Seoul: Eobi Ice Valley, Alpaca World, Nami Island and More

Travelers seeking a blend of natural beauty, adorable animals, and iconic Korean scenery will find this tour a delightful way to spend a day outside Seoul. While it’s a long day — around 12.5 to 14 hours — the mix of destinations offers a well-rounded glimpse of Gyeonggi Province’s seasonal wonders.

What truly makes this experience stand out are the stunning ice formations at Eobi Ice Valley, the close encounters with friendly alpacas, and the chance to walk through the enchanting landscape of Nami Island, famed for its appearance in Korean dramas. Notably, you also get the option to enjoy rail biking or visit the Garden of Morning Calm, making it versatile for different interests.

A potential drawback is the tight schedule, especially at places like Alpaca World, where some travelers felt there wasn’t enough time to appreciate all the animals. The itinerary’s length and travel time might also be tiring if you prefer more leisurely exploration.

This tour is best suited for first-time visitors to Seoul wanting a comprehensive day trip, families with kids, or anyone eager to see Korea’s winter scenery up close — especially if you’re a fan of Instagram-worthy spots or drama filming locations.

Good To Know

• Variety of Destinations: From icy valleys to lush gardens, the tour covers diverse environments.
• Authentic Encounters: Close interactions with alpacas and scenic photo stops create memorable moments.
• Flexible Options: Choose between scenic rail biking or visiting the Morning Calm for added variety.
• Full-Day Experience: Expect a long day with substantial travel, but packed with highlights.
• Value for Money: At $86, the tour offers a comprehensive day with multiple stops.
• Guided Tour: Live guides speaking Chinese, English, and Korean provide insights along the way.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour kicks off from three convenient locations in Seoul — Dongdaemun, Namsan, and Hongik University. From there, it’s about 1.5 hours on a comfortable bus or coach to begin your adventure. The transportation is a highlight in itself: spacious, air-conditioned, and with scenic views en route. The long travel time means you’ll have a chance to relax, chat with fellow travelers, or catch glimpses of local life outside the city.

Eobi Ice Valley: A Winter Wonderland

Arriving at Eobi Ice Valley, you’ll find yourself amidst striking ice formations and shimmering icicles — a perfect Instagram backdrop. The tour includes a photo stop and sightseeing for about 40 minutes, giving you enough time for photos and taking in the scenery without feeling rushed.

This location is especially popular among social media enthusiasts, thanks to its photogenic landscape. Reviewers have commented on how its icy structures are “magnificent” and “great for capturing winter shots.” However, keep in mind the weather can be cold, so dress warmly to fully enjoy the experience.

Alpaca World: Adorable Animal Encounters

Next, the journey takes you to Alpaca World for approximately 1.5 hours. Here, you’ll get close to adorable alpacas and other farm animals. It’s a peaceful environment, ideal for families and animal lovers. The reviews reveal that visitors particularly appreciated the chance to interact directly with the animals, which brought warmth and joy on a chilly day.

One reviewer mentioned that the experience was “very fun,” and another noted that it was a perfect break from the rush — “enjoying moments of warmth and joy” with these charming creatures. Still, some felt the timing could be tighter, as there’s a lot to see and do, and not enough time to fully appreciate each type of animal.

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Nami Island: The Iconic Korean Scene

The tour then heads to Nami Island, famous for its scenic pathways and as a backdrop for the Korean drama Winter Sonata. With around 3 hours allocated, you get a good chunk of time to stroll, take photographs, or even grab a snack.

The island’s landscapes are truly picturesque, especially under winter’s touch, with iconic tree-lined roads and quaint bridges. Reviewers have found it beautiful, although some mentioned that in winter, it might feel a bit less lively than in spring or autumn. Still, it’s a location that offers countless photo opportunities, and the peaceful atmosphere is perfect for a leisurely walk.

Optional Activities: Rail Biking or Garden of Morning Calm

After Nami Island, you can choose to visit the Gangchon Rail Bike or the Garden of Morning Calm — both offering different ways to enjoy Korea’s natural beauty.

• Gangchon Rail Bike: The rail biking experience is relaxing, offering you a chance to pedal along scenic tracks through the countryside. There’s a KRW 5,000 surcharge for private bikes, payable on-site, which might appeal to families or groups seeking a bit of adventure.
• Garden of Morning Calm: If you prefer a more tranquil experience, this garden is the oldest private garden in Korea and features beautifully curated landscapes, perfect for a peaceful stroll.

One reviewer mentioned that the Garden of Morning Calm was “very good,” praising its beautiful scenery. Others enjoyed the rail biking, noting it as a fun way to spend time in nature with friends or family.

Return Journey and Drop-offs

After these stops, the return to Seoul takes about 2 hours and 17 minutes. The tour concludes with drop-offs at three convenient locations, including Dongdaemun and Hongik, making it easy to continue exploring or head to your accommodation.

Pricing and Value

At $86 per person, this tour provides an impressive lineup of attractions, transportation, and guided commentary. Considering the long duration and multiple stops, it’s quite good value for travelers who want a full day of varied experiences without the hassle of planning each site independently.

The tour’s inclusion of live guides speaking Chinese, English, and Korean further enhances the experience, providing cultural insights and answering questions along the way. The flexibility of booking now and paying later offers peace of mind, particularly if your travel plans are still unfolding.

Authenticity and Practical Aspects

From reviews, it’s clear that the guides — like Sally and Seon Hee — are friendly and knowledgeable, making the journey more engaging. One reviewer appreciated Seon Hee’s extra care when she took the time to recommend medications after feeling unwell — a reminder of the personal attention some guides provide.

The itinerary is well-structured, but it’s worth noting that traffic and weather conditions can influence timing. It’s advisable to have some snacks or a light meal prepared, as the day covers many hours with limited time for breaks.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for first-time visitors to Seoul who want to see beyond the city’s urban landscape. It’s also ideal for families with children who enjoy animals and scenic spots or drama fans eager to walk the streets of Nami Island, where many iconic scenes were filmed.

If you’re looking for a long, activity-packed day with natural beauty and cultural highlights, this tour delivers. Just remember, it’s a busy day, so if you prefer slow-paced sightseeing or are sensitive to long travel hours, you might want to consider an alternative.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded snapshot of Korea’s winter scenery. The stops at Eobi Ice Valley and Nami Island provide picture-perfect moments, while Alpaca World adds a fun, personal touch with adorable animals. The optional destinations, like the Garden of Morning Calm and rail biking, add versatility for different interests.

For $86, you get not only multiple scenic stops but also the convenience of guided transport, which makes exploring Gyeonggi Province manageable even if you’re short on time or local knowledge. The long day is balanced by the variety of experiences, making it a worthwhile choice for those eager to pack in a lot in one trip.

While the tight schedule might limit lingering at some sites, the overall value, authentic encounters, and beautiful landscapes make this tour a memorable highlight of a winter trip to Seoul.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the starting locations for the tour?
You can choose from three starting points in Seoul: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station Exit 10, Namsan Yejang Public Parking Lot, or Hongik University Station Exit 4.

How long is the transportation between sites?
The bus or coach journey between major stops ranges from about 1 to 1.5 hours, providing a comfortable break between sightseeing.

Is there any extra cost I should be aware of?
Yes, if you opt for a private bike at Gangchon Rail Bike, there’s a KRW 5,000 surcharge per person, payable on site.

How much time do I spend at each attraction?
Eobi Ice Valley: 40 minutes, Alpaca World: 1.5 hours, Nami Island: 3 hours, Garden of Morning Calm or Rail Bike: about 1.5 hours, plus travel time.

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, allowing you to book with confidence.

Is the tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues or babies?
Please inform the tour provider if you’re bringing a stroller or wheelchair; the itinerary involves some walking and outdoor activities.

This thoughtfully curated day trip offers a fantastic mix of Korea’s winter scenery, cultural highlights, and playful animal encounters. Perfect for those who want a comprehensive, guided experience outside Seoul, it promises plenty of photo opportunities and memorable moments.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby