Gangnam Tour(Inc. Dinner & Drink) _ the Past and Present of Korea

Explore the rich tapestry of Korea’s history and modernity with the Gangnam Tour. This captivating half-day adventure takes you on a journey through the serene Bongeunsa Temple and the vibrant Starfield COEX Mall, providing a unique glimpse into the country’s past and present. Savor traditional Korean cuisine and rice wine, guided by an expert English-speaking host. With seamless logistics and ample opportunities for exploration, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you eager to discover more about Korea’s cultural heritage and contemporary urban landscape.

This experience made our list of the 11 Best Dinner Tours In Seoul.

Key Points

• This private half-day Gangnam tour combines historic highlights, shopping trends, and traditional Korean cuisine, including lunch and dinner with rice wine.
• The tour features visits to Bongeunsa Temple, a Buddhist sanctuary with striking architecture, and Starfield COEX Mall, a large underground shopping center showcasing modern Korea.
• An English-speaking, licensed guide ensures an informed and immersive experience, with all tour-related fees and taxes covered.
• Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off at Gangnam Station, along with opportunities for independent shopping and exploration, enhance the accessibility of the tour.
• The tour has received perfect 5-star ratings from all reviews, highlighting the guide’s ability to tailor the experience and the comprehensive itinerary covering historic, shopping, and culinary highlights.

Tour Overview

The Gangnam Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the dynamic contrast between Korea’s historic past and modern present in the heart of Seoul’s iconic Gangnam district.

This private half-day tour combines key historic highlights, the latest shopping trends, and traditional Korean cuisine. Guests will visit the serene Bongeunsa Temple, explore the sprawling Starfield COEX Mall, and wander through the vibrant Gangnam Station Underground Shopping Center and Kwangjang Market.

Along the way, they’ll indulge in a traditional Korean lunch and a dinner featuring local dishes and rice wine.

With an English-speaking guide and all fees covered, this tour provides an immersive introduction to the diverse facets of Gangnam.

Included Features

What does the Gangnam Tour include? The tour offers a range of features to enhance the experience. Travelers will enjoy a traditional Korean lunch during the tour and a dinner with Korean foods and rice wine. An English-speaking guide with an official tour guide license accompanies the group, ensuring a well-informed and seamless experience. All fees and taxes are included, and guests have free time for independent shopping and exploration.

Included Features	Details
Lunch	Traditional Korean cuisine
Dinner	Korean foods and rice wine
Guide	English-speaking, licensed
Fees	All included
Free Time	Independent shopping and exploration

Bongeunsa Temple

Bongeunsa Temple, a Buddhist sanctuary nestled in the heart of Gangnam, offers visitors a glimpse into Korea’s traditional past amidst the bustling metropolitan area.

This 40-minute visit introduces guests to the temple’s striking architecture and rich history. Visitors can admire the intricate woodcarvings, golden statues, and serene prayer halls that exemplify Korean Buddhist design.

The temple’s tranquil atmosphere provides a welcome respite from the surrounding commercial district. Through this experience, travelers gain a deeper understanding of how ancient practices and modern life coexist harmoniously in Gangnam.

The included admission ticket ensures a seamless visit to this cultural highlight of the tour.

Starfield COEX Mall

One of the largest underground shopping centers in South Korea, Starfield COEX Mall is located beneath the Korea World Trade Center in Gangnam.

The mall features an array of international stores, a concert hall, a food court, an aquarium, a movie theater, and an arcade.

Visitors can explore the expansive shopping complex for 40 minutes as part of the tour.

The mall’s diverse offerings cater to a wide range of interests, making it an essential stop on the Gangnam tour.

Whether you’re looking to shop, dine, or be entertained, Starfield COEX Mall provides an immersive experience that showcases the modern face of Korea.

Meeting and Pickup

The Gangnam tour offers convenient pickup options for visitors.

Pickup is available from any downtown hotel in Seoul or directly at the Bongeunsa Temple, located at the COEX North Gate.

The meeting point for the tour is Exit 1 of the Bongeunsa Temple Station on Seoul Metro Subway Line 9.

At the end of the tour, you will be dropped off at Gangnam Station.

The tour’s accessibility includes:

• Pickup and drop-off at convenient locations
• Meeting point at a major subway station
• End point at a popular Seoul destination
• Suitable for most travelers, with limited accessibility for those with mobility issues.

Additional Information

Confirmation for this Gangnam tour is typically received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed. It’s not recommended for travelers with back problems or serious medical conditions, but most others can participate.

The price varies by group size, and the lowest price is guaranteed. Guests can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Based on 3 reviews, the tour has an overall 5-star rating, with one reviewer praising the guide for tailoring the experience to preferences for a memorable day.

Reviews

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the Gangnam tour, with all 3 reviews awarding it a perfect 5-star rating.

One guest, Bergen Park, described the experience as "a great day in Seoul," praising how the guide tailored the tour to their preferences for a memorable outing.

Key reasons for the high ratings include:

1. Comprehensive itinerary covering Gangnam’s historic, shopping, and culinary highlights.
2. Knowledgeable, English-speaking guide with an official license.
3. Inclusion of traditional Korean cuisine and rice wine for dinner.
4. Seamless logistics from pickup to drop-off.

With these glowing reviews, the Gangnam tour offers an engaging introduction to the past and present of this dynamic district in Seoul.

Directions

Upon booking, guests are provided with clear directions for the Gangnam tour.

The meeting point is Exit 1 of Bongeunsa Temple Station on Seoul Metro Subway Line 9. Pickup is available from any downtown hotel in Seoul or directly at the Bongeunsa Temple’s COEX North Gate.

The tour concludes at Gangnam Station.

Tour participants are advised that the experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, though it’s stroller-friendly. Most travelers can participate, but it’s not recommended for those with back problems or serious medical conditions.

Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour to Visit Specific Attractions?

Yes, the tour can be customized to visit specific attractions. The tour provider is flexible and willing to tailor the experience to meet the traveler’s preferences and interests within the tour’s overall scope.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour has a casual dress code. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes that are appropriate for the weather. There is no formal attire required for this sightseeing tour.

Are There Any Photography Restrictions During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour, but visitors should be respectful and avoid disrupting other guests or activities. Some sites may have specific restrictions, so it’s best to check with the guide beforehand.

Can I Bring Children on the Tour?

Yes, children are welcome on the tour. The tour is family-friendly, and the guide can accommodate children’s needs. However, it’s important to note that the tour may not be suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues.

Is the Tour Available in Other Languages Besides English?

The tour is available in other languages besides English, including Korean, Chinese, and Japanese. Travelers can request their preferred language when booking the tour to ensure a seamless experience.

Recap

The Gangnam Tour offers a captivating journey through Korea’s rich history and vibrant modernity. Exploring the serene Bongeunsa Temple and the dynamic Starfield COEX Mall, visitors can enjoy the country’s cultural tapestry while savoring traditional cuisine and beverages. With an expert guide, seamless logistics, and ample opportunities for discovery, this tour provides an unforgettable experience that showcases the past and present of Korea.