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
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
