If you want a BTS related day that feels organized instead of chaotic, this private VIP tour is the kind of plan that makes sense. You get a fast, guided route out of Seoul and then a focused window at the In The Soop BTS ver. Pyeongchang filming area, plus photo stops along the way.

Two things I especially like: first, the hotel pickup and drop plus an air-conditioned vehicle keeps the day comfortable even with a long travel stretch. Second, the guide approach matters here, because you are not just dropped at a spot, you get tips on how to enjoy the filming location and where to focus your time.

One drawback to weigh: you are out for roughly 12 hours and lunch and dinner are on you. Also, the experience requires good weather, so you will want a flexible mindset.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Private group of up to 7 so the pacing and photo time feel more controlled
• Hyangho Beach for a relaxed photo stroll early in the day
• Phoenix Blue Canyon stop slotted for lunch time before heading to Pyeongchang
• In The Soop BTS ver. Pyeongchang filming location with an entrance ticket included
• Instant cup noodle plus official merch (fridge magnet and coaster set) for one per person
• Guide tips can make the difference, especially for photo time management

From Seoul to Gangwon in one smooth day

This is the kind of day trip that works because it is built around one clear goal: get you from Seoul to the In The Soop BTS ver. Pyeongchang filming location without spending your whole day figuring out transportation. With a start time of 7:00 am and a total duration of about 12 hours including travel, you are basically buying convenience and time management.

You also get a real plan for the day flow. You leave around 7:20 am for your first location, then you have a scheduled beach stroll, a lunch window, and a dedicated chunk of time at the filming location in Gangwon province. That structure matters because these kinds of stops get crowded, and you want to spend your energy on photos and the scenery, not logistics.

The tour is private, so it is only your group. That is especially useful if you are traveling as a family, a small group of friends, or a BTS fan circle where you all want the same pace.

Hyangho Beach: your slow start, with great photo light

Your first big stop is Hyangho Beach, with about one and a half hours on site (10:30 to 11:30). Before that, you are riding out of Seoul from 7:20 am to 10:30 am, so this is your first real chance to stretch, walk, and take photos.

What I like about building this kind of break into the day is that it keeps you from arriving to the filming location too rushed. You get a pleasant window to enjoy the scenery and catch that calm, open feel that you do not always get inside a city.

A practical tip: bring something you can comfortably wear for a beach-side walk. Even if the stop is short, you will want shoes that handle uneven ground near the shore and areas where you might hop between photo spots.

Phoenix Blue Canyon: the lunch-and-transfer reset

After Hyangho Beach, your day includes a Phoenix Blue Canyon stop tied to your lunch time and the move toward Pyeongchang (11:30 to 12:30 for this block). The day schedule then shifts into the main event in the afternoon.

Two things to keep in mind here. First, lunch is not included, so you will want to decide in advance what you are looking for, like quick comfort food or something local. Second, this stop is a bridge, not a long scenic detour, so aim for efficiency. Treat it as your reset button: eat, regroup, and be ready for the longer on-foot filming location time later.

The upside: having that lunch window prevents the common day-trip problem where you arrive hungry and then waste time searching. If you have a guide like the ones people describe as helpful, you can use the moment to lock in what to eat nearby and how to time your move.

In The Soop BTS ver. Pyeongchang: where your time really goes

This is the heart of the day, and it is where the tour earns its VIP label. You have a scheduled window from 14:00 to 16:30 at the In The Soop BTS ver. Pyeongchang filming location, and entrance is included.

The experience is set up around walking through the area in the spirit of the show. You get to follow footsteps featured in the series and stop at photo spots along the way. It is not just standing around, you are moving through the setting as part of the route, which makes the time feel more like an actual outing than a quick drive-by.

You also get a sense of the “remote forest location” vibe that fans look for. The filming site is in Gangwon province, so expect nature-forward scenery and a noticeable change from the city atmosphere back near Seoul. That contrast is half the point: your day feels like a real change of world.

Photo reality check: filming locations can get busy, and there may be peak crowds on certain days. One thing that can help is timing. Even with a private tour, you still benefit from arriving with your group early enough to avoid the slow, stop-start crush. People have said that showing up on a day with fewer visitors made photo card or photo-time moments run smoother and gave them more breathing room.

What to bring for the filming location

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunglasses or a hat if the weather is bright (you are outdoors)
• A light layer, since forest-adjacent areas can feel cooler than you expect

Also, this is a tour with a moderate physical fitness expectation. You do not need to be an athlete, but you should be ready for a full day with walking.

Timing from 19:30: why this day feels long, but works

The schedule wraps with a transfer back to Seoul, and the service ends around 19:30. So yes, it is a long day. The drive time adds up, especially if you are sensitive to early starts.

But here is why it can still be a good deal: the afternoon block at the filming location is protected. You are not relying on random openings, you are not hoping you find the right transport, and you are not burning your best photo hours on transit.

If you are the kind of traveler who hates rushing, build in a simple personal rule: keep your energy for the afternoon. Save your big photo effort for the filming site window, then treat Hyangho Beach as a relaxed warm-up.

The comfort extras that make the VIP feel real

It is easy to call something VIP and mean nothing. This one backs it up with practical comfort.

You get an air-conditioned vehicle, a tour guide, and hotel pickup and drop. The pickup part matters more than people think. When your day starts at 7:00 am, every minute you save on finding the meeting point and getting organized pays off.

There are also small but thoughtful included touches:

• Instant cup noodle during the experience
• Official IN THE SOOP merchandise, one per person: a fridge magnet and coaster set

These extras are not going to change your life. But they do make the day feel like a complete package. You also avoid the tiny stress of figuring out what is included versus what is not, which is one of the hidden costs of “cheap” tours.

Price and value: what $955.88 per group buys you

The price is $955.88 per group, with a maximum group size of up to 7. In plain terms, you are paying for the combination of private transport, a guide, entrance fees, and the time window to do this properly.

If you fill all 7 spots, you are looking at roughly $136.55 per person. If fewer people join your group, your cost per person goes up, so the value depends on how well you can share the group rate.

Here is what you should evaluate when deciding if it is worth it for you:

• Do you want private pacing rather than joining a larger bus crowd?
• Are you planning to take enough photos and spend enough time at the filming location that a protected schedule is worth paying for?
• Do you need pickup and drop to make the logistics painless?

If you answered yes to any of those, the price is easier to swallow. If you are comfortable planning transport yourself and you are okay with a less controlled schedule, the cost may feel steep.

Who this tour suits best

This tour is ideal for people who want one BTS day that is organized and stress-light. It is especially good if:

• You are traveling with a small group and want private time
• You care about photo spots and want a plan for when to arrive and where to focus
• You prefer not to handle intercity transport on your own

It is less ideal if you hate long driving days. You will be out from morning to evening, and you will also need to manage your own meals since lunch and dinner are not included.

One more group fit note: the guide experience seems to matter a lot. People describe guides who gave plenty of tips and helped them enjoy the tour smoothly. If you like learning small local timing tricks and food ideas, you are likely to appreciate the guided approach.

Should you book the BTS In The Soop One Day Private VIP Tour?

Book it if you want:

• A private, guided day that gets you from Seoul to the In The Soop BTS ver. Pyeongchang filming location without guesswork
• A structured day that includes Hyangho Beach plus a dedicated filming location window
• Included items that make it feel like an actual VIP package, not just a bus ride

Skip it or reconsider if:

• You are on a tight schedule and cannot handle about 12 hours out of the day
• You do not want to plan your own lunch and dinner
• You know you struggle with outdoor walking, or you are counting on perfect weather (the experience requires good weather)

If you are a BTS fan who wants a day that feels guided, comfortable, and photo-focused, this is a strong match. It is not cheap, but the private setup and entrance ticket, plus the way the day is timed, is what turns the price into value.

FAQ

How long is the One Day Private VIP Tour?

The tour lasts about 12 hours, including travel time.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 7:00 am, with pickup offered.

Where do you go during the day?

You visit Hyangho Beach, Phoenix Blue Canyon for the lunch and transfer block, and the In The Soop BTS ver. Pyeongchang filming location.

Is the entrance ticket included?

Yes. The entrance ticket for the In The Soop BTS ver. Pyeongchang filming location is included.

Is lunch or dinner included?

No. Lunch and dinner are not included.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

What merchandise do you get?

You receive an official IN THE SOOP merchandise set for one per person: a fridge magnet and coaster set.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It is a private tour, and only your group participates. The group size is up to 7.

What if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. Cancellation by the traveler is non-refundable and cannot be changed.