Traveling Around South Korea from Osan / Camp Humphreys

Here is a compilation of the sights in South Korea that I have visited along with a brief description and some photos of each. I will be in South Korea for 3 years and want to see as much of it as possible. Keep checking back to see more locations and let me know if you have any suggestions that I haven’t been to yet.

Note: All times are from the ROK Gate of Osan and Adams Gate of Humphreys so times will vary slightly depending on where you’re coming from.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

*Click on the links in the table below to jump to the destination on the page

<30 MIN30 MIN TO 1 HR1-2 HOURS2+ HOURS
Simboksa TempleBear Tree ParkChilgapsan Ice Fountain FestivalGangchon Rail Park
Asan SeawallGagwonsa TempleSudeoksa TempleJeonju Hanok Village
Pinnacleland ArboretumAnsan Starvillage Photo LandIncheon ParksBaegyangsa Temple
Sapgyoho Coastal TownSuwon Hwaseong FortressWonju Sogeumsan Chulreong BridgeJuknokwon Bamboo Forest
Gingko Tree TrailSeoul Grand Park ZooSeoulGwangju
Road 1950 CafeGongsanseong FortressTaean Tulip FestivalYeosu
TongboogcheonGwangmyeong CaveJade CaveNamhae
Pyeongtaek UniversityYesan Apple WineryCheongpung Cable CarSokcho
1987 Rooftop LoungeSeonggoksa TempleDMZSeoraksan National Park
Pink TigerWaujeongsa TempleDaedunsan MountainJeju Island
Anseong FarmlandPetite France
KT Wiz BaseballNami Island
Jangtaesan Recreational Forest
Kkotji Beach

Within 30 Minutes

Simboksa Temple

Parking: Free – Parking lot available

Entrance Fee: Free

Times: No specific times

Month Photos Were Taken: December

Notes: Very small temple, but still worth checking out

Travel Time from Osan: 27 minutes

Travel Time from Humphreys: 15 minutes

Naver Pin: http://naver.me/FdFU14bc

Waze Pin: https://waze.com/ul/hwyd61juy9

Asan Seawall

Parking: Free-There are a few lots on the main strip, but if they are full there is street parking

Entrance Fee: N/A

Times: N/A

Month Photos Were Taken: April

Notes: This is a fabulous place to go when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Lots of people were having a picnic. There are a few seafood restaurants as well.

Travel Time from Osan: 33 minutes

Travel Time from Humphreys: 17 minutes

Naver Pin: http://naver.me/5eGToPA1

Waze Pin: https://waze.com/ul/hwyd4pbqdn

Pinnacleland Arboretum

Parking: Free – large lot

Entrance Fee: 10,000 adult ; 9,000 youth; 8,000 child

Times: 9AM – 6PM

Month Photos Were Taken: May

Notes: A nice place to walk around. I wish I would have brought a sandwich and snacks as it’s a nice place for a picnic. The place is a bit overpriced in my opinion.

Travel Time from Osan: 37 minutes

Travel Time from Humphreys: 18 minutes

Naver Pin: http://naver.me/5GzHYdgs

Waze Pin: https://waze.com/ul/hwy6x8knx0

Sapgyoho Coastal Town (Amusement Park, Marine Coffee Shop, Fish Market, Playground, etc.)

Parking: Free – Lots of parking lots around. Can get crowded.

Entrance Fee: Marine Science Center costs money, but I didn’t go therre

Times: Not sure

Month Photos Were Taken: March

Notes: This is a great place to walk around by the ocean. There is a small amusement park, a large playground for kids, a skate park, and a coffee shop inside a ship on the water. There are plenty of places to eat, but it didn’t look like there were any shops. I recommend having coffee at the coffee shop and then going to Road 1950 Cafe (10 mins away) for a meal (listed below).

Travel Time from Osan: 36 minutes

Travel Time from Humphreys: 20 minutes

Naver Pin: http://naver.me/5LfPsHt4

Waze Pin: https://waze.com/ul/hwyd1vgx9f

Gingko Tree Trail

Parking: Free – Plenty of Spots

Entrance Fee: Free

Times: No specific times

Month Photos Were Taken: November

Notes: Go in the fall when the leaves change yellow. We went at the beginning of November.

Travel Time from Osan: 39 minutes

Travel Time from Humphreys: 22 minutes

Naver Pin: http://naver.me/GLB9oah4

Waze Pin: https://waze.com/ul/hwyd36702b

Road 1950 Cafe

Parking: Free – Big Parking Lots

Entrance Fee: Free

Times: Open 10:30AM – 10PM ; Food Order 11AM – 8PM ; Break 3-4PM Weekdays

Month Photos Were Taken: March

Notes: Love the atmosphere here! It is a 4-story 50’s themed cafe that has great food and tons of photo ops! The burger is amazing, although I did take the pineapple off. It is ocean-front and a great place to go with friends or on a date night. It is a cafe, so no table service.

Travel Time from Osan: 35 minutes

Travel Time from Humphreys: 25 minutes

Naver Pin: http://naver.me/GMRqH9UZ

Waze Pin: https://waze.com/ul/hwyd4j8tgv

Tongbogcheon

Parking: I parked in an apartment complex right by a park just across the street from the river. The Naver pin below is where I parked.

Entrance Fee: N/A

Times: N/A

Month Photos Were Taken: April

Notes: This is a nice bike path in the Pyeongtaek area. The cherry blossoms are really pretty.

Travel Time from Osan: 25 minutes

Travel Time from Humphreys: 26 minutes

Naver Pin: http://naver.me/F6J2Diu2

Waze Pin: https://waze.com/ul/hwyd67ze06

Pink Tiger

Parking: There is a parking lot in the basement.

Entrance Fee: You can pay for a wristband by the hour (recommended) or pay for each individual game. When we went, they had a deal – buy 1 get 1 free. I can’t remember the exact price.

Times: Opens between 11-1 and Closes around Midnight

Month Photos Were Taken: April

Notes: Such a great arcade place for a date night or to take your older kids! They serve alcohol too. There are 2 floors – it’s not the biggest arcade, but still fun.

Travel Time from Osan: 30 minutes

Travel Time from Humphreys: 26 minutes

Naver Pin: https://naver.me/5oi8voxS

1987 Rooftop Lounge

Parking: There are plenty of paid parking lots nearby.

Entrance Fee: N/A

Times: 5PM – 3AM

Month Photos Were Taken: April

Notes: This bar has an excellent vibe! My husband and I had a great date night eating at a restaurant nearby, playing arcade games at Pink Tiger, and then having drinks at the Rooftop Lounge. They serve food too! There are lots of couches inside or you can hangout outside if it’s warm.

Travel Time from Osan: 30 minutes

Travel Time from Humphreys: 27 minutes

Naver Pin: https://naver.me/5G5m9sKQ

Pyeongtaek University

Parking: Free – 2 main lots

Entrance Fee: N/A

Times: N/A

Month Photos Were Taken: April

Notes: The university is a popular spot to go and take pictures of the cherry blossom trees in the spring. However, it was probably my least favorite spot out of all the spots I had gone for the cherry blossoms.

Travel Time from Osan: 31 minutes

Travel Time from Humphreys: 27 minutes

Naver Pin: http://naver.me/Gz5iERXh

Waze Pin: https://waze.com/ul/hwyd6kyqgx

30 Minutes to 1 Hour

Bear Tree Park

Parking: Free – Big Parking Lot

Entrance Fee: Weekday – 13,000 Won Adults & 8,000 Won Kids ; Weekend – 15,000 Won Adults & 8,000 Won Kids

Times: March – November 9AM – Sunset ; December – February 10AM – 5PM

Month Photos Were Taken: February

Notes: I actually don’t recommend this place at all. I am only including it so that people are aware that the cages for the largest grizzly bears are almost like jail cells. They have no room to move around, no water source, no trees, and have no equipment. The black bears have a bigger space and jungle gyms, but still not nearly enough room. All bears are fed dog food. The gardens are more well-kept than the bears, which is so sad.

Travel Time from Osan: 48 minutes

Travel Time from Humphreys: 32 minutes

Naver Pin: http://naver.me/55IAEtLo

Waze Pin: https://waze.com/ul/hwyd2wezty

Gagwonsa Temple

Parking: Free – Go up the hill and there are a few parking lots

Entrance Fee: Free

Times: No specific times

Month Photos Were Taken: January

Notes: There are stairs, hiking trails, and a few temples you can enter

Travel Time from Osan: 48 minutes

Travel Time from Humphreys: 39 minutes

Naver Pin: http://naver.me/GLYnrxBU

Waze Pin: https://waze.com/ul/hwyd3w3mmh

Anseong Farmland

Parking: Free

Entrance Fee: 8,000 won child ; 10,000 won adult

Times: 10-5PM Dec & Jan ; 10-6PM Feb-Nov

Month Photos Were Taken: September

Notes: This is a great place to take kids, but it’s also fun for adults. There is a farm, horseback riding, amusement rides, go kart racing, and more. Each attraction has additional ticket prices.

Travel Time from Osan: 42 minutes

Travel Time from Humphreys: 40 minutes

Naver Pin: https://naver.me/F2Yv0TlY

Waze Pin: https://waze.com/ul/hwyd6qqsdh

Ansan Starvillage Photo Land

Parking: Free – There were people directing traffic when we went.

Entrance Fee: 7,000 won Adults & 5,000 won for Children

Times: Runs year long. Weekdays 4PM-11PM, Weekends & Holidays 3PM-12AM

Month Photos Were Taken: January

Notes: There are sections dedicated to each of the seasons so it is perfect to visit any day of the year. Get there right before dusk during the winter season as it gets busy quickly

Travel Time from Osan: 43 minutes

Travel Time from Humphreys: 41 minutes

Naver Pin: http://naver.me/xS81EDy2

Waze Pin: https://waze.com/ul/hwydhqv7k0

Suwon KT Wiz Baseball Stadium

Parking: Reserve parking in advance! (use translator app to work through the link)

Ticket Price: 18,000 won (ticket prices may vary) Reserve tickets here

Times: View schedule here – Season runs from March-September

Month Photos Were Taken: April

Notes: You can purchase tickets at the ticket booth, but make sure you get there super early, especially if you didn’t reserve parking. Also note that your seats will be further away if you wait to purchase tickets on the day of. The energy at the game is amazing! Highly recommend going with a group of friends.

Travel Time from Osan: 42 minutes

Travel Time from Humphreys: 48 minutes

Naver Pin: https://naver.me/xdkFZ1e5

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

Parking: There is a main parking lot to the fortress, but for some reason they weren’t letting anyone in. My guess is that the lot was full. Parking around the city is a nightmare, but I did end up finding another small lot.

Entrance Fee: 1,000 won

Times: 9AM – 6PM

Month Photos Were Taken: May

Notes: You can walk along the walls without paying. There is a great view of the city and it’s a peaceful walk.

Travel Time from Osan: 47 minutes

Travel Time from Humphreys: 49 minutes

Naver Pin: http://naver.me/FLJzYkpt

Waze Pin: https://waze.com/ul/hwydk45zm0

Seoul Grand Park Zoo

Parking: Paid – Scans your license plate upon entry and you’ll pay via card on your way out (no option for cash). It was 6,000 won for us.

Entrance Fee: I booked the package for 12,000 won, which included one ride on the train, one ride on the cable car, and entrance to the zoo.

Times: 9AM-6PM (Mar-Apr); 9AM-7PM (May-Aug); 9AM-5PM (Nov-Feb)

Month Photos Were Taken: April

Notes: Even with the train and cable car, there is a lot of walking. I was tired so I only saw about half the zoo. You could easily spend an entire day here.

Travel Time from Osan: 51 minutes

Travel Time from Humphreys: 1 hour 2 minutes

Naver Pin: http://naver.me/5MUQExOq

Waze Pin: https://waze.com/ul/hwydkfm6zp

Gongsanseong Fortress

Parking: Free – There are a few parking lots around the fortress

Entrance Fee: 1,200 won (it was free when we went because of Covid)

Times: I didn’t see times posted, but my assumption would be anytime during daylight

Month Photos Were Taken: March

Notes: This is a mountain fortress that used to be the site of Baekje Royal Palace during the Ungjin period (475-538). It is situated along the Geumgang River. It is a nice walk, with lots of stairs going up and down hill. There isn’t a lot of the fortress remaining, but it still offers great views and a few nice pavilions and gates. There are a few cafes and restaurants across the street. I highly recommend Wonjin Nogisun Restaurant. You’ll take your shoes off at the door and can choose to sit on the floor at a low table or at a normal table. We liked the traditional feel of the low table. Naver Pin for restaurant: http://naver.me/55I552P2

Travel Time from Osan: 1 hour 6 minutes

Travel Time from Humphreys: 51 minutes

Naver Pin: http://naver.me/5YnhSXsh

Waze Pin: https://waze.com/ul/hwy6rkvfud

Gwangmyeong Cave

Parking: Paid parking lot. 1,500-4,000 won depending on size of vehicle.

Entrance Fee: 6,000 won adults; 3,000 won youth; 2,000 won children

Times: 9AM-6PM ; last admission 5PM; Closed on Mondays and Holidays

Month Photos Were Taken: April

Notes: Such a neat cave! It used to be a mine that produced gold, silver, bronze, and zinc for 60 years. The mine became a shelter for residents during the Korean War. In 2011, the land was transformed into a cave theme park.

Travel Time from Osan: 54 minutes

Travel Time from Humphreys: 1 hour 5 minutes

Naver Pin: http://naver.me/F0Kd9TfD

Waze Pin: https://waze.com/ul/hwydhyv5fw

Yesan Apple Winery

Parking: Free – Parking lot available

Entrance Fee: We didn’t pay for the tour, but we did purchase wine. It is very reasonably priced.

Times: 10AM – 6PM

Month Photos Were Taken: April

Notes: We were given a tour of the winery and a free wine tasting. The best time to go is in the fall when you can pick apples

Travel Time from Osan: 1 hour 21 minutes

Travel Time from Humphreys: 56 minutes

Naver Pin: http://naver.me/xIJbMd9H

Waze Pin: https://waze.com/ul/hwyd15h6bb

Seonggoksa Temple

Parking: Free – There is a lower lot and upper lot closer to temple

Entrance Fee: Free

Times: No set times

Month Photos Were Taken: March

Notes: This is one of my favorite temples closer to base. I recommend pairing this with Gongsanseong Fortress. There are two giant statues that sit on top of the mountain that can be seen from far away. There are also 1,000 bodhisattva statues creating several semicircles around the bronze Buddha. Going down the mountain, there are an additional 333 small Buddha statues, which are backlit at night. Not gonna lie, this was kind of creepy. Be sure to walk all around to see the various Buddha statues.

Travel Time from Osan: 1 hour 12 minutes

Travel Time from Humphreys: 57 minutes

Naver Pin: http://naver.me/xpP0woaQ

Waze Pin: https://waze.com/ul/hwy6retcuw

Waujeongsa Temple

Parking: Free – Plenty of Spots

Entrance Fee: Free

Times: No specific times

Month Photos Were Taken: November

Notes: There is a restaurant there, but we ate at one on the main road that was really good (http://naver.me/xM0dH4ml)

Travel Time from Osan: 1 hour 3 min

Travel Time from Humphreys: 59 minutes

Naver Pin: http://naver.me/GVb8eXPD

Waze Pin: https://waze.com/ul/hwyde869kb

1-2 Hours

Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival

Parking: Free – A few lots, gets very crowded and tight

Entrance Fee: 7,000 won entrance and 18,000 won for sledding (25,000 won combo)

Times: December-February – dates vary each year 9AM-9PM – best to go around sunset so you can see the sculptures in daylight and lit up at night

Month Photos Were Taken: February

Notes: You can roast chestnuts and ride a tractor ride for an extra fee. Bring water and snacks if needed (cafe was closed when we went). The sledding is so much fun, even for adults!

Travel Time from Osan: 1 hour 16 min

Travel Time from Humphreys: 1 hour 1 min

Naver Pin: http://naver.me/xuMLNVbL

Waze Pin: https://waze.com/ul/hwy6r0h17t

Sudeoksa Temple

Parking: Free – Park in lot in the town and take a short walk to the temple

Entrance Fee: 4,000 adult; 2,000 youth; 1,000 child

Times: I don’t recall seeing hours

Month Photos Were Taken: May

Notes: There are restaurants and shops in the town before the temple

Travel Time from Osan: 1 hour 39 minutes

Travel Time from Humphreys: 1 hour 6 minutes

Naver Pin: http://naver.me/GacRG4Ge

Waze Pin: https://waze.com/ul/hwyd03p7wf

Incheon Parks (Wolmi, Jayu Freedom, Subong, Incheon Grand Park)

Parking: Wolmi – parked at small lot that was free, but was about a 15-minute walk to the entrance of the park. Jayu – Do NOT head up the hill to find parking. It was a nightmare. Small street with people walking everywhere and only one car is able to pass at a time, requiring to back up in certain places. It is better to park somewhere else and walk. Subong – there are a lot of entrances to the park. Plenty of street parking (free). Incheon Grand Park – Large paid parking lot. I had an issue with my USA Credit Card so I think I managed to get it for free after pushing the button and they finally raised the gate.

Entrance Fee: All parks were free to enter

Times: No specific times – although Incheon Gran Park probably has times for parking lot

Month Photos Were Taken: April

Notes: These parks are phenomenal during Cherry Blossom Season!

Travel Time from Osan: 1 hour 6 minutes – 1 hour 26 minutes

Travel Time from Humphreys: 1 hour 8 minutes – 1 hour 25 minutes

Naver Pin: Wolmi – http://naver.me/FoAGVmPK, Jayu – http://naver.me/xKNx5BxV, Suboong – http://naver.me/G1IYnSVI, Incheon Grand Park – http://naver.me/5uxKRJIW

Waze Pin: Wolmi – https://waze.com/ul/hwydj0ynex, Jayu – https://waze.com/ul/hwydj1q5nh, Suboong – https://waze.com/ul/hwydj473my, Incheon Grand Park – https://waze.com/ul/hwydjh74pu

Wonju Sogeumsan Chulreong Bridge

Parking: Free parking lots with people directing traffic

Entrance Fee: 3,000 Won

Times: Last entry 3:30PM (my guess is they don’t want people out on the bridges when it gets dark)

Month Photos Were Taken: February

Notes: There are 548 steps up to the first suspension bridge (blue & red). The stairs are well maintained. Then after you cross the bridge, you can walk on the cliff walk and get a great view of both bridges. Then, you will go down the observation tower and cross the second bridge (yellow). There are cafes and street vendors on the way from the parking lot to the ticket office. Stop by the information desk if you would like a map.

Travel Time from Osan: 1 hour 30 minutes

Travel Time from Humphreys: 1 hour 36 minutes

Naver Pin: http://naver.me/5qRVRboy

Waze Pin: https://waze.com/ul/hwyduscvgf

Seoul

Month Photos Were Taken: May, June

Notes: Read my full blog post about Seoul HERE!

Travel Time from Osan: 1 hour 31 minutes

Travel Time from Humphreys: 1 hour 33 minutes

Naver Pin: http://naver.me/5vMwfMsu (Seoul Station)

Waze Pin: https://waze.com/ul/hwydm9k9k1 (Seoul Station)

Taean Tulip Festival

Parking: Free. There were people directing traffic. Get there early because it gets crowded fast.

Entrance Fee: 12,000 won adults and 9,000 won kids

Times: Opens different dates each year in April and May. I don’t recall the hours

Month Photos Were Taken: April

Notes: There are food stands outside of and inside of the park. There are so many flowers! It is also right next to the beach.

Travel Time from Osan: 1 hour 36 minutes

Travel Time from Humphreys: 1 hour 40 minutes

Naver Pin: http://naver.me/G2Ugoo2o

Waze Pin: https://waze.com/ul/hwy9b61drn

Jade Cave

Parking: Free – big lot

Entrance Fee: Adults 9,000 won, Children 7,000 won (this includes the 10-minute kayak ride)

Times: 9:30AM-6:30PM Summer; 9:30AM-6PM Winter; Last Admission 5PM; Closed Mondays

Month Photos Were Taken: April

Notes: This cave is spectacular! It is so big. So many light exhibits. The kayak ride was the best part. Perfect for all ages!

Travel Time from Osan: 1 hour 37 minutes

Travel Time from Humphreys: 1 hour 37 minutes

Naver Pin: http://naver.me/xZxOd7UJ

Waze Pin: https://waze.com/ul/hwye42beu5

Kkotji Beach

Parking: Free – there’s a parking gate, but each time I’ve been, it’s been open and we haven’t had to pay. My guess is that it closes at night.

Entrance Fee: N/A

Times: N/A

Month Photos Were Taken: June

Notes: This is one of the sandy beaches that’s within 2 hours of the base, making it a good day trip. The water was way too cold for me in June, but I’m sure July and August would be perfect. No one was in a bathing suit besides us, but I didn’t get any unapproving stares – I did go where it wasn’t crowded though so I could sunbathe in peace. If you go here during low tide, you’ll be able to cross the causeway by foot and check out “grandmother rock” and “grandfather rock.”

Travel Time from Osan: 1 hour 43 minutes

Travel Time from Humphreys: 1 hour 46 minutes

Naver Pin: https://naver.me/FrlPYotE