BTS, but make it practical. This one-day private VIP tour strings together the scenery of Hyangho Beach and the real In The SOOP BTS ver. Pyeongchang filming location, with hotel pickup and a professional guide. I loved how early you get for photos and walking, and I also loved the on-the-ground help from guide Ms Sunny, including tips that make the day feel smoother. The trade-off: it’s a long day with lots of riding, plus you need a decent weather window since the tour is weather-dependent.
What really sells you on this option is that you’re not just seeing one spot. You’re getting the full flow: transport, tickets, timed access to the filming set, and the included official merchandise set (fridge magnet and coaster per person). The price is about $955.88 per group (up to 7), so the value is best when you split the cost and you care about getting to the exact filming locations efficiently.
If you’re the type who loves BTS details—photos, specific “steps” around the set, and that calm feeling when a place is not packed—this tour is built for you. If you want a short, casual outing with minimal driving, this probably feels like too much.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- Price and value: what you’re really paying for
- A full-day rhythm that starts early in Seoul
- Stop 1: Hyangho Beach morning stroll and photo time
- Phoenix Blue Canyon area, lunch window, then onward to Pyeongchang
- In The SOOP BTS ver. Pyeongchang filming location: the main event
- Getting back to Seoul by 19:30: the end of a long, satisfying day
- What’s included (and what surprises people)
- The guide makes or breaks it: Ms Sunny’s kind of help
- Who this tour is best for (and who should skip it)
- Booking smart: weather, timing, and what to pack
- Should you book the BTS In The SOOP Version: One Day Private VIP Tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the One Day Private VIP Tour?
- What time does the tour start?
- Is pickup and drop-off included?
- What’s included with the tour price?
- Are lunch and dinner included?
- How big is the group for this private tour?
- What happens if weather is bad?
Key things to know before you go
- Private VIP for up to 7 people with hotel pickup and drop-off
- In The SOOP BTS ver. Pyeongchang filming location visit with entrance ticket included
- Hyangho Beach photo time built in right after morning travel
- Merch included per person: fridge magnet and coaster set
- Weather matters since the experience may be rescheduled or refunded
- Guide support can save time, especially for photo stops and food ideas
Price and value: what you’re really paying for
At $955.88 per group (up to 7), this is not a cheap bus day trip. But the cost makes sense when you think about what’s included: round-trip hotel pickup/drop, an air-conditioned vehicle, a tour guide, and paid admission to the filming location. You’re also getting an official merchandise set on top of that.
For many people, the biggest hidden value is time and stress. Getting yourself to remote filming spots on public transport can turn into a half-day math problem. Here, you trade money for planning effort. You get a single schedule, one vehicle, and a guide coordinating transitions so you spend more time on location and less time figuring out routes.
Lunch and dinner are not included, so you’ll still need to budget for meals. That’s the one place this tour asks you to spend extra. Still, the structure makes it easier: you’re not guessing where to eat between stops, and your guide can help with food recommendations based on what’s available.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Seoul.
A full-day rhythm that starts early in Seoul
The day kicks off around 7:00 am from your pickup. Total duration is about 12 hours, travel included. The timing is deliberate: you’re headed out first thing, then you’re back to Seoul by about 19:30.
This kind of schedule is ideal if you like your photos early and you prefer not to fight crowds. It also suits groups who want a guided plan with minimal decision-making. You’ll just want to be realistic about the long ride time. Even with comfort and a guide, it’s still a full day.
Also, you should have moderate physical fitness. The tour isn’t described as a hike, but it’s still outdoors walking, plus you’ll be moving between photo points in different areas.
Stop 1: Hyangho Beach morning stroll and photo time
Your first big location is Hyangho Beach. The schedule shows travel from around 07:20 to 10:30, followed by 10:30–11:30 for your stroll and photos.
This is one of those stops that works even if you’re not obsessed with the BTS angle. The tour frames it as “healing” time, and practically, that hour and a half is what makes the whole day feel balanced. You get space to walk, reset your pace, and capture scenery before you move into the more “set-focused” part of the day.
What I like about this stop: it’s not rushed to the point of feeling like you’re being herded. You get time to wander, take photos, and enjoy the natural setting before the main filming-location visit.
A consideration: it’s outdoors and it’s early-ish in the day. If the weather isn’t ideal, your comfort will depend on how you dress and how flexible you are. That’s one reason good weather is a big deal for this tour.
Phoenix Blue Canyon area, lunch window, then onward to Pyeongchang
After Hyangho Beach, your plan includes Phoenix Blue Canyon as part of the route timing, followed by a lunch window and the move toward Pyeongchang. The schedule shows 11:30–12:30 labeled for lunch time and travel to Pyeongchang.
Since lunch isn’t included, this is where you’ll want to listen closely to your guide’s suggestions. You’re in “useful logistics” mode here: eat something that won’t slow you down, and don’t over-order if you’re expecting photos later.
A practical note: there’s a noticeable time gap before the filming-location entry time. The schedule indicates the Pyeongchang set window is 14:00–16:30. That middle stretch is basically your buffer for transit plus getting fed.
In The SOOP BTS ver. Pyeongchang filming location: the main event
The heart of the tour is your visit to the In The SOOP BTS ver. Pyeongchang Filming Location (with entrance ticket included). Your scheduled window is 14:00–16:30.
This stop is designed for “follow the footsteps” style exploration. The tour description emphasizes walking in the footsteps of BTS where they featured their lifestyle at a remote forest location. In plain terms, you’re not just driving past something—you’re moving through the set areas at your own pace during a guided visit window.
There are also photo spots at this location, and the tour explicitly encourages making special photos at each spot. That matters because a lot of filming-location experiences fail when visitors arrive without a plan. Here, you’re timed and guided so you can actually enjoy each photo point rather than racing between them.
One more detail that’s easy to miss: the pace here can be affected by crowds and timing. In real-world use, arriving when the site is calmer makes photo card moments and walking flow feel easier. This is the kind of day where being a bit strategic with timing can improve the experience a lot.
The payoff: if you care about BTS production details, this is where the tour shifts from “scenery day” to “I’m standing where the show was made” energy.
Getting back to Seoul by 19:30: the end of a long, satisfying day
After the filming-location visit ends at 16:30, your schedule moves into the return. By about 19:30, you transfer back to Seoul and the service ends.
That’s a long finish, so plan for a real travel wind-down. If you’re the kind of person who stays out late on vacation, you might feel slightly worn out here. If you prefer structured days with a clear end time, this wrap-up will feel reassuring.
Also, note that you’re ending the day with the vehicle still moving. So keep your “small stuff” ready: your phone power, any merch you’re collecting, and anything you’ll need for the ride back.
What’s included (and what surprises people)
Here’s what you should count on being provided:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Tour guide
- Entrance ticket for the In The SOOP BTS ver. Pyeongchang filming location
- IN THE SOOP Official Merchandise set per person: fridge magnet & coaster set
- An event item: instant cup noodle (as part of the Rieview event)
- Mobile ticket
What’s not included is also important:
- Lunch
- Dinner
That “not included” part is the main financial wild card. If you want a smooth day, decide in your head that you’ll budget for at least lunch and dinner. Your guide can help with choices, but you should still expect to pay meals yourself.
The guide makes or breaks it: Ms Sunny’s kind of help
One of the most consistent strengths of this experience is the guide support. In this tour, the guide experience stands out in real practical ways—helping you make the most of each stop and offering tips that help you enjoy the day.
A specific example from past use: Ms Sunny was praised for giving lots of tips to enjoy the tour and for recommending food that people genuinely liked. There was also praise for quick thinking and personality, especially when conditions made timing feel crowded the day before. On a calm day, that planning instinct still matters because it helps you avoid wasting time at photo spots.
If you care about photos, the guide’s job isn’t just to point you toward places. It’s to help you move in a way that feels natural and not chaotic. That’s why this is a private VIP setup rather than a generic group shuttle.
Who this tour is best for (and who should skip it)
This works best if you fit one of these profiles:
- You’re a BTS fan who wants the real filming location experience, not just a general sightseeing day
- You’re traveling with a small group (up to 7) and you can split the group price
- You prefer structure: pickup, tickets, a guided schedule, and designated photo spots
- You care about taking photos and want a day that tries to keep things smooth
It might not be the right fit if:
- You’re hoping for a low-cost day trip
- You dislike long drives or long schedules
- Your travel dates are flexible only around bad weather windows (since the tour depends on weather)
Booking smart: weather, timing, and what to pack
This tour requires good weather. That doesn’t mean you need perfect sunshine, but it does mean you should plan with the understanding that cancellations can happen due to poor conditions.
Because your day includes beach walking and an outdoor forest set experience, pack like you’re going outdoors. Bring clothing you can layer, comfortable shoes for walking, and something to handle light rain or chilly wind if the conditions shift.
Also, since you’re in the field for most of the day and lunch/dinner aren’t included, have a realistic meal plan. If you’re the type who hates decision fatigue, a guide will help. If not, at least be ready to choose quickly at lunch.
Should you book the BTS In The SOOP Version: One Day Private VIP Tour?
Yes—if you want the most efficient way to do the show locations with a private guide and comfort built in. The strongest reasons to book are the guided visit to the Pyeongchang filming set, the Hyangho Beach photo/walk time, and the fact that entrance tickets and official merchandise are included.
I would hesitate only if cost is your top constraint, or if you dislike long schedules and heavy driving. Also, if your dates are locked and weather could be unstable, know that the experience is weather-dependent.
If your idea of a great Seoul day is structured, BTS-specific, and photo-friendly, this is the kind of tour that saves you time and gives you the locations in one clean shot.
FAQ
How long is the One Day Private VIP Tour?
The tour is approximately 12 hours, including travel time.
What time does the tour start?
The start time is listed as 7:00 am, with hotel pickup.
Is pickup and drop-off included?
Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.
What’s included with the tour price?
Included are the air-conditioned vehicle, tour guide, entrance ticket for the In The SOOP BTS ver. Pyeongchang Filming Location, official IN THE SOOP merchandise set per person, and an instant cup noodle event item.
Are lunch and dinner included?
No. Lunch and dinner are not included.
How big is the group for this private tour?
It’s a private tour/activity where only your group participates, up to 7 people per group.
What happens if weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.






