Magpie
4.9(1,831 reviews)

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

4.9
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A tour

Min Soo was fantastic!! We hoghly recommend him.

293itamarbNov 2, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Hee Soo is the Best Guide.

We had a wonderful time on our Seoul tour with Hee Soo. From the start, She was warm, punctual and clearly passionate about Korean history and culture. The highlight for us was the royal palaces. Our guide didn't just walk us through the gates. Hee Soo explained the meaning behind the names and signboards, the architecture, and the stories of the Joseon kings who lived there. It made the whole place come alive. We also enjoyed the Jogyesa Temple, Gwanghamun Gate, and the Ginseng Museum; and the pacing was just right: plenty to see without feeling rushed. The practical tips on where to eat in Insadong, how to get back to our hotel quickly made the day even better. My wife and I have traveled extensively, and this ranks among the best guided tours we've taken. Highly recommended for first-timers and return visitors alike. Thank you, Hee Soo!

LAWRENCE_LOct 30, 2026VIATOR

Perfect Seoul Tour

We had a wonderful time on our Seoul tour with Miss Hee-Soo. From the start, she was warm, punctual and clearly passionate about Korean history and culture. The highlight for us was the royal palace. Our guide didn't just walk us through the gates. Her-Soo explained the meaning behind the names and signboards, the architecture, and the stories of the Joseon kings who lived there. It made the whole place come alive. We also enjoyed Insadong, the Ginseng Museum and the pacing was just right: plenty to see without feeling rushed. Practical tips like where to eat, how to get around and what to buy made the day even better. My wife and I have traveled extensively, and this ranks among the best guided tours we've taken. Highly recommended for first-timers and return visitors alike. Thank you, Hee-Soo

H7799NPlawrencelOct 30, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Great tour, one caveat

Sook-hee was an amazing tour guide. She was informative, knowledgeable, and engaging and even took us inside to do some of the tour when it was too chilly to stay outdoors much longer. I would recommend to the tour operators that they just cut the ginseng museum, which is a glorified sales pitch and which we left early. It takes away from the tour. But besides that, we enjoyed our time!

348bryantcOct 30, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Great tour with Sook-hee....

Great tour with Sook-hee. She explained all of the points of interest in the city. I would highly recommend the tour.

Leslie_SOct 29, 2026VIATOR

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.
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