Venture into Gyeonggi-do, the Hidden Gem Just an Hour Away from Seoul by Car

Embark on a journey to Gyeonggi-do, a haven for travel enthusiasts located just an hour's drive from Seoul. With its enchanting natural landscapes, unique cultural and historical beauty, and countless dazzling photo spots, a self-guided trip to Gyeonggi-do is sure to create unforgettable memories.

Exploring the Land of Ginseng would be incomplete without visiting Gyeonggi (also known as Gyeonggi-do) – the so-called 'hidden gem' nestled alongside the bustling city of Seoul. What makes Gyeonggi-do so special and mysterious? Let's discover this hidden destination with Klook through the following article!

Gyeonggi is one of the provinces surrounding the capital city of Seoul, boasting not only vast territory but also impressive historical significance. In 1895, the Gyeonggi province was organized into 5 major regions: Hanseong, Incheon, Chungju, Gongju, and Kaesong. It was only after the division of the Korean peninsula and the liberation of South Korea that Gyeonggi-do and Seoul were distinctly separated.

Today, Gyeonggi province is known as the 'capital' of famous theme parks such as Everland, Seoul Land, and Onemount... Thanks to its diverse entertainment activities, Gyeonggi always ranks first in the list of family-friendly tourist destinations.

Located just 30 minutes to 1.5 hours away from Seoul by car, Gyeonggi province is quite close to two major international airports in South Korea, Incheon and Gimbo. To reach here from Seoul, it's recommended to use Klook's car rental service. This service will take you to Gyeonggi-do and many other exciting local attractions, depending on your itinerary.

Having your own car is convenient, but the cost is only suitable for travelers in large groups. Solo travelers should opt for a day tour of Gyeonggi-do from Klook. Some famous destinations, such as Onemount, are also accessible by bus or train.

Get ready to admire the abundant nature, have a blast with creative entertainment activities, and much more. Whether it's your first time or nth time visiting Seoul, you definitely need to add Gyeonggi-do to your itinerary. Ready? Let's explore Gyeonggi-do with Klook!

Bet you didn't know that Everland – Korea's famous theme park – has another version in Gyeonggi-do. With its hair-raising roller coasters, immersive wildlife views, and dazzling flower gardens, Everland is the top destination when it comes to Gyeonggi.

Thrill-seekers will be 'mesmermited' (a mix of mesmerized and excited) by the T-Express, the world's fastest wooden roller coaster. Stay until nightfall to enjoy colorful street performances and fireworks.

The Korean Folk Village, also known as Minsokchon, is a place where over 270 traditional houses from the Joseon era have been relocated and restored. If you're curious about old Korea, don a Hanbok and join the lively folk activities here!

Thanks to its historic ambiance, Minsokchon Village has been chosen as the filming location for many popular TV dramas such as My Love from the Star (2013), Descendants of the Sun (2019), Jewel in the Palace (2003), and most recently, Netflix's Kingdom series (2019). Be sure to catch the traditional folk performances at 11:30 and the reenactment of traditional weddings at 13:00.

Every day, many school groups come here for extracurricular activities. If you want to avoid the crowds, it's best to visit Minsokchon Village in the late afternoon. For added convenience, you can rent a car and follow your own itinerary.

Forget the stereotypes about damp and foggy caves because Gwangmyeong Cave offers a completely new experience. Formerly known as the Siheung Mine, it was once the largest metal mine in the area, operated for decades and served as a refuge for locals during the Korean War.

In recent years, Gwangmyeong Cave has been opened and renovated to become an incredibly unique entertainment area, nestled right within the old mine shafts. As you wander through the various sections of this site, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the cave's long history.

Get your camera ready to capture some seriously artsy #OOTD photos, with dreamy backgrounds and twinkling LED lights. Make sure to bring a warm jacket as the temperature inside the cave can be quite low.

Experience living in both winter and summer at the same time/same place, can you believe it? Join this unique adventure at Onemount Snow Park and Onemount Water Park!

At Onemount Snow Park, visitors can engage in various fun physical activities like snow sledding and snowboarding. Remember the adrenaline rush of riding a grocery cart at the supermarket when you were little? It's kinda like that. Plus, you can also hop on a Husky sled for a tour. A truly Nordic experience, isn't it?

After getting your fill of winter activities, head straight to Onemount Water Park to experience the hot summer season. Water slides, artificial wave pools, or 'floating' down lazy rivers are all exciting options. Oh, did you know that the famous 'Running Man' TV show was filmed here too?

The Morning Calm Garden, a familiar name to photography enthusiasts, is a stunningly beautiful 'no dead corner' garden that emits fragrance all year round, especially beloved in spring and autumn. If you visit in winter, you'll get to enjoy the legendary Light Festival.

The Morning Calm Garden is home to over 5,000 plant species, including vibrant flower gardens and meticulously pruned bonsai trees. Thanks to this, independent travelers to Gyeonggi often spend hours here without getting bored.

If you're curious about the multifaceted relationship between South Korea and North Korea, you can't miss the DMZ Tour. Specifically, visitors can only access the DMZ on private or licensed group tours.

Starting from Imjingak, travelers embark on a journey to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), including Dora Observatory and the Third Tunnel. From here, you'll catch a glimpse of North Korea – the most 'mysterious' country in the world.

Next, you'll visit Paju Shopping Center for dining and shopping. The itinerary briefly stops at Paju Provence, a part of the French Village, before concluding.

Photo source: Tialna Wolfs for Flickr

With an area equivalent to over 900 football fields, Seoul Grand Park features various themed zones. The highlights include Seoul Grand Park Zoo and Seoul Land. Despite its name, this location is still in Gyeonggi province.

Seoul Zoo is the largest botanical garden in South Korea, housing over 3,700 animals from 330 species. From lions, giraffes, African elephants to birds, dolphins, and endangered species, they're all present at Seoul Zoo.

Seoul Land is a top-tier amusement park with thrilling roller coasters not for the faint-hearted. With 5 themed zones, independent travelers in Gyeonggi will find suitable games regardless of age or gender. Of course, you can't miss the picturesque natural scenery here.

Tired of crowded itineraries and only shopping in Seoul? Head to Caribbean Bay to de-stress and have a blast with friends and family. If you love thrilling rides, you must experience the two newest water slides just by looking at them, Mega Storm and Aqualoops.

Here, you'll find both indoor and outdoor swimming pools so you can enjoy yourself in any season of the year. Besides swimming pools and water slides, visitors can relax with hot springs, artificial beaches, or lazy rivers. Don't miss out, #teamKlook!

With these independent travel suggestions in Gyeonggi, hopefully, your trip to South Korea will have more 'spice' and inspiration. Planning a trip to Korea? Don't forget to check out countless travel tips and solo travel experiences on Klook's Blog.

Embarking on a journey to the land of Kimchi is no longer a distant dream for #teamKlook, with global COVID-19 prevention solutions proving highly effective. So...

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