I introduce Gangneung, one of the most popular destinations for couples from Seoul. Gangneung has become a cultural and educational hub as the birthplace of outstanding scholars.
Yi I, a renowned scholar, was born in Gangneung and appears on the 5,000-won Korean banknote. Moreover, his mother, Shin Saimdang, who is regarded as a model of a wise mother, is featured on the 50,000-won banknote.
In Korea, waters of the East Sea are the cleanest.
That is why people love to travel to the East Sea.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At customer's Hotel (Seoul)
- Hotel lobby
Ojukheon, birthplace of Shin Saimdang
Ojukheon is the birthplace of Shin Saimdang, whose portrait appears on the 50,000-won banknote, the highest denomination in Korea.
She was the mother of Yi I, one of the greatest scholars of the Joseon Dynasty.
Yi I's portrait is featured on the 5,000-won banknote.
It is the first time in Korean history that a mother and son have both been depicted on currency.
Yi I was a leading scholar of Neo-Confucianism, which shaped Joseon's politics and academic thought.
He was deeply respected by both his disciples and the Korean people.
At Ojukheon, you can experience the gentle rustling of black bamboo swaying in the wind and the peaceful afternoon sunlight filling the courtyard.
It is a place where you can reflect on history and take a moment to deeply contemplate your own life.
Seongyojang, traditional Korean house
Gangneung Seongyojang is a beautiful traditional Korean house that has been well-preserved in its original form for 300 years. It has been designated as a National Heritage site.
The estate consists of various traditional houses, a museum displaying artifacts used at Seongyojang over the past 300 years, and an exhibition hall showcasing household items from the past.
The former owners of Seongyojang were known for their generous hospitality toward travelers from Hanyang (Seoul) who were on their way to Seoraksan during the Joseon Dynasty.
Would you like to join me in discovering their stories?
Jeongdong-Simgok Badabuchaegil (Jeongdong-Simgok Sea Fan Road)
The terrain and trail resemble an open fan facing the sea.
That’s why this place was named "Jeongdong-Simgok Badabuchaegil."
The name "Badabuchaegil" combines "bada" (sea) and "buchae" (fan), meaning "a road shaped like a fan by the sea."
It has been designated as Natural Monument No. 437.
This is the only coastal terrace in Korea where you can observe geological changes from 200 to 250 million years ago, revealing the secrets of the East Sea’s formation.
The 2.86 km trail stretches from Jeongdongjin Sun Cruise Parking Lot to Simgok Port.
You can admire the breathtaking beauty of the blue waves of the East Sea and the majestic rock formations.
For a long time, this area was closed to the public as it was a military facility for coastal defense.
Let’s visit this hidden natural wonder!
Gangneung Café Street
In the 1980s and 1990s, couples would visit the Gangneung seaside to make promises of love.
One by one, cafés started to appear along the coast, eventually transforming Gangneung into the city of coffee.
The charm of Gangneung Coffee Street lies in the ability to enjoy a cup of coffee while taking in the endless view of the blue East Sea.
Take a healing moment with a cup of coffee by the sea, and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the charming Anmok Beach.
A place where your beloved one feels even more precious.
As you travel here, may your love remain strong and unwavering.
Gangneung Jungang Market
Gangneung Jungang Market is a representative traditional market of the Gangneung region.
Established as a permanent market even before the Japanese colonial era, it has long served as a major distribution center for fishery products and agricultural goods in the Yeongdong area.
This market is filled with delicious treats at every corner!
Along the food alley, you’ll find an array of Gangneung’s signature dishes.
Don’t miss these must-try specialties:
Ice Cream Hotteok – Crispy Korean sweet pancakes dipped in soft serve ice cream.
Handmade Fish Cake Croquettes – Deep-fried fish cakes stuffed with vegetables, cheese, and other fillings.
Grilled Tteokgalbi – Juicy grilled short rib patties, served with a flavorful sauce.
Enjoy a delicious food adventure at Gangneung Jungang Market!
Ending Point
At Hotel in Seoul (Starting Point)
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Professional Driving Tour Guide
Air-conditioned vehicle (5 seater Sedan, Hyundai)
Private transportation, gasoline, toll, parking
Water
Admission fee
Travel Insurance
Anything not mentioned in details
Lunch
This product is a personalized travel package using sedan.
- It is available for up to 4 people.
-This package is available on weekdays.
The provided schedule is designed around the most popular attractions and timing, but it can be adjusted flexibly to accommodate the preferences and needs of the customers.
It's only open on weekdays.
We don't operate in heavy traffic on weekends.
I can drive my own car to make customers comfortable.
My house is close to Incheon Airport.
I can pick up at Incheon Airport and take you to the hotel in my car.
When needed, I can invite a professional photographer to take photos.
I love history and travel.
So, I will make my customers' trips valuable.
In our country with distinct four seasons, I can guide joyfully at any time.
I lived in Gyeongju for a long time when I was young. I know a lot about Gyeongju.
I've traveled to Jeju Island dozens of times. I have a lot of knowledge about Jeju Island.
Hello! I am Alice.
I live in Incheon, South Korea. It's very close to Seoul.
I want to guide my clients through the charming city of Seoul.
Especially when introducing the five grand palaces of Seoul, I would like to invite a professional photographer to capture beautiful moments.
I can help them dress in hanbok and create stunning life shots.
I also want to guide them through Kyeongju, a city that breathes with a long history. I lived in Kyeongju until my teenage years.
I want to introduce UNESCO-listed Kyeongju, a city of culture and history.
I have traveled to Jeju Island more than several ten times. I also want to introduce Jeju Island.
My clients can go anywhere they want in South Korea.
There are many well-preserved cultural heritage sites with a long history in Korea, and they can also experience the convenience of fast-developing Seoul.
Come and visit Korea. Let's explore Seoul and travel together anywhere.
Traveling in Korea will be a memorable and cherished experience.
Best regards. Alice.
Pravardhan B.
“Seoul tour ”
Alice was very informative and gave good history and back ground story of all sites. She drove us in her personal car, very flexible and accommodating to our impromptu plan . Highly recommend .
Alice K.
Hello Pravardhan!! Thank you so much for leaving such a beautiful review for me. Your review truly gives me great strength. Is your lovely wife and daughter doing well? Your family looked even more wonderful because of the love you share. I hope you visit beautiful Korea again someday. Best Regards. From Alice.
Henry A.
“Unforgettable Private Tour of Seoul”
We had an incredible day exploring the heart of Seoul on this private tour—it exceeded all expectations! Our guide was not only professional and knowledgeable but also incredibly warm, accommodating, and passionate about Korean culture and history. Every stop was perfectly paced and thoughtfully planned. Gyeongbokgung Palace was the perfect start—stepping into Korea’s royal past was awe-inspiring. Our guide provided fascinating historical context and helped us appreciate the beautiful architecture and ceremonial traditions. We even got great photos during the changing of the guard ceremony! Insadong was a delightful contrast, with its charming blend of traditional tea houses, antique shops, and modern galleries. We loved the local vibe and even tried our hand at some calligraphy with the help of our guide. Myeongdong Street was a shopper’s paradise! The energy, the K-beauty stores, the street food—it was a total sensory experience. Our guide knew exactly where to take us for the best tteokbokki and hotteok, and helped us navigate the popular spots without stress. DDP (Dongdaemun Design Plaza) was stunning and futuristic—such a cool mix of design, architecture, and innovation. It was amazing to see Seoul’s modern creative side, and our guide gave us great insight into the exhibitions and the history behind the building. We ended the day at Gwangjang Market, and wow—what a feast! Our guide helped us try local favorites like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and mayak gimbap. Everything was delicious, and having a local guide made all the difference when it came to finding authentic flavors and avoiding tourist traps. This private tour with Alice felt personal, immersive, and incredibly special. Highly recommended for anyone who wants a deeper and more meaningful experience of Seoul. Thank you for a truly unforgettable day.
Alice K.
Hello Henry! Did you arrive safely in Singapore and are you having a great time? I’m sure your kids are enjoying themselves too, right? Thank you so much for leaving me such a wonderful review. Your review will be a great help to me. This Asia tour with your children will be a wonderful gift for them. I hope you have a healthy and joyful time! Best Regards. From Alice.
Andre O.
“Wonderful Private Tour”
Several days ago we had the a wonderful tour of Seoul city highlights with Alice. What a wonderful tour guide. We enjoyed her tour immensely. Her car was nice and clean, she was on time (even early) and her route allowed us to see the maximum sights in our full day. We visited Namsum Tower from which the views were great at the beginning of the day to beat the crowds, then over to Changdeokgung Palace and its secret garden. On the way there we walked through the Hanok village which was interesting. For lunch a quick stop for delicious ginger chicken soup (Michelin guide mentioned restaurant). At the end of the day we walked around the Insa-Dong cultural street. Alice was excellent providing historical and cultural background as needed or if we had questions, but we appreciated the quiet moments to take in the sights as well. Alice's english is excellent too. We highly recommend her and will use her again if we ever come to S. Korea again.
Alice K.
Hello Andre! Thank you so much for leaving me such a wonderful review. I also truly enjoyed and felt comfortable during our tour together. I really appreciate your interest in Korea's historical background and how engaged you were with all the stories. I could tell that you're someone who surely gives your best at work as well. I sincerely hope your work brings you even greater success than expected, and that happiness always follows. Best regards. From Alice.
$512/ per group