Experience the grandeur of Seoul’s royal palaces and immerse yourself in Korean traditions on this small-group tour. Visit Jogyesa temple, the presidential blue house, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and more!
Experience the grandeur of Seoul’s royal palaces and immerse yourself in Korean traditions on this small-group tour. Visit Jogyesa temple, the presidential blue house, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and more!
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Jogyesa Temple - Jogyesa Buddhist Temple is the heart of Zen Buddhism in Korea, renowned for its urban location.
From the bustling streets of Jongno, head towards Anguk Subway Station, and you will find Jogyesa Temple.
The first thing to notice at the temple are the beautiful trees. The locust and baeksong trees in front of the Daeungjeon, the main…
- Jogyesa Temple - Jogyesa Buddhist Temple is the heart of Zen Buddhism in Korea, renowned for its urban location.
From the bustling streets of Jongno, head towards Anguk Subway Station, and you will find Jogyesa Temple.
The first thing to notice at the temple are the beautiful trees. The locust and baeksong trees in front of the Daeungjeon, the main temple building, are approximately 500 years old.
- Gwanghwamun Gate - Keep your camera ready for the guard-changing ceremony at Gwanghwamun Gate.
- Gyeongbokgung Palace - After visiting Jogyesa Temple, proceed to Gwanghwamun to witness the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony. This event marks the transition of the royal guards and verifies their identities. Then, head to Gyeongbokgung, the main and most stunning palace of the Joseon Dynasty.
Please note:
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On Tuesdays, Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed, so the visit will be to Changdeokgung (including the secret garden) instead.
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National Folk Museum of Korea - Within the grounds, explore the National Folk Museum to discover how people in Korea have lived from ancient times to the present. The guide will show displays illustrating daily life for both aristocrats and common citizens, including traditional farming, hunting, weaving, cooking, and other activities.
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Blue House - The Blue House (Cheongwadae) was constructed on the royal garden grounds 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.
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Cheongha Korea Ginseng Museum - Korean Ginseng Center
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Insadong - Insadong is a hub of traditional culture near Gyeongbok Palace. Since the Joseon dynasty, Insadong has been famous for its numerous antique shops. Today, it is popular among tourists for its traditional tea houses, antique shops, traditional handcraft shops, and various other stores.
Insadong is particularly favored by international tourists. Here, they can experience and observe traditional Korean culture firsthand and purchase fine art pieces. The streets are filled with foreigners enjoying the vibrant festivities. Insadong is a center of traditional culture.
Time for lunch will be provided there.
- Changdeokgung Palace - Changdeokgung Palace was the second royal villa built after Gyeongbokgung Palace in 1405. It served as the main palace for many Joseon kings and is the best-preserved of the five remaining royal Joseon palaces. It was designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1997 for its stunning historical architecture.
The palace grounds include a public palace area, a royal family residence, and the rear garden.
- On Mondays, Changdeokgung Palace is closed, so the visit will be to Bukchon Hanok Village instead.
- Namdaemun Market - Soongryemun (Namdaemun) is a primary gate of the former Seoul fortress from the Joseon dynasty, commonly known as Namdaemun.
The gate was originally built in 1396 during King Taejo’s reign and was reconstructed in 1447 by King Sejong and in 1479 by King Seongjong.
In 2006, the Seoul city opened the gate to the public. It is now listed as Korea’s national treasure #1. However, on February 10th, 2008, the gate was destroyed by arson.
The Cultural Heritage Administration announced plans to rebuild the gate to its original appearance, and the reconstruction was completed by early 2013.
- Bottled water
- Hotel pickup in Central Seoul (Meeting time can be changed depends on each locations)
- Local guide (English speaking)
- Driver/Guide
- 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
- Gratuities
- Hotel drop-off (drop-off at the City Hall or Myeongdong only)
- Lunch
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…
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
- Royal guard changing ceremony might be cancelled due to weather conditions
- On Mondays, Changdeokgung Palace is closed and you will go to Bukchon traditional Hanok Village instead
- On Tuesdays, the Gyeongbokgung Palace and National Folk Museum of Korea is closed, so you will go to Changdeokgung(including secret garden) and in the afternoon you will visit Bukchon Hanok Village instead.
- This tour is proceeding with minimum 2 people
- Starting from September 1, 2024, lunch will no longer be included. Due to the difficulty in providing a variety of lunch options, we have reluctantly made this change. Please understand that you will have free time for lunch in Insadong, where you can choose your own dining options.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.