[Viator] Explore Seoul Your Way — Private Tour with GJ
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[Viator] Explore Seoul Your Way — Private Tour with GJ

Active
(2 reviews)
3h - 4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The locations are examples. The course is subject to change, and not all will be visited. The course will be determined by starting point.

Please Feel the vibe of Koreans by walking through major impressive points in Seoul with guide.
1. Seoul highlights with Native local Korean.
2. Famouse places and hidden gems.
3. If there is a specific place you want visit, all plans are open.
4. This tour is a walking tour and uses public transportation. you can feel a vivid local atmosphere and get more comfort.
5. You can return to your hotel when your tour finish.
6. It is hosted by me only. I am a professional tour guide who runs my tours.
All questions and conversations are welcome. Most of the guests say I'm energetic, funny, caring, and generous.

Available options

4 hours private tour

Duration: 4 hours<br/>Pickup included

3 hours private tour

Duration: 3 hours<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Offering in English
Walking tour
Licensed Native Local Korean

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest palace of the Joseon Dynasty, was built in 1395, is located in the center of Hanyang. The name Gyeongbokgung Palace was given with the hope that the dynasty would prosper. It is an important palace in the Joseon Dynasty, and in the Geunjeongjeon Hall, important events such as the coronation ceremony of a king were held. Inside Gyeongbokgung Palace, there is a beautiful structure called Gyeonghoeru, and a part that was damaged by Japanese colonial era has been restored and now you can see the National Palace Museum and the Folk Museum together.

2
Stop 2

Namsan Seoul Tower, the number one tourist attraction. Number 1 in Seoul with 12 million domestic and foreign tourists visiting each year

It is a filming location for various entertainment shows and dramas driven by the recent Korean wave.
As the name rises, the number of tourists visiting increases.
Located in the center of Seoul, you can see downtown Seoul in all directions 360 degrees.

As it is blessed with a location with a clear view, it was selected as one of the world's 500 best tourist destinations by Lonely Planet, the world's largest travel publisher. Seoul Tower Plaza, which recently opened after remodeling an office building, provides services to tourists with various convenience facilities, attractions, and food and beverage.

★ We will take a public bus to go to Seoul Tower. You should prepare a Seoul transportation card in advance.

3
Stop 3

The name of the market comes from Namdaemun, the nickname of Sungnyemun. Thd market is a huge distribution space visited by 500,000 people a day and is the best and largest traditional market in Korea. It has been established as a commercial street since 17C, has a long history.
Most of the products traded in Namdaemun Market are directly manufactured, produced and sold by merchants. The restaurants in the alleys that have been with the history of the Market are also famous. The No. 1 traditional market full of emotion, is full of things to see, eat, and enjoy.
It is the largest and most famous market in Korea. Also is famous for street food. The taste of pancakes you eat when it's chilly, the crispy doughnut you take a bite in the heat, will be a taste and experience you'll remember for the rest of your life.

It is geographically adjacent to Myeong-dong, and there are department stores and shopping malls nearby. Eateries are also concentrated in the market alleys.

4
Stop 4

Bukchon Hanok Village has been a place where the upper class lived for 600 years, and even now, actual residents live and preserve the Hanok Village. Important historical assets remain in Bukchon Hanok Village, and there are many streets where the beauty of hanok stands out, making it one of the most attractive tourist destinations.
Bukchon Hanok Village boasts a great view of Bukaksan Mountain to the north and Namsan Mountain to the south Sceni spots of Bukchon are said to have selected only the most beautiful places in Bukchon. Walk through the maze-like alleys and feel the beauty of a traditional hanok.

Several traditional culture exhibition halls are waiting for you, and you can enjoy a trip of fashion and taste through the past and present in the streets. They are representative traditional cultural tourism areas, are located within walking distance, making it the most convenient and efficient place to enjoy a trip to Seoul. .

5

Insadong is a valuable space where old but valuable traditional objects are exchanged in the city center. In Insa-dong, alleys between the main boulevards are intertwined like a maze. In this maze, galleries, traditional craft shops, antique art shops, traditional tea houses, traditional restaurants, and cafes are concentrated.

6

Ikseon-dong is a place where alleys and hanoks come together to create a beautiful charm, and many tourists visit. After being designated as a hanok preservation district in 2018, Ikseon-dong has been rapidly emerging as a time travel destination in the cutting-edge city of Seoul since 2019, with the retro craze. With narrow and dense alleys like veins between small and low hanoks, Ikseon-dong is not just a few stores that have become a hot topic, but the entire area is attracting attention as a travel product.

7

Jogyesa Temple serves as a major temple of Korean Buddhism and its representative sect, the Jogye Order. Jogyesa Temple is the central place for Buddhist events, and Buddhist texts, chanting, lectures, ancestral rites, and other rituals are held almost all year round.

8

DDP (Dongdaemun Design Plaza), which means Dream, Design, and Play, is a complex cultural space located in Dongdaemun, Seoul. If you want to visit ddp and Gwangjang Market, you will skip Namsan, Myeong-dong, and Namdaemun courses.

9

The busiest place in Gwangjang Market is a food market formed on the street. The food market in Gwangjang Market covers all ages. It is currently designated as a world tourism course and is visited by many foreign tourists traveling to Korea. (If you want to visit Gwangjang Market, skip the course of Namsan Myeong-dong Namdaemun Market.)

10

From Cheonggye Square, where Cheonggyecheon Stream begins, it is decorated with fountains, waterfalls, miniatures of Cheonggyecheon Stream, trails and trails, and Cheonggyecheon Stream is made as a place to wish for meeting and harmony. After the construction of Cheonggyecheon Square, on public holidays, this place is made into a car-free street, and the plaza, waterfront space, and road are used as a resting and cultural space for citizens.

11
Stop 11 Pass by

Myeongdong is a huge shopping area. Myeongdonggeo is concentrated with various brand stores, department stores, and bonded stores. You can purchase a variety of products such as clothing, shoes, and accessories to the extent that the expression "mecca of fashion" suits you. It is characterized by a large number of brands that are more famous, high-quality, and expensive than the market.

What's not included

Food and drink
Public transportation fee
It is walking tour. Guests should prepare Tcard.
Ticket

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0
2 reviews
5★
2
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0

Important information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Gyeongbokgung station Exit 4

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
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 17-100
1
Childs
Age 5-16
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 5
Secure booking
Free cancellation available

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