Half Day Seoul Trip: Explore Seoul Palace & Temple with a Licensed Tour Guide

147 Ratings

City Hall Station

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Immerse yourself in Korea’s history and culture with our half-day Seoul trip. Explore Gyeongbok Palace, the President’s home, and witness an iconic ceremony with a licensed tour guide.

Duration: 3 hours

Cancellation: 24 hours

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Highlights

Jogyesa Temple - The Jogyesa Buddhist Temple stands as a significant landmark of Korean Buddhism, originally founded in 1935. Situated in downtown Seoul, it is adorned by an ancient white pine tree. There are a few key steps to entering the temple.
First, pass through “Iljum”, the one pillar gate. The “Iljumun” represents the boundary between the…

Jogyesa Temple - The Jogyesa Buddhist Temple stands as a significant landmark of Korean Buddhism, originally founded in 1935. Situated in downtown Seoul, it is adorned by an ancient white pine tree. There are a few key steps to entering the temple.

First, pass through “Iljum”, the one pillar gate. The “Iljumun” represents the boundary between the earthly realm and the sacred world of Buddha. Visitors will enjoy a beautiful spiritual experience and have the opportunity to admire the magnificent, golden statues.

Gyeongbokgung Palace - * Please note that Gyeongbok Palace is closed on Tuesdays, and will be replaced by the charming Changdeok Palace.

Witness the meticulously choreographed ceremony that occurs in front of Gwanghwamun Gate.

This tradition began during the Joseon Dynasty and was revived for reenactment in 1996. The soldiers, dressed in vibrant blue and red uniforms, elegantly patrol the palace gates to protect the king. The tradition is both graceful and stunning to observe!

Gyeongbok Palace (Except Tuesdays)

It was initially destroyed during the Imjin War between 1592 and 1598. Later, Imperial Japan demolished much of Gyeongbokgung Palace in the 20th century. However, the palace has been restored multiple times and is now nearly as magnificent as it once was!

Highlights include Gangnyeongjeon, the king’s main quarters, Geunjeongjeon where the king received formal visits, Gyeonghoeru – the special banquet hall, and more!

Cheongwadae Sarangchae - Cheongwadae Sarangchae serves as an exhibition hall for significant Korean artifacts and documents. Here, visitors can learn about politics, history, and culture. Located just in front of the Blue House, this museum is a two-story building that includes a souvenir shop, perfect for purchasing thoughtful gifts for the history enthusiasts in your family.

On the first floor, there is a permanent exhibit showcasing traditional Korean clothing, food, and music, which is a must-see! The second floor offers in-depth information about the Korean presidents and their legacies. Visitors will also be inspired by the geography section, which displays photos of the country’s regions that every traveler should explore!

Cheongha Plus - Ginseng Shopping Center

What's Included

Professional English-speaking guide
All taxes, fees, and handling charges included
Complimentary downtown hotel pickup
Fuel surcharge included

What's Not Included

Lunch
Gratuities
Hotel Drop off Service

Additional Information

Our Seoul City Half Day Tour is a complete and effortless experience. Just be sure to have your camera charged because you’re about to go on an unforgettable journey! You will be in the capable hands of our licensed tour guide who is available to answer any questions at any point, so feel free to ask away!
Are you looking to dive into Korea’s history and…

Location

City Hall Station

Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings

4.8

(147 Ratings)

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Regandna

Dec 9, 2024

Fun family tour - Kelly and Charley were fantastic guides. It was such a fun and informative tour. We did the half day adventure with both of our littles, and felt like we saw a lot in the short amount of time we had available. Our guides made it easy to enjoy the experience.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Victoria

Nov 15, 2024

Great half day tour if you have little time in the city. - Great half day tour with Alex. Informational and fun. Highly Recommend this for a nice overview of city if you have little time in the city. We did this after getting off our cruise that morning- the 1pm start time was perfect for a stress free disembarkation and check in to our hotel and then going on this tour without rushing that morning. Hotel pick up was very convenient. Changing of guard was highlight for us and the beautiful flower festival currently going on at the temple. The folk museum was nice and if I had more time I’d return. Ginseng was informative but didn’t feel pushy. Also our driver Charlie was very nice.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Escape10968511198

Nov 9, 2024

Best Half Day Tour with Lynn! - Lynn was the best tour guide! She was so knowledgeable and cared about the people on her tour and was so accommodating! She was also so funny and energetic!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Saurabh

Oct 28, 2024

Well coordinated with an amazing and caring guide! - It was very nicely coordinated. The guide (Sunny) was amazing, She briefed about the places in an easy to understand manner and then kept adding more details as we visited the places (and the spots). She cared for each member in the group and kept making sure no one got lost. Overall an amazing tour, kudos to Sunny!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Cl_onan2024

Oct 3, 2024

Nice and chill tour - So Young was very friendly and inclusive tour guide. She answered everyone's questions also. I would recommend her. Thanks So Young!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Mette_a

Sep 23, 2024

Fantastic sightseeing - Fantastic sightseeing with Alex and Andy. Great English skills and a lot of knowledge about everything. We had a wonderful day!

Review provided by Viator

Doubleddeez

Sep 18, 2024

Half Day Tour of Palace and Temple - time well spent! - The tour bus was on time for pick up at City Hall Train Station No. 6. My nephew and I were met by our Tour Guide Lynn, a most pleasant and friendly person. Our bus was a Mercedes Benz large plush and classy/comfortable van. Lynn sat up front with the driver and our first stop was the Buddhist Temple. Lynn provided us the etiquette, history, and pointed out many scenes/traditions around and inside the Temple. There is a small shop there to buy water and other items offered by the Gift Shop. Our next stop was Gyeongbokgug Palace in center of Seoul. We arrived in time for the 10am changing of the Guard. It was hot and sunny so bring an umbrella and water with you. Stand in the shade wherever possible. Well spent time in and around the Palace grounds and Lynn offered us lots of detail of the history and functions of the many buildings within the Palace walls. The main Palace is currently closed for renovation but Lynn provided photos so we could see what the inside of the Palace looks like. Our last stop was the Ginseng Shopping Center where we had an informational tour of the Ginseng Root. How and where it is grown and why Korea Ginseng is the finest in the world. I almost took off one star because the tour took ended in the Ginseng Store and Gift shop. Granted, Ginseng, its use and history are essential to the Korean culture and most of Asian culture, it just seemed a bit unnecessary. I'll admit it was interesting and many will find it interesting. You don't have to buy anything even though they do make a strong and honest sales pitch to get you to buy. The tour was well worth it and I highly recommend. Our driver was safe and Lynn was outstanding as our tour guide and offered us lots of detailed information. She took pictures of my nephew and me and her photos came out very professional looking on my iPhone. I would book another tour with this company.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Yannis_l

Sep 29, 2024

4* mostly for the host - Kelly was super host and very knowledgable. Nice option for a quick half day tour at the most important sights. The ginseng boutique could be skipped.

Review provided by Viator

Heyvegas

Nov 4, 2024

Hey vegas - 1. Gyeongbokgung Palace What to Expect: Known as Seoul’s most iconic and largest palace, Gyeongbokgung offers a glimpse into Korea’s royal past. You'll see beautiful traditional architecture, lush gardens, and maybe even catch the changing of the guard. Highlights: The grand Gwanghwamun Gate, Geunjeongjeon (the main throne hall), and Hyangwonjeong Pavilion, a picturesque spot by the pond. If you time your visit in the morning, you can experience fewer crowds. Pros: Breathtaking structures, historical depth, and many photo spots. The traditional hanbok rentals nearby add charm. Cons: Can be crowded, especially during weekends. Some areas may be under renovation. 2. Jogyesa Temple What to Expect: A vibrant Buddhist temple in the middle of the city, Jogyesa contrasts the palace’s grandeur with serene spiritual energy. It’s known for its towering trees and colorful lanterns, giving a sense of peace amidst the city. Highlights: The Daeungjeon Hall with its beautiful golden Buddhas, the tranquil gardens, and sometimes even a chance to witness ceremonies. Pros: A calm, meditative spot to balance the palace visit, showcasing Buddhist art and architecture. Cons: It’s smaller than many famous temples, and the busy area surrounding it can interrupt the tranquility.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Martina_v

Oct 22, 2024

Temples were great, the ginseng sales pitch ruined it for me - The first half of the trip was good and what I would expect with the cost being so low. I marked down two stars for two reasons: (1) the museum was listed on the itinerary through Viator and not updated. We did not stop at the museum (2) they have continued to leave the ginseng shop on the tour despite many people saying it was not worth it and a sales pitch. That's exactly what it was. I was going to leave the tour early to skip it, but I stayed on the bus as I thought we were going to the museum. We drove right past it, and before I knew it I was stuck at the Ginseng store. It was 100% a sales pitch and I refused to buy anything. I don't do high pressure sales and this should not be a part of the tour.

Review provided by Viator

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up to 15 guests

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