Embark on a serene journey to Gangneung aboard the KTX, witnessing Korea's iconic mountainous landscapes. Explore Gangneung's rich traditional heritage, visit a tranquil cabbage field set over 1,000 meters high, and savor the region’s authentic local dishes. With private vehicle convenience, this immersive tour blends natural beauty, cultural depth, and culinary delights, offering a unique East Coast experience.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Seoul KTX station
- Please meet me at the Mc Donald on 2nd floor of the station!
Leaving Seoul station for Gangneung by KTX
The train speeds through South Korea's diverse landscapes, covering approximately 229 kilometers in under two hours. You can enjoy views of mountains, rural areas, and glimpses of the coastline as you approach Gangneung.
Gangneung station
After arriving in Gangneung by the fast and comfortable KTX, we'll step straight into a private vehicle via Socar.
Visiting Anbandegi Village – A Journey Above the Clouds!
Nestled 1,100 meters above sea level, Anbandegi Village is a breathtaking alpine paradise. Known as the "Land of Clouds," this serene village offers panoramic views of lush cabbage fields and rolling hills that seem to touch the sky. It's a photographer's dream and a nature lover's haven.
Lunch: Exploring Gangneung's local dish
Gangneung is a culinary treasure trove with a mix of seafood, agricultural delights, and traditional Korean dishes. My suggestions are as below...
-Gangneung Bulgogi: a local specialty where tender beef is marinated with a unique blend of flavors, often incorporating regional ingredients. Grilled to perfection, it offers a rich and savory taste that reflects Gangneung's culinary heritage.
- Makguksu: Spicy buckwheat noodles served cold with a tangy sauce, vegetables, and sometimes seafood. It's refreshing and perfect for summer.
- Chodang Sundubu: Soft bean curd made with seawater, giving it a unique flavor. You can find it in Chodang Dubu Village.
- Gamja Ongsimi: Potato dumpling soup with a savory broth, vegetables, and sometimes meat. It's comforting and ideal for chilly weather.
- Ojingeo Sundae: Stuffed squid filled with a mix of ingredients like vegetables and noodles. A seafood lover's delight
- Gamja Jeon: Crispy potato pancakes, golden-brown and delicious, often paired with a dipping sauce. A simple yet irresistible comfort food.
Visiting Seongyojang House – Step Back in Time
A Living Legacy: Built in the early 18th century, Seongyojang House is not just a historical site—it's a portal to the Joseon Dynasty. Imagine walking through the elegant hanok structures where noble families once lived, surrounded by serene gardens and a tranquil pond.
What Awaits You:
- Hwallaejeong Pavilion: Picture yourself standing in this picturesque pavilion, overlooking the shimmering pond as gentle breezes carry the whispers of history.
- Hidden Stories: Discover tales of the noble family who lived here, their traditions, and the significance of the house's name, "Seongyojang," which ties to the nearby Gyeongpo Lake.
Unique Experiences:
- Nature's Embrace: Stroll through the lush surroundings, where the harmony of architecture and nature creates a peaceful retreat.
- Timeless Elegance: Marvel at the intricate woodwork and design that showcase the craftsmanship of the Joseon era.
Visiting Gyeongpo Beach – Where Land Meets the East Sea
A Coastal Paradise: Imagine stepping onto a 6-kilometer stretch of soft, white sand, with the sparkling blue waters of the East Sea on one side and a lush pine forest on the other. Gyeongpo Beach is not just a beach—it's a sensory escape.
What Awaits You:
- Breathtaking Views: Witness the sun rising over the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink—a moment that feels almost magical.
- Relaxation & Fun: Whether you want to sunbathe, take a refreshing dip, or try thrilling water sports like jet skiing, Gyeongpo Beach has it all.
- Cultural Charm: Stroll along the nearby Gyeongpo Lake or visit the historic Gyeongpodae Pavilion, where scholars once gathered to admire the moonlit scenery.
Coffee break at Myeongju-dong – A Coffee Lover's Paradise with a Historic Twist
A Blend of Past and Present: Myeongju-dong is where Gangneung's rich history meets its vibrant modern culture. Stroll through charming streets lined with traditional hanok-style cafes, boutique shops, and art galleries, all infused with a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
What Awaits You:
- Coffee Culture: Known as the birthplace of Korea's coffee craze, Myeongju-dong offers a chance to sip on expertly brewed coffee while soaking in the area's unique ambiance.
- Hidden Gems: Explore quirky cafes with creative themes, each telling its own story, and discover local art and crafts that reflect Gangneung's creative spirit.
- Historic Charm: Wander through streets that preserve the essence of old Gangneung, with traditional architecture and a sense of timelessness.
Going back to Seoul by KTX
Ending Point
Seoul KTX Station
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
- English speaking driving tour guide
- Transportation fee (KTX fare, toll & parking, gas)
- Clean & Brand-new Air-conditioned Vehicles
- If you are a group of 3, it will be Hyundai New Avante. If you are a group of 4~6, it will be KIA New Carnival.
- All Admission fees
- Bottle of water
Lunch & Beverage
- The primary transportation for this tour is the KTX and a private car, designed to provide a more immersive local experience.
- This tour does not involve a lot of walking, but wearing comfortable shoes is recommended.
Basically available all days! However, as I have multiple job, please let me know in advance and I can flexibly schedule it!
Also, let me know your preferences! I will help you customize your own itinerary!
Hello, and welcome to Korea!
My name is Kwan, and I have been an authorized tour guide with the Korean Tourism Organization (KTO) since 2019. My tour programs are designed to provide you with authentic and meaningful experiences of Korea, focusing on its rich culture, history, and traditions rather than fleeting trends. If you're looking for a leisurely and relaxed itinerary filled with captivating stories about our heritage and people, I am the guide for you!
Additionally, I bring over 13 years of experience delivering exceptional service to VIP clients during my tenure at Cartier, the world-renowned jewelry brand. With this background, I ensure that your journey will be marked by an unparalleled level of care and attention.
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Gerard B.
“Make your trip to Korea a success - get Kwan to help you!”
Here you have the perfect guide to organise your trip. He can help with as much or as little as you need for visiting Korea. In my case it was a one day trip to visit historical sites in Andong province. He adapted the agenda to fit what I wanted. Provided valuable insights and details on each location positioning it historically as well as some important events in its history. The first site we visited was a Confucian University set up in the Josean Period which is in a beautiful location and has a really calm and relaxing feel in the middle of nature. We also visited an important temple in the hills before having a very good lunch. A big highlight of the tour for me was the Masked Dance in the Hanok village. The context was explained in advance and it consisted of a series of sketches which were comical and satirizing. Translation of what the players were saying were displayed on a screen in English, Chinese and Japanese which made a big difference in following and understanding the sketch. It is definitely worth a visit but be aware that you need to queue early as only 200 people are allowed into the show. Andong is almost two hours by train away from Seoul. Kwan made the trip very easy by arranging the train tickets, having some water and food for the train trip as well as being a very interesting conversationalist, arranging for a car in Andong and then driving to each location. So you can put yourself in his hands and just enjoy the trip and the sites as he has covered all the details.
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Kwan J.
Thank you so much, Gerry, for your kind review! It was truly my pleasure to spend the day with you. You were a wonderful guest—so gentle, understanding, and engaging throughout our time together. I also deeply appreciated the opportunity to learn more about Ireland and the issues close to your heart. It was a meaningful exchange for me, and I’m grateful for the connection we shared.
Liane A.
“Tour of Andong and several Se Wons”
We met Kwan J early in the morning at the Cheongyangi train station and traveled two hours on speed train to Andong. Beautiful ride with nice accommodation. We enjoyed our day with Kwan J. He speaks good English, and as advertised he made sure that everything was taken care of. It was a long day of walking and sightseeing, but Kwan J was quite knowledgeable about the Se Wons we visited and the history behind them. Andong has a beautiful countryside with much farming done in the area. A small town with many historic sites to see. The landscapes were beautiful, but I enjoyed most the tranquil nature of the area. Also enjoyed the Village of Hahoe and the small community that exists there. Much history in it. We walked so much that I was starving for lunch. The Mackeral was excellent along with ban chan dishes served. Kwan was a good tour guide for us and we enjoyed spending our day with him. He had good English skill so we communicated well. It was a looooong, tiring day but a very memorable part of our quick visit to Korea. It was well worth the money.
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Kwan J.
Hi Liane, It was truly a pleasure guiding you both—such a lovely Hawaiian couple! I really enjoyed our time together and appreciated your warmth and curiosity throughout the day. I also learned so much about Hawaii from you, which made the experience even more enriching for me. I hope the rest of your journey is filled with wonderful memories and joyful moments. Wishing you all the best on your adventures ahead! Warm regards, Kwan
Simon C.
“Kwan was a fantastic tour guide”
If you're thinking of going to the DMZ, this is by far the best, most comfortable, and most time efficient way to do it. On top of that Kwan was an amazing tour guide, who provided excellent and comfortable driving, delicious snacks, and organized all our tickets. He was really informative and fun, and really made the trip to the DMZ enjoyable. Highly recommend.
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Kwan J.
Dear Simon, Thank you so much for your kind review of the tour! It truly means a lot to me. I really enjoyed spending time with you and Taryn. It was a pleasure having you both along, and I’m grateful for the memories we shared. Hope our paths cross again someday! Warm regards, Kwanyoung
$400/ per group
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