East Coast Bliss: Discover the Calm of Gangneung
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.
Itinerary
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
Want to personalize this tour?
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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.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- 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
Tour Important Information
- 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.
Important message from the supplier
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!
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Kwan J.
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.
Reviews
Tony C.
“Awesome Day in Seoul”
Our group of 4 had a long layover in Seoul so we booked a city tour with Kwan. He met us at the airport, helped us store our luggage and then took us on a tour of the city. Kwan is engaging, speaks excellent English and really knows the city. During our 8 hours together we visited historical sites as well as trendy neighborhoods. It was a good mix of both fun and interesting. I would highly recommend Kwan.
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Kwan J.
Thank you so much, Tony, for your wonderful review! It was such a fun day spending time with all four of you. I truly appreciated your wonderful company and how enthusiastically everyone joined in and enjoyed the tour from beginning to end. I especially loved the bright and positive energy of your group, and of course, our lovely ladies made the day even more cheerful! Have a safe trip back home, and I sincerely hope to welcome all of you back to Korea again sometime in the future!
Steven G.
“Great custom day in Seoul”
Kwan designed a custom day for me based on my interest in seeing how seniors live and work in Seoul. He obviously did a lot of research and preparation and created a very special experience. He was a pleasure to spend the day with and I learned a lot. Highly recommend Kwan!
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Kwan J.
Thank you, Steven, for your wonderful review! It was such a pleasure spending the day with you. Preparing this tour was especially meaningful to me because your interest inspired me to look more deeply into the lives, challenges, and changing lifestyles of seniors in Seoul. Even though the weather was a little tough, your curiosity made the day very enjoyable for me as well. Thank you for this memorable experience, and I hope I’ll have the pleasure of welcoming you and your wife together on your next visit to Korea!
Gerben m. D.
“Kwan is great!”
An outstanding day with Kwan! He picked us up at our hotel and spent the whole day sharing his knowledge of Korean history, and also of Korea today: how the country works, its culture and its daily life. Everywhere we went he gave clear and engaging explanations. Our visit to the DMZ was a highlight. Kwan explained exactly how it works, arranged everything for us, and made the whole experience smooth and enjoyable. Afterwards he took us to a local market, where he told us about its background, the food you can find there, how things taste and what Korean eating habits are like. We picked out a few dishes together and shared them in a little café, which was a wonderful end to the day. Kwan is friendly, knowledgeable and truly excellent at what he does. He goes out of his way for his guests and takes great care of them. We can't recommend him highly enough!
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Kwan J.
Thank you, Gerben! What a fun day we had! You and Meritxell were such humorous, warm, and caring company that the entire day was full of laughter from beginning to end. I really enjoyed your genuine interest in our history and culture. And I must give you both extra credit for bravely trying all those unfamiliar foods, haha! Thank you again for making the tour so enjoyable for me as well. I hope to see you both again one day!
$600/ per group
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