Seoul Royal Palace,Bukchon Hanok Village & Gwangjang Market Feast
Description
Discover Seoul’s rich history, culture, and flavors on this guided tour. Start at Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional Korean neighborhood known for its scenic alleys and hanok house. Watch the iconic Guard Changing Ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace and explore the palace’s stunning grounds, filled with centuries of royal heritage. Pass by the Blue House, Korea’s former Presidential residence, for scenic views and photos. Then visit Cheongha Korean Ginseng Center to learn about Korea’s famous ginseng and its health benefits. End the tour at Gwangjang Market, Seoul’s oldest market, where you can taste local street food like bindaetteok and mayak gimbap. On Tuesdays, the tour visits Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Insadong, known for traditional crafts, art galleries, and street food, instead of Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Royal Guard Ceremony. This well-paced tour offers a perfect mix of heritage, cuisine, and local culture—ideal for first-time visitors.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Meeting Point 1: Meet your bus and tour guide at Myeongdong Subway Station Exit 8.
Meeting Point 2: Jump on our tour bus at Seoul City Hall Subway Station Exit 6
Immerse yourself in the allure of winding alleys and timeless Korean heritage in Bukchon Hanok Village! Discover vibrant local arts and crafts, savor tantalizing street food delights at an old market in central Seoul, explore majestic palaces, and immerse in the rich cultural tapestry of Korea.
Step back in time and feel Korea's beating heart at Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul. It's a 600-year-old wonderland packed with hundreds of charming Hanok houses from the Joseon Dynasty! Once the exclusive playground for top officials and nobles, this Northern Village now buzzes with real locals living in these traditional houses today. Wander and get lost in its secret alleys, but please be respectful of people's homes. Your adventure awaits!
(Every day except Tuesday) Pass by Gwanghwa Square in the heart of Seoul, a revitalized area featuring beautiful and relaxing spaces perfect for taking photos or resting. It is also often used for festivals or other outdoor organized events with pop-up stalls, displays, and performances. Whilst we head past, you can also see the large statues of Kim Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-sin, who are both monumental figures in Korean history.
(Every day except Tuesday) Stand in awe at Gwanghwamun Gate, the majestic main entrance to Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. Catch the electric Changing of the Guard ceremony, a vibrant reenactment from the Joseon Dynasty with guards in colorful traditional outfits marching to drum beats and salutes! Traditionally, the palace guards (Wanggung Sumunjang) served as a safety precaution during the Joseon Dynasty, being responsible for opening and closing the palace gates and inspecting visitors to the king. It's a thrill that brings ancient Korea roaring back to life. Get ready for goosebumps!
(Every day except Tuesday) Enter the majestic world of kings and queens at Gyeongbok Palace in Seoul, the grandest jewel of the Joseon Dynasty! Built over 600 years ago, this sprawling palace boasts stunning throne halls, secret gardens, and colorful pavilions that whisper tales of ancient royalty. Stroll through its vast courtyards and imagine the royal court's lively days. It's a must-see burst of history and beauty—pure magic! Note: On Tuesdays, Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony are replaced with visits to Changdeokgung Palace and Insadong.
(Every day except Tuesday) Catch a thrilling glimpse of presidential power as we pass by the iconic Blue House in Seoul. Once the heart of Korea's leadership, it sits dramatically perched against Bugaksan Mountain. This striking blue-tiled complex, which housed presidents from 1948 to 2022, now stands as a symbol of modern history. Its majestic exterior will leave you wide-eyed with wonder!
(Tuesdays Only) Unlock the serene secrets of Changdeok Palace in Seoul, a UNESCO World Heritage site from the Joseon Dynasty, built in 1405! Wander its elegant halls and pavilions that blend seamlessly with nature, where it served as the main royal home for over 200 years and 13 kings. It's a tranquil escape where emperors once dreamed, pure harmony and wonder!
(Tuesdays Only) Dive into the vibrant soul of old Seoul at Insadong, the ultimate hub for Korean traditions! Stroll this lively street lined with antique shops, handmade crafts, charming tea houses, and art galleries bursting with color. Pick up one-of-a-kind souvenirs and sip historic teas amid street performers. It's a fun, cultural playground you won't want to leave!
Stop by the Cheongha Korean Ginseng Center to uncover the magic of Korea's legendary ginseng and its time-tested health wonders. Called "insam," this prized root has energized generations with its natural boosts to vitality, immune strength, and fatigue relief. Dive into its story from careful growing and refining to blending into everyday wellness essentials. Plus, taste-test and snag top-quality goodies like potent extracts, soothing teas, and glowing skincare treats!
Ignite your taste buds at Gwangjang Market, Seoul's oldest and most buzzing food paradise since 1905! Dive into a whirlwind of sizzling street eats, including crispy bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), spicy tteokbokki (stir-fried rice cakes), and fresh kimbap (seaweed rice rolls), from over 400 vendors. Browse nearby stalls for vibrant hanbok fabrics, handmade crafts, and quirky souvenirs, too. It's a feast for the senses where locals and flavors collide in pure, joyful chaos!
Drop-off 1: Spend some extra time here and make the most of Gwangjang Market by finishing your tour here. Try some additional street flavors, take some extra time to purchase souvenirs, or browse local wear.
Drop-off 2: Hop off in Myeongdong, a lively shopping paradise famous for trendy beauty buys, stylish clothes, and mouthwatering Korean street eats. Swing by the stunning Myeongdong Cathedral, enjoy a lively traditional show, or dive into real-deal snacks like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and hotteok (sweet stuffed pancakes).
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(119)
We have Coco as our guide and Charlie our driver, bringing six of us in a comfortable vehicle around. Coco is very energetic and lively, she provide very informative tour around the palace, the village and market. I’m glad I manage to join the tour. Excellent and I recommend this tour for any visitors here in Seoul.
Dear Valued Customer, Greetings from VIP Travel. We are truly delighted to hear that you had a pleasant and memorable experience with one of our professional guides. We would like to express our sincere appreciation for taking the time to leave us a 5-star review. Your kind words and thoughtful recommendation mean a great deal to us. They not only encourage our team but also serve as a valuable reference for future travelers considering our services. We remain committed to providing exceptional service and unforgettable travel experiences. We sincerely hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you again on your next visit to Korea. With kind regards, Stella VIP Travel
5/5. Great tour city with our Guide Coco and driver Charlie. Between the royal palace, Ginseng muséum and Ganjong market, Coco was very kind and gave as a lot of historical and cultural aspects of the country. Big thanks and we do recommand.
Dear Valued Customer, Greetings from VIP Travel. This is Denisa. Thank you very much for taking the time to share your wonderful 5-star review with us. We are truly delighted to hear that you had such a pleasant and memorable experience during your tour with our professional guide. Your kind words and thoughtful feedback mean a great deal to our entire team. It is always rewarding to know that our efforts helped create an enjoyable and meaningful experience for our guests. Reviews like yours not only motivate our guides and staff, but also help future travelers feel confident when choosing our tours. Once again, we sincerely appreciate your support and we hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you again on your next visit to Korea. With warm regards, Denisa Experience the DMZ from Seoul with VIP Travel
Big up Max for all his help and support in today’s tour
Dear Customer. We are so happy that you had a wonderful tour with one of our professional guide. We appreciate a lot for your recommendation and your time to give us a 5-star review. 😊 Your comments will be very welcome to other customers and to us. Thank you for your valuable review and recommendation. Hope to see you again with VIP Travel in Korea. Kind Regards Stella
A great afternoon in the company of our guide Eva, who took us to visit the Seoul Palace with its history and architecture, a typical village with beautiful views, the Korean ginger museum that teaches us all its benefits, as well as a market where we can discover Korean culinary specialties. All of this in a friendly atmosphere.
Dear Customer. We are so happy that you had a wonderful tour with one of our professional guide. We appreciate a lot for your recommendation and your time to give us a 5-star review. 😊 Your comments will be very welcome to other customers and to us. Thank you for your valuable review and recommendation. Hope to see you again with VIP Travel in Korea. Kind Regards Stella
We had an absolutely wonderful tour with Coco and couldn’t have asked for a better guide! The tour was perfectly organized and gave us a fantastic introduction to Seoul. We visited the royal palace, explored the beautiful traditional Bukchon Hanok Village, learned about Korean ginseng at the museum, and finished at a vibrant traditional market full of delicious street food and local specialties. What really made the experience exceptional was Coco. She explained everything in a clear, engaging, and passionate way, bringing Korean history and culture to life. She was incredibly attentive, always making sure everyone was comfortable and taking individual needs and limitations into account. We never felt rushed and always had the opportunity to ask questions. On top of that, Coco shared so many valuable recommendations for the rest of our stay in Seoul—from great restaurants and cafés to places worth visiting. Those insider tips were truly appreciated and made the rest of our trip even better. If you’re looking for a knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely caring guide, we highly recommend Coco. Thank you for making our first day in Seoul such a memorable experience!
Dear Customer. We are so happy that you had a wonderful tour with one of our professional guide. We appreciate a lot for your recommendation and your time to give us a 5-star review. 😊 Your comments will be very welcome to other customers and to us. Thank you for your valuable review and recommendation. Hope to see you again with VIP Travel in Korea. Kind Regards Stella
Max is a friendly and nice guide; we had a great day, I recommend this excursion 100%.
Dear Valued Customer, Greetings from VIP Travel. We are truly delighted to hear that you had a pleasant and memorable experience with one of our professional guides. We would like to express our sincere appreciation for taking the time to leave us a 5-star review. Your kind words and thoughtful recommendation mean a great deal to us. They not only encourage our team but also serve as a valuable reference for future travelers considering our services. We remain committed to providing exceptional service and unforgettable travel experiences. We sincerely hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you again on your next visit to Korea. With kind regards, Stella VIP Travel
A thousand thanks to Eva for her explanations and her dynamism. A guided tour that I recommend.
Dear Valued Customer, Greetings from VIP Travel. We are truly delighted to hear that you had a pleasant and memorable experience with one of our professional guides. We would like to express our sincere appreciation for taking the time to leave us a 5-star review. Your kind words and thoughtful recommendation mean a great deal to us. They not only encourage our team but also serve as a valuable reference for future travelers considering our services. We remain committed to providing exceptional service and unforgettable travel experiences. We sincerely hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you again on your next visit to Korea. With kind regards, Stella VIP Travel
Fantastic discovery with a favorite for the palace tour.
Dear Valued Customer, Greetings from VIP Travel. We are truly delighted to hear that you had a pleasant and memorable experience with one of our professional guides. We would like to express our sincere appreciation for taking the time to leave us a 5-star review. Your kind words and thoughtful recommendation mean a great deal to us. They not only encourage our team but also serve as a valuable reference for future travelers considering our services. We remain committed to providing exceptional service and unforgettable travel experiences. We sincerely hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you again on your next visit to Korea. With kind regards, Stella VIP Travel
Coco is very available and provides excellent explanations. We recommend this tour.
Dear Customer. We are so happy that you had a wonderful tour with one of our professional guide. We appreciate a lot for your recommendation and your time to give us a 5-star review. 😊 Your comments will be very welcome to other customers and to us. Thank you for your valuable review and recommendation. Hope to see you again with VIP Travel in Korea. Kind Regards Stella
The excursion was great; Eva was very attentive and professional.
Hello, this is Stella from VIP Travel. Thank you for your time to leave us such a valuable review. We are glad to hear that you had a great time with our tour guide on your tour. Once again, appreciate a lot for your review and look forward to offering better service on your next trip.
