Small-Group Royal Palace and Seoul City Tour (hotel pick-up)
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
Explore the highlights of Seoul on a full-day tour with an informative guide. Highlights include Jogyesa Temple, the Blue House, the Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony at Gwanghwamun Gate, and tours of Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Immerse yourself in traditional culture at the National Folk Museum of Korea, Insadong Antique Street, Namdaemun Gate, and Namdaemun Market. The tour includes entrance fees and hotel pickup in Central Seoul.
* Full-day Seoul tour with Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace
* View traditional shops and goods at Insadong Antique Street and Namdaemun Market
* Learn about Korean Dynasties when visiting two royal palaces
* Includes all Entrance fees, Local English-speaking guide, and Hotel pickup in Central Seoul
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Royal guard changing ceremony might be cancelled due to weather conditions
On Mondays, Changdeokgung Palace is closed and you will go to Bukchon traditional Hanok Village instead
On Tuesdays, the Gyeongbokgung Palace and National Folk Museum of Korea is closed, so you will go to Changdeokgung(including secret garden) and in the afternoon you will visit Bukchon Hanok Village instead.
This tour is proceeding with minimum 2 people
Starting from September 1, 2024, lunch will no longer be included. Due to the difficulty in providing a variety of lunch options, we have reluctantly made this change. Please understand that you will have free time for lunch in Insadong, where you can choose your own dining options.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Jogyesa Temple
Jogyesa Buddhist Temple is the center of Zen Buddhism in Korea, and is famous for being located in the city. From the busy streets of Jongno, follow the road towards Anguk Subway Station, and you will see Jogyesa Temple. The first things you will notice at the temple are the lovely trees. These locust trees and baeksong trees in front of the Daeungjeon, the main temple building, are about 500 years old.
Gwanghwamun Gate
Keep your camera handy for the changing of the guard ceremony at Gwanghwamun Gate.
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Hotel pickup in Central Seoul (Meeting time can be changed depends on each locations)
Local guide(English speaking)
Driver/Guide
Gratuities
Hotel drop-off (drop-off at the City Hall or Myeongdong only)
Lunch
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Small-Group Royal Palace and Seoul City Tour (hotel pick-up)
Pickup included
Reviews
1,551 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Main Sights Cultural Tour with an Expert Guide
Thomas S,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour of downtown Seoul was a positive experience, made even better by our guide, BK. His knowledge of the Korean dynasties and the history behind Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces was impressive, and his organization kept the day running smoothly without ever feeling rushed. I particularly appreciated BK’s flexibility, as he was happy to adjust the agenda to respond to a marathon event causing road closures and otherwise to cater to interests. With hotel pickup and entrance fees all handled, it was an easy way to see the city’s major highlights. I would offer feedback that I didn't find the ginseng museum particurally interesting, but it was only a brief stop with no pressure to buy anything. Was a place to find a bathroom while others shopped in the store. I recommend this tour to anyone visiting Seoul to get some of the main points of interest checked off.
No ginseng please.
Suzanne B,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Guide B. K was great. Just wish we had little more time at the museum and palaces. Ginseng place was a waste of time.
Great
Y7794IJkareno,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The experience and the explanation of everything has been very good. Sookhee is patient and kind. Thank you for this great day.
Packed tour
michaelabU682ZW,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Suki was Very knowledgeable told a lot of facts but more time to explore would have been good. Felt rushed in some areas
An amazing tour of culture and history
Peter C,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sookhee was a wonderful tour guide. She has so much knowledge to share and so much time for all the questions we had. Would really recommend, such a great experience
Lovely day at the palaces
martinad732,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lovely experience with Sookkhee and appreciated being picked up at our hotel.
Great Tour
547kylers,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Eddie was a wonderful tour guide. Had a short stay in Seoul and this was a perfect intro to the city and its culture.
Seoul Day
andreacashubec,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great overview of the city in a day. This tour provides the history of Seoul and takes you to some of the amazing highlights.
Mr. Young was an amazing...
Jennifer K,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Mr. Young was an amazing tour guide. He was funny and very knowledgeable about the history of Korea. We did and seen so much in just half a day! Highly recommend this tour!
Great way to see a lot of Seoul and its history in one day
DocSavage97,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Professional, friendly and packed with history. Our tour guide, Sookhee, was great! In addition to her encyclopedic knowledge of the sites, she effectively navigated our group of 9 through a very busy Saturday tour.
From US$68.00
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Operated by Seoul N Tour