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
1,458 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Enriching Korean history tour
gisellemL5618EO,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sooki described the history of the Korea with great detail and ensured easy comprehension. She told mesmerizing stories that brought you right back to the Joseon dynasty, and each moment was worth cherishing. We visited all Kodak places in Seoul, and I feel very much satisfied by the end of the tour. I would definitely recommend this tour for anyone looking for traditional sights or are keen to learn more about Korean history!
Palaces tour in Seoul
Damián G,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Good selection of locations, good amount of time per location as well as free time, good logistics, timely pickup. Great guide (sooki or maybe even sugi I'm not sure of the spelling) gave us relevant info and stories
Seoul with Sokhee
tiffanywX8248AK,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a wonderful experience with Sokhee, who was a brilliant, funny and energetic storyteller and a great tour guide. Highly recommend!
Great experience even on a rainy and cold day
A5677HOpeggym,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a day tour in Seoul with my friend. It turned out that we have a private tour and Sookee was a wonderful tour guide. She was friendly and kind, helped us took a lot of photos even on a rainy and cold day. She was very knowledgeable and shared a lot of stories in Korean history with us. I would definitely recommend joining this tour!
First time in Seoul
Thomas W,,Dec 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide Lua was fantastic. Having a small group allowed for a more enjoyable and personal experience. The pace was good, and the places visited gave insight into Korean history. Would recommend this tour for a first-time visitor and very much recommend Lua, a friendly and knowledgeable guide.
Did the Seoul City Tour...
Camille B,,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Did the Seoul City Tour led be Yeoni. Got to see lots of sights in the day, though the itinerary changed a bit from what was booked. I appreciated that Yeoni had an optional arranged lunch during the “free time” in Insadong for those of us who didn’t want the hassle of finding our own lunch spot. I wish we had spent more time at the Folk Museum, that was the one part that felt rushed.
Great introduction to Korean history with some of the highlights of Seoul
Steven H,,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic tour worth every penny. Our guide Sokhi was incredibly knowledgeable, bringing the history of South Korea alive, and making me want to go on a deep dive to learn more. Thank you for your wonderful tour!
Great tour of Seoul
M373WIjoyc,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Suki was a wonderful guide today. Very knowledgeable and fun! We were given a wonderful tour of Seoul. We recommend taking this tour.
Efficient way to spend a day
Bryan D,,Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour of Seoul highlights! Mr Young was knowledgeable, friendly and funny. The small group format suited us and there was a good mix of guided and free time.
Wonderful and insightful tour
Catwomanon,,Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a wonderful experience today with Sookhee who is really nice and knowledgeable! I highly recommend and would do it again with her!
From US$68.00
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Operated by Seoul N Tour