Small-Group Royal Palace and Seoul City Tour (hotel pick-up)
Duration
8 hours
Group Size
1 to 15 people
Ages
0
-
99
yrs
Languages
English
Tour Overview
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
Additional information
- 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
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- 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.
Pickup
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. - Time zone: Asia/Seoul
Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time. Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.
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
Other
Lunch
Itinerary
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.
Keep your camera handy for the changing of the guard ceremony at Gwanghwamun Gate.
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.
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.
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.
Korean Ginseng Center
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.
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.
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.
FAQ
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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