (₩6000, ~SGD$6.95). Plus, you can opt for the day trip bungalow and enjoy a little dip inside their dog-friendly pool.

8 Korean Islands Near Seoul For Day Trips From Just 1h Away That Aren't Jeju or Nami mahogany cafe
Image credit:
@kim_buyong92

You can also swing by Mahogany Cafe for a cuppa. This sophisticated-looking cafe’s is set in a barn in a field of flowers, and is furnished with chandeliers and wooden tables. 

8 Korean Islands Near Seoul For Day Trips From Just 1h Away That Aren't Jeju or Nami mahogany flower field
Image credit: @kim_js_1115

Alternatively, you can simply drop by to stroll through the flowers. If you’re here during spring time, there are fields full of cute little daisies that are perfect for your next #OOTD. 

Directions: Take bus 3000 or 32000 from Sinchon Bus Terminal
Duration from Seoul: 1.5 hours

I’m Fine Cafe
Address: 2159-15, Nae-ri, Hwado-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 12PM-6PM | Sun 11AM-6PM 

I’m Fine Cafe website

Mahogany Cafe
Address: 1864-18 Haeannam-Ro, Hwado-Myeon, Ganghwa-Gun, Incheon
Opening hours: 10.30AM-9PM, Daily

Mahogany Cafe Instagram


8. Yeongjongdo – Stunning mountain views and intricate temple


8 Korean Islands Near Seoul For Day Trips From Just 1h Away That Aren't Jeju or Nami yonggungsa beach
Image credit: @sangkook_lee77

Dubbed the “airport island”, Yeongjongdo’s where you’ll be jetting to and from when you embark on your trip. It’s also home to Baekunsan Mountain, where breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and seas await you on the incline up to the peak.

8 Korean Islands Near Seoul For Day Trips From Just 1h Away That Aren't Jeju or Nami baekunsan mountain
Image credit: @lda.gyoung

You’ll also find the ancient intricate-looking Yonggungsa Temple over here, where you’ll find a looming 36-foot Buddha statue within the vicinity. It’s a quiet and calming place, and a walk here is sure to clear your head. 

If you’re looking to travel across the island’s coastal scene, book a seaside rail ride with Klook here.

8 Korean Islands Near Seoul For Day Trips From Just 1h Away That Aren't Jeju or Nami yonggungsa temple
Yonggungsa Temple (Incheon)
Image credit: @nhannyan

Directions: From Incheon Airport, take Bus 302 or 306.
Duration from Incheon: 15 to 30 minutes


Islands in South Korea


Your next trip to Seoul needn’t always be limited to day trips to Nami Island or weekend stays in Jeju. These islands are easily accessible from Seoul and Incheon – so if you’re ever looking for alternative day trip ideas, or are just weary of the busy Seoul life, you know some other places to hit up.

For ideas on what to do in South Korea, check these articles out: 


Cover image adapted from (L-R): @tripoppabob, Pinterest, Rufusstory, @kkwanghunny
Original article published on 29th September 2019. Last updated by Isabella Cuevas on 29th November 2021.

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