Seoul City Half Day Tour Gyeongbok Palace Guard Changing Ceremony
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Learn about Seoul’s royal and religious history as you sightsee with a knowledgeable local guide. Travel by coach to several stunning landmarks in the capital, including Jogyesa Temple and the pavilions of Gyeongbokgung Palace. During your 3.5-hour morning tour, gape at the awe-inspiring architecture of the Joseon Dynasty, see a Changing of the Guard ceremony and learn about Korean cultural traditions at Cheongwadae Sarangchae. Hotel pickup is included, with drop-off at City Hall, leaving you a free afternoon to explore more on your own.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Jogyesa Temple
The Jogyesa Buddhist Temple is one of the most important landmarks of Korean Buddhism, first established all the way back in 1935. The temple is located in downtown Seoul and is graced by an ancient white pine tree. There are a few important steps to entering the temple. First, you must go through “Iljum”, which is the one pillar gate. The “Iljumun” symbolizes the division between the world of the living and that of the holy Buddha world. You will have a beautiful spiritual experience and be able to admire the splendid, golden statues.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Changing of the Guard Ceremony – witness a spectacular Korean tradition You will see the meticulously choreographed ceremony that takes place in front of Gwanghwamun Gate. This tradition originated during the Joseon Dynasty and the city decided to bring it back for reenactment in 1996. The soldiers wear colorful blue and red uniforms and gracefully patrol the gates of the palace in protection of the king. The tradition is very elegant and simply beautiful to watch! Gyeongbok Palace (Except Tuesdays) – live like a royal Next up on our Seoul City Tour is Gyeongbokgung Palace. This was the main home of the Joseon Dynasty constructed in 1395. This is a stunning building with 7,700 rooms! The palace did take a few hits over the years, which makes it all the more interesting to see today! Some of the highlights here are Gangnyeongjeon, the king’s main quarters, Geunjeongjeon where the king accepted formal visits, Gyeonghoeru – the special banquet hall, and more!
Options
Morning Seoul City Tour
Duration: 3 hours Pickup included
Afternoon Half Day City Tour
Duration: 3 hours Minivan, Minibus or Coach: The type of transport will depend on the group size for the selected date and time. Pickup included
What‘s Included
Professional guide (Englishs or Chinese)
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Hotel pickup
Lunch
Hotel drop-off (dropped off at City Hall or Myeongdong)
Gratuities
Gyeongbok Palace (& Changing of Guard Ceremony) & National Folk Museum are closed on every Tuesday.
Tuesday : Gyeongbok Palace - National Folk Museum -> Changdeok Palace & Bukchon Hanok Village
Pickup points
L7 Myeongdong By Lotte
137, Toegye-ro Seoul South Korea
Lotte Hotel Seoul
30, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu Seoul South Korea
THE PLAZA Seoul, Autograph Collection
119 Sogong-ro, Jung-gu Seoul South Korea
Four Seasons Hotel Seoul
97 Saemunan-ro, Dangju-dong Seoul South Korea
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
368 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
It was an informative experience guided efficiently by our guide Crystal.
kohp2026,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Crystal was our guide. She is efficient and proficient in the history of the places visited.
Seoul Is a Bustling City With A Rich History
GlobalBoundGal,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide (Alice) was amazing, and she showed us some interesting sites. I really loved the changing of the guard ceremony, the palace grounds, and the ginseng museum (bring your wallet if you want to buy premium quality ginseng products). The driver was also great, because he had to deal with crazy traffic and street closures due to a protest going on that day. We did the half day tour, but there were others who did the full day tour, so we did not return to our meeting point.
Amazing half-day tour
T365LEfabiop,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a super fun and relaxed half-day tour, our guide Max was extremely informative and we would book any tour again with him! Thank you so much
My First Introduction to Korea 🇰🇷
renanpsi,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great half-day tour covering some of Seoul’s most important landmarks, including Jogyesa Temple, Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Folk Museum and the Changing of the Guard Ceremony. Everything was well organized, and our guide Eva was friendly, knowledgeable and made the experience very enjoyable. Highly recommended!
Full day and fun
susanaL6114ZV,May 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00K was very informative, letting us know what our next step was ,what to look for. Very clear when we were resuming our tour where to meet gave pictures displayed the time so there was no misunderstanding. I’m very adaptable due to activities in the city. Make sure everything is clear that there was no misunderstandings. Kept the group moving so that we could accomplish the full day tour
Fantastic afternoon!!
Odyssey07585595410,May 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very nice, educational and cozy!!
Short Korean trip with Chua Boys
EthanC331,May 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tour guide Coco was very entertaining and friendly. 1 of the tourist spot we went are the kwangjang market, palace where we watched the guard changing ceremony. Really enjoyed the group tour much!
Wonderful Eva
O5170SZarturoc,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Eva was an amazing tour guide. Very attentive and knowledgeable of every topic regardong korean culture. I will fully recommend her.
Great
amandaaC7464JO,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Eva is incredible ! The Best tour . We had an amazing time
Good tour
L4560HVvalentinas,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Good Tour with Eva. She is very nice.
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