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‘s Included
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Hotel pickup in downtown
Professional guide(English or Chinese)
Fuel surcharge
Lunch
Gratuities
Hotel Drop off Service
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
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!
Options
Half Day Seoul Trip-Afternoon
Pickup included
Half Day Seoul Trip-Morning
Pickup included
Reviews
177 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
So much for that
Donald M,
Jun 12, 2025
- Viator
3.00Reluctance to pick us up at our hotel as per ticket agreement was more than annoying but finally was resolved the day of our tour. Wife enjoyed the temple but the ginseng marketing and sales pitch forced us to exit while the final pitch was being delivered. Thank god we only booked half a day. Our tour guide stated that Koreans had hot tempers and were impatient. That describes today best.
This tour was a waste of...
Lauren R,
Jun 9, 2025
- Viator
3.00This tour was a waste of time. The guide was great but the company needs to redo this tour. You go into a ginseng museum that’s treated like Fort Knox, only to be given a sales pitch to buy ‘real’ ginseng.
Great tour guide
Adam A,
May 19, 2025
- Viator
5.00K was a great tour guide. Her generosity and kindness was amazing. Her detailed information about each place we visited was thorough and detailed. Highly recommend her
Judy was fantastic, she...
Alan O,
May 14, 2025
- Viator
5.00Judy was fantastic, she was knowledgeable and interesting without being boring. Her energy level and enthusiasm made the tour wonderful.
Last Minute Tour on Last Day in Seoul!
Rinalissa D,
Mar 22, 2025
- Viator
5.00This tour is very educational. I am a K-Drama junkie and loves historical ones. This tour gave me a glimpse of what is real vs reel. Diane is very knowledgeable and has answer to my questions. She’s very polite, courteous and welcomes all questions. Mr Chris, the driver, is an asset. He knows all the short-cut to go around the heavy traffic due to being a weekend plus the demonstrations. THANK YOU, Diane & Mr Chris.
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