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Seoul Day Tour With Jogyesa Temple, Gyeongbokgung Palace

Seoul Day Tour With Jogyesa Temple, Gyeongbokgung Palace

4.9 (4364) 🕑 8 hours Free cancellation

Meet your friendly local guide at your Seoul hotel and travel by comfortable coach through the capital city streets. Pay a visit to Jogyesa Temple, which is widely recognized as the top Buddhist temple in the nation. Once you’ve wandered the grounds head past the Blue House (Cheongwadae), where the current president resides.  Your knowledgeable guide then takes you to Gyeongbokgung Palace, where the royal family lived during the Joseon Dynasty. Learn how this 14th-century structure was built and gain a deeper understanding of its iconic status as you wander the grounds learning about its architecture and traditions. While at Gyeongbokgung Palace, visit the National Folk Museum and learn about the history and culture of Korean residents. Galleries include information about traditional farming, hunting, royalty, and aristocracy.  Next, venture to a traditional ginseng center, where you learn about this medicinal staple. Enjoy a traditional Korean lunch in Insadong and relax while you tuck into a bowl of bibimbap (rice, vegetables and meat). Spend some time at your leisure wandering the shops and town streets before making your way to the North Seoul Tower. Stationed atop Mt. Namsan, this incredible city landmark offers up stunning views from its towering observation deck. Once you’ve snapped some photos, head to Namsangol Hanok Village, where your guide takes you through the model village streets that offer a look at the Joseon Dynasty life. Check out various housing styles and incredible gardens as your guide points out key features and shares a bit of Korean history.

Languages: English
📍55 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
🏢Operated by SEOUL CITY TOUR CO. LTD.

Highlights

  • An ideal way to get your bearings in Seoul
  • Round-trip transportation from your hotel adds convenience
  • Travel in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Cost-effective—admission fees to most attractions are included

What you'll see & do

  • [Halfday/Fullday] After morning pickup from your hotel, travel by comfortable coach to your first stop of the day, Jogyesa Temple—the chief temple of Korean Buddhism and a peaceful sanctuary in the heart of bustling Seoul. Admire its beautifully decorated main hall, vibrant lanterns, and ancient trees, while learning about Korea’s Buddhist traditions and daily temple life.
  • [Halfday/Fullday] Next, drive past the Blue House (Cheongwadae), the presidential residence of South Korea. Nestled at the foot of Mt. Bugaksan, this iconic complex showcases elegant traditional Korean architecture set against a scenic mountain backdrop.
  • [Halfday/Fullday] Keep your camera ready at Gwanghwamun Gate to witness the colorful Changing of the Guard Ceremony, a royal tradition brought back to life with vibrant costumes and performances. As the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gwanghwamun is both a historic landmark and a vibrant cultural space, also known for hosting major events—including notable K-pop performances such as BTS comeback stages. * Please note: The Changing of the Guard Ceremony is not held on Tuesdays. Since Gyeongbok Palace is closed every Tuesdays, we will not stop at Gwanghwamun Gate on Tuesdays.
  • [Halfday/Fullday] Continue to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Built in the 14th century, it is the largest and most iconic of Seoul’s Five Grand Palaces, admired for its elegant architecture and harmonious layout set against the backdrop of surrounding mountains. Walk through the grand courtyards with your guide and discover key sites such as the throne hall and royal residences, while learning about Korea’s royal history and traditions. * Please note: Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed on Tuesdays. On this day, the tour will visit Deoksugung Palace instead.
  • [Halfday/Fullday] Within the palace grounds, visit the National Folk Museum of Korea to discover how people in Korea have lived from ancient times to the present day. Your guide will introduce exhibits showcasing daily life for both the aristocracy and common people, including traditional farming, hunting, weaving, cooking, and other aspects of Korean culture.
  • [Halfday/Fullday] Discover Korea’s premium ginseng and its health benefits at the Cheongha Korea Ginseng Museum. Learn about traditional cultivation methods, explore different types of ginseng, and enjoy a tasting experience of ginseng tea and products. A great place to experience Korean wellness culture.
  • [Fullday option only] Stroll through Insadong, a vibrant cultural district where traditional Korea meets modern creativity. Wander along its lively streets filled with art galleries, antique shops, and handicraft stores, and discover unique souvenirs that reflect Korea’s heritage. Enjoy the atmosphere of traditional tea houses and street food stalls, making Insadong a perfect place to experience authentic Korean culture.
  • [Fullday option only] Head over to N Seoul Tower, located atop Mt. Namsan in the heart of Seoul. Take the cable car up the mountain and continue to the tower, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. From here, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Seoul’s skyline and surrounding mountains, and see the famous “love locks” area, a popular spot for visitors. * Please note: The observatory ticket is not included. The cable car ride is included.
  • [Fullday option only] Then visit Namsangol Hanok Village, where your guide will lead you on a walk through this traditional village featuring five restored hanok (Korean houses) from the Joseon Dynasty. Each home represents different social classes, from commoners to nobility, offering insight into Korea’s past way of life. You can also enjoy the peaceful surroundings of a traditional Korean garden, complete with a graceful pavilion and flowing stream.
  • [Halfday/Fullday] The tour ends with drop-off in Myeongdong, a vibrant area known for its shopping, street food, and lively atmosphere.

What's included

  • Admission Fee
  • Professional guide
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • Hotel pickup only (downtown seoul area only)

What's not included

  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
  • hotel drop off (drop is available myeongdong / city hall / itaewon)
  • Seoul Tower observatory ticket

Good to know

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

A moderate amount of walking is involved; it is recommended that you wear good walking shoes

Please note: On Tuesdays, Gyeongbokgung Palace and Namsangol Hanok Village is closed; if this is the case, you will visit Deoksu Palace, and Myeongdong instead

Depending on which option you chose (half day or full day) tour schcedule will be different

1 of the shopping centers are included (Ginseng Center)

Tuesdays : Gyeongbok Palace is closed so, we will visit to Deoksu Palace

Mondays : Namsan Hanok Village is closed so, we will visit to Bukchon Hangok Village

This tour is group tour

pick up is ONLY available in downtown Seoul.

Tour Schedule can be changed because of local circumstance or weather.

9am is not the pick up time. Pick up time is different depending on the pick up location. Tour operator will contact you to give the exact meeting place and time. If you cannot find your hotel on our list, please let us know your hotel/accomodation name (including the address) and we will suggest pickup location for you. Hotel pick up is available only in Seoul Downtown hotel where we can park the bus. In case of guest house, airbnb, hostel and private address, we will suggest some place for pick up. Incheon / Gyeonggi area is not available for pick up.

Cancellation policy

  • A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
  • No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.
Free cancellation 🔒 Secure checkout
from
£ 22.00

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