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

Highlights of the Trip 

Embark on an immersive journey through the vibrant heart of Seoul with our full-day city Seoul tour package. This meticulously crafted experience offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and modernity that will resonate with travellers on their Seoul trip seeking to uncover the essence of South Korea’s capital.

Begin your day with a visit to Jogyesa Buddhist Temple, where centuries of spiritual devotion are etched into the tranquil surroundings. Witness the pageantry of the Changing of the Guard Ceremony before delving into the regal past at either Gyeongbok Palace or Deoksu Palace, depending on the day’s schedule. Explore the nation’s rich history at Cheongwadae Sarangchae or the National Palace Museum of Korea, gaining profound insights into Korea’s heritage. Immerse yourself in the artistic tapestry of Insadong arts and craft market, savour the bustling atmosphere of Namdaemun market, and ascend Namsan Cable Car to Seoul Tower, where panoramic views await.

This one-day group tour is designed for cultural enthusiasts, history buffs, and explorers, eager to capture the dynamic spirit of Seoul travel while uncovering its hidden treasures.

Destinations and the Landmarks / Sights to Visit

Seoul 

•  Gyeongbok Palace: Originally built in 1395 during the Joseon Dynasty and served as one of the main royal palaces for over 500 years.
• Seoul Tower’s Observatory: Standing tall at 236 meters, this towering structure offers visitors a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city.

Cultural Experiences & Activities of this Holiday

Changing of the Guards: The changing of the guards is not just a simple routine, it is an elaborate and well-choreographed performance. The ceremony begins with a group of guards marching to the palace gates, followed by drummers and other court officials. The deafening sound of the drums sets the tone for the rest of the ceremony.

Insadong Arts and Crafts Market: A haven for both locals and tourists looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of Korean craftsmanship.

Gwangjang Market: With over 5,000 shops and stalls, it is a vibrant hub of activity and a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the authentic local culture and cuisine.

To plan your ultimate Seoul trip, explore our website, or contact us on

+01473356000 or enquiry@asiara-holidays.com.

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.

To plan your ultimate Seoul trip, explore more our website, or contact us on

+01473356000 or enquiry@asiara-holidays.com.

Price

£43

– Price per person based on two-people group size.

– The price is subject to availability.

– Peak season surcharges may apply during local public holidays.

Please note, this package is an example of our many exciting daily offers. We are happy to check up-to-date prices for the dates and times that suit you for your perfect package holiday, or to tailor or upgrade elements of any package. Please feel free to contact us at enquiry@asiara-holidays.com or call us on 01473 356 000.

Tour Summary

Embark on our Seoul City Tour, beginning with a hotel pickup and a visit to Jogyesa Buddhist Temple, followed by witnessing the Changing of the Guard Ceremony at Gwanghwamun Gate. Explore the grandeur of Gyeongbok Palace or Deoksu Palace (depending on closures) and delve into Korean history at Cheongwadae Sarangchae or the National Palace Museum. Shop for local crafts at Insadong Arts and Crafts Market, taste street food at Namdaemun Market, then ascend Namsan Mountain via the Namsan Cable Car for breathtaking views at Seoul Tower. Finally, you’ll be dropped off at Myeongdong, City Hall, or Dongdaemun.

FAQs

1. Is transportation provided for this tour?
   • Yes, we offer complimentary hotel pickup at the beginning of the tour and drop-off at designated locations at the end of the tour.
2. Are entrance fees included in the tour package?
   • Yes, entrance fees to attractions like Gyeongbok Palace, Jogyesa Temple, and Seoul Tower are included in the tour price.
3. How long is the tour duration?
   • The tour typically lasts around 8-9 hours, starting in the morning and ending in the late afternoon.
4. Is lunch provided during the tour?
   • Lunch is not included in the tour package, but there will be a break for lunch at a local restaurant where you can sample authentic Korean cuisine at your own expense.
5. Are English-speaking guides available throughout the tour?
   • Yes, our licensed tour guides will accompany you throughout the tour, providing insightful commentary and answering any questions you may have.

Tour Map