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
Veronica S.
“Two Lovely Days Exploring a Different Side of Seoul”
I had two lovely days exploring Seoul with Kwan J. He took me beyond the usual sights and showed me places full of character that I would never have discovered on my own — from the old industrial heart of the city to hidden alleys, cozy cafés like 커피한약방, with its old-Seoul, tucked-away charm, and unique spots like Dilkusha and the house of Hong Nan-pa, which added such an interesting cultural layer to the experience. The conversations were just as enjoyable as the sightseeing — relaxed, interesting, and full of insight into the history, culture, and everyday life in Korea. It felt like spending time with someone who really loves sharing their city.
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Kwan J.
Hi Veronica, Thank you so much for your thoughtful review. I had such a great time guiding you, and it was wonderful to see you enjoying every part of the tour. It honestly felt like exploring the city with a long‑time friend. Thanks again, and I hope we can meet again and stay connected.
Helen R.
“Great guide and super day out”
We really enjoyed our day out with Kwan to the Folk Village and Suwon Fortress. Kwan picked us up at the expected time and drove us to the Folk village first. Here we explored the various different styles of Korean houses and learnt about life in Korea in the past. After this, Kwan drove us to Suwon to explore the Fortress and we walked along its walls, climbing to the top of a hill for an amazing view over the city. Afterwards, Kwan took us for a drink and cake in a lovely little cafe, before ordering a taxi to take us back to our car. This was a great way to end our trip to Seoul and we very much enjoyed Kwan's company and his knowledge of the places we visited.
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Kwan J.
Thank you so much, Helen, for your wonderful review. It was truly my great pleasure spending the day with both of you at the Folk Village and Suwon Hwaseong. I’m delighted to hear you enjoyed the experience and the time we shared together. I hope you’ll visit Korea again, and next time I’d love to spend a little longer with you exploring even more of Seoul and beyond. Wishing you both all the best until then.
Liana S.
“Truly the Best Guide in Seoul”
Kwan is an exceptional guide who we were so fortunate to explore Seoul with. He is extremely personable, knowledgeable, professional and patient! He took the time to ensure that we had the best tour experience and got to see everything on our ‘Must Visit’ wishlist and more. Kwan is definitely one of the best guides around. Thank you Kwan for spending the entire day with us & for simply being the best! We had an amazing time with you!
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Kwan J.
Thank you so much, Liana, for your wonderful review. It was truly a great time guiding all of you. The whole day felt less like work and more like spending time with old friends, which made the experience even more special for me. I really appreciate you choosing my tour, and I’m grateful for the trust you placed in me. Hope to see you again the next time you visit Korea.
$600/ per group
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