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
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!
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
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.
My daughter and I spent 9 days of this amazing trip in South Korea. Our main guide, Mr. Jade Kim, was absolutely amazing and made sure that we experienced a true taste of Korean culture, nature and cuisine. His insights and assistance only served to enrich the experience. The travel arrangements made were fantastic. It was well organized and they truly tried to curate a trip that reflected what we were seeking to get out of it.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Private Tour
Age Range
1-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Seoul, Busan, Gyeongju, Jeju, Ha
Seoul, Busan, Gyeongju, Jeju, Hahoe Folk Village, Andong, Jeju island