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, reach the main gate of The Blue House called as Cheongwadae and see into The Blue House standing outside of it (not allowed to enter into 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. And you will stop by Sarangchae (Except on Tuesday), a Korean presidential exhibition center which was newly opened as of January 2010. (*Since Cheongwadae Sarangchae is under renovation from Oct, 2023, we won't visit it during renovation)
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. * Gyeongbokgung palace will replaced to Deoksugung palace on Tuesday, as Gyeongbokgung palace is closed on Tuesday.
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.
At the end of this tour, you will be dropped-off at Myeongdong Lotte Hotel or Namdaemun market finally.
Itinerary:
• 08:30 Hotel Pick-up
• The windows of tour ”Deoksugung, Sungnyemun, Seoul Station” (Tuesdays: no pass by Deoksugung)
• Cheonggyecheon Stream
• Seeing into the Blue House at the main gate of the Blue House ‘Cheongwadae’.(Souvenir Photo)
• Visiting Cheongwadae Saragchae ( *Cheongwadae Saranche is under renovation from Oct, 2023.)
• Gyeongbokgung Palace, National Folk Museum and The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (Only Deoksugung Palace on Tuesday)
• Jogyesa Temple (Seoul Museum of History on Tuesdays)
• 12:00 Drop off at Myeongdong Lotte Hotel or Namdaemun Market