Bike tour, Travel back in time to Old Seoul
Description
*Don't worry about hot summers! Our experience begins as the sun goes down to enjoy cooler temps & sunsets* Join us as we embark on a journey through time & experience Seoul during our Joseon Dynasty! You'll hear fascinating stories about unique palaces and learn the WHY & HOW Koreans are the way they are today! Many people travel to Seoul, but not many get the chance for a close look at the Joseon era that is right in the center of Seoul Seoul is the city of palaces. It is the only city that has 5 ROYAL palaces from a single era. How can you not experience that?! Ready to travel back in time? No time machine or super powers Just bikes! Our experience not only offers history at every turn, but you will also experience streets food and unique alleyways enjoyed by locals. You'll be able to view local cafes, boutiques, and more! We want to encounter Seoul not only through it's rich history but also through the eyes of locals *Tours conducted by a passionate UCANKOREA team member
Tour Options
Itinerary
Do you know the word Feng Shui? this stream is where Korean ancestors chose as main water for the capital! Until 1960, this was surprisingly different than what it is now that homeless people, beggars and gangsters used to live here. How about now? It's man-made stream loved my locals located right in the middle of sky-scrappers (banks and investment companies) What a change!
Can you guess where rich & powerful people live now? Koreans would say Gang-nam or Han-nam. How about one dynasty before now? It was central Seoul where we will meet and take a journey together! The area with this city-hall, all the power was centered. We will see what happened together, Let's go!
Can I take a moment to pull myself together before I start talking about here? because this place is attached to the end of Joseon era. Our last king had lived here and People had to let this kingdom fade away. Because of this, the next place has interesting city legend/myth.
We love this stone-wall street not because it makes you feel clear change of each season such as cherry blossoms in spring, bright green in summer, and autumn leaves in fall but also city legend that people say you will break up with your lover if walking down here. Why? because this has farewell feeling coming from the historical fact that we finished the previous era right here. Don't worry! It doesn't count as we don't walk but ride a bike. and you don't mind breaking up with me.
Will you be surprised if I say Korea has tons of churches & cathedrals? This area has beautiful and peaceful vibe with the first-built western churches from enlightenment movement at the end of Joseon era.
How will you feel if you are left alone in Seoul age of 18 years old? Gwanghae did a great job during Japanese invasion in late 16C and finally became the King. However! insecurity coming from his origin that he was the son of concubine badly got him. the stress and pressure from his young age. and somehow, building this palace was the biggest mistake he ever made. Do you want me to continue?
Who do you think you are? Yes! you must be one of the most successful people as you pass this square that was power center back then! Who do we see here? the 2 most respected historical figures of Korea. this two characters will give you some life lesson!
Just by pausing at the entrances of each of the palaces, We can feel the energy of the era and view the architecture and beauty from 600 years ago. Are you ready to greet each palace that has a different story? According to the theory, this palace explains why Kim, Lee and Park are the 3 most common family names in Korea. and it is quite fascinating. Let's check it out together
You are not here only for history, Are you? We'll also see how local hang out and spend their day by going through small alley ways full of cafes, boutiques, and restaurants. Local way is always worth it
*There will be plenty of conversation at each stop, we’ll rest and admire the locations. *In case of bad weather, it will be replaced by a walking tour. Are you excited to know all the fascinating stories about each palace of the dynasty that ended ONLY 114 years ago? History tells us HOW and WHY Koreans are the way we are NOW. Besides Seoul, no other city in the world has 5 ROYAL palaces from a single dynasty Seoul is the city of palaces. How can you not experience that. Are you ready to travel back in time? We don't have a time machine or super powers But we have bicycles! There are many people traveling to Seoul, but not many people get the chance to have a close look at the Joseon kingdom that is right in the center of Seoul On this tour: 1. Explore the history by getting a glimpse of the palaces across Seoul 2. Feel like a local at every turn, experiencing the mosaic of modern skyscrapers and nature 3. Enjoy locals' street foods
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(9)
The biking is easy and safe. We got to see Seoul thru history and see where the palaces are. Hyan knew his stuff and was freindly and helpful. (also patient as we were late). Thoroughly recommend
Very fun, interesting and informative bike tour with Sangwoo as guide. Super nice, observant and cordial. Pace was fine and Sangwoo told us a lot. We thought he was an excellent tour guide.
Our guide Sangwoo was enthusiastic to show us around the city of Seoul. He was pleasant, informative and easy to speak with. He even allowed us to defer the trip for one day when our plane was delayed and a list of the places we saw. The bikes were easy to ride.
Great bike tour! We loved Sangwoo, he was such an awesome guide! It was a easy going bike ride that was so enjoyable in the Fall. Getting to ride through Seoul seeing the sights and taking in the history was a great experience.
Great sunset bike tour in Seoul! It’s a great mix of city and place exploring! Our guide was incredible and fun! A great experience!
I thought it would just be a simple bike ride and that's it, but it turned out to be something totally different — in a really good way. It felt more like a time-travel tour on two wheels. We rode through places where the royal family used to live, and heard stories about the old kingdom, the war, and how the city changed over time. It gave me a new perspective on Seoul. Passing by the palaces, we also got to hear some fun and even a bit scandalous stories about the kings, which made the tour feel more alive and not too serious. We started when the sun was setting slowly, so the weather was nice and cool — perfect for biking. I'd definitely recommend this to friends or family visiting Korea!
I had an amazing bike tour in Seoul with Hyun as my guide! We rode through the city, and it was such a refreshing, unique, and fun way to explore. Hyun made sure everything felt safe, relaxed, and enjoyable from start to finish. He was super friendly, professional, and full of interesting stories about the places we passed. It truly felt like biking around the city with a local friend who knows all the best hidden spots. I had so much fun on this tour that I ended up booking another one with him, a customized tour! That’s how great the experience was. If you’re looking for a unique and active way to see Seoul, I highly recommend doing a bike tour with Hyun. Seriously, he is the best tour guide in Seoul!
Good knowledge and gentle cycle. Not strenuous. Got a bottle of water and a Korean doughnut from food market. Not too filling though and was expecting more food and time in the market. However, drop off bike was close to market and got pin locations to go back later in the day.
Thank you for sharing your feedback! We’re happy to hear you enjoyed the gentle cycling and the local treats along the way. We appreciate your comments about the food and market time — we’re always looking for ways to improve the experience. Thank you again for joining us, and we hope to welcome you back for an even better tour next time!
The tour was quite good overall. Especially suitable for those interested in history. Our guide Sangwoo was really trying very hard. At the end there were two traditional street food stops.
Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the tour, especially the historical parts. Sangwoo will be very happy to know you appreciated his efforts. We hope the traditional street food stops were a fun way to end the day! We’d love to welcome you again in the future.
