Small-Group Royal Palace and Seoul City Tour (hotel pick-up)

Overview

Available languages

English

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‘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

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

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.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Gwanghwamun Gate

Keep your camera handy for the changing of the guard ceremony at Gwanghwamun Gate.

20 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Small-Group Royal Palace and Seoul City Tour (hotel pick-up)

Pickup included

Reviews

4.87

1,403 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

1276

The highlight was the...
Phyllis R,
Oct 29, 2025
- Viator
4.00
The highlight was the changing of the Guards Royal palace.Wasted alot of time at courtyard of house in Seoul talking about history of this residence. The trip to the market was very brief so could not get into shopping. In conclusion,not worth the money. Usually I am impressed with Viator but this trip to Korea & Japan their guides & tours were sub par.
Very poor experience!
Maria F,
Oct 27, 2025
- Viator
2.00
I was looking forward to the experience, but I was very disappointed. The guide did not provide any context about the places before we arrived, and he explained almost nothing about the history of Seoul or the palace. At each stop, he gave a brief explanation and then allowed 20 to 30 minutes of free time, which was barely enough to use the restroom. The weather was cold, which didn’t help either, but I was expecting much more from this tour. I’m planning to revisit these places with a better guide.
Great Guide Young
Kee T,
Oct 24, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Our Guide Young was fantastic in organizing and timing during the tour. He gave us brief history and was humorous on tour introduction.
Good tour!
Thasanai M,
Oct 22, 2025
- Viator
5.00
It was a good long tour. We get to see a lot but on the end they drop us off at the shopping mall we have to find a way to get back ourself.
Great city tour
Marlee W,
Oct 20, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Our guide Mr Young was very knowledgeable and funny. I had a great day exploring Seoul and learning about the history. We had plenty of free time to wander and explore as well.