Beyond Seoul: Starfield Library, Hwaseong Fortress & Cave Quest

Seoul , South Korea

Beyond Seoul: Starfield Library, Hwaseong Fortress & Cave Quest

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(168 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Escape Seoul's bustle for a day of modern marvels and ancient wonders! Kick off at the awe-inspiring Starfield Library in Suwon, a futuristic book haven blending sleek design with endless shelves. Wander the UNESCO-listed Hwaseong Fortress, an 18th-century masterpiece with unique military gates, pavilions offering panoramic views, and a resilient history of restoration amid Korea's turbulent past. Delve into Gwangmyeong Cave, Asia's largest themed underground park in a former gold mine, featuring Wine Cave tastings, Aqua World, the decorative Golden Waterfall, and a Road lined with golden plaques, a massive dragon sculpture, LED-lit horrors, and an underground lake for immersive thrills. Round-trip transport from Myeongdong or Seoul City Hall ensures a hassle-free adventure.

Available options

Beyond Seoul: Starfield Library, Hwaseong Fortress & Cave Quest

What's included

Tour Guide (English or Chinese)

Entrance fees

Transportation

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Meeting Location 1: Myeongdong Subway Station Exit 9 at 08:50 am.

Stop 2 Pass by

Meeting Location 2: Seoul City Hall Subway Station Exit 6

Enjoy a day's escape from the capital Seoul City's hustle and bustle and explore a little more of what Korea has to offer on our day tour to Suwon and Gwangmyeong. Our exciting itinerary is a good balance of indoor and outdoor adventure, history, culture, and sightseeing. Enjoy beautiful architecture and mesmerising, magical scenes together with us. Charge your camera and make sure you are logged in and ready to post to Instagram.

Step into a bibliophile's dream at Suwon Starfield Library, a free architectural marvel inside Starfield Suwon mall. Marvel at towering 22m-high bookshelves stocked with 50,000 volumes across four floors, cozy nooks for hidden reads, and a vibrant Vinyl Cafe for tunes and treats. Capture Instagram-worthy shots in this serene haven. Your perfect escape from the ordinary.

Descend into the enchanting depths of Gwangmyeong Cave, a reborn 1912 mine transformed into a 7.8km underground wonderland. Wander a 2km trail through 50 magical attractions like shimmering Light Space and cascading Gold Falls, plus an aquarium, a winery for sips amid crystals, and themed zones that spark adventure. Unearth hidden thrills that will leave you spellbound.

Stop 6

Conquer the majestic Hwaseong Fortress, Suwon's UNESCO-listed Joseon Dynasty gem encircling the city in a 5.74km stone-and-brick embrace. Built by King Jeongjo to honor his father, stride panoramic walls for epic views, secret passages, and living history reenactments. This 1997 heritage icon promises timeless tales and triumphant vibes. Book now to claim your crown.

We have two drop-off locations. Both are central downtown areas with excellent onward public transport links and interesting areas to explore and soak up the atmosphere.

Dropoff location 1 (Myeongdong Shopping Street): Get off here for a lively, bustling street stalls overflowing with spicy tteokbokki, sweet hotteok, and other Korean street eats. Surrounding shops brim with top global brands, beauty gems, and chic outfits, as well as plenty of nearby upmarket department stores. Take a wander to the tranquil Myeongdong Cathedral amid all the hustle.

Dropoff location 2 (Seoul City Hall): Jump off here for a historic hub famed for its Joseon-era palaces like Deoksugung, lush Cheonggyecheon Stream walks, and the towering vertical garden of City Hall itself. Savor hearty jokbal at nearby eateries or browse the vibrant stalls at Namdaemun Market. Wander the serene Jeongdong Observatory amid the urban pulse.

What's not included

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

CMN EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

14 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

154 reviews

5★

149

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

City Hall Subway Station Exit 6

About Seoul

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a dynamic metropolis where ancient palaces stand alongside futuristic skyscrapers. Known for its vibrant street life, cutting-edge technology, and rich cultural heritage, Seoul offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity that captivates every traveler.

Top Attractions

Gyeongbokgung Palace

The largest of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeongbokgung is a must-visit for its historical significance and beautiful architecture.

Historical 2-3 hours 3,000 KRW (free for those wearing hanbok)

Bukchon Hanok Village

A traditional Korean village nestled between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace, offering a glimpse into traditional Korean life.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free (some cultural experiences may have fees)

Namsan Seoul Tower

Located atop Namsan Mountain, this iconic tower offers panoramic views of Seoul and is a popular spot for couples to lock love locks.

Viewpoint 2-3 hours 10,000 KRW (observatory), 1,500 KRW (cable car)

Myeongdong

A bustling shopping district known for its street food, fashion, and beauty products, offering a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.

Shopping Half-day Varies widely, from budget to luxury

Hongdae

A lively and youthful neighborhood near Hongik University, famous for its nightlife, street performances, and trendy cafes.

Entertainment Evening or night Varies widely, from budget to upscale

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kimchi

Fermented spicy cabbage, a staple in Korean cuisine, often served with every meal.

Side dish Vegetarian (check for seafood in some varieties)

Bibimbap

A mixed rice bowl with vegetables, meat, and gochujang (spicy paste), often served with a fried egg.

Main dish Can be made vegetarian or vegan

Bulgogi

Marinated grilled beef, often served with rice and side dishes.

Main dish Contains meat

Tteokbokki

Spicy stir-fried rice cakes, a popular street food often served with fish cakes and boiled eggs.

Snack Vegetarian (check for seafood in some varieties)

Popular Activities

Hiking in Bukhansan National Park Biking along the Han River Water sports at Seokchon Lake Visiting traditional tea houses Enjoying a jjimjilbang (Korean spa) experience Strolling through scenic gardens and parks Participating in a traditional hanbok photo shoot Attending a traditional Korean performance

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to November

Spring and autumn offer comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery, with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. These are the busiest times with higher tourist volumes.

10°C to 25°C 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Korean
Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas and by younger generations)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other places

Currency

South Korean Won (KRW)

Time Zone

Korea Standard Time (KST, GMT+9)

Electricity

220VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Seoul is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, as with any major city, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your surroundings and belongings, especially in crowded areas
• Use reputable transportation services and avoid unlicensed taxis
• Be wary of strangers offering help or assistance, as they may be trying to scam you

Getting there

By air

Incheon International Airport • 52 km from city center
Gimpo International Airport • 15 km from city center

By train

Seoul Station, Yongsan Station

By bus

Seoul Express Bus Terminal, Central City Bus Terminal, East Seoul Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The subway system is efficient, clean, and easy to navigate. It operates from 5:30 AM to 12:00 AM, with frequent trains.

Taxis

Available • Apps: KakaoTaxi, T-money

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Jongno Gangnam Hongdae Itaewon Insadong

Day trips

DMZ (Korean Demilitarized Zone)

50 km from Seoul • Half day to full day

A unique and fascinating day trip, the DMZ offers a glimpse into the history and current status of the Korean Peninsula, with tours visiting various historical sites and observation points.

Nami Island

56 km from Seoul • Half day to full day

A picturesque island known for its beautiful landscapes, walking trails, and filming locations for popular K-dramas like 'Winter Sonata'.

Suwon

30 km from Seoul • Full day

A historic city known for its well-preserved fortress, traditional markets, and cultural attractions, offering a mix of history, culture, and local cuisine.

Festivals

Seoul International Fireworks Festival • Mid-October (annual) Seoul Lantern Festival • Late November to early December (annual) Cherry Blossom Festival • Late March to early April (annual)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Korean phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture
Use a T-money card for convenient and discounted public transportation
Try street food and local specialties for an authentic and delicious culinary experience
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Explore Seoul's diverse neighborhoods and hidden gems for a more unique and immersive experience