All the must-visit day trip locations near Seoul can be found in Gyeonggi-do Province. Surrounding Seoul, Gyeonggi-do Province is a sprawling destination with both urban and natural sites. Suwon is the largest city in Gyeonggi-do Province and, home to numerous companies and universities. If you are visiting Suwon, make sure to visit the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, the Temporary Palace at Hwaseong Fortress, and Haengnidan Street, a collection of restaurants, cafés, and shops near the palace.
Gyeonggi-do Province has plenty to offer, but we particularly recommend Paju for its beautiful scenery. Come springtime, Paju’s Byukchoji Gardens breaks out in hundreds of wildflower species.
If you want to get a little closer to nature, head to Pocheon. “Pocheon” means “the place that embraces streams” and, just like its name, Pocheon is home to numerous tourist sites where water and forests come together. Pocheon Art Valley, an eco-friendly cultural space made out of an abandoned quarry, is located about an hour’s drive from Seoul. Other sights include Cheonjuho Lake, the Astronomical Observatory, and the Sculpture Garden. Cheonjuho Lake, in particular, is a lake full of clear water formed in a former granite quarry. It was featured as a filming location in famous TV shows like Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, The Legend of the Blue Sea, and A Korean Odyssey. Another must-visit site is the Hantangang UNESCO Global Geopark, which was listed as a Global Geopark in 2020. It is home to a majestic basalt canyon, 30m in length, along the Hantangang River, flowing on an expansive volcanic plateau. The view is nothing short of its moniker, “Korea’s Grand Canyon.”
The word “Jangdansambaek” refes to the three great products of Paju, namely Paju-Gaeseong ginseng, Paju rice, and Jangdan soybeans (Jangdankong). The trio was so highly regarded that they were often featured at the king’s table. Jangdan soybeans, which are grown in Jangdan, Paju, are a Korean cultivar with a more excellent quality and flavor over soybeans from other regions.
 | DMZ CHOCOLATE Jangdan Soybean Chocolate refers to Jangdan soybeans, a local specialty of Paju, being roasted and covered in chocolate. Historically, Jangdan soybeans were highly regarded as a nutritious ingredient. Its status as a local specialty can be seen in the fact that the “Paju Jangdan Soybean Festival” is held every year.
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