From Busan: Cheongsong Ice Valley & Pohang Spacewalk Tour

From Busan: Cheongsong Ice Valley & Pohang Spacewalk Tour

If you’re craving a day out exploring South Korea’s lesser-known gems beyond Busan, this tour offers a compelling mix of natural beauty, pop culture hotspots, and fun adventures. The experience promises breathtaking scenery, authentic local markets, and a chance to walk on the thrilling Pohang Space Walk.

What we love about this tour: the stunning Ice Valley scenery, the chance to stand where K-dramas were filmed, and the adrenaline rush from the walkable roller coaster in Pohang. That said, the long day—around 12 hours—means you’ll want to be prepared for a full schedule. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy diverse experiences, don’t mind a bit of travel fatigue, and love a mix of nature, culture, and fun.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Stunning natural scenery at Cheongsong Ice Valley makes for excellent photography.
• Cultural immersion with a visit to the famous Chung-Ha Market from ‘Hometown Cha Cha Cha’.
• Adrenaline thrill at Pohang’s Space Walk offers a unique outdoor activity.
• Flexible itinerary with multiple start points and guided commentary in Chinese, English, or Korean.
• Value-packed day trip considering transportation, guides, and diverse experiences.
• Ideal for those who want a full day of adventure, culture, and scenic views.

An Overview of the Experience

This 12-hour tour is a carefully curated journey through some of North Gyeongsang’s most intriguing spots, all from the comfort of a well-organized bus trip leaving from Busan. The itinerary balances natural wonders, pop culture landmarks, and exciting outdoor activities, making it an appealing choice for curious travelers who want to maximize their South Korean adventure.

The tour provider, Lecirt, boasts a high rating of 4.8, which suggests a reliable, enjoyable experience. Their guides are multilingual, offering explanations in Chinese, English, and Korean—helping to make these attractions accessible regardless of your language background.

Transportation and Group Size

Traveling in a comfortable coach, you’ll spend roughly 2.83 hours on the road in the morning, making the journey rather smooth and less tiring than it sounds. The group size isn’t specified, but these tours typically keep things small enough for a friendly, intimate vibe, usually around 10-20 people. This setup helps with quick stops, personalized attention, and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Flexibility and Booking

One notable feature is the option to reserve now and pay later, plus a full refund policy if canceled 24 hours in advance. This flexibility is a big plus for travelers uncertain about their plans but eager to lock in this adventure.

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Cheongsong Ice Valley: A Natural Wonder

Your first stop is Cheongsong Ice Valley, a striking natural site that transforms with the seasons. In winter, it features a colossal ice wall reminiscent of scenes from Frozen, making it a photographer’s paradise. Visitors often comment on how surreal the ice formations look, and the cool breeze adds to the wintery vibe, even during summer when cold mineral waters flow freely, attracting locals seeking relief from the heat.

The short one-hour stop allows for photos, guided explanations, and some free time to soak in the icy scenery. Visitors mention how the views are “breathtaking” and “perfect for capturing memorable shots,” especially against the backdrop of the massive ice wall.

Why It Matters for Travelers:

Seeing such an impressive natural formation up close is a rare experience. It’s a reminder of South Korea’s diverse landscapes and natural artistry. Plus, it’s a comfortable way to enjoy cool weather and fresh mineral water—especially refreshing if you’re visiting during warmer months.

Chung-Ha Market & ‘Hometown Cha Cha Cha’ Filming Location

Next, the tour takes you to Chung-Ha Market in Pohang, a lively traditional market that features local folk crafts and fresh seafood. This market gained fame thanks to its appearance in the beloved K-drama Hometown Cha Cha Cha, making it a must-visit for fans eager to see where their favorite scenes were shot.

According to reviews, this stop offers a glimpse into authentic Korean market life, with colorful stalls and friendly vendors. Tourists often take the chance to try local delicacies, browse crafts, or simply enjoy the bustling atmosphere. The visit includes some free time and a chance to explore at your own pace, with the option for a guided food market tour.

Reviewers highlight that the market’s coastline views are spectacular, and it provides a genuine taste of local culture away from tourist-heavy spots. Expect to spend about 80 minutes here, enough to snap a few photos and get a feel for daily life.

Why It’s Worth It:

This stop provides cultural context and a bit of fandom fun. It’s the kind of authentic experience that turns a sightseeing trip into a deeper connection with local life.

Pohang Space Walk: An Exciting Outdoor Experience

The highlight of the afternoon is the Pohang Space Walk at Hwanho Park. This 25-meter-high landmark symbolizes “iron, light, and sea”—elements that define Pohang. The structure is designed to withstand fierce sea breezes, making it a resilient and iconic feature of the city’s skyline.

What makes this stop special isn’t just the photo opportunity, but the chance to enjoy a walkable roller coaster-like experience. Although the guide notes that the activity involves vibrations and vibrations when climbing the stairs, it promises an adrenaline rush with stunning views of Yeongildae Beach and beyond.

Visitors mention feeling a mix of excitement and awe, with some describing it as “a different kind of outdoor thrill” combined with scenic vistas. The 1.5-hour visit includes some free time for photos and sightseeing around the park.

Why It Matters:

This stop combines outdoor fun with sightseeing, allowing you to stretch your legs while taking in views of the coastline. It’s a memorable way to end the day’s adventures.

The Long Day: Considerations and Tips

With a total of about 12 hours, including travel time, this tour is packed. It’s ideal for those who don’t mind spending a significant part of the day on the move and want a diverse mix of experiences.

Travelers recommend bringing comfortable shoes, a hat or sunscreen for outdoor parts, and a camera to capture the stunning scenery. Some reviews mention that guides are friendly, informative, and attentive, making the long day more manageable.

A potential downside is the duration—if you prefer a more relaxed pace or are traveling with young children, this might feel a bit rushed. However, for active travelers eager to see multiple highlights, it offers excellent value.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for curious travelers wanting a broad taste of South Korea’s natural beauty, pop culture, and outdoor adventures. It’s also well-suited for fans of K-dramas who want to visit filming locations, as well as those looking for picture-perfect scenery and fun activities.

If you enjoy a full day of diverse sights, don’t mind a bit of bus travel, and want a well-organized, value-oriented trip, this tour is a good choice.

The Sum Up

This tour from Busan packs a punch by combining natural wonders like Cheongsong Ice Valley, cultural highlights such as Chung-Ha Market, and a dose of outdoor adventure with the Pohang Space Walk. It offers a balanced mix of scenic beauty, local culture, and fun, making it an excellent day trip for travelers who crave variety and authentic experiences.

The high ratings and positive reviews suggest that most guests find it well worth the price, especially given the multiple stops and the opportunity to see diverse facets of North Gyeongsang Province. The guides are knowledgeable, and the itinerary is flexible enough to suit different interests.

This tour provides a memorable window into some of South Korea’s hidden treasures, making it ideal for those looking to squeeze a lot into a single day with ease and comfort.

FAQ

What is the duration of this tour?
The tour lasts approximately 12 hours, including travel time and sightseeing stops.

Are there multiple starting points?
Yes, the tour can start from three different locations, with specific coordinates provided for each.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak Chinese, English, and Korean, offering explanations and assistance in these languages.

Is there a refund policy?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can I reserve without paying immediately?
Absolutely, you can book now and pay later to keep your plans flexible.

What should I bring for the outdoor activities?
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a camera are recommended, especially for the outdoor parts like the Space Walk.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour involves outdoor walks and some active elements, it is generally suitable for older children who enjoy outdoor adventures.

How is the transportation arranged?
Travel is in a coach or bus, with comfortable seating for the roughly 2.83 hours of travel in the morning and additional transit times between stops.

What makes Cheongsong Ice Valley special?
Its massive ice wall in winter and cool mineral waters in summer make it a unique natural site with great photo opportunities.

Who is this tour best suited for?
Active travelers, culture enthusiasts, K-drama fans, and those seeking a full day of varied experiences will find it most appealing.

This comprehensive review should help you decide if this full-day excursion aligns with your travel style and interests. It promises a good mix of natural beauty, cultural authenticity, and fun outdoor activities—all within a well-organized package.

You can check availability for your dates here: