Castle & Palace Tours

Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, established in 1395 as the main palace in the Joseon Dynasty. Meet your guide at Gyeongbokgung station and head to Gyeongbukgung Palace's main gate. Tap into your English-speaking guide's in depth knowledge of Korean history. Take some time to look around the palace and admire the architecture. Learn about the history and hidden stories of the largest palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Take photos of the locations where kings and queens once stood. Discover the influence the dynasty had on Korean society during its five centuries in power. End the tour at Gyeonghoiru pavilion, the event hall of the palace. Enjoy some time to explore the palace at your own pace after the tour.

Explore a piece of Korean history in a unique light on this night tour of the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. Discover one of the most well-known and loved UNESCO sites in Korea. Depart from Seoul and head to Suwon, the only completely walled city in South Korea. Enjoy some free time at a traditional market in Suwon or visit Hwaseong Haenggung Palace. 'Haenggung' stands for a temporary place where royal families stayed. Suwon Haenggung palace is the biggest of those. Enjoy the night views of this palace and take some great pictures.  Marvel at the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress which was designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Designed by the most inspiring ancient architect named Jeong Yak-Yong, the fortress is a fusion of science and industry and incorporates Chinese ingenuity into its plans. The whole fortress is beautifully lit up at night.  Learn about the Joseon dynasty's history including the fact that Suwon could've been the new capital of ancient Korea and that the king built the fortress to be closer with his dead father. You will be dropped off at the Myeongdong area, near the Lotte Hotel Seoul. July-Sep (Summer seoson) -18:30 PM Meeting at Sejong Hotel -Hwaseong Haenggung Palace (Monday: Motgol Market : Free time for dinner or snack) -Suwon Hwaseong Fortress -Drop-off at the Myeongdong area Oct-May -17:30 PM Meeting at Sejong Hotel -Motgol Market (Free time for dinneror or snack) -Suwon Hwaseong Fortress -Drop-off at the Myeongdong area

Take this private 4-hour walking tour to explore Seoul at your own pace with a customized itinerary. Select where you want to go and plan your route with your guide. Scope out the best places to visit during your stay, learn how to get into top restaurants and learn how to navigate the transport system. For history lovers, visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Samcheongdong, and Insadong. If you are more interested in the modern aspects of the city, go to Gangnam district, COEX, and relax by the Han River. For shoppers, visiting Myeongdong and Namdaemun Market is highly recommended.

this unique opportunity to take a walk inside a historical palace at morning/night and learn the history of the Daehan Korean Empire. The palace served as the royal quarters for 13 years, until the first and last Emperor Gojong struggled to get back sovereignty over the palace under the Japanese Occupation.  Explore the important milestones of modern Korean history in the middle of a beautiful sightseeing, surrounded by an architectural mix of Oriental and Western styles. Meet your guide at City Hall station and go through the main gate of the palace, Daehanmun Gate.  Follow your guide through Junghwajeon, the main throne hall, Seokeodang, the most beloved building of King Gojong, Hamnyeongjeon, the King's bed chamber, and Jungkwanheon Hall, the cafeteria where the emperor enjoyed his coffees. Feel free to stay behind after the tour to explore at your own pace and take some photos.

Spend the day exploring the best of Seoul, with your experienced guide. Stroll through the Insadong area, known for traditional goods and cafes. Listen as your guide describes historical stories of Korea. Learn about Hanguel, the alphabetic system used for writing the Korean language. Start your tour from Jogyesa Temple, the head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, and discover the history of the temple. Continue to Gwanghwamun Square and see the statues of King Sejong the Great, and Admiral Yi Sun-sin.  Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, established in 1395 as the main palace in the Joseon Dynasty. Walk under Gwanghwamun, the main gates of the palace. Take some time to look around the palace and admire the architecture. See Cheongwadae, the home of the President of the Republic of Korea, also known as the Blue House. Relax in this hidden area with views of the mountains surrounding it, before visiting a museum to learn more about Korea. Lastly, head to Tongin Traditional Market and marvel at the traditional Hanok houses in Seochon Hanok Village. Call into a traditional medicine place in Hanok and taste Korean herbal tea in this hidden gem.

Visit the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress on this guided tour, and admire a premier example of unique Korean architecture of the 18th century. Learn about the scientific, architectural and artistic aspects of Korea at that time. The fortress has become an icon of traditional Korean culture, and has become a popular tourist attraction. Built during the latter part of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), Suwan Hwaseong is widely considered among the region’s most impressive fortresses. And visit Hwaseong Haenggung Palace. The palace is located outside of Seoul, and was the king’s residence when he traveled, during times of war and when he visited the tombs. After lunch (Menu: Bibimbab, Naengmyon, Doenjang stew, Dolsotbab, Samgyetang, Bulgogi*minimum order of 2), visit the Korean Folk Village. A museum that depicts life in Korea as it was several centuries ago. As you explore, see blacksmiths, potters and weavers at work, and learn of the traditional trades by which Korean artisans used to make their living. Admire over 250 traditional houses and perhaps catch a performance of traditional folk music and dance at the amphitheater. At the end of the tour you’ll return to Seoul and be dropped off in the Myeongdong area. [Half day tour] • Pick-up from hotel • Suwon Hwaseong Fortress • Hwaseong Haenggung Palace • Drop-off in Myeongdong area [Full day tour] • Pick-up from hotel • Suwon Hwaseong Fortress • Hwaseong Haenggung Palace • Lunch • Korean Folk Village • Drop-off in Myeongdong area

Explore the wonderful night lights of Seoul with a professional guide and visit Deoksugungpalace which has a great view. Take in this unique experience and look at this ancient palace at night with beautiful lights.  Head to Han River and from Banpo Bridge, watch the beautiful rainbow fountain show which is available from April until October. From November until March you will visit Noeul Cafe at the Dongjak Bridge instead of the fountain.  Go to the man-made floating Island Sevit Seom with fancy lights. Find some great restaurants and bars to enjoy. Stop at the Naksan park where you can enjoy the night view of Seoul and fortress walls, which is famous for its great view and featured in many k-dramas and k-movies.  Have a calm walk looking down at the city's night view and listen to the history behind the walls. After enjoying the night views of Seoul, the tour takes you back to the Myeongdong area.

Your day will start with a pick-up from your hotel to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the most beautiful and remains the largest of all five palaces. (Tuesday: visit Changdeokgung place) Then, move to Bukchon Hanok village which literally translates to "northern village," where many traditional houses operate as cultural centers, guesthouses and restaurants. Walk to Samcheongdong lined with cafes, museums, antique shops and galleries where you can enjoy the art and shopping. Next, go to Ihwha Mural Village, located less than a 10 minute walk uphill from the buzzing Daehakno area. As you head up the slopes of Mount Naksan, the noise and crowds will give way to fresh air and gorgeous, expansive views of the city but also to something unexpected - street art. Lastly, your trip will end at Gwangjang Market, the nation’s first market. Although the goods are not brand name products, the wide selection of high-quality goods at inexpensive prices will make it an enjoyable shopping experience. The market is famous for the delicious foods so have lunch or some snacks.

• [Cheonggyecheon Stream] is an 11 km long modern stream that runs through downtown Seoul. Created as part of an urban renewal project, Cheonggyecheon is a restoration of the stream that was once there before during the Joseon Dynasty. • [Cheongwadae (The Blue House)] is the presidential residence of the Republic of Korea and is regarded as the heart of the nation. Cheongwadae Saranchae is a Korean presidential exhibition center, newly opened as of January 2010. (Mondays: only outside of the building) • [The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony] is a great opportunity to experience a rare traditional scene in Korea. Be sure to bring a camera to take lots of pictures. The guards’ splendid costumes, with their brilliant primary colors, are a real pleasure to see. • [Gyeongbokgung Palace] built in 1394 as the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) by its founder King Taejo, is the most comprehensive and grandest of the 5 palaces of the period. Gyeongbokgung, the oldest palace of the Joseon Dynasty, is located at the northern end of Seojong-ro Street. On its grounds stand the National Folk Museum of Korea, where visitors can browse the unique cultural and historical traits of Korea and the lifestyle of bygone days. • [Jogyesa] is located in one of the most popular cultural streets in Seoul, Insa-dong. Very close to the palace of Gyeongbokgung, it is the chief temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism (since 1936) and it plays a leading role in the current state of Seon Buddhism in South Korea. The temple was first established in 1395, at the dawn of the Joseon Dynasty; the modern temple was founded in 1910 and initially called "Hwanggaksa". • [Changdeokgung Palace (Mondays: Jongmyo Royal Shrine)] was used as the main palace by many Joseon Kings and is very well preserved. The palace was registered with UNESCO in 1997. • [Insadong] Experience art galleries, traditional craft stores, antique art dealers, traditional tea houses and restaurants. The perfect place in Seoul for visitors wanting to experience the traditional aspects of Korea. • [Namsangol Hanok Village (Mondays: Bukchon Hanok Village) ] is located between the tall buildings in the middle of a normal city with 5 restored traditional Korean houses, a pavilion, a pond and a time capsule. • [Sungnyemun Gate (Mondays: only outside of the gate)] normally known as the Namdaemun, is one of the Eight Gates in the Fortress Wall of Seoul, South Korea, which surrounded the city in the Joseon dynasty. • [Namdaemun Market] Just a few minutes from Seoul’s ancient Sungnyemun Gate is an open-air market of the same name. It is close to the downtown area and deluxe hotels, and it boasts the very best selection of merchandise in the nation. The market’s history traces back to the Joseon Dynasty and since then has become the main place to exchange daily products between urban and rural areas of Korea

You will be picked up from your hotel for this small group Seoul tour. On your way to see the first attraction, you will pass by Deoksugung Palace. This tour starts at Cheonggyecheon stream, an 11km (7-mile) long, modern public recreation space in downtown Seoul. In July 2003, then Seoul mayor Lee Myung-bak initiated a project to remove the elevated highway and restore the stream. One of the goals of the project were to restore the history and culture of the region, which had been lost for 30 years, and to revitalize the economy of Seoul. Next, visit the site of the royal garden of the Joseon Dynasty, Cheongwadae (The Blue House) - the executive office and official residence of the South Korean head of state, the President of the Republic of Korea. The Blue House is in fact a complex of buildings, built largely in the traditional Korean architectural style with some modern elements. You will stop by Cheongwadae Saranchae, a Korean presidential exhibition center, newly opened as of January 2010. The term 'Sarangchae' refers to a place designated to receive guests in a traditional Korean home. Normally, ‘Sarangchae’ stands as a separate building from Anchae where owners of the house stay. As the name ‘Cheongwadae Saranchae’ indicates, it is a separate building located in front of Cheongwadae. One of the highlights of this tour is a royal guard changing ceremony. It is a great opportunity to experience a rare traditional scene in Korea. Be sure to bring a camera to take pictures. Afterwards, you will continue to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of the 5 grand palaces built by the Joseon dynasty. The government ministry district and main buildings of Gyeongbokgung Palace formed the heart of the capital city of Seoul and represented the sovereignty of the Joseon Dynasty. The architectural principles of ancient China were harmoniously incorporated into both the tradition and the appearance of the Joseon royal court. The National Folk Museum of Korea is a national museum of South Korea, located within the grounds of the Gyeongbokgung Palace that uses replicas of historical objects to illustrate the history of traditional life of the Korean people. There are three permanent exhibition halls, two special exhibition halls, a shop and a reference room. Later visit Jogyesa, the chief temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It became this in 1936, thus playing a leading role in the current state of Seon Buddhism in South Korea. The temple was first established in 1395, at the dawn of the Joseon Dynasty; the modern temple was founded in 1910 and initially called Hwanggaksa. The name was changed to Taegosa during the period of Japanese rule, and then to the present name in 1954. Last but not least, at the end of this tour, you will be dropped-off at Myeongdong Lotte Hotel or Namdaemun market. Itinerary: • 08:30 Hotel Pick-up • The windows of tour ”Deoksugung, Sungnyemun, Seoul Station” (Tuesdays: no pass by Deoksugung) • Cheonggyecheon Stream • The main gate of the Blue House ‘Cheongwadae’ (Souvenir Photo) • Cheongwadae Saragchae (Mondays: only outside of the building) • Gyeongbokgung Palace, National Folk Museum and The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (Tuesdays: Deoksugung Palace and Royal Guard Changing) • Jogyesa Temple (Seoul Museum of History on Tuesdays) • 12:00 Drop off at Myeongdong Lotte Hotel or Namdaemun Market