BTS fans, this day trip feels oddly real. You get a full 12-13 hour round-trip from Seoul to In the SOOP BTS ver. Pyeongchang, plus Phoenix Blue Canyon and Hyangho Beach for set-and-photo time.

I also love how the day is run with a professional English guide and plenty of BTS video and music breaks, and the coach includes USB ports for charging on the road. The main trade-off is simple: it is a long haul, and traffic can stretch your return so you may end up later than planned.

Key things I’d circle on your plan

• In the SOOP BTS ver. Pyeongchang access: you visit the official filming location set as a scheduled part of the day.
• Phoenix Blue Canyon stop for set photos: a dedicated time block to see a real filming spot tied to In the SOOP BTS ver.
• Hyangho Beach with the BTS bus stop vibe: photo zones along the sand, with the sea in the background.
• Smaller group for smoother timing: capped at 40 travelers, so you do not feel swallowed by a mega-tour.
• Road-trip entertainment that keeps you moving: BTS quizzes, games, and prizes show up during the drive.
• Included extras that save money: snacks at rest areas, an instant cup noodle moment, and an official merch set per person.

Why In The SOOP Pyeongchang hits different than a quick photo stop

This tour is built around the feeling of being in the same places your favorite songs and scenes come from. It is not just a bus ride with one quick photo. You spend real time at the filming location and then still get a proper beach stop for classic BTS bus stop pictures.

The best part is the pacing. You get enough time to walk, point your camera, and actually enjoy the moment instead of sprinting from one corner to the next. And since it’s a one-day tour, you get a full story arc: mountainside set, beach bus stop, then back to Seoul.

The other big win is group energy. The coaches run with BTS content and activities, so the day feels like a shared hang rather than a strict sightseeing checklist.

Morning logistics: the AMID Hotel meet-up and the long day reality

You start at 7:20 am from AMID Hotel Seoul, 38 Insadong 5-gil, Jongno District. The tour ends back at the same hotel, though traffic can push you later, sometimes after 9 pm.

For this kind of day, you should plan like a road trip, not like a half-day city walk. Bring layers for the bus (Korea buses can swing temperature-wise), and assume your day will be heavy on sitting and photo breaks rather than long guided strolls.

One more practical note: the meeting point is near public transportation, but it can still feel crowded at first. Have your confirmation ready and be ready to ask the driver or staff which group is yours.

Phoenix Blue Canyon: the filming-location moment you came for

The day’s first stop is Phoenix Blue Canyon, tied to the In the SOOP BTS ver. filming experience. This is where you get a true sense of place, not just a fan-made replica.

You get about 1 hour 30 minutes there. That time matters because you need a little breathing room for two things: (1) getting your bearings and finding the best angles, and (2) taking enough photos that you do not rush through the experience.

Admission for this stop is included. So you can focus on walking the area, enjoying the scenery, and getting your BTS-in-the-soop shots without pulling out extra cash.

Hyangho Beach: sand, sea views, and the BTS bus stop photo zones

Next up is Hyangho Beach, which is known for its BTS bus stop connection from BTS’ second full album. The beach also has photo zones scattered around the shore, so you are not stuck with one single sign and one single line.

You’ll get about 1 hour here. That is usually the sweet spot for beach photos: long enough for multiple angles, short enough that the bus does not chew up your whole day.

This is also where the day feels calm. You can slow down, take in the sea view, and do the kind of relaxed sightseeing that makes this tour more than just fandom tourism.

In the SOOP BTS ver. Pyeongchang filming location: what to expect on-site

This is the core stop: the In the SOOP BTS ver. Pyeongchang filming location, with an entrance ticket included. You’re not doing a quick drive-by. You arrive, go in, and get time to explore the set area at your own pace.

A common theme in the experience is feeling like it’s peaceful and well-organized once you’re inside. The rules matter here, so listen when your guide explains what to do and what to avoid. You want your photos and your walk to happen smoothly, and the staff direction helps keep the site enjoyable for everyone.

Some of the most loved moments are the small details that make it feel personal. There is mention of a dog that greets visitors at the location, plus messages left for ARMY. Those are the kinds of touches that turn a tour stop into a memory.

You should also mentally prep for a photo-heavy portion of your day. Bring a charged phone, extra space in your camera roll, and a clear plan for the shots you care about. There is time to do it, but this is not a museum stroll where you can take ten minutes at every single display without consequence.

The bus ride: how the guide keeps you on schedule (and entertained)

The tour’s rhythm depends heavily on the guide. You’ll be with a professional English guide, and the day’s energy comes from how they handle timing and group fun.

Names you may see in day-to-day guide feedback include Sarah, Cherry, Anna, Jaden, Mason, and Princess Jade. Across these different guides, the consistent pattern is clear: they keep the bus moving, explain where to focus, and bring BTS-related activities along the way.

Expect BTS music, short videos, and quiz-style games during the drive. There are also prizes in the mix. One nice detail is how the coach setup supports the day: USB ports mean you can top up your phone so you’re not stuck with 12% battery when you finally reach the set.

If you prefer a low-stress day where you do not have to think about routing, this is a strong match. You’re paying for someone else to manage the logistics and create a structured flow.

Food and snacks: what is included, and what you should plan around

This tour is a full day, but meals are not handled like a typical guided tour with lunch included. Lunch and dinner are not included, so you should plan to eat on your own or after the tour ends.

You do get small included comforts:

• A snack at rest areas (twist-potato or sottoek-sottoek)
• A ramen moment as part of a review-style event
• Official tour snacks rather than a full meal

That snack mix is great for keeping energy steady, but it does not replace a real lunch. If you tend to get hungry fast, consider eating before you meet (or bringing a light extra snack you can manage discreetly and safely during bus breaks).

For the best day, treat included snacks as a boost, not as your entire food plan.

Gifts and official merch: the value isn’t just the ticket

One reason this tour feels better than a plain sightseeing day is what you get in addition to the filming-location access.

You receive an In the SOOP official merchandise set for one per person. That is a meaningful extra because it is not something you have to pay for on-site, and it adds to the collector side of the experience.

On top of that, you’ll have the instant cup noodle moment during the day, plus small included snacks. Guides also bring a gift-style vibe during the bus ride and at the right times.

If you’re buying official-style merch anyway, this is the kind of package that can feel like you’re paying for both access and a ready-made souvenir.

Price and value: what $138.97 really covers

At $138.97 per person, you are paying for more than two photo stops. You get:

• Roundtrip transportation from Seoul
• An English professional guide
• Entrance ticket for the In the SOOP BTS ver. Pyeongchang filming location
• Admission-ticket coverage for the Phoenix Blue Canyon stop and Hyangho Beach segment
• Snacks during rest stops
• An instant cup noodle event
• Official merchandise set (one per person)

When you break it down, a big part of the value is the transportation and the fact that you do not have to coordinate separate rides, admissions, and timing across multiple locations in one long day. Also, the tour limits the group to 40 travelers, which helps keep the experience organized instead of chaotic.

The trade-off is that you still have to accept the long travel time and meal limitations. But if you want a guided, ready-to-go day that handles the driving and the entry points, the price starts to make sense quickly.

Who should book this tour, and who should pass

Book it if you want:

• Real filming locations tied to In the SOOP BTS ver.
• Time for photos without feeling like you’re being rushed
• A group day that includes BTS quizzes and games
• English guidance so you’re not guessing what matters most

Skip it if:

• You hate long days with early starts and late returns
• You want a guaranteed full meal plan during the tour
• You’d rather travel independently with no structured timing

Also, there’s a minimum traveler requirement of at least 7 people for the tour to operate. If that number isn’t met, you’ll be contacted individually with a change of date or refund option. So if you’re traveling on a tight schedule, keep your flexibility in mind.

Should you book this tour

I think this is a strong book if In the SOOP BTS ver. Pyeongchang is the main reason you’re in Korea. The mix of the filming location visit, the Phoenix Blue Canyon stop, and Hyangho Beach gives you a full day that feels like one connected story rather than three random errands.

It’s also a good fit if you like the social side of touring. The guide-led quizzes, prizes, and BTS media breaks make the ride itself part of the fun. And with included snacks, a ramen moment, and an official merch set, you’re not walking around Seoul later thinking you missed key value.

If long travel time and meal planning stress you out, choose your day wisely and eat before you start. Then settle in for a very fandom-forward, very photo-friendly day.

FAQ

How long is the full day tour?

It runs about 12 to 13 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and ends at AMID Hotel Seoul, 38 Insadong 5-gil, Jongno District, Seoul.

What time does the tour begin?

The start time is 7:20 am. Due to traffic, the tour may end after 9 pm.

What stops are included?

The tour includes Phoenix Blue Canyon, Hyangho Beach, and the In the SOOP BTS ver. Pyeongchang Filming Location.

Are lunch or dinner included?

No. Lunch and dinner are not included.

Is merchandise included?

Yes. You receive an In the SOOP Official Merchandise set for one per person.