Private Tour
Private Seoul Highlights – Palaces, Bukchon, Markets & K-Drama
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Enjoy a private walking tour with a licensed local guide who brings Seoul’s history and culture to life through engaging stories and conversation.
Flexible itinerary (2–7 hours), allowing more time at your favorite places.
Opportunities to experience local neighborhoods and traditional markets.
Explore K-drama filming locations and contemporary Korean culture.
Personal recommendations for nearby restaurants, cafés, and optional experiences based on your interests.
Ideal for solo travelers, couples, and small groups seeking an authentic and relaxed Seoul experience.
Entrance fees, meals, and optional activities are paid directly by guests.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
After booking, please let me know the areas or places you would like to visit. I will help customize a walking route based on your interests and pace for a relaxed and personal experience.
You can contact me via WhatsApp, KakaoTalk, Viber, or email. Please make sure to provide the correct contact information.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Gwanghwamun Square
At Gwanghwamun Square, your local guide will introduce the history of the Joseon Dynasty and the stories of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-sin, showing how this square connects Korea’s past with modern life. You’ll feel the city’s energy and can choose a nearby local restaurant to enjoy a meal alongside Seoul’s office workers.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Discover hidden beauty with your local guide, who will lead you to the best photo spots and share fascinating stories about Korean history and culture. Watch a colorful reenactment of the royal guards’ loyalty and devotion at Gyeongbokgung Palace. Wearing a hanbok is another authentic experience — your guide can recommend a nearby rental shop (additional cost applies).
What‘s Included
Local tips and restaurant recommendations
Hidden local spots and photo locations
English-speaking licensed guide
Transportation, entrance fees, meals, and gratuities
Travel insurance
Options
Seoul Full Culture Tour (7H)
-Seoul Hilights Tour, Your way: Customized 7-hour walking tour. Tea and lunch breaks can be arranged upon request (meals and drinks at guests’ own expense).
Duration: 7 hours
- Like a local Korean: Indulge in K-history and culture: K-dramas, K-cosmetics, and K-food — and spend a day like a local in Korea.
- Public Transportation: Public transportation may be used during the tour, at the guest’s own expense (local bus fare is approximately USD 1).
Seoul Deep Culture Tour (5H)
- Essentials + Hidden Gems: A customized 5-hour Seoul highlights tour featuring history, culture, and local experiences.
- Where to Eat Like a Local: Tea and lunch breaks can be arranged upon request (meals and drinks at guests’ own expense).
Seoul Culture Express (2H)
Two hour Essentials: - Start the tour at Gwanghwamun square and walk to the Gyeongbokgung palace.
Tuesday Tour: - Gyeongbokgung palace is closed on Tuesdays. Alternate palace will be suggested by your tour guide.
- Where to Eat Like a Local: At the end of the tour, your guide will recommend local restaurants for you to enjoy on your own after the tour.
Seoul Culture & Local Life 4H
Seoul Highlights 4 Hour Course: - Seoul Royal palace plus more. Time travel to Joseon dynasty or feel the K-drama vibes with your tour guide.
Duration: 4 hours
- Standard: The above is a sample itinerary and can be customized upon request.
- Where to Eat Like a Local: At the end of the tour, your guide will recommend local restaurants for you to enjoy on your own after the tour.
Seoul Culture & Hidden Gems 6H
- Authentic Locals: Customized 6-hour walking tour. Tea and lunch breaks can be arranged upon request (meals and drinks at guests’ own expense).
Duration: 6 hours
- 6 Hour Seoul Highlights: Itinerary can include Royal palaces, bukchon hanok village, Namsan Tower, Local markets or Hidden Gems.
- Public Transportation: Public transportation may be used during the tour, at the guest’s own expense (local bus fare is approximately USD 1).
Seoul Culture & History (3H)
- Taste of Seoul: A short and sweet 3-hour tour to sample Seoul’s highlights and local vibe.
- Sample route: Namsan Tower visit/ Namsan Sky Forest trail. Or From a palace to Gwanhwamun square & enjoy lunch like a local office workers
- Where to Eat Like a Local: At the end of the tour, your guide will recommend local restaurants for you to enjoy on your own after the tour.
Reviews
31 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great knowledge and delightful company!
P2725BTsylviak,,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Stella had an exceptional knowledge about the Gyeongbok palace and surrounding area. She shared with us rare and special insights (incl. photo zones) not known to many. Her anecdotes and historical narrative made the tour much more fun and engaging. Moreover, her friendly smile and warm manner made her a delightful company. Stella’s recommendations on restaurants and key places to visit were an absolute winner as well.
An Unforgettable Day in Seoul
Mxnji,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Stella made my trip to Seoul such an unforgettable experience. As a Korean American, I always wanted to visit Korea and reconnect with my cultural roots, but I didn't know much about it. I learned so many things from her about history, current trends, and contemporary culture in Korea. She is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about what she is doing. I would highly recommend her tour program to my friends and family back home. She is a kind-hearted person to spend a day with. If you want to spend a special day in Seoul, I recommend this tour!
Knowledgeable, professional and warm
carolinejclark,,Jan 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Stella's knowledge about the region and Korean history is outstanding. I also appreciated her read of our group, she quickly picked up what we would find interesting and tailored our tour accordingly with warmth and professionalism. I highly recommend Stella!
Excellent Tour
Simon F,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour. Stella was an excellent guide - very friendly and informative. I had visited Gyeongbokgung palace several times before but learned and understood so much more on this trip. She took us to an excellent restaurant for lunch.
Amazing!!
Cruiser32410095960,,Dec 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was amazing!! Big shoutout to Stella — she was absolutely fantastic! Super knowledgeable, super friendly, and made the whole tour so much fun and personal. She shared tons of cool stories too. I’d totally recommend this tour!
Informative and Well-Organized Walking Tour
Compass04583730680,,Dec 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I joined a walking tour with Stella, and the experience was well organized and informative. She provided clear explanations of Korean history, culture, and the areas we visited, making it easy to understand even for first-time visitors. The walking pace was comfortable, and the route was efficient. The tour covered key sites without unnecessary detours, and the timing was well managed. Stella was also flexible in adjusting the itinerary based on our interests. Overall, this was a practical and educational walking tour led by a knowledgeable guide. I would recommend it to travelers who want a clear overview of the city and its historical background.
This was seriously one of...
Silvia G,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was seriously one of the best tours I’ve had in Seoul! A friend recommended it to me, and it turned out even better than I expected. Stella was so sweet — she even sent me a welcome message on WhatsApp before the tour! Everything was really well-organized and full of interesting stories and history. Thanks a lot, Stella! 🌟
What a truely amazing experience!
ryanhQ9072CS,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I toured Korea’s major attractions with a foreign friends during their visit, and this tour exceeded our expectations. Although I could have guided them myself, having a professional licensed guide made all the difference. The explanations were clear, well-structured, and delivered in a fun and engaging way, making Korean history and culture truly come alive. Both my friend and I found the experience extremely valuable and enjoyable. Highly recommended!
Loved the tour with Stella ♡♡
934sunheej,,Dec 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I joined the tour in December, and it began with our guide Stella’s warm and friendly smile. Her deep knowledge of history, paired with fun and engaging stories, made the four hours fly by. If I take another tour in the future, I’ll definitely choose Stella again.
A great mix of history and everyday Seoul
Eunji J,,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I recently joined the Royal Palaces & Hidden Gems Tour with Stella, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences of my trip to Seoul. Stella guided us through not only the major royal palaces but also small hidden spots that only locals would know about. Our group was very small, which made the whole experience feel like a customized private tour. Stella adjusted the pace, recommended photo spots, and shared stories based on what we were most interested in. Instead of feeling like a commercial tour, it felt like exploring the city with a knowledgeable local friend. This tour is perfect for travelers who want more than standard sightseeing—those who want to feel the real Seoul through its history, stories, and lesser-known corners.
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