Private Tour
Tour Seoul’s oldest district with a storyteller from Bukchon
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
I launched the Bukchon Storytelling Tour in February 2025, and I’ve been grateful for the amazing support from guests worldwide. Now, I’m offering my final tour sale of the year.
Please note: the tour may be canceled if fewer than 2 guests join.
Get ready… the alleys have been waiting to tell you their secrets.
Launched in February 2025, this walking tour takes you through Bukchon, the heart of Korean politics, economy, and culture from 1392 AD to the 1980s. Guided by a storyteller born and raised in Bukchon—now a filmmaker and university screenwriting professor—you’ll explore the rich layers of Seoul’s history on foot.
This tour is strongly recommended for participants aged 12 and above, to ensure the best possible experience for all guests.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
While we welcome everyone, please note that the storytelling walking tour may be challenging for children aged 12 and under. We kindly recommend that they refrain from participating.
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Traditional Korean handicraft experience (available with the Plus Tour only)
Professional guide from Bukchon
Travel Insurance
Hotel pick-up service
Personal expenses
Coffee and/or Tea
What To Expect
Unhyeongung
When the king dies without a crown prince, an 11-year-old royal boy born and raised here becomes the 26th king of Joseon. For the next 10 years, the boy's father would rule the country from here. Learn about the fascinating history of Unhyeonggung Palace and marvel at the outstanding architecture of the time.
Admire historic architecture from 600, 100, and 50 years ago and learn the stories behind them.
Options
Bukchon Plus: Craft & Secrets
Experience hands-on traditional Korean crafts and visit one of the most beautiful hanoks — and more.
Duration: 3 hours: Includes a traditional handicraft workshop and extended hidden hanok walk
Bukchon Classic Walk
Discover hidden paths and beautiful hanok in Bukchon — a peaceful stroll through Seoul’s living history.
Duration: 2 hours: A guided walk through Bukchon’s quiet alleys and traditional hanok
Reviews
23 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent Tour
Lisa S,
Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent tour. Wonderful guide. Love that guide grew up in neighborhood and had stories to link past and present. Nice pace. Relaxing pace. Didn’t feel rushed. Highly recommend.
Personalized tour with...
Adam B,
Sep 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Personalized tour with insightful local expert! I would recommend to anyone looking to book a bukchon tour.
Dong was a wonderful...
Virginia J,
Jul 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Dong was a wonderful guide, we had a great experience! I highly recommend this tour! He lived in Bukchon as a child, so he has knowledge and personal experience that other guides might not have.
Fantastic tour from a storyteller who grew up in the neighborhood
G6556PWjamesg,
Jun 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Dong's tour was incredible. We loved all the historical insights and Korean cultural references that he walked us through. Dong's tour was very special since he grew up in the neighborhood; I feel like he could give us much more context than other tour guides. He told us about local stories and history that could only be explained by growing up in the neighborhood. Also, he would say things about the historical significance of a building and then in the same breath, point out that his best friend grew up in that other house; it was so cute. I do not think you could book a better tour guide for the neighborhood.
Bukchon with a real one
John C,
Jun 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Dong was an amazing guide in Bukchon today. His vast knowledge of the area - he grew up in Bukchon - coupled with his enthusiasm for the culture makes this a must see tour. We toured palaces and listened to not only historical knowledge of the Joseon period but Dong was able to deliver specific tales of the daily life of the palace itself. It pays to have a guide with this experience. Do yourself a favor and choose the craft option as well for this tour. I was able to make a “Hopae” with a local artisan and now - if I’m ever thrown back to the Joseon Dynasty, like in the K-Drama “Mr. Queen” - have proper identification. 😁 Thanks again, Dong, for an informative tour of your neighborhood.
Excellent Day
Lindsey D,
Jun 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an excellent time with our guide showing us Bukchon and the surrounding area. We loved making the traditional Hopae tags and learning about his time growing up in the town.
This tour was a valuable...
JohnMa,
May 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was a valuable opportunity to speak with someone who personally grew up in the area in the not-too-distant past. Dong has a wealth of first-hand knowledge and anecdotes about what the neighborhood was like (before its relatively recent transformation into a popular tourist destination) and the dramatic changes that have occurred over the years. Would recommend booking this excursion if you're interested in digging deeper into the history, culture and daily life of the area.
Dong was an excellent...
Marguerite D,
May 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Dong was an excellent guide! Extremely knowledgable and personable. It really was a "hidden" tour that included much quieter (and still important) features in Bukchon.
What a fantastic walking...
Sara R,
Apr 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00What a fantastic walking tour of Bukchon! Without our guide, Dong, I would’ve totally missed out on the fascinating stories and hidden gems behind the traditional architecture. His insights brought the neighborhood to life in a way that made every alley feel like a time machine. If I get the chance, I’d love to come back on my own, soak in the atmosphere, and enjoy a quiet cup of tea somewhere in this beautiful place.
Top time 🌝✨
Alexis C,
Apr 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Donghwan was a top guide 🌟, he introduced me, through stories, not only the “back in the day” Seoul but the new-vibrant one. Also he gave me extra recommendations and tips to keep enjoying the city according my interests. Plus a short-film to watch during my flight home 🌝✨ 감사합니다 🙏
-20% off
From $39.20Was $49.00
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