Seoul (Pass By)

Have you heard about history of Korea? Korea has thousand years of history and Korea is Nation State. If you are international traveler, you might know Seoul is one of rare cities has hundreds years history footprints. You will see high-tech right next to thousand-year-old tradition. Palace is the one of popular historical places. Chosun Empire has ended in 1910 while Seoul has been the capital of Josun dynasty for the past 500 years. There are 5 important palaces you don’t want to miss and they are the most popular places for visitors. What is first impression of the word "Palace"? Place for kings and noble families? It is true but only the part of it. You will see the area where kings and families lived with 2000 people ruled whole nation. There is only parts of palaces remain which makes many people find they are only for king and family. Palace was the place for discussion how to rule the country.

Jogyesa Temple

Jogyesa Buddhist Temple, established in 1935 and located in downtown Seoul, serves as the center of Zen Buddhism in Korea. As you approach from the bustling streets of Jongno towards Anguk Subway Station, the temple unfolds as a peaceful retreat marked by its ancient white pine and 500-year-old locust and baeksong trees at the Daeungjeon, the main temple building. Visitors enter through the "Iljumun," a symbolic gate that divides the mundane world from the sacred realm of Buddha, where they can experience spiritual tranquility and admire the splendid golden statues.

30 minutes

The Blue House (Pass By)

After visiting Jogyesa Temple, you will pass by the Presidential Blue House, distinguished by its iconic blue tiles and beautifully set against the backdrop of Mt. Bukak.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

You will witness the royal guard changing ceremony at Gwanghwamun, an event that marks the changing of the royal guards and confirms their identities. The tour continues to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main and most beautiful palace during the Joseon Dynasty, where you can walk its magnificent grounds and envision the royal life. Highlights include Gangnyeongjeon, the king’s main quarters, Geunjeongjeon for formal visits, and Gyeonghoeru, the special banquet hall. Please note that on Tuesdays, when Gyeongbokgung Palace and the National Folklore Museum are closed, the tour will visit Deoksugung Palace and the Presidential Blue House Museum instead. The exact route may vary, depending on the knowledgeable guidance of our tour guide

1 hour

Changdeokgung Palace

Changdeokgung Palace, built shortly after Gyeongbokgung in 1405, served as the primary residence for many Joseon kings and remains the best-preserved of Seoul’s five remaining royal palaces. Designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1997, Changdeokgung is celebrated for its harmonious blend with the natural environment, featuring a public palace area, the royal family residence, and a beautifully landscaped rear garden. On our tour, you will enter through the historic Donhwamun Gate, restored after being destroyed in 1592, and walk across the ancient Geumcheongyo Bridge, the oldest in Seoul. Highlights include Injeongjeon Hall, the grand setting for significant state banquets, and Huijeongdang Hall, the royal bedchamber, which was reconstructed with unique Western influences like glass windows and chandeliers after a fire, offering a distinct contrast to the traditional Korean architecture found throughout the rest of the palace.

1 hour

Insadong

Insadong, nestled near Gyeongbok Palace, is a vibrant hub of traditional Korean culture, renowned since the Joseon Dynasty for its array of antique shops. Today, it draws tourists with its traditional tea houses, craft shops, and art galleries, offering a firsthand experience of Korea's cultural heritage. Particularly popular among international visitors, Insadong's main street and its charming alleys are lined with stalls selling ceramics and local delicacies, creating a lively atmosphere where friendly locals engage with guests amidst the festive environment.

1 hour

Namdaemun Market

Namdaemun Market is a large traditional market in Seoul, South Korea. It is located next to Namdaemun, the main southern gate to the old city. The market is among the oldest extant markets in Korea, having opened during the Joseon period in 1414. The market survived a number of attempts by the Japanese colonial government to shut it down. It was destroyed a number of times in the 20th century by accidental fires and during the 1950–1953 Korean War. Each time the market was destroyed, it was nearly completely rebuilt from scratch to the roughly the same size and status it had previously operated under. It offers a vast array of goods including clothing for men, women, and children at competitive prices, serving both retail and wholesale customers.

50 minutes