Tired of the Usual Seoul Itinerary? Let’s Go on a Day Trip!
They say that because Seoul itself is quite compact, an increasing number of people are looking to take day trips just outside the city lately.
In my opinion, there are already endless things to see and do just within Seoul! However, exploring the city and escaping to the outskirts definitely offer completely different vibes.
Whether it is hiking up a nearby mountain, hitting the ski slopes in the winter, driving just an hour to feel the ocean breeze, or taking a day trip to a historic city filled with cultural heritage—travelers nowadays are enjoying day trips with so many diverse concepts.
That is why today, I want to share my personal recommendations for a perfect day trip from Seoul and a must-visit coffee shop that I have personally experienced. Follow me!
A Childhood Dream Come True: The Treehouse in Pyeongtaek
Didn’t we all have a dream of having our very own secret hideout in a treehouse when we were kids? While that might be a common reality in some countries, for me, growing up in the bustling city of Seoul, it was something I could only dream about. That was until I discovered this magical Treehouse located in Pyeongtaek, which is quite close to Seoul!
Since you cannot legally stay overnight in a structure built on a living tree due to local regulations, this specific spot is designed for a day-use picnic. (If you really want to stay overnight, they have separate accommodation buildings built right next to them that you can reserve!)
I really wanted to gift my son the same beautiful dream I had as a child. So, on a day when the snow was falling heavily and covering the world in white, we packed up and headed to this Treehouse!
Where to book : https://www.treehousekorea.com
What I had imagined in my mind was right there, unfolding before my very eyes. How on earth did they build a house on top of a tree like that? Is it really safe for people to be up there? I had so many curious questions in my head that I climbed up the wooden stairs very, very carefully.
And inside…
The Secret Hideout: Cozy Vibes and a Hidden Kitchen
It was such a cozy space centered right around the living tree trunk. I truly felt like I had stepped right into the imaginary world of my childhood, and I found myself getting so incredibly excited!
And that wasn’t all. When we moved to the lower level, we found a kitchen and dining area waiting for us! It was even equipped with a countertop where you could prepare simple meals.
A Snowy Walk and a Grandpa’s Special Sled
After exploring the treehouse, we decided to walk around the village where it is located. Since the snow was falling heavily, we wanted to enjoy the beautiful scenery and take a relaxing stroll!
The snow was piled up so thick and fluffy. Seeing this, my father and my son immediately made a DIY snow sled right on the spot! My father always wants to give his grandson every experience possible, making him the absolute best friend for my son.
The Ultimate Winter Comfort: Hot Fish Cake Soup
After playing our hearts out in the cold snow, we came back inside to warm up our frozen bodies. To our delight, my mother had prepared Oden-tang (Korean fish cake soup) beforehand, so all we had to do was boil it right there!
Ahhhhh~~~~~~The feeling of my frozen body melting away with just one sip of that hot, savory broth was pure bliss. My whole body felt incredibly relaxed and cozy.
Winter Swimming: Our Private Heated Pool
I let my parents take a well-deserved rest in the cozy treehouse and decided to take my son to the swimming pool located right in front of it!
During the summer, this is an open-air pool that you can reserve by the hour for a completely private experience. But since an outdoor pool would be way too freezing in the winter—brrr—they smartly put up a roof over it and filled it with warm, heated water so guests can enjoy swimming even in the dead of winter!
My son and I had the best time splashing around and swimming to our hearts’ content in the hot water. It was such a perfectly packed and satisfying day! ;)
A Sweet Surprise: S’mores and Hot Cocoa by the Fire
As we were walking back to our treehouse, we found a cute little lunchbox placed right in front of our door!
When we opened it, we were delighted to find a treat box prepared for us to make hot chocolate and s’mores! This incredibly thoughtful and detailed service touched my heart. It was also an absolute hit with my son, perfectly matching his tastes.
I contacted the owner to learn how to light up the fire pit. Soon, we were carefully roasting marshmallows over the flames. We also put some sweet potatoes that we had brought from home into the stove to bake! ;)
Wrapping Up Our Magical Day
After spending such a warm and cozy time together, we carefully drove back home late at night, carrying a whole bundle of precious memories with us. ;)
Just a quick, realistic tip if you are planning to visit: there aren’t really any other major tourist attractions around this Treehouse in Pyeongtaek. It is literally surrounded by peaceful rice paddies! So, if you decide to go, I highly recommend renting a car and planning to spend your entire day fully immersed in the Treehouse experience itself.
A Bonus Cafe Tip!
However, I do have one extra golden tip for you! Before you arrive at the Treehouse, make sure to stop by the original flagship store of “Coffee Nap Roasters”.
I previously introduced their hip spot in Seongsu-dong to you. It turns out their main headquarters is located right near here! So I stopped by to have some coffee and a quick pastry before heading to the Treehouse. Since I visit the Seongsu branch so often, it was such a pleasant surprise to find the original store here. It perfectly shared that same raw, industrial, and minimalist vibe that I love! ;)
This trip was truly a perfect winter escape for my family. We laughed, played, and made unforgettable memories that we will cherish for a very long time. ;)
If you are looking for a unique day trip away from the usual tourist spots in Seoul, I highly recommend stepping into this living fairy tale. Whether you visit in the snowy winter or the lush green summer, it will surely give you a magical day!
What are some of your dream day trip destinations? Or do you have a special secret hideout of your own? Let me know in the comments below!
Until next time, see you again soon!
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