"The Museum at the House of Sharing During World War II, it is estimated that nearly 200,000 women, most of them Korean, were used as sex slaves to the Japanese army. This sad legacy is still a controversial topic, but it doesn't change the fact that the victims remain. About 45 minutes south of Seoul lies the House of Sharing, a group home established in 1995 for these former “comfort women.” The Museum of Sexual Slavery by the Japanese Military is located on the property, and includes displays of wartime photographs and documents, artwork painted by survivors and artifacts as a remembrance of times past. Be sure to call or email in advance to schedule a tour in English."

"Bukhansan National Park: An Urban Escape Koreans love hiking, so it’s very convenient for Seoul dwellers that Bukhansan National Park is located a quick jaunt to the north of the city. Jutting granite peaks topped with assorted temples and pavilions make for a great day trip. Just be sure to dress appropriately. You’ll soon discover that Korea’s mountain trails are a catwalk of top-end hiking gear. Bukhansan’s claim to fame? Its proximity to one of the world’s largest metropolitan areas has landed it in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the national park with the highest number of visitors per square foot. If you can, go in the spring or fall when the foliage is at its most vibrant. Take subway line 4 to Gireum Station, exit 3."

"All-Season Fun at High 1 Just a short train ride from Seoul is the High 1 Ski Resort. You may not think of Korea as a place for world-class slopes, but the mountains near Seoul are just that: They didn’t choose Korea as the location of the 2018 winter Olympic games for nothing. High 1 isn’t popular solely for its proximity to Korea’s capital. It’s famed for the ski runs cascading down the resort’s three converging peaks—Jijang Mountain, Valley Top, and Mountain Hub—all towering above 4,000 feet. High 1 is a popular day or weekend trip year-round because of the other features—a casino, a golf course, barbecues, and a revolving restaurant with views of the area’s rugged mountain peaks. The High 1 Ski Train leaves daily from Seoul Station."

"A Chat Between Friends Anyang, located just outside Seoul , is an incredible place for a day trip. The Anyang Art Park has numerous sites to see—including this maze-like staircase. The park, situated in a valley, is a perfect place to spend an afternoon in any season."

"DMZ Train-ing Located between the two Koreas in the Civilian Control Zone along the 38th Parallel, Dorasan station has recently awakened as though from a spell. Once only used as a showcase boasting of hopes for reunification between the divided peninsula for visitors who passed through on designated DMZ tours, the station is now the last stop on the DMZ tourist train from Seoul . Twice-daily trips from the southern capital to the border bring visitors to the doorstep of the Hermit Kingdom and finally give Dorasan station a reason for that gift shop. Next stop Pyongyang?"