Private Tour
100% Private Full Day City Tour With Car
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
Seoul has been the capital of Korea for over 600 years since the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).
It was called as "Hanyang" during Joseon Dynasty, but after liberation from Japan in 1945, World war II, it has been called "Seoul".
Seoul, the capital of Republic of Korea, is the most popular tourist attraction throughout Korea.
With countless sights to see and places to go, such as royal palaces, traditional markets, and high-end shopping districts, Seoul is a city with so much to offer that you might not know where to start first.
The best tour for foreigners to learn about culture and life of Seoul and Seoulites. All in one, Awesome full day city tour enjoying Past, Present and Future of Seoull.
In short, recommended for the first time visitors and it is the orientation tour for them.
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
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is also commonly referred to as the Northern Palace because its location is furthest north when compared to the neighboring palaces of Changdeokgung (Eastern Palace) and Gyeonghuigung (Western Palace) Palace. Gyeongbokgung Palace is arguably the most beautiful, and remains the largest of all five palaces. The premises were once destroyed by fire during the Imjin War (Japanese Invasions, 1592-1598). However, all of the palace buildings were later restored under the leadership of Heungseondaewongun during the reign of King Gojong (1852-1919). Remarkably, the most representative edifices of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeonghoeru Pavilion and Hyangwonjeong Pond have remained relatively intact. Woldae and the sculptures of Geunjeongjeon (The Royal Audience Chamber) represent past sculptures of contemporary art. The National Palace Museum of Korea is located south of Heungnyemun Gate, and the National Folk Museum is located on the eastern side within Hyangwonjeong.
National Folk Museum of Korea
Located inside Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Folk Museum of Korea presents historical artifacts that were used in the daily lives of Korean people in the past. Through the displays, visitors can learn about the domestic and agricultural lifestyles, as well as Korea’s cultural beliefs. The National Folk Museum of Korea has three permanent exhibitions and two special exhibitions as well as a library, souvenir shop, and other subsidiary facilities.
What‘s Included
Free pick-up and drop off service
Ticket to Kyungbokkung palace
Pickup points
THE PLAZA Seoul, Autograph Collection
119 Sogong-ro, Jung-gu Seoul South Korea
Options
Essence of Seoul, 100% Private Full Day City Tour
Duration: 8 hours
Van
Pickup included
Reviews
14 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
It was a great tour, even...
Peter J,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a great tour, even with the challenging circumstanses. It was freezing when we took our tour and my mom can't walk far. Chris was very accomodating. He also is very knowlegable. He also showed us some of the customs and took us to a delicious Korean BBQ place for lunch. We had challenging members in the family but Chris handled it in stride. Highly reccommend.
Great tour with thoughtful guidance
Jessica L,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a cold day, but Chris arranged the city tour very well and shared a lot of interesting historical insights along the way. He was attentive throughout the tour, offered hand and foot warmers, and kept checking that I was comfortable. When he learned that I am interested in art and painting, he also showed me some lovely galleries, which I really appreciated. He additionally helped me with some Korean language insights. Overall, Chris clearly cares about his guests and puts a lot of effort into making the experience smooth and enjoyable. And most importantly a lot of facts about Korean history. I would certainly recommend Chris to others when visiting Seoul.
Excellent Guide - Knowledgeable and Accommodating
SavvyTravel1979,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Chris was an outstanding guide for our Seoul tour. He was punctual, communicative, and incredibly knowledgeable about Korean history and culture. His expertise really brought Gyeongbokgung Palace and the other sites to life over two days. The itinerary was well-paced, and his minivan made traveling between locations easy and comfortable in the cold weather. Chris was also flexible with our itinerary, accommodating our request to visit Ho-am Art Museum. His passion for Korea and excellent English made for an engaging and memorable experience, and a wonderful way to familiarize ourself with the local culture.
Chris is the best, especially for history buffs!
Explore588427,,Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Chris is a fantastic guide, so knowledgeable and patient with all my questions! I felt comfortable and well looked after the entire day. The visit to the Buddhist temple near the palaces was a special highlight.
The perfect day in Seoul South Korea!
SebringGM,,Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Chris was super communicative from the moment that I booked. He was on time and extremely friendly, making sure that we were taken care of and every step of the way. He was extremely knowledgeable about Korean history and culture and took us to the most incredible Korean lunch with their own private room. Get ready for a fun filled day learning about this incredible city and country.
Great day in Seoul
264jeromeh,,Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a 10 hour layover in Seoul during our Asian journey from the US. Chris picked us up on time at the airport and took us on a tour of Seoul. I love history however I know very little about this part of the world, especially pre WWII. We spent most of our time at the Gyeongbokgung Palace learning about the history of Korea pre WWII. Was a great day, Chris is a wealth of knowledge. We enjoyed it so much that on our return trip we did a tour with him to the DMZ.
Very informative Seoul city tour with knowledgeable guide
452marnip,,Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We learned so much from our guide , Chris. We had very little knowledge of Seoul and Chris helped us to appreciate the history, traditions and customs of Korea. He is a very learned guide with excellent English and a pride for his country that he passionately shares.
good city tour
Jenniffer E,,Jun 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Chris spoke english and was able to provide us with a lot of information and history. His itinerary he took us to the Palace , we saw the changing of guards , then to folklore museum for about 30 mins, hanok village, lunch, insadong market , seoul tower.
VIP experience
Glenn L,,Jan 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Chris gave us knowledgeable insights into Korean history, culture and way of life. The tour itinerary was excellent and was flexible if required.
Visit the ancient part of Seoul
ursula giustina,,Nov 11, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Chris Lee was a fantastic guide, very helpful and prepared. We visited all the most important historical places, he told me the highlights of Korean history, but in the meantime he updated me on contemporary topics as well. He understood perfectly what I wanted to see and even suggested places I had not planned, such as a delicious family restaurant to eat local cooked express dishes. As soon as I have the opportunity I will contact him to make another visit to the city in other areas. He drives his comfortable and spacious minivan carefully, which can accommodate even more people.
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Operated by Chris Hyosang Lee