Pickup Location & Time

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8:30 AM Exit #10 of Myeong-dong subway station

Seoul Full-Day City Tour – Palaces, Culture, History & Local Market Experience

Discover the essential highlights of Seoul in one comprehensive full-day city tour. This expertly guided Seoul city tour covers royal palaces, traditional villages, panoramic viewpoints, historic temples, and Korea’s most famous street food market — making it one of the best Seoul sightseeing tours for first-time visitors.

1. Gyeongbokgung Palace & Royal Guard Changing Ceremony

Begin your Seoul palace tour at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest and most iconic of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. Often considered the most beautiful palace in Seoul, Gyeongbokgung represents the political and cultural heart of Korea’s royal history.

Witness the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, a colorful and traditional reenactment showcasing Joseon-era military rituals. This is one of the most photographed cultural performances in Seoul and a must-see attraction for travelers.

Keyword focus: Gyeongbokgung Palace tour, Royal Guard Ceremony Seoul, Joseon Dynasty palace

2. Bukchon Hanok Village – Traditional Korean Houses

Continue to Bukchon Hanok Village, meaning “Northern Village.” This preserved residential area features hundreds of traditional Korean hanok houses dating back to the Joseon period.

Today, Bukchon operates as a living cultural district with:

• Traditional craft workshops

• Cultural centers

• Tea houses

• Guesthouses

It is one of the best places in Seoul to experience traditional Korean architecture while overlooking the modern city skyline.

Keyword focus: Bukchon Hanok Village, traditional Korean houses, Seoul cultural experience

3. Bugak Palgakjeong Pavilion – Panoramic Seoul Viewpoint

Visit Bugak Palgakjeong Pavilion, located on the slopes of Bugaksan Mountain. This peaceful mountain pavilion offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views of Seoul.

From this scenic viewpoint, you can see:

• Downtown Seoul panoramic view

• N Tower & Lotte Tower in the distance

It is a perfect photography stop and a hidden gem for those seeking the best Seoul city views.

Keyword focus: best viewpoint in Seoul, Bugak Pavilion, Seoul panoramic view

4. Korean Ginseng Experience Center

Learn about Korean Ginseng, one of Korea’s most famous traditional herbal products. Historically recorded as a medicinal herb since ancient East Asian medical texts, Korean red ginseng is widely recognized for its adaptogenic properties and immune-supporting benefits.

This educational stop introduces visitors to Korea’s traditional herbal culture and health philosophy.

Keyword focus: Korean ginseng, Korean red ginseng benefits, traditional Korean medicine

5. Gwangjang Market – Street Food & Local Lunch (Own Expense)

Enjoy free time for lunch at Gwangjang Market, Korea’s first traditional market established in 1905.

Famous for authentic Korean street food, this market is the perfect place to try:

• Bindaetteok (mung bean pancake)

• Mayak gimbap (mini seaweed rice rolls)

• Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes)

• Fresh handmade noodles

Gwangjang Market is one of the top food destinations in Seoul and frequently featured in international food documentaries.

Keyword focus: Gwangjang Market food, Seoul street food tour, traditional Korean market

6. The War Memorial of Korea

The tour continues to The War Memorial of Korea, a comprehensive military history museum established in 1994.

Through indoor and outdoor exhibitions, the museum presents:

• The Korean War history

• Military artifacts and aircraft

• Educational displays promoting peace and reunification

This site offers deeper insight into Korea’s modern history and its ongoing aspiration for peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Keyword focus: Korean War museum Seoul, War Memorial of Korea, Korea history tour

7. Jogyesa Temple – Center of Korean Buddhism

Visit Jogyesa Temple, the chief temple of the Jogye Order, representing Korean Zen Buddhism.

Located in central Seoul, the temple is known for:

• Giant ancient pine trees

• Colorful lotus lanterns

• Peaceful meditation atmosphere

Jogyesa reflects Korea’s spiritual heritage and its harmony between tradition and modern urban life.

Keyword focus: Jogyesa Temple, Korean Buddhism temple, Seoul temple visit

8. Tapgol Park – Birthplace of the March 1st Independence Movement

Explore Tapgol Park, historically significant as the starting point of the March 1st Independence Movement in 1919, a pivotal event in Korea’s struggle for independence from Japanese rule.

The park is also known internationally after appearing in Squid Game Season 2, adding modern pop culture relevance to this historic location.

Keyword focus: March 1st Movement, Korean independence history, Tapgol Park Seoul

Tour Ending – Myeongdong Cathedral

The Seoul full-day tour concludes near Myeongdong Cathedral, one of Korea’s most important Catholic churches and a symbol of democracy and human rights movements in modern Korean history.

Located near Myeong-dong Station, the area is ideal for shopping, dining, and continuing your exploration of Seoul.

Why Choose This Seoul Full-Day Tour?

✔ Covers top Seoul attractions in one day
✔ Combines royal history, traditional culture, modern history, and street food
✔ Ideal for first-time visitors to Korea
✔ Professional English-speaking guide
✔ Perfect balance of guided experience and free time