Pocheon, in northern Gyeonggi, mixes mountain lakes, quarries turned art parks and famous food—Idong galbi and makgeolli. A night here lets you see Sanjeong Lake at dawn, Herb Island lit up at night and Pocheon Art Valley’s emerald quarry lake.
Trip type: 1-Night, 2-Day Trip from Seoul · Best for: lakes, gardens, hot springs · Travel time from central Seoul: about 1.5–2 hours by bus
Why Visit Pocheon
Sanjeong Lake has a 4 km lakeside trail and a winter ice festival. Herb Island is a Mediterranean-style garden with night illuminations, and Pocheon Art Valley turns a granite quarry into a dramatic lake and sculpture park.
How to Get to Pocheon by Public Transport
- Bus: intercity buses from Dong Seoul Terminal to Pocheon and Ildong/Idong (about 1.5–2 hours), then local buses to Sanjeong Lake.
- Subway + bus: Line 1 to Uijeongbu, then buses toward Pocheon.
- Fare: about 5,000–9,000 won each way.
Pocheon Trip Costs per Person
| Item | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Transit (2 days) | about 20,000–30,000 won (taxis help between sights) |
| Herb Island | about 9,000–11,000 won |
| Pocheon Art Valley | about 5,000 won + monorail |
| Lodging (1 night, per room) | pension or hot spring resort 80,000–180,000 won |
| Meals (2 days, per person) | 60,000–90,000 won |
| Estimated total | about 140,000–230,000 won per person (sharing a room) |
Fares assume a T-money or other transit card (Seoul-area subway base fare 1,550 won). Costs are estimates in Korean won.
Suggested 2-Day Itinerary
- Day 1 – Bus to Pocheon; Pocheon Art Valley in the afternoon.
- Day 1 – Evening: Herb Island night lights; Idong galbi dinner.
- Day 2 – Morning: Sanjeong Lake trail and boat ride.
- Day 2 – Afternoon: Ildong hot spring, then bus to Seoul.
Where to Stay
Stay near Sanjeong Lake for quiet pensions, or Ildong for hot spring hotels.
What to Eat
Idong marinated galbi costs about 35,000–45,000 won per serving; pair it with local Idong makgeolli.
Tips Before You Go
- Buses between sights are infrequent—plan taxis.
- Sanjeong Lake ice festival runs in winter.
- Herb Island is best after sunset.
FAQ
Is Pocheon worth an overnight stay?
Yes—sights are spread out, and the night lights and hot springs are highlights.
How do I get to Pocheon from Seoul?
Take an intercity bus from Dong Seoul Terminal.
Planning more trips? See our Korea travel guides.
Source: Visit Korea
Featured image: Sanjeong Lake surrounded by forested hills in Pocheon. Photo: Explicit / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0). Prices, fares and hours were checked in October 2026 and can change; confirm on official sites before you go.
