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Offered languages
- English
Start your morning with a peaceful visit to Jogyesa Temple before Seoul becomes crowded and busy.
This relaxed cultural walking experience takes you through Jogyesa Temple, Insadong and Ikseon-dong while exploring a calmer and more reflective side of modern Korean life.
At the temple, you’ll learn simple local customs such as bowing and making wishes while hearing stories about how many Koreans visit temples today not only for religion, but also to find peace, balance and relief from stressful city life.
Depending on the temple schedule and availability, guests may also have the opportunity to join short cultural activities such as prayer bead making, lotus lantern crafts or tea with a monk.
We’ll continue through Insadong’s artisan streets and stop at a traditional tea house before finishing in Ikseon-dong, where traditional hanok houses blend with modern cafés and local culture.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Meet guide Kim outside Anguk Station Exit 6 at street level. She will hold an “On Seoul Tour” sign. Please arrive 5–10 min early. If you cannot find her, contact us via Viator message. Hotel pickup is not included.
Tour ends near Jongno 3-ga Station, close to Ikseondong’s cafés, restaurants, and lunch options.
Itinerary
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1Jogyesa Temple
Visit one of Seoul’s most important Buddhist temples and experience how temples remain part of everyday Korean life even in the middle of a modern city. At Jogyesa Temple, you’ll learn simple customs such as bowing, making wishes and quiet reflection while hearing stories about why many Koreans visit temples today not only for religion, but also to slow down, recharge and find relief from busy city life. Inside the temple grounds, you’ll see colorful lanterns, locals praying and peaceful spaces surrounded by the energy of downtown Seoul. Guests will also have time to walk through the temple area, observe local practices and experience a calmer side of Korean culture.
40 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Insadong
Walk through the traditional streets of Insadong, one of Seoul’s most well-known cultural neighborhoods filled with artisan shops, tea houses, traditional crafts and old Seoul atmosphere. As we explore the area, you’ll see calligraphy stores, handmade fans, traditional stamps, brushes, paper shops and local crafts that reflect older Korean traditions still remaining in modern Seoul. Along the way, you’ll hear stories about Korean tea culture, gift culture and how places like Insadong continue to survive in a fast-changing city filled with modern buildings and trends. We’ll also stop at a traditional tea house to relax and enjoy Korean tea and light snacks while taking a slower break from the busy pace of the city.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
3Ikseon-dong Hanok Street
Finish the experience with a relaxed walk through Ikseon-dong, where narrow alleyways and traditional hanok houses now blend with modern cafés, restaurants and trendy local businesses. As we explore the area, you’ll hear stories about how old neighborhoods in Seoul have changed over time and why younger Koreans are becoming interested in traditional spaces again. This part of the tour is more relaxed and atmospheric, giving guests time to enjoy the unique mix of old and new Seoul while taking photos, exploring hidden alleys and experiencing one of the city’s most popular modern hanok neighborhoods.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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