Seoul day trip: Gwangyang plum blossoms & Jeonju Hanok Village

Plum blossoms in March, traditional roofs year-round, and bibimbap in a village that holds its shape

This full-day tour from Seoul visits two heritage sites: Gwangyang Maehwa Village, a plum orchard that blooms white in March and bears fruit in June, and Jeonju Hanok Village, a district of over 800 traditional Korean houses with raised roof edges, shrines, gates and a working market. The tour includes round-trip transfers from Seoul, entrance to Gwangyang, an English-speaking guide, and access to Jeonju's food stalls and the option to wear traditional Hanbok dress. Departures start before dawn from either Hongik University Station or Myeongdong Station, and the full day runs 15 to 16 hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Maehwa Village and Jeonju Hanok Village

• Explore Seomjin Maehwa Village plum trees
• Visit Jeonju Hanok Village traditional houses
• Enjoy Korean traditional food and snacks
• Wear Hanbok and visit local landmarks

The experience

The day starts in the dark. You meet your guide at either Hongik University Station at 4:40am or Myeongdong Station at 5:00am, depending on which departure you choose, and ride out of Seoul while the city is still asleep. The vehicle (a bus, car or van depending on group size) heads south toward Jirisan Mountain and the Seomjingang River valley. Gwangyang Maehwa Village sits in this river basin, its farmland planted not with grain but with plum trees. In March, when the blossoms open, the hillsides turn white. By June, the trees bear ripe plums. The timing of your visit shapes what you see: the annual Plum Blossom Festival happens in March when the flowers are at their peak, but the village itself (the river, the orchards, the rhythm of the place) exists year-round.

From Gwangyang, the route continues to Jeonju, a city that has preserved its old quarter intact. Jeonju Hanok Village contains over 800 traditional Korean houses, each with the characteristic roof edges slightly raised toward the sky that mark the Hanbok architectural style. The village is not a museum: it holds working shrines like Gyeonggijeon, gates like Pungnammun, a traditional market on the south side, and a hilltop pavilion called Omokdae. You walk these streets at your own pace, stopping where you want. The food stalls and restaurants serve bibimbap, dduk galbi, noodles, and snacks (ice cream, Choco Pie) made and sold by people who live there. If you want, you can borrow and wear Hanbok, the traditional dress, and walk the village in it.

Your guide speaks English throughout the day and handles the logistics: timing, transitions, explanations of what you are standing in front of. The entrance ticket to Gwangyang is included. Meals and drinks are on you. The schedule can shift if traffic or weather changes the route. Plum blossoms may bloom less or wither depending on conditions on your date. The tour runs in rain, snow or wind, so dress for the season. You return to Seoul the same evening, arriving back at your starting station after a full day away.

What’s included

• Round-trip transfers from Seoul to both villages.
• entrance ticket to Gwangyang Maehwa Village.
• English-speaking guide for the full day.
• access to Jeonju Hanok Village's shrines, gates, market and food stalls.
• the option to borrow and wear traditional Hanbok dress.

Options for this experience

2 options

Myeongdong Station Exit 4 at 5:00 amGuide in English · Available from 12 Mar 2027Meeting point: Paris Baguette at Myeongdong Station Namsan, 118 Toegye-ro, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea

Hongik University Station Exit 8 at 4:40 amGuide in English · Available from 12 Mar 2027Meeting point: Starbucks at Hongik University Station Exit 8, 166 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 12 Mar 2027

AgesAdult (3 and older) · Infant (under 3): free

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Korea Time Tour

Is this one for you?Choose the early departure from Hongik University or Myeongdong Station to fit both the plum blossoms and Jeonju's traditional houses into one full day. The later option gives you more morning flexibility if you're visiting outside March or prefer a slower pace.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 3): free.

When do the plum blossoms bloom at Gwangyang Maehwa Village?

The plum blossoms open in March, when the Plum Blossom Festival takes place and the orchards turn white. The trees bear ripe plums by June. Bloom timing depends on weather conditions in your specific week, so earlier or lighter blooms are possible.

What can I do and eat in Jeonju Hanok Village?

Jeonju Hanok Village has over 800 traditional houses, shrines, gates, a traditional market, and a hilltop pavilion to explore on foot. You can eat bibimbap, dduk galbi, noodles and snacks at the food stalls and restaurants, and you can borrow and wear Hanbok dress while you walk the streets.

What time do I need to arrive at the meeting point?

Arrive at least 5 to 10 minutes before your departure time. If you choose the Hongik University Station departure, that is 4:40am. If you choose Myeongdong Station, that is 5:00am. The tour operator will contact you the day before to confirm your meeting point and time.

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes round-trip transfers between Seoul and both villages, entrance to Gwangyang Maehwa Village, and an English-speaking guide for the full day. Meals, drinks and personal expenses are not included.

How long is the full day tour?

The tour runs 15 to 16 hours from departure to return, starting before dawn and finishing in the evening. The schedule can shift depending on traffic and weather.

Can I bring luggage on this tour?

You can bring luggage, but discuss the size and number of bags with the tour operator in advance so they can arrange the right vehicle and space for your group.