Events

Four Day Trips Outside Seoul: Yeoju Royal Tombs, MMCA Cheongju, Baekdudaegan Arboretum and Deogyusan Forest

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AI-generated woodland path with early autumn leaves, thin white pen marks and a handwritten note about taking a slow walk.

AT A GLANCE

Yeoju
Yeongneung and Nyeongneung royal tombs; 9 am–6 pm in September, last entry 5 pm
Cheongju
MMCA Cheongju, 314 Sangdang-ro; 10 am–6 pm, last entry 5 pm
Bonghwa
Baekdudaegan National Arboretum; 9 am–6 pm, adult ₩5,000
Muju
Deogyusan Recreational Forest; day visits 9 am–6 pm, closed Tuesdays
Note
Free admission on Sept 24–27, 2026 was a Chuseok offer and has ended

These four places, a royal tomb site, a museum, an arboretum and a forest retreat, work as separate day trips from Seoul, not one route. Yeoju is in Gyeonggi, the province around Seoul. Cheongju lies farther south, and Bonghwa and Muju are farther still. The details below come from official venue pages. The free admission offered September 24–27, 2026 was a Chuseok holiday offer and has ended. Checked on 2026-10-12.

The hero image is AI-generated and does not show a particular trail.

Yeoju: two royal tombs with the same name

Yeoju has two tomb sites called Yeongneung. One holds King Sejong, who created the Korean alphabet, and Queen Soheon. The other holds King Hyojong and Queen Inseon. The names sound alike but use different Chinese characters, 英陵 and 寧陵. A forest path links them, and the Korea Tourism Organization describes the tombs and paths in its Yeoju walking guide. Check whether the connecting path is open before you set off.

  • Hours: 9 am–6 pm in September, last entry 5 pm (official hours). Hours change by season.
  • Getting there: Take the Gyeonggang Line, a regional rail line, to Sejongdaewangneung or Yeoju Station, then a local bus. The station is not the tomb entrance. For driving, use 269-10 Yeongneung-ro, Sejongdaewang-myeon, Yeoju (transport guide).

Cheongju: see how art is stored

The Cheongju branch of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) is in North Chungcheong Province. Its open storage shows artworks in a setting closer to a collection store than a usual gallery. The visible conservation laboratory has its own schedule and does not open on public holidays or weekends (MMCA Cheongju visitor guide).

  • Hours: 10 am–6 pm, last entry 5 pm. You need a ticket, available online or on-site.
  • Address: 314 Sangdang-ro, Cheongwon-gu, Cheongju. From the intercity bus terminal, allow for a local bus or taxi connection (MMCA directions).

Bonghwa: gardens and the Tiger Forest

Baekdudaegan National Arboretum is in Bonghwa, North Gyeongsang Province. An arboretum grows trees and other plants for study and display. It has themed gardens, including a wildflower hill and a maple collection, and a managed tiger habitat called the Tiger Forest (arboretum introduction). Tiger sightings are not guaranteed, as the animals may move out of view.

  • Hours: 9 am–6 pm, last entry 5 pm. Closing days are on the official opening calendar; it was closed on September 25 and 28 in 2026.
  • Admission: Adult ₩5,000, online or on-site. The optional tram costs extra (visitor guide).
  • Getting there: The official guide lists Dong Seoul Terminal to Chunyang, then a local bus. Check both legs and the return timetable. For driving, use the visitor center at 1501 Chunyang-ro, Chunyang-myeon, Bonghwa (directions).

Muju: a forest break

Deogyusan National Recreational Forest is in Muju, North Jeolla Province. A recreational forest has managed walking areas and places to stay.

  • Hours: Day visits 9 am–6 pm, with a regular Tuesday closure. Severe weather can restrict entry (visitor information).
  • Booking: Cabins and camping are booked through Foresttrip (숲나들e). Prices depend on the facility and date. Day-entry and parking charges are separate (fee page).
  • Address: 530-62 Gucheondong-ro, Mupung-myeon, Muju. For public transport, ask the forest office about the final connection and return: +82-63-322-1097.

Which one to choose

  • Yeoju for a tomb-and-forest walk
  • Cheongju for indoor art
  • Bonghwa for gardens and the Tiger Forest
  • Muju for a longer forest break

Good for / not for

Good for

  • People who want a slow day outside Seoul
  • Visitors who like history, art or forests

Not for

  • Anyone who wants all four in one trip. They are far apart.

Sources

Checked on 2026-10-12. Hours, admission and closing days change by season and holiday. Confirm before you go.