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
199 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Tour with Crystal
innaz883,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was very interesring and informative. Our guid, Crystal, took care of the group very well making sure noone gets lost even though some places were crowded.
They had me with quotes and after they had several days without confirming me, they wanted to change dates,
133josemanuelb,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00They had me 5 days with quotes, and then I changed the dates and flights
Perfect tour, perfect guide!!!
rebekahr512,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Eva was a wonderful guide. The half daytour was perfect for pur family. We highly recommend.
Perfect tour of Seoul if you’re short on time.
Connie G,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Perfect overview of historic Seoul if you’re short on time. K was a very thorough and knowledgeable guide. I would recommend skipping the Ginseng Shop.
Best Tour Ever!!
M4789MLbrianb,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Eva and Jayk were great. They were fun and engaging. Very educational.
Eva is the best tour guide!
C5614RXjayg,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Eva was incredibly knowledgeable, welcoming, and fun to tour with! She was the best tour guide and we are all so happy we came on this trip!
So much fun!
Connor F,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a very fun and informative Tour. Kelly was an excellent tour guide and was always willing to take great pictures for us or answer any questions. I most definitely recommend this tour!
Not As Expected
Phil in BC,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00We were not advised in advance that this was joining a full day tour at the halfway point. We felt out of place. The pick-up was awkward: picked up by driver who spoke little English and made to sit and wait in an empty tour van (at the very back!) with no explanation, then surprised to meet with a tour in progress. The guide on the tour was good and the 3 locations we visited were wonderful but, the weird start threw us off. The guide arranged for our transportation back to subway as we had to leave before last tour stop. Had we known all this, might have been better with a private tour. We really liked what we saw of Seoul.
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.
From US$30.00
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