Small-Group Royal Palace and Seoul City Tour (hotel pick-up)

4.9
(1,390 reviews)

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8 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Explore the highlights of Seoul on a full-day tour with an informative guide. Highlights include Jogyesa Temple, the Blue House, the Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony at Gwanghwamun Gate, and tours of Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Immerse yourself in traditional culture at the National Folk Museum of Korea, Insadong Antique Street, Namdaemun Gate, and Namdaemun Market. The tour includes entrance fees and hotel pickup in Central Seoul.

* Full-day Seoul tour with Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace
* View traditional shops and goods at Insadong Antique Street and Namdaemun Market
* Learn about Korean Dynasties when visiting two royal palaces
* Includes all Entrance fees, Local English-speaking guide, and Hotel pickup in Central Seoul

What's Included

Bottled water
Hotel pickup in Central Seoul (Meeting time can be changed depends on each locations)
Local guide(English speaking)
Driver/Guide
Gratuities
Hotel drop-off (drop-off at the City Hall or Myeongdong only)
Lunch

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Pick-up is provided at most hotels in Central Seoul and subway stations. Please provide us with the name & full address of your accommodation in Seoul. Then we will inform you where & when you can meet us.

OR
Meeting point

If you don't want us to pick you up, you can meet us at 9 am at the front gate of Jogyesa temple where is the first attractive to visit.

End point
This activity ends in a different location. You can choose from multiple locations at checkout.

Itinerary

Duration: 8 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Jogyesa Temple

    Jogyesa Buddhist Temple is the center of Zen Buddhism in Korea, and is famous for being located in the city. From the busy streets of Jongno, follow the road towards Anguk Subway Station, and you will see Jogyesa Temple. The first things you will notice at the temple are the lovely trees. These locust trees and baeksong trees in front of the Daeungjeon, the main temple building, are about 500 years old.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Gwanghwamun Gate

    Keep your camera handy for the changing of the guard ceremony at Gwanghwamun Gate.

    20 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Gyeongbokgung Palace

    After visiting Jogyesa Temple, you will move on to the next place called Gwanghwamun to watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony. It is a ceremony to announce the changing of the royal guards, as well as to clarify the guards' identities. Then, you will head toward Gyeongbokgung, which was the main palace and the most beautiful palace during the Joseon Dynasty. Please note: - On Tuesdays, the Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed, so you will go to Changdeokgung(including secret garden) instead.

    1 hour • Admission ticket included
  • 4
    National Folk Museum of Korea

    Within the compound, visit the National Folk Museum to learn about how people have lived in Korea from ancient times to today. Your guide shows you displays that demonstrate daily life for members of the aristocracy and ordinary citizens, including traditional farming and hunting techniques, weaving, cooking and other tasks.

    20 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • (Pass by)

    The Blue House (Cheongwadae) was built on the grounds of the royal garden from the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910) using traditional Korean architectural styles. Until May 2022, it served as the official residence of the President of the Republic of Korea.

    Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Cheongha Korea Ginseng Museum

    Before reaching Insadong, you will have the opportunity to visit the Government-Approved Korean Ginseng Center, where you can taste Korean ginseng tea and a variety of products. You will also learn about the benefits of Korean ginseng and gain valuable information about its qualities. Korean ginseng is globally recognized for its exceptional quality, particularly for its effectiveness in boosting immunity, combating fatigue, and preventing aging. Extracted from roots that are over six years old, it contains a high concentration of saponins, offering various health benefits. In Korea, it is a highly popular gift exchanged to improve health. A visit to the Korean Ginseng Center is included in the itinerary, providing a chance to explore and purchase ginseng products. Discover one of nature’s finest plants and find a special, precious traditional Korean gift.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Insadong

    Insadong is a place of traditional culture near Gyeongbok palace. Insadong was famous since the Joseon dynasty for having lots of antique shops. Today Insadong is popular among tourists for having lots of traditional tea houses, antique shops, traditional handcraft shops, and lots of other shops. Insa-dong is especially popular with foreign tourists. This is where they can experience and see traditional Korean culture firsthand, and also purchase pieces of fine art. On the street you can see many foreigners lost in all the joyous festivities of the street. Insadong is a place of traditional culture. We will provide time for lunch there.

    1 hour 20 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 7
    Changdeokgung Palace

    Changdeokgung Palace was the second royal villa built following the construction of Gyeongbokgung Palace in 1405. It was the principal palace for many of the Joseon kings and is the most well-preserved of the five remaining royal Joseon palaces. It is recorded as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in 1997 for having its beautiful appearance of that time. The palace grounds are comprised of a public palace area, a royal family residence building, and the rear garden. - On Mondays, Changdeokgung Palace is closed, so we will visit Bukchon Hanok Village instead.

    1 hour • Admission ticket included
  • 8
    Namdaemun Market

    Soongryemun (Namdaemun) is a main gate of former Seoul fortress in Joseon dynasty. It is commonly called as Namdaemun. The gate was built in 1396, in King Taejo's reign. And it was reconstructed in 1447 by king Sejong and in 1479 by king Seongjong. In 2006 the Seoul city opened the passage to the gate to public. The gate is now listed as Korea's national treasure #1. But in February 10th 2008, the gate was all burnt away by arsonist and the wooden gate was all burnt away by that accident. The Cultural Heritage Administration has announced to rebuild the gate similarly to its original appearance. The rebuilding was done by early in 2013.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • 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
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Supplied by Seoul N Tour

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Cancellation Policy

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

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