Seoul City Tour
Experience old central Seoul like a local on this private full-day tour, starting from your hotel with an English-speaking guide.
Explore royal palaces, traditional villages, local markets, and the historic city walls—from Gyeongbokgung to Bukchon, Gwangjang Market, and Naksan Park.
Old Seoul of Korea
<Private Seoul City Tour>
Experience old central Seoul like a local on this private full-day tour and maximize your time with a custom-made itinerary.
Tour will start from your hotel with Minivan + English Speaking tour guide. First starting with Old Royal palace in Seoul.
Watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace and learn more about the old royal family from Joseon Dynasty in Korea.
Visit one of traditional village in Bukchon and Learn more about traditional Korean culture at the Bukchon Hanok Village and the country's religion at a Buddhist temple.
See where locals shop at Gwangjang market and finally, head to Naksan Park to see the old city walls of Seoul.
Itinerary
- Pick up at your hotel
- Gyeongbokgung Royal palace with changing of the guard ceremony
- Bukchon Hanok village
- Jogyesa Buddhist temple
- Insadong Antique street
- Traditional market (Gwangjang Market)
- Naksan Park with Seoul old city wall
- Drop at the hotel
Gyeongbokgung Royal Palace
Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Gyeongbokgung Palace is the primary palace of the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910) that was established in 1395 after 3 years Joseon Dynasty was founded. Mountain (Bugaksan Mountain) at the backdrop, and a wide Yukjo street unfolds before Gwanghwamun Gate, the main gate of the palace.
The name Gyeongbok means that "the new dynasty shall have good fortunes and prosper" Palace was destroyed during the Japanese invasion in 1592. It was left in ruins for many years and restoration was began in 1867, 270 years after the war's end.
Gyeongbokgung Palace is the main place among 5 palaces in Seoul, it is a must-visit sight especially if it is the first time to visit Korea. Even though main building were restored and being restored now, it is still recommended because it is right in the center of old Seoul and they offer Changing guard ceremony at 10am and 2pm, twice a day.
You will start tour with changing of guard ceremony at the Gwanghwamun Gate (the Main gate of palace) and walk inside of palace and see different buildings (Office area & Living quarters for royal family). You will learn about the life style of royal family during the Joseon Dynasty and history about Joseon Royal family.
You can enjoy the traditional architectures and learn about rich history of Joseon Dynasty.
Duration: 1 hr ~ 1 hr 30 mins
* Gyeongbokgung is closed on Tuesday, so on Tuesday we will visit the Changdeokgung Royal palace instead.
Bukchon Hanok Village
Address: 37, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Surrounded by Gyeongbokgung palace, Changdeokgung palace and Jongmyo Shrine, Bukchon Hanok village is home to hundreds of traditional houses, called Hanok, that dates back to the Joseon Dynasty.
The name Bukchon, which literally translates to "Northern village" came about as the neighborhood lies north of two significant Seoul landmarks, Cheonggyecheon stream and Jongno.
Today, many of these hanoks operate as cultural centers, guesthouses, restaurants and tea houses, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience, learn and immerse themselves in traditional Korean culture.
Duration: 30 mins ~ 1 hr
Jogyesa Buddhist Temple
Address: 55 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
As the main temple as well as the district head temple of the Jogye order in Seoul, Jogyesa Temple is the center of Korean Buddhism. The temple was built in the late 14th century during the Goryeo period but was completely destroyed in a fire.
It was rebuilt under the name of Gakhwangsa Temple in 1910 with the effort of many respectful monks, namely Han Yong-un and Lee Hee-gwang. The temple was given a role as the head temple of Korea’s Buddhism and renamed to Tegosa Temple in 1936.
In 1954, a purification drive took place to eliminate Japanese influence and revive traditional Buddhism, which established the present day Jogyesa Temple as a result.
Jogyesa Temple plays an important role in Korean Buddhism as the head temple of the Jogye order. Jogyesa Temple’s Dharma Hall serves as the main venue for several Buddhist events, holding rituals, lectures, ceremonies, and other events all year long. The annual lantern festival in celebration of Buddha's birthday also takes place at this temple.
Duration: 30 mins ~ 1 hr
Insadong Antique Art Street
Address: 29 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Insadong alley was the place for the markets, it started as a furniture market, then it became famous for the art galleries after the Korea war. Many people used to come here to see and buy the arts and antiques.
Now you can find the best Korean traditional products here such as brushes, papers, fans, masks and potteries. There are approximately 70 shops in the Insa-dong area that sell antique arts.
Some of the products they sell include antique artworks, porcelains, woodcrafts, and metalwork. Visitors may even find rare and valuable products such as earthenware from the Silla period or white porcelain used in the Joseon dynasty.
Insadong is also famous for having many traditional Korean restaurants and tea houses. If you want to try some Korean food, you can try one of restaurants in here.
Duration: 1 hr ~ 1 hr 30 mins
Gwangjang Traditional Market
Address: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Gwangjang Market was the first permanent market in Korea and continues to thrive as a popular tourist destination today. The market began as a small trading center that brought in goods from nearby regions, but has now grown into a large wholesale market selling a variety of goods, including upholstery, imported goods, groceries, dried fish, traditional goods, and more.
The most popular section of the market is the food street — you can try some special local dishes in here.
Duration: 30 mins ~ 1 hr
Naksan Park with Seoul Old City Wall
Address: 41 Naksan-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Naksan Mountain is one of the four inner mountains of Seoul. It was also called Naktasan Mountain, which can be translated to Camel Mountain, because the terrain resembled a camel's back.
It also had another name, Taraksan Mountain — “tarak” meaning fermented milk — because there was a royal ranch in the area that supplied milk to the palace.
After the 1960s, the original appearance of Naksan Mountain disappeared due to apartments and dense housing, and the Seoul Metropolitan Government established a restoration plan. As part of this plan, a park project was carried out, and it opened Naksan Park in July 2002.
Currently, Naksan Park has established itself as a resting place for citizens to feel the beautiful atmosphere of Hanyangdoseong, or the Seoul City Wall, and green forests. It has gained much popularity as a place for seeing the most beautiful night view in Seoul.
Duration: 1 hr
Tour will finish at your hotel.
Old Seoul of Korea
<Private Seoul City Tour>
Experience old central Seoul like a local on this private full-day tour and maximize your time with a custom-made itinerary.
Tour will start from your hotel with Minivan + English Speaking tour guide. First starting with Old Royal palace in Seoul.
Watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace and learn more about the old royal family from Joseon Dynasty in Korea.
Visit one of traditional village in Bukchon and Learn more about traditional Korean culture at the Bukchon Hanok Village and the country's religion at a Buddhist temple.
See where locals shop at Gwangjang market and finally, head to Naksan Park to see the old city walls of Seoul.
Itinerary
- Pick up at your hotel
- Gyeongbokgung Royal palace with changing of the guard ceremony
- Bukchon Hanok village
- Jogyesa Buddhist temple
- Insadong Antique street
- Traditional market (Gwangjang Market)
- Naksan Park with Seoul old city wall
- Drop at the hotel
Gyeongbokgung Royal Palace
Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Gyeongbokgung Palace is the primary palace of the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910) that was established in 1395 after 3 years Joseon Dynasty was founded. Mountain (Bugaksan Mountain) at the backdrop, and a wide Yukjo street unfolds before Gwanghwamun Gate, the main gate of the palace.
The name Gyeongbok means that "the new dynasty shall have good fortunes and prosper" Palace was destroyed during the Japanese invasion in 1592. It was left in ruins for many years and restoration was began in 1867, 270 years after the war's end.
Gyeongbokgung Palace is the main place among 5 palaces in Seoul, it is a must-visit sight especially if it is the first time to visit Korea. Even though main building were restored and being restored now, it is still recommended because it is right in the center of old Seoul and they offer Changing guard ceremony at 10am and 2pm, twice a day.
You will start tour with changing of guard ceremony at the Gwanghwamun Gate (the Main gate of palace) and walk inside of palace and see different buildings (Office area & Living quarters for royal family). You will learn about the life style of royal family during the Joseon Dynasty and history about Joseon Royal family.
You can enjoy the traditional architectures and learn about rich history of Joseon Dynasty.
Duration: 1 hr ~ 1 hr 30 mins
* Gyeongbokgung is closed on Tuesday, so on Tuesday we will visit the Changdeokgung Royal palace instead.
Bukchon Hanok Village
Address: 37, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Surrounded by Gyeongbokgung palace, Changdeokgung palace and Jongmyo Shrine, Bukchon Hanok village is home to hundreds of traditional houses, called Hanok, that dates back to the Joseon Dynasty.
The name Bukchon, which literally translates to "Northern village" came about as the neighborhood lies north of two significant Seoul landmarks, Cheonggyecheon stream and Jongno.
Today, many of these hanoks operate as cultural centers, guesthouses, restaurants and tea houses, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience, learn and immerse themselves in traditional Korean culture.
Duration: 30 mins ~ 1 hr
Jogyesa Buddhist Temple
Address: 55 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
As the main temple as well as the district head temple of the Jogye order in Seoul, Jogyesa Temple is the center of Korean Buddhism. The temple was built in the late 14th century during the Goryeo period but was completely destroyed in a fire.
It was rebuilt under the name of Gakhwangsa Temple in 1910 with the effort of many respectful monks, namely Han Yong-un and Lee Hee-gwang. The temple was given a role as the head temple of Korea’s Buddhism and renamed to Tegosa Temple in 1936.
In 1954, a purification drive took place to eliminate Japanese influence and revive traditional Buddhism, which established the present day Jogyesa Temple as a result.
Jogyesa Temple plays an important role in Korean Buddhism as the head temple of the Jogye order. Jogyesa Temple’s Dharma Hall serves as the main venue for several Buddhist events, holding rituals, lectures, ceremonies, and other events all year long. The annual lantern festival in celebration of Buddha's birthday also takes place at this temple.
Duration: 30 mins ~ 1 hr
Insadong Antique Art Street
Address: 29 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Insadong alley was the place for the markets, it started as a furniture market, then it became famous for the art galleries after the Korea war. Many people used to come here to see and buy the arts and antiques.
Now you can find the best Korean traditional products here such as brushes, papers, fans, masks and potteries. There are approximately 70 shops in the Insa-dong area that sell antique arts.
Some of the products they sell include antique artworks, porcelains, woodcrafts, and metalwork. Visitors may even find rare and valuable products such as earthenware from the Silla period or white porcelain used in the Joseon dynasty.
Insadong is also famous for having many traditional Korean restaurants and tea houses. If you want to try some Korean food, you can try one of restaurants in here.
Duration: 1 hr ~ 1 hr 30 mins
Gwangjang Traditional Market
Address: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Gwangjang Market was the first permanent market in Korea and continues to thrive as a popular tourist destination today. The market began as a small trading center that brought in goods from nearby regions, but has now grown into a large wholesale market selling a variety of goods, including upholstery, imported goods, groceries, dried fish, traditional goods, and more.
The most popular section of the market is the food street — you can try some special local dishes in here.
Duration: 30 mins ~ 1 hr
Naksan Park with Seoul Old City Wall
Address: 41 Naksan-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Naksan Mountain is one of the four inner mountains of Seoul. It was also called Naktasan Mountain, which can be translated to Camel Mountain, because the terrain resembled a camel's back.
It also had another name, Taraksan Mountain — “tarak” meaning fermented milk — because there was a royal ranch in the area that supplied milk to the palace.
After the 1960s, the original appearance of Naksan Mountain disappeared due to apartments and dense housing, and the Seoul Metropolitan Government established a restoration plan. As part of this plan, a park project was carried out, and it opened Naksan Park in July 2002.
Currently, Naksan Park has established itself as a resting place for citizens to feel the beautiful atmosphere of Hanyangdoseong, or the Seoul City Wall, and green forests. It has gained much popularity as a place for seeing the most beautiful night view in Seoul.
Duration: 1 hr
Tour will finish at your hotel.
