Private Tour
Full-Day Seoul Highlights Private Guided Tour
Overview
Available languages
9 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Discover the vibrant heart of South Korea with our Seoul City Highlights Tour. Start at the grand Gyeongbokgung Palace, home to the Joseon Dynasty, and witness the mesmerizing Royal Guard Changing Ceremony. Wander through the traditional 'Hanok' houses of Bukchon Village, before exploring the artful alleys of Insadong Street, brimming with tea houses and galleries. Immerse in the culinary delights of Gwangjang Market, sampling local flavors. Conclude with a panoramic night view of Seoul from Namsan Tower—an unforgettable encounter with Seoul's cultural tapestry.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The listed amount of time that will be spent at each site is an estimation. You can adjust as you like, as long as the touring day ends within the 9.5 hours listed.
During your day, you will spend about 1 hour moving from location to location. You will also have about 1 to 1.5 hours for a stop for lunch. All told, everything will add up to 9.5 hours total.
If there happens to be time leftover after visiting all the attractions, your guide will be happy to take you to an additional location(s) in central Seoul. Any subsequent entrance fees or parking are not included and paid by you on the spot.
Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed on Tuesdays. It will be replaced by Changdeokgung Palace on Tuesdays.
The shops at Gwangjang Market is closed on Sundays. The food stalls and restaurants will be open.
The cable car and observatory are optional at Namsan Tower and not included. If not taking the cable car, you can either walk or take a bus to the base of the tower.
Infant seats for children 3 and under are available on request, but subject to availability. Please contact us to make sure we have one available on your tour date.
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
All Fees and Taxes
Entrance Fee (Gyeongbokgung Palace)
Licensed Guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
Lunch
Snacks
Insurance
Gratuities
Namsan Tower cable car (optional 16,000KRW)
Namsan Tower observatory (optional 21,000KRW)
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Known as the "Palace of Shining Happiness," Gyeongbokgung Palace is the largest and most iconic of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. Visitors can marvel at its intricate architecture, colorful murals, and beautiful gardens. Don't miss the changing of the Royal Guard ceremony, which takes place multiple times a day. You can also explore the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum, both located within the palace grounds. Expect to spend around 1.5 hours here depending on how in depth of a tour you want.
Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village is nestled between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace is a must-visit for a glimpse into traditional Korean culture. It boasts well-preserved Hanok houses (Korean traditional houses) that date back to the Joseon Dynasty. Wander through the narrow alleyways, enjoy tea and snacks in charming teahouses, and visit one of the many cultural centers or museums to learn about Hanbok (traditional clothing) and other Korean crafts. For a more immersive experience, visitors can even book a stay at a Hanok guesthouse. Plan to spend around 1 to 1.5 hours exploring Bukchon Hanok Village.
Options
Seoul Pick Up & Drop Off
Pick up and drop off at your accommodations in Seoul.
Pickup included
Reviews
42 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Kori- Tour Guide Nov 14.2025
O8587VLgracen,
Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kori - Travel guide Nov 14, 2025 November 2025 Kori was an exceptional tour guide during our visit to Korea. He was knowledgeable, warm, and extremely attentive to everyone’s needs. His explanations were clear and engaging, and he made each location meaningful and enjoyable. Because of his professionalism and genuine passion for sharing Korean culture, our experience was truly unforgettable. I highly recommend Kori
Exceptional Tour Experience with Kori on 11/14/2025!
Edith S,
Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an outstanding experience with our tour guide, Kori. He was incredibly patient with our group of seven and shared so much insightful knowledge, not only about Korea’s history, but even photography tips, which our Instagram-loving group really appreciated. He always drove safely, and the van was clean, comfortable, and very well maintained. Kori is caring, kind, and truly attentive. He left us with such a positive impression of how warm and welcoming Koreans are. We felt taken care of from start to finish. We also want to thank our driver on the last day (11/15/2025)who brought us to Incheon Airport. Even though he didn’t speak much English, his kindness and warm smile made us feel calm and at ease. Overall, the service was exceptional and made our trip even more memorable. Highly recommended!
Amazing tour of Seoul
H9565KUlindaf,
Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great 8 hour Seoul tour with James. He was very accommodating, flexible and pleasant. Definitely recommend this tour!
Travel like a VIP
S5538LNbartm,
Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If you want a true VIP experience, hire this guy! Always punctual, extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and fluent in English. He goes the extra mile without being asked and always with a smile. The taxi was luxurious and well-equipped, stocked with cold water on hot days, umbrellas for both sun and rain, and even sunscreen when we forgot ours. Highly recommended, you absolutely won’t regret it! He greeted us well-prepared and had even researched our home country beforehand. I’ve never felt so welcomed in any foreign country. Travel in comfort, style, and learn a lot along the way! I honestly cannot give him enough stars to reflect the quality of his service!
Mr Korry Is the guide who gives you a VIP experience in Seoul
lindav105,
Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our first two days are already behind us. This guide-driver gave us a true VIP experience. He immediately took my mobility limitation into account. Always provided water, and the taxi was always very clean. He gave us excellent explanations about everything. He showed us right away where the best spot was to stand, for example during the changing of the guard. He also pointed out the best places to eat. In short, a very good experience with Korry. We would definitely request him again if we ever return to South Korea.
Good guide in South Korea
berlerzipi,
Sep 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We traveled for 6 days with Kori in a tour from Seoul to Yeosu. KORI is a very professional guide, kind, considering and knowledgeable. We had a good and interesting time with him.
Highlight of our Seoul Trip!
annaaC8564TH,
Aug 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kory is an impressive tour guide who shared interesting historical and cultural information about Seoul throughout the tour. He is also a great photographer and will get you to every location quickly. My family and I got to see many different areas of Seoul; best day ever!!
Thank you Korea Tour Company for a wonderful vacation!!!!
steveoG9925HS,
Jul 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Korea Tour Company handled our family reunion in Seoul of 10 people for all airport transfers and two full-day guided tours. All I can say is they were absolutely fantastic in all aspects of planning, organization, follow-up and execution. Going with Korea Tour Company truly made our experience special - we didn't have to worry about anything. Our tour guide, Lisa, was absolutely top-notch. Albert and Grey were a pleasure to work with - cannot say enough good things!
Great day in Seoul!
hkX5422MS,
Jun 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked a tour with Korea Tour Company for 1 day in Seoul. The guide was excellent and made the most of our 1 day. We are happy that we booked with them and would book again.
Excellent experience
yossifr33,
May 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Upon returning to Israel filled with wonderful experiences, we would like to thank you, Albert and Gray, for organizing our trip to Korea. Everything was perfect — the guides, Chris, Mia, and Eric, were fantastic: knowledgeable, professional, and, above all, always willing to help with the small but meaningful things that made a big difference to us. The driver was excellent and courteous. The entire itinerary was perfectly planned and matched our expectations exactly. We are truly grateful to you for providing us with such an amazing experience in beautiful Korea.
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Operated by Korea Tour Company