Is it your first time exploring Korean history and culture? If you are a visitor to Seoul, join us for an exciting tour showing you that this bustling city has a lot to offer!
Start your tour with a visit to Jogyesa Buddhist Temple, the center of Zen Buddhism in Korea, famous for being located in the city. 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.
The tour also visits Gyeongbok Palace, built in 1395, which is arguably the most beautiful and the grandest of all the five palaces. Every day, visitors to Gyeongbok palace can watch a re-enactment of the changing of the royal guards' ceremony, which takes place at the Gwanghwamun and Heungnyemun plazas. The royal guards of the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910) were in charge of protecting the gates of the capital city and the royal palace.
The newly opened Cheongwadae Sarangchae, which opened to the public on January 5th, 2010, is a history center that gives visitors a chance to follow in the footsteps of presidents of Korea and gain insight into the history of Seoul. It encompasses the past, present and even the future of Seoul as well as the entire nation
We'll also visit Insa-dong, the most reliable place to purchase antiques in Seoul. Here you may browse antique shops, art galleries and second-hand bookstores.
Next up on our Seoul City tour is another traditional market, but this one is entirely different from Insadong. Gwangjang Market comprises around 5,000 vendors and is one of the oldest and largest in Seoul. It was also the first permanent market in Korea.
What better way to end our Seoul City Tour than a ride up to Seoul Tower on the iconic Namsan Cable Car.
This well-known Korean landmark offers captivating views of Namsan Mountain and downtown Seoul as you ascend the 605-metre-long cable to the top.
The complete itinerary for the day is as follows:
Hotel pick up - Jogyesa Buddhist Temple - Changing of the Guard Ceremony - Gyeongbok Palace (Deoksu Palace Tuesday only) - pass by the Presidential Blue House - Cheongwadae Sarangchae (National Palace Museum of Korea on Tuesday only) - Insadong Arts and Crafts Market (Free time for lunch) - Gwangjang Market - N Seoul Tower (including observatory and round trip cable car) - Drop off at Myeongdong or City Hall
In 6 days, we saw a mix of urban city, traditional palaces and Hanok villages, cathedral and temples, a lively
night market, some shopping, a National Park, and the coastal city of Busan. We ate very well enjoying typical Korean dishes for lunch, like samgyetang, bibimbap, bulgogi, ssam, and one pasta & pizza lunch for variety. Our guide Helena was fluent in English and Spanish so we could understand all the interesting information easily. Helena took good care of us, and though it was not included, she made extra effort to help our group find a clinic for Covid-19 PCR test after arrival in Korea. Her fun personality made us very comfortable too. And there was no pressure to shop at special stores with a ”discount” for tour groups. Our hotel in Seoul was the Marriott Times Square which was excellent. The Ramada hotel in Busan was less impressive but alright for a one night stay. I did not enjoy Daegu City and its oriental medicine museum which was too specific for my interest. However we had the chance to try on Korean hanbok dress for free in the museum. Overall, it was a quick trip that was a very good introduction to South Korea.
Korea surprised us in the best way! Seoul was vibrant, the food was amazing (hello, Korean BBQ!), and the countryside was stunning. The trip was so well-planned!
PRIVATE TOUR: From bustling Seoul, embark on an unforgettable journey through South Korea, where ancient history and modern vibrancy collide. Uncover the rich cultural heritage of Gyeongju, and venture through the portside city of Busan. Marvel at the natural wonders of Jeju Island and gain insights into the nation's complex history at the fascinating DMZ.
PRIVATE TOUR: Explore Seoul, the cosmopolitan and vibrant capital of South Korea. See the changing of the guard at the ornate Gyeongbokgung Palace and wander through bustling Insadong, take in the traditional architecture of Bukchon Hanok village and travel to the fascinating Demilitarized Zone on this 5 day city break.
PRIVATE TOUR: Discover the highlights of captivating South Korea, the 'Land of the Morning Calm'. Explore Seoul - the nation's vibrant capital city before heading south to see the sights of cultural Andong and Gyeongju - the historical heart of the country.
For those seeking a shorter Asian getaway, "From Seoul to Hiroshima" presents an 8-day city sightseeing tour from Seoul to Hiroshima, with stops including Busan. Perfectly tailored for seniors, this trip provides all the essentials—accommodation, transport, and meals—so you can focus on the highlights. The notable advantage is its efficient itinerary, offering an immersive experience of both South Korea and Japan within a compact, easy-to-navigate package.
PRIVATE TOUR: South Korea is rich in tradition, culture and natural beauty. Starting in the nation’s bustling capital, Seoul, travel south through the rolling tea plantations of Boesong to the ‘Treasure Island’ of Namhae and bustling port city Busan, before exploring ancient Gyeongju and the spectacular towering granite peaks of Mount Seoraksan. Discover the wonders of South Korea in 12 memorable days!
The "Classical Korea and Japan End Tokyo" tour is a 14-day city sightseeing journey from Seoul to Tokyo that’s perfect for those seeking an easy-paced, immersive adventure. Seniors will enjoy visits to Matsuyama, Mount Koya, Jeonju, and six other destinations, with all accommodations, transport, and meals provided. The tour’s unique selling point is its cross-cultural blend, offering travelers the chance to experience both Korean and Japanese traditions in one seamless trip.
City sightseeingWalking tours
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Seoul, Tokyo, Mount Koya, Kyoto
Seoul, Tokyo, Mount Koya, Kyoto, Jeonju, Busan, Hiroshima, Matsuyama, Kobe
I took this tour with my 26-year-old daughter as a belated graduation gift and it turned out to be one of the best things we've done together. We both love Asian food, history, and culture, but neither of us wanted to deal with figuring out trains or language barriers. This tour was the perfect solution.
Seoul was great. The subway system is clean and easy, and we loved how our guide gave us the confidence to use it ourselves. Seeing Deoksugung Palace and the tsunami-shaped City Hall was such a unique contrast. My daughter is into history, so the War Memorial really moved her. I was more fascinated by the traditional hanok homes in Jeonju.
Busan was cool and coastal. That view of the ocean behind the shrine was unforgettable. The ferry to Japan was surprisingly relaxing. We played cards, had snacks, and watched the sea.
Japan felt more spiritual to me. Miyajima and the Itsukushima Shrine were beautiful, and Hiroshima gave us a lot to think about. The hot springs at Dogo Onsen were so soothing after long days of walking. And I have to say that the bullet train ride to Tokyo? My daughter was giddy like a kid in Disneyland!
We both agreed that the night at Mount Koya’s monastery was something we’ll remember forever. Quiet, peaceful, and a total change of pace.
If you're thinking about bonding time with a loved one, this tour gives you experiences you’ll talk about for years.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Seoul, Tokyo, Mount Koya, Kyoto
Seoul, Tokyo, Mount Koya, Kyoto, Jeonju, Busan, Hiroshima, Matsuyama, Kobe
Your journey begins in Seoul, wherein you will visit Deoksugung Palace, sitting along the western-styled buildings showcasing a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Explore Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional Korean village; and Gyeongbokgung Palace, a 1395 palace located in the heart of Seoul. The journey continues to Jeonju through Suwon, wherein you will visit the intriguing Samsung Innovation Museum. Walk around the fascinating Old Town of Jeonju with tiny houses, and the next day leave for Busan. On the way to Busan, visit Haeinsa temple, which is one of the most significant Buddhist temples in South Korea. In Busan, visit a 14th-century Buddhist temple- Haedong Yonggung Temple, and take a walk in Yongdusan Park. Your tour in South Korea ends here as you leave for Shimonoseki in Japan with an overnight ferry. On reaching Shimonoseki, you depart for Iwakuni and visit its unique Kintai-Kyo Bridge, later continuing your journey to Hiroshima. In Hiroshima, tour the Peace Memorial Park and Peace Memorial Museum, telling stories of the horrifying nuclear attack. The next day, you will travel to Matsuyama on Shikoku Island and take a cable car ride up to a 400-year-old Matsuyama castle. Continue your journey to Kobe, and on the way, experience walking on the glass floor of the Great Naruto Bridge. The following day brings you the most memorable experience of this trip. You leave for Osaka, followed by reaching Mount Koya, wherein you will spend a night in the monastery experiencing a Zen meditation session and experiencing the monk way of life for a night. Finally, travel to Kyoto and go on a city tour to visit the Shinto Shrine of Fushimi Inari, the Imperial Palace, and the Kinkakuji temple before one of our best Japan tours comes to an end.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Seoul, Kyoto, Jeonju, Busan, Hir
Seoul, Kyoto, Jeonju, Busan, Hiroshima, Matsuyama, Kobe, Mount Koya