REVIEW · SEOUL
Full Day Tour In The Soop BTS Ver in PyeongChang Filming Location
Book on Viator →Operated by Hanatour ITC (하나투어 아이티씨) · Bookable on Viator
A BTS pilgrimage, timed to the day. This full-day bus tour strings together the In The Soop BTS ver. Pyeongchang filming location with photo stops like Phoenix Blue Canyon and Hyangho Beach, so you’re not just viewing screens—you’re standing where the show’s holiday mood was built. The day also includes an English guide, roundtrip transport, the filming-location entrance ticket, and an official merchandise set for each person.
One thing to plan for: the drive can run long. With the early start (7:20am) and possible late finish after 9pm due to traffic, it’s a full-day commitment, and lunch and dinner are on you.
In This Review
- Key things that make this tour worth your attention
- Seoul to Pyeongchang: why this BTS day trip feels different
- AMID Hotel pickup, the long ride, and how to prep
- Stop 1: Phoenix Blue Canyon and your first real set moment
- Stop 2: Hyangho Beach and the BTS bus stop photo zone
- The main event: In The Soop BTS ver. Pyeongchang filming location
- Merch and little extras that make the day feel packaged
- Price and value: is $138.97 a fair deal?
- Who this tour is best for (and who should rethink it)
- Timing and pacing tips so you enjoy every stop
- Can’t-miss expectations to set realistically
- Should you book this tour to see In The Soop and the BTS beach stop?
- FAQ
- How long is the tour?
- What are the start and end times?
- Where is the meeting point?
- What stops are included?
- Is admission included for the filming location?
- Are lunch and dinner included?
- What food is included during the day?
- Is a mobile ticket provided?
- How big is the group?
- What happens if the minimum number of travelers isn’t met?
- What if weather is bad?
Key things that make this tour worth your attention
- Real filming location access to In The Soop BTS ver. Pyeongchang, plus an entrance ticket included
- Two high-mood stops: Phoenix Blue Canyon and Hyangho Beach with lots of photo time
- In-bus energy with BTS music/video, plus USB charging reported on the coach
- Guide-led fun with activities like BTS quizzes and prizes during the ride
- You get official In The Soop merchandise (one per person) as part of the package
- Careful pacing for photos—you’re given dedicated time at each stop, not a rush-through
Seoul to Pyeongchang: why this BTS day trip feels different

This is the kind of tour where the value is in the logistics. Instead of figuring out trains, transfers, and timing on your own, you get a single roundtrip ride from Seoul with scheduled stops across Gangwon-do. It’s basically a one-day road trip designed for the In The Soop crowd.
I like that it goes beyond a single stop. You start with Phoenix Blue Canyon, then head to Hyangho Beach for the BTS bus stop photo moment, and you finish with the filming location experience itself. That sequence matters because it spaces the day out into multiple “make the memory” points, not one quick visit.
I also like the way the tour treats the day like a themed event. You’re not just chauffeured; you’re guided by an English-speaking professional, and the bus ride comes with BTS programming and small activities. Guides you may encounter (like Sarah, Cherry, Anna, Jaden, or Mason, depending on the day) are repeatedly praised for keeping things moving and entertaining.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Seoul.
AMID Hotel pickup, the long ride, and how to prep
Your day starts at AMID Hotel Seoul (38 Insadong 5-gil, Jongno District). The start time is 7:20am, and the tour is designed to end at AMID Hotel again around 8:30pm—though traffic can push it later, possibly past 9pm.
The coach experience is a big part of comfort on a 12–13 hour day. Many guests note modern seating and USB ports so your phone doesn’t die mid-photo session. BTS videos and music are played on the bus, which helps with the “let’s go” mood during the drive.
What you should do before you leave:
- Bring a portable charger anyway (USB ports are great, but batteries are unpredictable).
- Plan for hunger. A snack is included at rest areas, but lunch and dinner are not.
- Wear shoes that work for walking and standing—be ready for photo time and outdoor terrain.
Stop 1: Phoenix Blue Canyon and your first real set moment

The first scheduled stop is Phoenix Blue Canyon. You get about 1 hour 30 minutes here, and the entrance ticket is free as part of the tour.
This is a smart opening stop because it warms up the day visually. You’re arriving at the region where the show’s scenery style makes sense—open air, dramatic viewpoints, and that “vacation” feeling fans look for. It’s also your first structured stretch of time to move around and get photos before the later, more “inside-the-world” filming location visit.
A practical note: you’ll likely do this stop outdoors. Even in seasons when it’s comfortable, bring layers you can adjust as the day shifts.
Stop 2: Hyangho Beach and the BTS bus stop photo zone

Next comes Hyangho Beach, with about 1 hour on-site and admission free. This stop is famous because it became the BTS Bus Stop after appearing as the album-cover image for BTS’s second full album.
If you care about photos, you’ll like the setup. There are photo zones around the beach, so you’re not stuck with one angle. You also get time to walk the sandy shoreline and enjoy the view with open sea in the background.
This is one of those moments where the tour’s timing helps. Having a focused hour means you can actually play around with angles, check the light, and take more than one version of your photo without feeling rushed.
The main event: In The Soop BTS ver. Pyeongchang filming location

This is the reason most people book. Your ticket is included for the In The Soop BTS ver. Pyeongchang filming location.
You should expect a slower-feeling visit compared with the bus-stop photo time. Multiple people highlight that they had enough time in the space to look around and take videos and pictures without being hurried. Some guests also describe the atmosphere as peaceful, which matters—this isn’t just a photo wall; it’s a full place with mood.
Small details seem to be part of the magic here. One review mentions a dog that greets you when you arrive, and other notes point to touches like messages for ARMY and cozy photo spots inside. Those are exactly the kinds of things that make a real location hit harder than a list of coordinates.
One thing I’d keep in mind: you’re still on a timed group tour. You’ll enjoy the experience more if you decide in advance what you want most—wide shots, close-up details, or a short sit-down break for reflection—then pace yourself accordingly.
Merch and little extras that make the day feel packaged
The tour includes an IN THE SOOP Official Merchandise set presented for one per person. That’s a clear value driver because it’s not just an add-on; it’s part of what you’re paying for.
You also get small themed food moments during the day. A snack at rest areas is included (choices listed as twist-potato or sottoek-sottoek), and there’s a review event involving instant cup noodle. These aren’t substitute-meals, but they do keep the day from feeling completely bare-bones between outdoor stops.
And the bus portion is built like a mini event. Guests repeatedly mention quizzes, prizes, and BTS music/video during the ride. It sounds like the kind of thing you’d think is corny—until you’re on the road for hours with a group that’s there for the same reason. Suddenly it’s fun teamwork.
Price and value: is $138.97 a fair deal?

At $138.97 per person, you’re paying for a long, guided day with real access. Here’s what you’re getting that you’d otherwise have to piece together: roundtrip transportation from Seoul, an English guide, entrance ticket access to the filming location, two major themed stops, snack(s) during rest areas, instant noodle event, and official merchandise.
If you’re thinking in DIY terms, the biggest hidden cost is your time. Getting to and from Gangwon-do in a single day takes careful planning. This tour handles the driving and routing, and you get capped group size (maximum 40), which tends to feel more manageable than larger bus schedules.
The tradeoff is that you’re committing to the full day. If you’re only in town briefly or you’re hoping for a slow, flexible itinerary with extra free time in Seoul, this may feel like a lot of pressure. But for fans who want the full “from bus stop to house” storyline in one day, the package makes sense.
Who this tour is best for (and who should rethink it)

This is best for:
- BTS ARMY who want both the In The Soop filming location experience and the Hyangho Beach bus stop moment in one day
- People who prefer guided logistics over planning transportation and timing solo
- Anyone who enjoys themed group energy on a long ride (quiz, BTS video/music, prize moments)
You might rethink it if:
- You’re not into the BTS-themed parts and prefer quieter, slower sightseeing
- You don’t want a long drive and an early start (7:20am pickup)
- You’re relying on the tour for full meals (lunch and dinner are not included)
Good news: the tour is described as comfortable and safe, and the pacing is often praised as organized and on schedule.
Timing and pacing tips so you enjoy every stop

A 12–13 hour day can be tiring. The key is to treat it like a photo-and-mood day, not a checklist day.
Here are a few practical ways to make the pacing work for you:
- Plan your phone battery strategy. USB charging is a plus, but don’t assume it’s enough.
- Wear clothes you can handle outdoors. Hyangho Beach is open air; Phoenix Blue Canyon is outdoors too.
- Bring a small snack even though a snack is included. Lunch and dinner are not, and you’ll likely want a backup.
- Do your photo rounds first, then slow down. At both Phoenix and Hyangho Beach, you’ll have time to take multiple shots if you don’t burn your energy in the first 10 minutes.
Also, be ready for schedule flexibility due to traffic. The tour may end after 9pm, and that’s not something you want to fight with dinner plans later.
Can’t-miss expectations to set realistically
Based on what’s consistently highlighted, you can expect:
- Smooth organization and clear guidance while you’re in the locations
- Dedicated time at the filming location and the beach bus stop, so you can take photos and enjoy the space
- A bus ride with BTS entertainment and group activities, led by an English guide
- Official merchandise included, plus small food moments at rest areas
What you shouldn’t expect:
- Lunch or dinner included
- A short, low-effort outing. This is a full-day drive.
Should you book this tour to see In The Soop and the BTS beach stop?
I’d book it if you’re the type of fan who wants the whole arc in one day: bus stop photos at Hyangho Beach, outdoor scenery at Phoenix Blue Canyon, and then a real In The Soop filming location visit with time to move around and take your own videos and pictures. The official merchandise and guide-led fun add up, and the transportation is the hardest part done for you.
I would skip it if you hate long days or you’re traveling without much interest in the themed stops. The value comes from the fact that you’re paying for a guided, themed, all-day experience—not just a ticket to one place.
If you do book, go in with a simple mindset: pick your favorite shots beforehand, plan for snacks and meal gaps, and let the day be what it is—a BTS-focused road trip with a real location payoff.
FAQ
How long is the tour?
The tour runs about 12 to 13 hours.
What are the start and end times?
It starts at 7:20am and is scheduled to end around 8:30pm at the same hotel, but it may end after 9pm due to traffic.
Where is the meeting point?
The meeting point is AMID Hotel Seoul, 38 Insadong 5-gil, Jongno District, Seoul.
What stops are included?
The day includes Phoenix Blue Canyon, Hyangho Beach, and the In The Soop BTS ver. Pyeongchang filming location.
Is admission included for the filming location?
Yes. The entrance ticket for the In The Soop BTS ver. Pyeongchang filming location is included.
Are lunch and dinner included?
No. Lunch and dinner are not included.
What food is included during the day?
You get snacks served at rest areas (twist-potato or sottoek-sottoek), and there is an instant cup noodle event. Dinner and lunch are not included.
Is a mobile ticket provided?
Yes, the tour uses a mobile ticket.
How big is the group?
The maximum group size is 40 travelers.
What happens if the minimum number of travelers isn’t met?
The tour requires at least 7 people. If it doesn’t meet the requirement, the provider will contact you individually to arrange options.
What if weather is bad?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.






