Although Yeongjongdo is home to Korea’s busiest international airport, the western beaches are not disturbed by the air traffic. The seafood market at Yeongjongdo Wharf and a flashy seawater hot spa are other popular attractions. In the north of the islan
Suwon, 48km south of Seoul, is the provincial capital of Gyeonggi-do and a city of sensual neon, exotic flavours, all-night discos and ancient history. The faithfully restored fortress of Hwaseong draws tourists from around the globe. It was built between
The racecourse (509 2054; www.kra.co.kr; admission W800; 9.30am-6pm Sat & Sun) has a comfy lounge area in the grandstand on the left for foreigners – take a lift to the 4th floor, turn right and it’s near Block A. Short races over 1km or 2km take place ev
The zoo (02-500 7114; grandpark.seoul.go.kr; adult/youth/child W3000/2000/1000; 9am-7pm Apr-Sep, 9am-6pm Oct-Mar) in the park is set among the forested hillsides south of Seoul. A river runs through the park and families picnic along its shady banks. You
Panmunjom, only 55km north of Seoul, is the only place in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) where visitors are permitted. This is the village established on the ceasefire line at the end of the Korean War in 1953. In the blue UN buildings in Panmunjom, peace d
The Unification Observatory (Tong·il Jeonmangdae; 945 3171; www.jmd.co.kr; adult/youth W2500/1300; 9am-6pm Apr-Sep, 9am-5.30pm Oct, Nov & Mar, 9am-5pm Dec-Feb) at Odusan is as close as most Korean civilians can get to the DMZ. Panmunjom, north of Seoul, i
This beautiful folk village (288 0000; www.koreanfolk.co.kr; adult/youth/child W11, 000/8000/7000; 9am-6pm Mar-Oct, 9am-5pm Nov-Feb) has a large collection of thatched and tiled traditional houses that take at least half a day to look around. Set around a
Incheon, a bustling, industrial port 36km west of Seoul, is big enough to warrant its own subway line. The international airport sits on an offshore island, so be sure (if you’re heading to the airport) that you don’t go to Incheon proper. Instead, take a
Just 60km southeast of Seoul is the mountain-surrounded city of Icheon (not to be confused with Incheon on the west coast), famous for its numerous potters, ceramic vendors, Ceramic Village and a relaxing spa. There’s no nightlife, but the city has a quie
The province of Gyeonggi-do hugs Seoul like a reverse letter ‘C, ’ providing excellent day trips or longer expeditions to some of Korea’s gems. Often overlooked due to its proximity to the Bladerunner-esque cityscape that is Seoul, Gyeonggi-do is a varied