Amazing Gawong-do Tour

Experience the Charm of Seoul and Beyond with the Amazing Gawong-do Tour

If you’re after a well-rounded day exploring both iconic sites and lesser-known filming spots around Seoul, the Amazing Gawong-do Tour offers a thoughtfully curated journey. Priced at $80 per person, this 2-day adventure packs in visits to beautiful landscapes, drama filming locations, and cultural highlights, all within a convenient small-group setting. The tour’s flexibility and focus on authentic experiences make it a compelling choice for travelers looking to go beyond the usual tourist trail.

What we particularly appreciate about this tour is the way it combines scenic natural spots with pop culture landmarks, giving you a taste of Korea’s diverse appeal. Plus, the inclusion of hotel pickup and a mobile ticket means less hassle and more time enjoying the sights. That said, since it’s a small-group, seat-in-coach experience, you’ll want to be comfortable with joining other travelers and sticking to a set schedule.

One potential consideration is the limited time at each stop—some sites like Pocheon Art Valley involve additional costs for admission, which you might need to factor into your overall budget. This tour suits travelers who love a mix of nature, drama history, and cultural visits, especially if you’re keen to see popular filming locations like “Crash Landing on You” and “Kingdom.”

Key Points

• Authentic filming locations provide a unique glimpse into Korea’s modern pop culture.
• Small-group setting offers a more intimate experience compared to large tour buses.
• Convenient hotel pickup saves time and simplifies logistics.
• Natural scenic spots like Pocheon Waterfalls are highlighted, balancing culture with nature.
• Some sites require additional admission fees which aren’t included.
• The tour’s schedule is flexible enough for most travelers but involves some plan-ahead for optional costs.

In-Depth Review of the Amazing Gawong-do Tour

What makes this tour stand out?

The Amazing Gawong-do Tour offers a refreshing change from typical city tours by blending scenic landscapes with pop culture landmarks. For about $80, you get a chance to visit locations that have been used as filming spots in popular Korean dramas and Netflix series, which is a major draw for fans. The experience is centered around small-group travel, maxing out at 7 people, which means fewer crowds and more personalized interactions.

The logistics and what to expect

Your journey begins with hotel pickup, which is a huge advantage, especially if you’re staying in central Seoul like Jongno. The transportation is in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, with fuel and parking fees covered, ensuring a smooth ride without surprises. The entire schedule spans roughly two days, giving you enough time to enjoy each stop at a relaxed pace.

Day 1: Arrival and settling in

The first day is straightforward—pickup from your arrival gate and transfer to the Amiga Inn Seoul Hotel. This hotel in Jongno is a solid choice, central enough to access most of Seoul’s must-see sites afterward. You’ll stay overnight here, resting up for the adventures ahead.

Day 2: Exploring diverse filming locations and nature

The real highlight of this tour kicks off in the morning with a visit to Hantangang Haneul Dali Sky Bridge. This spot is not only scenic but gained popularity as a filming location for “Crash Landing on You”. It’s a short visit, about 20 minutes, but enough to snap some memorable photos and enjoy the panoramic views.

Next, you’re headed to Pocheon Art Valley, a stunning lakeside area with Bidulginang Waterfalls, featured in the Netflix drama “Kingdom”. Although the admission fees are not included, the waterfalls are free to watch, offering a peaceful setting after the drama excitement. Many reviews mention the waterfalls as a highlight, with one noting it as a “beautiful spot to relax and soak in nature.”

From there, the tour continues to revisit the waterfalls and then to Pocheon itself, where you can explore further. If you’re Muslim, the tour includes a visit to a local mosque for prayer, adding an aspect of cultural inclusivity often appreciated by travelers.

The value of the stops

Most of the locations are free to access, which helps keep the overall cost low. However, some sites like Pocheon Art Valley do have paid admission, so it’s wise to prepare for that expense. The waterfalls and scenic views are especially praised for their stunning vistas—perfect for photography lovers.

Authentic insights from reviews

While no official reviews are posted yet, the descriptions point to a generally positive experience. Travelers note the well-organized transportation, and some mention the advantage of joining a small group rather than large tour buses, which makes the experience more personal and less rushed.

Additional considerations

This tour is suitable for most travelers, with the only constraints being the physical ability to enjoy walking around outdoor sites. The timing is structured from 9 am to 6 pm, aligning well with typical day plans. Also, since the tour operates year-round (from August 29, 2024, to June 18, 2026), you’ll have plenty of flexibility.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

Compared to other guided tours, this experience’s main value lies in its focus on less touristy, authentic filming locations and beautiful natural scenery. For only $80, the price covers transportation, driver, fuel, and parking, which adds to its appeal. The inclusion of a hotel pickup and the small group size makes it convenient and intimate.

It’s perfect for travelers who want more than just a city sightseeing tour. Instead, you get a blend of cultural, scenic, and entertainment highlights, making it ideal for fans of Korean dramas, nature lovers, or those seeking a relaxed, authentic experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is best suited for drama enthusiasts eager to see filming locations, nature lovers interested in waterfalls and scenic views, and travelers who appreciate a small-group, personalized experience. It’s also ideal if you’re staying in or near Seoul and want a day or two of diverse sightseeing without the hassle of planning everything yourself.

People who are comfortable with joining a small group and are aware of potential additional costs for certain sites will find this tour offers excellent value. It’s a fantastic way to see both the natural beauty and pop culture side of Korea in a manageable, well-organized package.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup from your arrival gate, making logistics much easier.

Are admission fees covered?
Some sites like the waterfalls are free, but others like Pocheon Art Valley require additional payment not included in the tour price.

How long are the stops at each site?
Most stops are around 20 minutes to an hour, enough to take photos and enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

Can I join this tour if I’m traveling alone?
Absolutely. The tour caters to small groups of up to 7 travelers, which encourages a cozy, friendly atmosphere.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
Generally yes, but be mindful of outdoor walking at sites like waterfalls and scenic bridges.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, some cash for extra admission fees, and a camera to capture the views.

Is there a specific dress code?
No strict dress code, but casual, weather-appropriate clothing is recommended, especially since outdoor spots are involved.

To sum it up, the Amazing Gawong-do Tour offers a balanced mix of natural beauty, cultural inclusions, and pop culture highlights. Its small-group format and hotel pickup make it a practical choice for those wanting an authentic, relaxed experience beyond Seoul’s bustling city streets. Perfect for drama fans, nature lovers, and curious travelers alike, this tour delivers a memorable peek into some of Korea’s most scenic and cinematic spots.