Tours/Seoul/Walking Tour with Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon, Insadong
Viator · group up to 15 pax

Walking Tour with Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon, Insadong

5.0(6)Seoul1 hour
VIATOR5.0(2)TRIPADVISOR5.0(4)

Description

On this 4-hour small group your, you may learn about the deep history and culture of Korea by exploring Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Get in-depth knowledge of how the royal family lived and ruled. You will visit the National Folk Museum. (located inside the palace) Here, you can learn how the ordinary people lived during the Joseon Dynasty. Next, explore the winding alleys of Bukchon Hanok Village. The houses here are built in the unique "Hanok" style of architecture.  The village houses unique guesthouses, cafes, workshops, restaurants, museums, and galleries. Finally we will take a 20~30minute walk to Insadong for lunch and traditional tea at a traditional tea house. Note: This tour does not include any compulsory shopping stops

Tour Options

English Guide
Japanese Guide

Itinerary

Pass by

Meet your guide at Subway Line 3, Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit 5 (9:30 am) Subway Line 3, Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit 5

Admission not included90 min

Explore the grand Gyeongbokgung Palace, a magnificent symbol of Joseon Dynasty grandeur.. Aside from the palace grounds, the National Folk Museum and National Palace Museum are both located inside the palace and worth a look. Gyeonbokgung Palace is the oldest and grandest of Seoul's five palaces. It was built in 1395 and known as the "North Palace" due to the fact it is located the furthest north of the five palaces. Highlights: Main Throne Hall (Geunjeongjeon): Witness the grandeur of the official residence of the king, where important ceremonies and state affairs took place. National Folk Museum: Explore the museum within the palace grounds, showcasing artifacts representing traditional Korean life. Gyeonghoeru Pavilion: Admire the beauty of this elevated pavilion surrounded by water, used for important state banquets. Hyangwonjeong Pavilion: Discover the serene pavilion situated on an artificial island in a pond, offering a picturesque view of the palace.

Admission not included20 min

Shift to Bookchon village (~ 11:20 am) Arrive in Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional Korean village.

40 min

Bukchon Hanok Village ( ~ 12:00pm) Explore the winding streets of Bukchon Hanok Village and marvel at the beautiful homes and shops built in the traditional hanok style. This village is renowned for its well-preserved traditional Korean houses, known as hanoks, offering a unique glimpse into the city's rich cultural heritage.

60 min

Walk into Insadong to restaurant ( ~ 1:00 pm) Continue your walk to Insadong Insadong Street & Lunch (Own Expense) At Insadong, you can visit shops selling traditional goods and enjoy lunch and traditional Korean tea, gaining in-depth knowledge about Korean history and culture. We will have an authentic Korean lunch(Guests pay directly on site on the day of the tour:12000KRW~15000KRW). Choose from either kimchi stew, bibimbap (rice with vegetables & spicy red pepper paste), or nangmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles). Other meal options may be available. Please consult your guide. After your delicious meal, we will make our way to a traditional tea house to enjoy a nice cup of traditional tea (Guests pay directly on site on the day of the tour: 10000KRW). From there, everyone will go their separate ways full of knowledge and a full stomach.

Pass by

Depart from Jongro-Gu( 1:30pm) Please consult your guide. The guide will assist with meal ordering and then leave. Guests are free to enjoy their meal and settle the bill at their convenience before leaving. From there, everyone will go their separate ways full of knowledge and a full stomach.

Highlights

Local guide
Entrance fee
Personal audio earphones

What's included

Included
Local guide
Entrance fee
Personal audio earphones
Not included
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Lunch

Traveller Ratings

5.0
6 reviews
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Important Information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • One passport number from the group is required to confirm this booking
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund

Reviews(6)

A
Adam F
May 27, 2026
Best way to see the palaces!

A wonderful experience in Seoul! We got to do everything and see everything while being informed. Needless to say we highly recommend.

K
Karen_R
December 16, 2025
Wonderful Experience!

JH was wonderful! We thoroughly enjoyed getting to know him, and the background information he provided us about Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon and Insadong was very insightful. He helped us in the Insadong shops with translation and also introduced us to a great Korean BBQ restaurant we would never have found on our own. And, with an unexpected yet perfect finishing touch, JH sent us candid photos he'd taken of us throughout our time together which turned out better and meant more to us than the posed shots we took! A truly great experience.

W
William_H
March 25, 2025
Great guide and a nice way to see the old city

Bomi was great. She was patient and answered all our questions about the palace and Korean history. We saw the whole palace as well, which was nice. Our walk through town was interesting and well paced. The final stretch through Insafdong was great. Bomi found us a great little local lunch place and helped us order. Recommended.

C
cameronlH4788VV
September 26, 2024
Amazing Tour in Seoul

Bomi was truly an amazing tour guide. I was by myself with my 1 year old daughter and she was so helpful in lending a hand and going at a slow pace for us. She had incredible knowledge on Korean history and was great at navigating the city for us. Would 100% recommend for your next trip!

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_L2130GM
September 2, 2024
An amazing half-day experience in Seoul

Our guide, Bomi, was very kind and attentive. It was amazing that such a rich tour could be had for such a cheap price. We were able to leisurely walk around and comfortably see the palace and antique streets. If I have another chance, I will definitely choose a walking tour again to see a different part of Seoul.

B
bbgsim
April 23, 2018
one of the best guides

Kris did an excellent job showing us the sights, sounds and most importantly, tastes of Seoul and the surrounding areas. for 4 days, he walked with us, ate with us and explained the history and culture of the places we visited. extremely grateful he took so many photos because they'll go a long way in preserving the wonderful memories. he went out of his way to ensure we were happy and satisfied, even bringing us homemade treats (very yummy) after a casual conversation about where to buy dried fruit. we tend to join private tours whenever we visit a country for the first time and Kris ranks as one of the best guides we've had the privilege to encounter on our travels.

2 people found this helpful

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