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.
Lizzette S.
“I did not mind the 12 hr layover! ”
Such a great experience during my ICN layover. I had never been to Korea before so what better way to spend those layover hours! I was a lone traveler and with Alice I felt comfortable and we did so much in 8 hrs! We could have done more but I was tired from 2 weeks travel. Alice was very knowledgeable on Korean history and added a special touch to the tour! I even had the chance to blend in with the locals and experience Korean culture. We enjoyed an authentic Korean lunch - the day was such a pleasant experience!
Alice K.
Hello Lizzette!! You already left a review. Thank you so much. The review is truly a valuable asset for me. After traveling for two weeks and visiting here, you must have been very tired. Still, thank you for enjoying the trip together with me. I hope you can rest well and sleep comfortably during the long flight back. I look forward to you visiting Korea someday with your family. If we meet again then, it would be such a pleasure. Have a safe and pleasant journey. Best regards. From Alice.
Sofia C.
“Coexistence of tradition and modernity”
Alice tour shows the coexistence of tradition and modernity as a dynamic and ongoing process. It requires a willingness to adapt, to find common ground, and to appreciate the value of both the past and the present. In this tour you will experience both cultural heritage through gastronomy, traditional architecture and an "amazing tomorrow", all in one. I also want to thank Alice for her kindness and patience in showing me how to navigate the subway. It was such a thoughtful thing to do.
Alice K.
Hello Sofia!! Since you have traveled to many countries and cities, I believe you will do well on your own in Seoul. Still, today I shared some tips with you for traveling alone in Seoul. I hope your trip will be filled with comfort and joy. If you encounter any questions or difficulties while traveling, please let me know. I will gladly guide and help you. Seoul is a wonderful city with beautiful places, lush forests, delicious food, and a rich heritage of long-standing traditions. I hope you can fully experience and appreciate all of it. Best Regards. From Alice.
Sofia C.
“A refreshing trip”
Although the excursion involves a two-and-a-half-hour drive there and the same amount of time on the way back, I don't regret at all having started my stay in Seoul with this fantastic excursion to the East Coast of the South Korean peninsula. This trip combines history, scenery, and flavor. Alice's tour is skillfully organized, entertaining, and refreshing. In fact, I booked her for two more tours before leaving. I love her "guiding style". Thank you so much, Alice. I thoroughly enjoyed the day.
Alice K.
Hello Sofia!! Thank you so much for leaving me such a wonderful review. I truly enjoyed traveling around beautiful Gangneung with you. You enjoyed the food I recommended, and you have such a remarkable way of seeing the world beautifully. You are an exceptional guest who can speak four languages fluently. With your positive outlook on life and your willingness to always stand up for what is right, you truly seem like a leader of our time. I hope you enjoy the rest of your trip as well. Best Regards. From Alice.
$512/ per group