Full-Day Seoul Highlights Private Guided Tour
Discover the vibrant heart of South Korea with our Seoul City Highlights Tour. Start at the grand Gyeongbokgung Palace, home to the Joseon Dynasty, and witness the mesmerizing Royal Guard Changing Ceremony. Wander through the traditional 'Hanok' houses of Bukchon Village, before exploring the artful alleys of Insadong Street, brimming with tea houses and galleries. Immerse in the culinary delights of Gwangjang Market, sampling local flavors. Conclude with a panoramic night view of Seoul from Namsan Tower—an unforgettable encounter with Seoul's cultural tapestry.
Options
Seoul Pick Up & Drop Off
Pick up and drop off at your accommodations in Seoul.
Pickup included
What's included in Full-Day Seoul Highlights Private Guided Tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Known as the "Palace of Shining Happiness," Gyeongbokgung Palace is the largest and most iconic of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. Visitors can marvel at its intricate architecture, colorful murals, and beautiful gardens. Don't miss the changing of the Royal Guard ceremony, which takes place multiple times a day. You can also explore the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum, both located within the palace grounds. Expect to spend around 1.5 hours here depending on how in depth of a tour you want.
Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village is nestled between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace is a must-visit for a glimpse into traditional Korean culture. It boasts well-preserved Hanok houses (Korean traditional houses) that date back to the Joseon Dynasty. Wander through the narrow alleyways, enjoy tea and snacks in charming teahouses, and visit one of the many cultural centers or museums to learn about Hanbok (traditional clothing) and other Korean crafts. For a more immersive experience, visitors can even book a stay at a Hanok guesthouse. Plan to spend around 1 to 1.5 hours exploring Bukchon Hanok Village.
Insadong
Insadong is a vibrant and artistic neighborhood in the heart of Seoul, famous for its traditional art galleries, antique shops, tea houses, and souvenir stores. Strolling along the main pedestrian street, visitors can discover unique Korean handicrafts, pottery, and traditional calligraphy tools. Be sure to try some delicious street food, like Hotteok (sweet Korean pancakes), and visit Ssamzigil, a shopping complex with a spiral walkway featuring more handicraft shops and eateries. Allocate about 1 to 1.5 hours to explore Insadong Street.
Inclusions
- Private transportation
- All Fees and Taxes
- Entrance Fee (Gyeongbokgung Palace)
- Licensed Guide
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Lunch
- Snacks
- Insurance
- Gratuities
- Namsan Tower cable car (optional 16,000KRW)
- Namsan Tower observatory (optional 21,000KRW)
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The listed amount of time that will be spent at each site is an estimation. You can adjust as you like, as long as the touring day ends within the 9.5 hours listed.
- During your day, you will spend about 1 hour moving from location to location. You will also have about 1 to 1.5 hours for a stop for lunch. All told, everything will add up to 9.5 hours total.
- If there happens to be time leftover after visiting all the attractions, your guide will be happy to take you to an additional location(s) in central Seoul. Any subsequent entrance fees or parking are not included and paid by you on the spot.
- Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed on Tuesdays. It will be replaced by Changdeokgung Palace on Tuesdays.
- The shops at Gwangjang Market is closed on Sundays. The food stalls and restaurants will be open.
- The cable car and observatory are optional at Namsan Tower and not included. If not taking the cable car, you can either walk or take a bus to the base of the tower.
- Infant seats for children 3 and under are available on request, but subject to availability. Please contact us to make sure we have one available on your tour date.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
Choose to be picked up from a list of locations
Additional Information
It is important that you give us your pick up location as soon as possible. If we do not have your pick up location 24 hours before your tour, we will cancel the tour. We will send you a reminder message 3 days before your tour. We will give you your assigned guide's info at that time along with instructions on meeting your guide in your hotel lobby or outside your building if staying in an Airbnb. Pick up time is at 9:30am and you will depart immediately. Your 9.5 hour day starts at 9:30am whether you are ready to go or not. If you are not ready to go and we cannot get a hold of you, your guide will wait 60 minutes until 10:30am. If you don't show up or contact us before 10:00am, it will be a "no show" and no refund will be given.