Planning a trip to South Korea? If you’re based in Seoul and want to explore the fascinating Gyeonggi Province for a day but find transportation challenging, there’s great news! The Gyeonggi Province and Gyeonggi Tourism Organization are launching the 2025 Gyeonggi-do EG Bus Tour, a convenient day-trip program operated directly by them.
What is the EG Tour?
The EG Tour is a daily bus tour program specifically designed for foreign tourists. Standing for “Easy to Go Enjoy Gyeonggi,” it allows you to easily and conveniently visit major tourist attractions in Gyeonggi Province starting from Seoul and returning to Seoul the same day. The biggest advantage is enjoying a comfortable trip along carefully selected routes without worrying about complicated transportation bookings or finding your way.
The EG Tour has been running successfully since 2017, introducing Gyeonggi-do to international visitors each year. However, please note that details change annually. For instance, compared to the 2024 program, the 2025 tour has seen changes in the number of routes (from 7 to 6) and the pricing currency (from KRW to USD). Therefore, it’s crucial to check the latest information for the specific year when planning your trip.
EG Tour Routes (2025)
Here are the six thematic routes offered for 2025:
1. Suwon & Yongin Route (Theme: Tradition & Hallyu)
- Theme: A meeting of tradition and the Korean Wave.
- Main Stops: Korean Folk Village, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage), Nammun Market.
- Highlights: Get a glimpse into Joseon Dynasty life at the Folk Village, stroll along the magnificent fortress walls, and experience the energy of a traditional market. Suwon Hwaseong Fortress is also a popular filming location for K-dramas, making it a hit with Hallyu fans. Photos of tourists enjoying the Korean Folk Village truly capture the fun of this course.
- Recommended for: Those interested in Korean traditional architecture and culture, K-drama fans wanting to visit filming sites, and those who want to experience the vibrancy of a traditional market.
2. Pocheon & Gapyeong Route (Theme: Healing & Experience)
- Theme: Healing in nature and unique experiences.
- Main Stops: The Garden of Morning Calm, Farm Experience (seasonal strawberry or apple picking), Pocheon Art Valley.
- Highlights: Enjoy a walk through the beautiful Garden of Morning Calm (stunning in all seasons), have fun picking seasonal fruits directly at a farm, and visit the unique Pocheon Art Valley, a former quarry transformed into a cultural and arts complex. It’s a healing course blending nature and art.
- Recommended for: Those seeking relaxation amidst beautiful natural scenery, those who enjoy special hands-on activities, and those interested in unique art spaces.
3. Icheon & Yeoju Route (Theme: History & Experience)
- Theme: Rich history and artistic sensibility combined.
- Main Stops: King Sejong’s Royal Tomb (Yeongneung – UNESCO World Heritage), Ceramic Art Village (Ye’s Park), Namhansanseong Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage).
- Highlights: Pay respects at the tomb honoring King Sejong the Great’s creation of Hangeul, savor a delicious ssalbap (rice) set menu lunch (a local specialty in Icheon), try making your own mug at the Ceramic Art Village, and enjoy trekking along the beautiful fortress trail. This course offers a rich blend of history lessons and cultural experiences, and is featured in tour leaflets.
- Recommended for: Those interested in Korean history and UNESCO World Heritage sites, those who want to experience ceramic art and craft activities, and those looking to taste delicious Korean set meals (Hanjeongsik).
4. Paju Route (Theme: DMZ & Peace)
- Theme: A journey reflecting on the pain of division and the hope for peace.
- Main Stops: Imjingak Park, Camp Greaves, Peace DMZ Tour (including The 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, Dora Observatory, and Unification Village).
- Highlights: A meaningful tour visiting the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the world’s only divided nation’s border, to reflect on Korean history and the importance of peace. Experience the tension of the 3rd Tunnel, gaze towards North Korea from Dora Observatory, and feel the unique atmosphere of Camp Greaves, a former US military base.
- Recommended for: Those who want to deeply understand modern Korean history and the DMZ, and those seeking a unique and meaningful travel experience.
5. Gimpo Route (Theme: Peace & Food)
- Theme: A message of peace coupled with delicious delights.
- Main Stops: Aegibong Peace Ecopark, Gimpo Hyundai Premium Outlet, Hanok Village (Specific location to be confirmed upon booking).
- Highlights: Offer prayers for peace at Aegibong, one of the closest points to North Korea, enjoy shopping at a modern premium outlet, and soak in the tranquil atmosphere of a traditional Hanok village. Some information suggests a special food experience might be included, like making Gochujang (red pepper paste) and tasting Bibimbap made with it. (Note: Exact inclusions must be confirmed on the booking platform.)
- Recommended for: Those who find meaning in visiting peace-related sites, those who want to combine shopping with traditional village exploration, and those interested in food-making experiences.
6. Suwon, Hwaseong & Gwangmyeong Route (Theme: Coastal & Hot Spots)
- Theme: Coastal scenery and trendy attractions all in one.
- Main Stops: Tando Port Seohaerang Cable Car, Starfield Suwon, Gwangmyeong Cave.
- Highlights: Enjoy beautiful ocean views while riding the cable car across the West Sea, experience the latest trends at the new Starfield shopping complex, and explore the mysterious Gwangmyeong Cave, a former mine transformed into a theme park. This course offers a diverse range of attractions.
- Recommended for: Those who love scenic ocean views, those who enjoy shopping and entertainment, and those wanting to experience a unique theme park.
Booking Your EG Tour
EG Tour reservations can only be made through Online Travel Agency (OTA) platforms. Look for offerings on sites like:
It’s also worth checking platforms like Viator or Tripadvisor, as tours may have been sold there previously. Comparing across multiple platforms is recommended.
Tour Cost
For the 2025 EG Tour, the price per adult is expected to range between USD $65 and $77. This is based on initial news announcements, and the actual price may vary slightly depending on the chosen route, the specific OTA platform you book through, and the timing of your booking. Always double-check the final price before confirming your reservation.
Departure and Arrival Point
All EG Tour routes operate as round trips, departing from designated locations in Seoul city center and returning to the same spot after the tour. Currently known major pickup points include:
- Hongik University Station
- Namsan Yejang Public Parking Lot
- Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station
However, the exact pickup location and time can differ based on the route and date. It is essential to confirm the specific departure point and time for your chosen tour when you make your booking.
Gyeonggi-do EG Tour: Your Easy Day Trip from Seoul
The 2025 Gyeonggi-do EG Bus Tour offers foreign tourists visiting Seoul the best opportunity to experience the diverse charms of Gyeonggi Province without the hassle of complex transportation. With six well-structured thematic routes covering history, culture, nature, peace, and unique experiences, combined with the convenience of a same-day round trip from Seoul, it’s an ideal way to explore beyond the capital.
Choose the route that best suits your interests, book easily, and prepare for a special day discovering the hidden gems and true allure of Gyeonggi-do, the Korea that lies just beyond Seoul!
