Best Things to Do - Half Day Seoul Trip (Seoul Palace & Temple)
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Our Seoul City Half Day Tour is a complete and effortless experience. Just be sure to have your camera charged because you’re about to go on an unforgettable journey! You will be in the capable hands of our licensed tour guide who is available to answer any questions at any point, so feel free to ask away!
Are you looking to dive into Korea’s history and culture? Then our Gyeongbok Palace tour is the perfect choice for you! Don’t miss the chance to follow in the footsteps of royal history, see the President’s home, and witness an iconic ceremony!
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
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
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
* Please note that Gyeongbok Palace is closed on Tuesdays, so it will be substituted for pretty Changdeok Palace. 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) It was first destroyed during the Imjin War between 1592 and 1598. Then, Imperial Japan destroyed a large portion of Gyeongbokgung Palace in the 20th century. The palace, however, has been restored time and again, and is now close to its former splendor! 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!
What‘s Included
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Professional guide(English or Chinese)
Fuel surcharge
Lunch
Gratuities
Hotel Drop off Service
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
Options
Half Day Seoul Trip-Morning
Pickup included
Half Day Seoul Trip-Afternoon
Starting points:
City Hall Station, Seoul, South Korea
Myeong-dong, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
Reviews
191 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A wonderful trip
Global02600733645,,Feb 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Crystal introduce lots of culture of Korea deeply, excellent!!!
Palace Tour
jorgefW5568TD,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide Kelly was very knowledgeable and friendly. Her English is fluent and she has great recommendations.
Great for quick visit
thomascQ5925IM,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sunny was great. Fun and informative trip. Seeing the changing of the guard was a real highlight. Would recommend for those only in Seoul for a short time
Half day view of Korea
280paulinen,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00K is superb guide ! Would highly recommend the tour. The places covered and time spent at each location is just right. Happy New Year to all !
Great Value and Experience
thelmap9193,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Buddhist temple and the ginseng museum were the most memorable parts. I loved the experience of praying in a traditional temple and being able to share that with my daughter. The tour guide was also knowledgeable about each of the locations and was very good about keeping us on time while making the most of the experience. The fee was reasonable because it covers admission fees to all the locations and the transportation between locations.
The palace was fantastic!
Jackie A,,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Our guide Gabby was fantastic. We enjoyed visiting the temple, but it was during a service so visiting inside was discouraged. The palace was excellent and they timed it so we could see the changing of the guard. Their uniforms and flags were very interesting and beautiful. The tour ended with a visit to the gensing museum. While informative, they really wanted to sell their products to everyone. I would have gladly skipped it. We originally booked an afternoon tour but were contacted the day before requesting we attend in the morning and offering to pick us up at our hotel. This was lovely. Unfortunately they dropped us off 45 minutes later than the tour's posted end time which put us late to check out of our hotel.
Half Day Tour
Passenger18872694966,,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great insights into every part of the tour which was really cool. Transport really clean and warm. Alice very friendly!
Best tour!
Whatwegoingtodotoday,,Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time! Our tour guide was great! She was very knowledgeable and went at our paces. She answered all our questions. Our driver was good and very safe!
The greatest guide experience!
752mikaelr,,Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My hosts had arranged a half-day tour of Seoul with Sunny. She was the nicest and most hospitable guide I’ve ever met and was so knowledgeable about everything from ancient Korean pottery to kimchi making and the best shopping areas! Very highly recommended if you are even the least curious in this fascinating city.
Explored Seoul in Comfort
av blank fairy,,Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The pick-up point was very convenient (City Hall metro stop, next to Seoul Plaza Hotel), easy to reach by metro. Our tour guide was Judy and, apart from her impeccable organisational skills, she definitely has got people skills, making us feel comfortable throughout the tour. Knowledgeable of the Korean history and an excellent narrator. Many thanks to Judy and the rest of VIP Travel team.
From US$30.00
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