Seoul Travel: Discovery Day Tour of Palaces, Markets, and More

Itinerary

Our Seoul City Tour is a stress-free excursion that starts with a complimentary hotel pickup. Don’t forget to charge your camera – you’ll want to capture the unforgettable sights you’ll see! Our licensed tour guide is always available to answer any questions. We’ll begin with the Changing of the Guard Ceremony, a beloved tradition, and then visit the Gyeongbok Palace, home to thousands of years of history. After a lunch break, we’ll explore the Insadong Arts and Crafts Market and Gwangjang Market, where you can buy local treasures and sample the street food. Then, enjoy the stunning views of downtown Seoul on the Namsan Cable Car and the Seoul Tower’s observatory. After this magical day, you’ll be dropped off at either Myeongdong, City Hall or Dongdaemun.

On our Seoul Day Tour, you will explore the city’s most noteworthy attractions, sample delicious Korean cuisine, and have plenty of time for shopping. Notable highlights of this experience include:

Visit Jogyesa Buddhist Temple

Located in downtown Seoul, the Jogyesa Buddhist Temple is a significant landmark of Korean Buddhism, first built in 1935. As you enter, you will be greeted by the ‘Iljumun’ gate, which serves as a symbol of the separation between the mortal world and the divine realm of Buddha. Once inside, you can admire the stunning golden figures as well as the magnificent ancient white pine tree. Enjoy the beautiful spiritual experience that the Jogyesa Temple has to offer!

Witness the Changing of the Guard Ceremony

Witnessing the Changing of the Guard Ceremony is a must-see on our Seoul Day Tour! The ceremony, which began during the Joseon Dynasty, was brought back in 1996 and takes place in front of Gwanghwamun Gate. The soldiers, adorned in their colourful blue and red uniforms, gracefully patrol the palace gates in protection of the king. This tradition is elegant and a beautiful sight to behold!

Gyeongbok Palace (Excluding Tuesdays)

Next on our Seoul City Tour is Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main residence of the Joseon Dynasty built in 1395 with 7,700 rooms! Although it has taken a few hits over the years, Gyeongbokgung Palace has been restored to its former splendour. You will be able to take a walk around the magnificent palace and imagine what it was like to be a royal. Our knowledgeable tour guide will show you some of the highlights, including Gangnyeongjeon, the king’s main quarters, Geunjeongjeon where the king accepted formal visits, and Gyeonghoeru – the special banquet hall.

Please note: Gyeongbokgung is closed on Tuesdays, so will be substituted for Deoksu Palace.

Deoksu Palace (if GyeongBok Palace is closed)

If you’re an architecture enthusiast, Deoksu Palace is the perfect place to visit! It’s a compound of remarkable palaces surrounded by a wall, complete with spectacular structures of a variety of styles. From cryptomeria wood to stucco and painted wood, the palace incorporates a range of materials that give it a distinctly Western flair. You can also take some time to explore the gardens and snap a few pictures of the statue of King Sejong the Great.

Cheongwadae Sarangchae (Excluding Mondays)

Next on our tour of Seoul is Cheongwadae Sarangchae, an exhibition hall of important Korean artifacts and documents. Located just in front of the Blue House, this two-floor museum offers an in-depth look into Korea’s politics, history, and culture. On the first floor, visitors can explore the permanent exhibit showcasing traditional Korean clothing, food, and music. On the second floor, you can learn more about Korea’s presidents and their legacies, as well as see photos of the country’s various regions. The museum also has a souvenir shop, making it an ideal place to find thoughtful gifts for the history lovers in your family. Don’t miss out on this must-see!

Please note: Cheongwadae Sarangchae is closed on Mondays so will be substituted for National Palace Museum of Korea.

National Palace Museum of Korea (Mondays only – if Cheongwadae is closed)

Originally established as the “Korean Imperial Museum” in 1908, the National Palace Museum of Korea has seen many name and location changes throughout its history. It now holds around 45,000 artifacts and royal valuables from the Joseon Dynasty and Korean Empire, with 14 of South Korea’s National Treasures housed within its walls. Visitors can gain an understanding of what life was like in the Joseon era by exploring the 500-year-old artifacts on display and get a true sense of the past by learning about the lifestyles of the Joseon Kings and Queens.

Insadong Arts and Crafts Market

If you have an appreciation for art, the Insadong Arts and Crafts Market is the perfect place for you! This street is lined with stalls and shops, all filled with hand-crafted goods. At the top of the street, you’ll find a humorous poo-themed cafe with waffle bars made with matcha and plum tea. Plus, there are lots of little alleys off the main street where you can find wonderful ceramics shops and food vendors. Don’t forget to chat with the friendly locals who are always willing to help!

Namdaemun Market

On the next stop of our Seoul City tour is Namdaemun market. This traditional market is one of the biggest and oldest in South Korea and is located in the heart of the city. It’s well-known for its bustling atmosphere, with a wide variety of goods from traditional Korean crafts and clothing to the latest fashion and electronics. It’s an especially great place to get a taste of the local culture and find unique items. As well as its wares, Namdaemun is renowned for its street food – from mandu (Korean dumplings) to Japchae Hotteok and honeycomb candy. It also has plenty of stalls selling traditional Korean crafts and souvenirs, including handmade pottery, wood carvings, and silk fabrics. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, a visit to Namdaemun market is sure to be a highlight of your time in Seoul.

Namsan Cable Car

A ride up to Seoul Tower on the renowned Namsan Cable Car is the ideal way to conclude our Seoul City Tour. This distinguished Korean icon provides stunning sights of Namsan Mountain and the city of Seoul as it climbs the 605-metre-long cableway. The Namsan Cable Car has the status of being the first cable car service for passengers in South Korea. It was inaugurated on May 12th, 1962, and has been operational daily for more than 60 years.

Seoul Tower

The iconic Seoul (Namsan) Tower stands tall at 236 meters, making it the second-highest point in the city. On clear days, visitors can take in stunning views of Seoul from the top. The tower also serves a purpose as a communication device, sending out signal waves to keep Seoul’s radio and TV stations running. The tower offers plenty of things to explore, such as its main lobby, plaza, and observatory, as well as the Love Padlocks, located on the second floor’s terrace. Here, people often hang padlocks with their names as a symbol of their love.

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