Seoul City Private Full-Day Tour Including Lunch

Seoul , South Korea

Seoul City Private Full-Day Tour Including Lunch

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About this experience

The country of the morning calm is full of history, and its capital, Seoul, abounds with authentic treasures. Join this 8-hour private tour to discover some of the most renowned gems of South Korean culture. From the great palaces to the N Tower, this tour will lead you through the ages to discover the old & the brand new capital.

Available options

Price for 2~8 people

Pickup included

What's included

Lunch (Korean food)

Private transport with hotel pick up & drop off

English speaking driver guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

The southern gate of Gyeongbokgung

Stop 2

See the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony and then visit the palace, this palace is filled with the smell of spring flowers, fresh phytoncide of green trees, yellow and orange autumn foliage and white snow depending on the season.

(On Tuesday, we visit Changdeokgung Palace instead.)

Stop 3

Walk down following Korean traditional architecture and the curves and straight lines of the roofs and walls from shuffled houses.

Stop 4

After lunch, free time in Insadong, the art valley of Seoul

Stop 5

A small temple located at the central of Seoul city. This is the headquarter of over 2000 local temples in Korea.

Stop 6

Standing 479.7m high, at the top of the Namsan mountain, you will be able to enjoy a fantastic panorama of Seoul.

What's not included

Fee for observatory of N Seoul tower (optional)

Cable car for N Seoul tower (optional)

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

218 reviews

5★

207

4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

243 reviews

5★

239

4★

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1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Additional costs may apply for gluten-free, vegan, or halal food requests.

Pick-up is only available in central Seoul, and additional charges may apply for distant areas such as Gangnam.

The tour is conducted by a driver-guide and requires a certain level of physical fitness due to extensive walking.

For groups of 8 or more, if a larger vehicle is needed, a dedicated driver will be assigned, which may result in an increase in the price. Please contact us for more details.

If you require VIP options, need a larger vehicle for groups of 5 or more, or prefer minimal walking, please contact us to discuss an upgrade. Please note that these options may incur additional costs.

Gyeongbokgung Palace and Royal Guard Changing Ceremony is closed on every Tuesday. Instead, you will visit Changdeokgung Palace

Royal Guard Changing Ceremony may not available during rainy days or typhoons (Bad weather)

Tour duration can be adjust depends on weather, traffic or personal reasons

About Seoul

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a dynamic metropolis where ancient palaces stand alongside futuristic skyscrapers. Known for its vibrant street life, cutting-edge technology, and rich cultural heritage, Seoul offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity that captivates every traveler.

Top Attractions

Gyeongbokgung Palace

The largest of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeongbokgung is a must-visit for its historical significance and beautiful architecture.

Historical 2-3 hours 3,000 KRW (free for those wearing hanbok)

Bukchon Hanok Village

A traditional Korean village nestled between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace, offering a glimpse into traditional Korean life.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free (some cultural experiences may have fees)

Namsan Seoul Tower

Located atop Namsan Mountain, this iconic tower offers panoramic views of Seoul and is a popular spot for couples to lock love locks.

Viewpoint 2-3 hours 10,000 KRW (observatory), 1,500 KRW (cable car)

Myeongdong

A bustling shopping district known for its street food, fashion, and beauty products, offering a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.

Shopping Half-day Varies widely, from budget to luxury

Hongdae

A lively and youthful neighborhood near Hongik University, famous for its nightlife, street performances, and trendy cafes.

Entertainment Evening or night Varies widely, from budget to upscale

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kimchi

Fermented spicy cabbage, a staple in Korean cuisine, often served with every meal.

Side dish Vegetarian (check for seafood in some varieties)

Bibimbap

A mixed rice bowl with vegetables, meat, and gochujang (spicy paste), often served with a fried egg.

Main dish Can be made vegetarian or vegan

Bulgogi

Marinated grilled beef, often served with rice and side dishes.

Main dish Contains meat

Tteokbokki

Spicy stir-fried rice cakes, a popular street food often served with fish cakes and boiled eggs.

Snack Vegetarian (check for seafood in some varieties)

Popular Activities

Hiking in Bukhansan National Park Biking along the Han River Water sports at Seokchon Lake Visiting traditional tea houses Enjoying a jjimjilbang (Korean spa) experience Strolling through scenic gardens and parks Participating in a traditional hanbok photo shoot Attending a traditional Korean performance

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to November

Spring and autumn offer comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery, with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. These are the busiest times with higher tourist volumes.

10°C to 25°C 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Korean
Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas and by younger generations)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other places

Currency

South Korean Won (KRW)

Time Zone

Korea Standard Time (KST, GMT+9)

Electricity

220VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Seoul is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, as with any major city, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your surroundings and belongings, especially in crowded areas
• Use reputable transportation services and avoid unlicensed taxis
• Be wary of strangers offering help or assistance, as they may be trying to scam you

Getting there

By air

Incheon International Airport • 52 km from city center
Gimpo International Airport • 15 km from city center

By train

Seoul Station, Yongsan Station

By bus

Seoul Express Bus Terminal, Central City Bus Terminal, East Seoul Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The subway system is efficient, clean, and easy to navigate. It operates from 5:30 AM to 12:00 AM, with frequent trains.

Taxis

Available • Apps: KakaoTaxi, T-money

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Jongno Gangnam Hongdae Itaewon Insadong

Day trips

DMZ (Korean Demilitarized Zone)

50 km from Seoul • Half day to full day

A unique and fascinating day trip, the DMZ offers a glimpse into the history and current status of the Korean Peninsula, with tours visiting various historical sites and observation points.

Nami Island

56 km from Seoul • Half day to full day

A picturesque island known for its beautiful landscapes, walking trails, and filming locations for popular K-dramas like 'Winter Sonata'.

Suwon

30 km from Seoul • Full day

A historic city known for its well-preserved fortress, traditional markets, and cultural attractions, offering a mix of history, culture, and local cuisine.

Festivals

Seoul International Fireworks Festival • Mid-October (annual) Seoul Lantern Festival • Late November to early December (annual) Cherry Blossom Festival • Late March to early April (annual)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Korean phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture
Use a T-money card for convenient and discounted public transportation
Try street food and local specialties for an authentic and delicious culinary experience
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Explore Seoul's diverse neighborhoods and hidden gems for a more unique and immersive experience