Seoul Royal Palace & City Tour

From$68
8 hours
Seoul, South Korea

About this activity

Experience Seoul's rich history and culture on a full-day tour of its royal palace, traditional village, and bustling streets.

Highlights

  • Explore Gyeongbokgung Palace's grandeur
  • Stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village
  • Witness the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony
  • Visit the National Folk Museum of Korea
  • Discover the vibrant Insadong Alley

Full description

Dive into Seoul's captivating history and vibrant culture with this immersive full-day tour. Begin at the majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of the Five Grand Palaces, where you'll witness the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony—a spectacle of traditional Korean attire and rituals. Next, wander through Bukchon Hanok Village, a picturesque neighborhood showcasing well-preserved hanok (traditional Korean houses) nestled between modern cityscapes. Explore the National Folk Museum of Korea to gain insights into the nation's heritage. Conclude your journey in Insadong Alley, a lively hub known for its antique shops, art galleries, and street food stalls, offering a perfect blend of old and new Seoul. This tour offers a comprehensive glimpse into the city's soul, blending historical landmarks with contemporary life.

Included / Excluded

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Admission fees to Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village
  • Meals and beverages

Meeting point

Start Location

Unknown location

Important information

Know before you book

  • The tour operates in English; ensure you understand the language for a full experience.
  • Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly, as the tour is conducted outdoors.
  • Be prepared for a full day of walking; the tour covers several kilometers on foot.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes for the day's exploration.
  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning architecture and vibrant street scenes.
  • Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated throughout the tour.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

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

Accessibility

  • Stroller Accessible
  • Easy Public Transport
  • Infants Required On Laps

Good to know

  • Royal guard changing ceremony might be cancelled due to weather conditions
  • Please be advised that Changdeokgung Palace is closed every Monday. Accordingly, the tour will visit Bukchon Hanok Village or Namsangol Hanok Village instead. In the event of inclement weather, the itinerary may change to the National Museum of Korea to ensure a comfortable indoor experience.
  • Please note that Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed on Tuesdays or during special events. In such cases, the itinerary will change to Deoksugung Palace without prior notice.
  • This tour is proceeding with minimum 2 people
  • Lunch (Not included): We provide free time for lunch in Insadong, allowing you the flexibility to explore and enjoy a variety of local restaurants of your choice.

Traveler reviews

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Pleasant

Pleasant overview of main historical sites and markets, but could have used more background info on the features of Seoul.

GlobalTravelMikeSep 21, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Superb story telling!

Our guide Sookee was lovely! She spent a lot of effort telling us all the drama stories behind each palace we visited. Group was about 16pax so it was cozy and friendly. For it being my first day tour experience here in Korea it was very pleasant. Oh and I appreciate how she made sure she brought us early to get the best view of the royal guard changing parade without having to face the sun — says a lot about her experience.

D4819WOstephanielSep 20, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Seoul City Tour

Sook Hee was our guide and she gave us excellent information at all the sites . We got to see many of the sites of Seoul that we wanted to visit and had a good amount of time to explore each one. Had a great lunch of Korean BBQ as well. Would highly recommend especially if you have only 1 or 2 days in Seoul.

judynK4795CUSep 20, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Great tour

Sook-hee made the tour a lot of fun and gave us a lot of interesting information.

proletg2022Sep 20, 2026TRIPADVISOR

A full day

Great stories Saw many historical palaces

A3435TXbrucemSep 20, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Additional information

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.