The 11 Best Day Trips from Gwangyang
How far each place is, what to see there, and a plan for the day.
Free day-by-day itinerary in seconds. No account needed to start.
There are 11 good day trips from Gwangyang, South Korea, led by Busan, Daegu, Changwon. The closest is Suncheon, about 30 min by car, and 3 of them fit into half a day. Below: drive times, distances, what to see, and a sample day plan.
Built from 11 nearby places, with sights from real traveler trips, on Packy AI. Last updated November 2026 by the Packy AI Travel Team.
Day trips from Gwangyang
- 1
Busan, South Korea
Full-day tripAbout 1 hr 55 min by car123 km east of GwangyangWhat travelers see in Busan
- Beomeosa Temple - Beomeosa Temple offers a serene atmosphere amidst nature, showcasing traditional Korean architecture and significant Buddhist heritage.
- Haedong Yonggungsa Temple - This seaside temple beautifully combines spiritual heritage with stunning ocean views, making it a unique and serene location for visitors.
- Haeundae Beach - Haeundae Beach is known for its beautiful sandy shores and vibrant atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and leisure.
- 2
Daegu, South Korea
Full-day tripAbout 2 hr 5 min by car131 km north-east of GwangyangKnown for 이월드 E World.
- 3
Changwon, South Korea
Full-day tripAbout 1 hr 30 min by car95 km east of GwangyangKnown for 다독다독 동물병원.
- 4
Jeonju, South Korea
Full-day tripAbout 1 hr 45 min by car110 km north-west of Gwangyang - 5
Masan, South Korea
Full-day tripAbout 1 hr 15 min by car81 km west of Gwangyang - 6
Chinju, South Korea
Half-day tripAbout 50 min by car45 km north-east of Gwangyang - 7
Iksan, South Korea
Full-day tripAbout 2 hr by car130 km north-west of Gwangyang - 8
Suncheon, South Korea
Half-day tripAbout 30 min by car19 km west of Gwangyang - 9
Yeosu, South Korea
Half-day tripAbout 30 min by car20 km south of Gwangyang - 10
Mokpo, South Korea
Full-day tripAbout 1 hr 55 min by car120 km west of Gwangyang - 11
Gunsan, South Korea
Long day or overnightAbout 2 hr 15 min by car146 km north-west of Gwangyang
A sample day: Gwangyang to Busan
- 07:30Leave Gwangyang
- 09:25Arrive in Busan (1 hr 55 min drive)
- 09:40Beomeosa Temple
- 11:40Lunch
- 12:55Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
- 14:40Haeundae Beach
- 16:10Head back to Gwangyang
- 18:05Home in Gwangyang
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
- What are the best day trips from Gwangyang?
- The best day trips from Gwangyang are Busan, Daegu, Changwon, Jeonju, Masan. The closest is Suncheon, about 30 min away by car.
- What is the closest day trip from Gwangyang?
- Suncheon is the closest, 19 km west of Gwangyang, roughly 30 min by car. Best as a half-day trip.
- Where can I go within an hour of Gwangyang?
- 3 places are within about an hour's drive of Gwangyang: Suncheon (30 min), Yeosu (30 min), Chinju (50 min).
- What is the biggest city near Gwangyang for a day out?
- Busan is the largest city in day-trip range, 123 km east of Gwangyang and about 1 hr 55 min by car. With that much to see, start early or stay the night.
- Where can I go for a weekend from Gwangyang?
- For a weekend away from Gwangyang, pick the places far enough to be worth a night: Gunsan (146 km, 2 hr 15 min), Daegu (131 km, 2 hr 5 min), Iksan (130 km, 2 hr), Busan (123 km, 1 hr 55 min). Closer places on this list work better as a single day.
- How far is too far for a day trip from Gwangyang?
- Up to about two hours each way keeps the day relaxed. The farthest place on this list is Gunsan at 146 km, around 2 hr 15 min by car, which is better as a long day or an overnight stay.
Ready to plan your Gwangyang trip?
Free day-by-day itinerary in seconds. No account needed to start.
Keep exploring