BTS In The Soop Version: One Day Private VIP Tour

BTS fans get a full-day mission. This private VIP tour strings together Hyangho Beach photo time and the In The Soop BTS Ver Pyeongchang filming set, with a guide keeping the day smooth and safe. I like that it includes transport, entrance tickets, and a real photo-focused flow, not just a bus drop-and-hope plan.

My favorite part is the way the schedule builds in time for walking and pictures at the filming location, plus the small fan perks like the official merchandise set. The one drawback to weigh is the long day: it’s about 12 hours including travel time, with an early start and lunch/dinner not included.

Key things to know before you go

  • Private VIP, up to 7: you ride together and get one professional guide for your group.
  • Two major BTS stops: Hyangho Beach in Gangneung plus the In The Soop BTS Ver Pyeongchang filming location.
  • Timing that matters: you get dedicated photo/walk windows, not just quick photo stops.
  • Official merch included: a fridge magnet and coaster set (one per person).
  • Guide help that’s practical: reviews highlight tips that make the day easier, including food suggestions.
  • Weather affects plans: the experience requires good weather, with rescheduling or a full refund if it’s canceled for poor weather.

Seoul to Gangneung: how this day trip really feels

This tour is built for people who want a BTS-focused day without having to figure out trains, buses, and timing. You start with a morning pickup window and roll out early enough to reach the first stop while the day is still fresh.

The total day runs about 12 hours, including travel. That’s a lot, but it’s also why the tour works: you’re not hopping around Seoul all day. The vehicle is air-conditioned, and you’re not planning routes while also trying to catch the best light for photos.

One more “real life” note: lunch and dinner are not included. The trip includes a lunch time window, but you’ll need to cover food yourself during that break.

Hyangho Beach (morning): photos, walking time, and calm vibes

You spend the late morning at Hyangho Beach in the Gangneung area. The pacing here is sensible: you move to the beach around 10:30, then get about an hour for a stroll and photos.

Why this stop works: it’s visually open and easy to enjoy even if you’re not chasing every single BTS reference. You can treat it like a reset between the long ride and the filming-location walking later. The tour also calls out that you’ll be able to capture photos in the natural scenery and enjoy the atmosphere tied to the BTS album feel.

Practical drawback: since this is a photo-walk stop, you’ll want comfortable shoes. You don’t want tight footwear if you end up walking a bit more than you expected.

Phoenix Blue Canyon and the lunch window: good break, limited time

After Hyangho Beach, the day moves on with a lunch time window and then continues toward Pyeongchang. The schedule also includes Phoenix Blue Canyon, which sounds like the kind of pit stop that’s meant to add scenery and keep the drive from feeling like dead time.

Here’s the tradeoff: lunch time is part of the travel block, so you’re not going to linger. If you’re the type who likes slow meals and long bathroom breaks, build in patience.

Food-wise, one review highlighted that the guide offered delicious food recommendations. That’s a big deal in a day like this: having someone point you toward what’s actually worth eating saves time and reduces decision fatigue.

The main event: In The Soop BTS Ver Pyeongchang filming location

This is the heart of the tour, and it runs from about 14:00 to 16:30 at the In The Soop BTS Ver Pyeongchang filming location in Gangwon province. The tour frames it as the real filming location, and the experience is structured around walking the paths and photo spots tied to the show.

What you can expect from a fan’s perspective:

  • Time to follow the footsteps concept as you walk through the areas featured in the series.
  • Multiple photo opportunities, with dedicated photo spots along the way.
  • A chance to soak in the view from the filming location, which is a big part of why people come for the Pyeongchang setting.

What makes it feel different from a quick stop is the length of time. Two and a half hours is enough to take photos without constantly feeling rushed.

Crowd reality check (useful advice): one review mentioned that arriving on a less-crowded day made photo-card time go smoothly and gave people more space for pictures. You can’t guarantee crowd levels, but this tour’s private group setup can make it easier to manage your pace once you’re there.

Private VIP logistics: pickup, guide, tickets, and fan perks

This is a private tour, so it’s just your group and your guide. That matters more than it sounds. When you’re trying to match a filming-location vibe, being able to move as a unit and ask quick questions helps.

Included basics that make the day less stressful:

  • Hotel pick up & drop
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Tour guide
  • Entrance ticket for the filming location
  • Mobile ticket
  • A stop at Hyangho Beach with admission ticket included

Then there are the fan-friendly extras:

  • IN THE SOOP Official Merchandise set (fridge magnet & coaster set), one per person
  • An event-style perk noted as instant cup noodle

Is the merchandise a “must”? Not for everyone. But for BTS fans, it’s a nice way to mark the day, and it’s included in the package cost.

Guide factor: reviews specifically name Ms Sunny and praise how she shared tips to enjoy the tour, along with food recommendations. That lines up with what you need most on a day trip like this: practical guidance that improves the on-site experience.

Price and value: is $955.88 per group worth it?

At $955.88 per group (up to 7 people), the value depends on how you travel.

If you fill the group capacity, you’re roughly around $136 per person (math based on the group cap). For that, you’re paying for:

  • Private transport from Seoul and back
  • A guide for the whole day
  • Entrance ticket coverage for the filming location
  • Hyangho Beach admission included
  • Included merchandise and a small perk snack/event item

For solo travelers or couples, the per-person cost can rise quickly because the price is set per group. In that case, you’re really paying for convenience and a guided BTS day rather than just paying for access.

Balanced takeaway: I think the price makes the most sense if you’re:

  • A group of friends who can share the cost
  • A BTS fan who values guided pacing and photo spots
  • Someone who’d rather pay to remove planning work (especially with a tight day structure)

If you’re hoping to do this cheaply on your own, you’ll likely spend time solving logistics. If you’re hoping to do it with less stress and better timing, this format is designed for exactly that.

Timing, weather, and what to pack

The schedule starts early. The meeting time is 7:00 am, and you’re moving to Hyangho Beach shortly after (around 7:20). Then the core filming-location window begins in the afternoon.

That means you should plan for:

  • An early wake-up and a long seated ride
  • Light meal planning around the fact that lunch and dinner aren’t included
  • Walking and photo stops that benefit from good footwear

Weather matters here. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled because of poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s a strong safety net, but it also means you should watch forecasts if you’re choosing a date.

Pack smart:

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • A light layer for the outdoors
  • A phone fully charged for photos
  • Cash or card ready for lunch during the included lunch time window

Who this tour fits best

This is a clear match if you fall into one of these buckets:

  • Hard-core BTS In The Soop fans who want the Pyeongchang filming set with real time to walk and photograph
  • People who want a private guided day trip from Seoul without figuring out transport
  • Small groups who can fill the up-to-7 capacity and share the cost

It might feel less ideal if you:

  • Want a relaxed day with lots of free time
  • Don’t enjoy early starts and long travel blocks
  • Plan to eat only at places you pick yourself (because meals aren’t fully included)

Should you book this BTS In The Soop VIP day trip?

I’d book it if you want a guided, BTS-specific day that handles the heavy lifting: transport, tickets, timing, and a guide with practical tips. The Hyangho Beach morning break plus the long filming-location window is a solid structure for photos and atmosphere, and the included merch is a nice extra.

Skip it (or reconsider) if the long day length is a dealbreaker for you or if you’re traveling in a way that makes the per-person cost too high. For a full group, the math and the value line up well.

If you’re deciding your date, aim for a day with better weather when possible. And if you care about crowd comfort for photos, going in the afternoon window can still work, especially with the private group flow.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour duration is approximately 12 hours, and that includes travel time.

What’s the group size for this private VIP tour?

It’s a private tour/activity, and the group size can be up to 7 people.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

You visit Hyangho Beach, Phoenix Blue Canyon, and the In The Soop BTS Ver Pyeongchang filming location.

Are entrance tickets included?

Yes. Entrance ticket(s) are included for the In The Soop BTS Ver Pyeongchang filming location, and an admission ticket is also included for Hyangho Beach in the schedule.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. The schedule includes a lunch time period, but you’ll pay for your meal.

What official merchandise do I receive?

You receive an IN THE SOOP official merchandise set per person, which includes a fridge magnet and coaster set.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a refund?

No. This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.