Half-Day Walking Tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace and Tongin Local Market

Meet your guide in front of the Gyeongbokgung Station Exit 5 at 9:45am. Watch the Royal Changing of the Guards Ceremony before heading inside Gyeongbokgung Palace. 

During the Joseon Dynasty, the royal guards performed the given task by guarding the Gwanghwamun Gate, the entrance of Gyeongbokgung Palace where the king ruled the country. Since 1469, the ceremony has taken place and the reenactment of the original ceremony began starting 1996. It catches the eyes of passersby, as guardsmen perform the changing of guards in traditional costumes at the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace in downtown Seoul. This ceremony is performed daily, except on Tuesdays when the palace is closed.

Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is also commonly referred to as the “Northern Palace” because its location is furthest north when compared to the neighboring palaces of Changdeokgung (Eastern Palace) and Gyeongheegung (Western Palace). Gyeongbokgung Palace is arguably the most beautiful and remains the largest of all five palaces, with beautiful buildings such as Gyeonghoeru and Hyangwonjeong Pavilions, which are both on top of ponds.

After your walking tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace, we will visit the hidden local market. Tongin Market was built in 1941 and opened a unique food cafe in 2012. It had been set up for the Japanese residents during the colonization but got used back by Koreans after the war. It features many grocery stores and food stands. Unlike other traditional markets, it offers an unique experience for visitors to exchange money into ancient yeopjeon (brass coins), the currency used during the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties. Fill your lunch tray with a variety of freshly prepared food found throughout the market. Enjoy a5-10 types of snacks and drinks in the friendly market atmosphere. Tongin Market is also a famous shooting location of popular local shows such as the Infinite Challenge and Super Junior M’s Guest House.