Seoul City Full Day Tour-Gyeongbok Palace, Seoul Tower, Insadong

The Seoul City Full Day Tour offers visitors a chance to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of South Korea’s vibrant capital. From the awe-inspiring Gyeongbokgung Palace to the panoramic views atop the N Seoul Tower, this comprehensive tour showcases the city’s most iconic landmarks. Guests can also explore traditional Korean rituals and explore the bustling shopping districts of Insadong and Myeongdong. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, this tour promises an engaging and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, the Seoul City Full Day Tour promises to leave you with a deeper appreciation for the city’s captivating blend of ancient and modern wonders.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Full-Day Tours In Seoul.

Key Points

• This full-day tour highlights the must-see attractions of Seoul, including the UNESCO-listed Gyeongbokgung Palace, the panoramic views from N Seoul Tower, and the vibrant Insadong neighborhood.
• At Gyeongbokgung Palace, visitors can witness the changing of the royal guard ceremony and explore the grand throne hall and ornate architectural features.
• The tour includes a round-trip cable car ride to the N Seoul Tower observation decks, providing unparalleled 360-degree views of the city skyline.
• Participants can immerse in Korean cultural traditions, such as soju tasting, a traditional tea ceremony, and dressing in the colorful hanbok clothing.
• The tour also allows for exploration of local shopping destinations, including traditional markets, antique shops, and stores selling handcrafted goods and K-beauty products.

Tour Highlights

The Seoul City Full Day Tour offers visitors a chance to explore the ancient temples, experience Korean cultural rituals, and shop for local goods.

One of the highlights is the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gyeongbokgung Palace, which provides a glimpse into the country’s rich history.

Visitors can also enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the N Seoul Tower, accessible by a round-trip cable car.

Throughout the tour, the professional English-speaking guide shares insights and recommendations, ensuring a well-rounded experience.

The day also includes a lunch stop, where travelers can savor local cuisine.

With transportation provided and hotel drop-off at the end, this tour is a convenient way for first-time visitors to discover the best of Seoul.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

One of the highlights of the Seoul City Full Day Tour is a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that provides visitors with a captivating glimpse into Korea’s rich history.

This stunning 14th-century royal palace boasts magnificent architecture, intricate detailing, and beautifully landscaped gardens.

Visitors can:

• Witness the changing of the royal guard, a time-honored ceremony that showcases the precision and discipline of the palace’s elite guards.

• Explore the palace’s grand throne hall, where Korean monarchs once held court and conducted affairs of state.

• Admire the delicate beauty of the palace’s ornate pavilions, bridges, and other architectural marvels, each with its own fascinating history.

N Seoul Tower

N Seoul Tower, a prominent landmark in the heart of Seoul, offers visitors stunning panoramic views of the city from its observation decks. Towering at 236 meters (774 feet), the tower provides an unparalleled vantage point to admire Seoul’s iconic skyline and surrounding mountains.

Visitors can access the tower’s observation decks via a round-trip cable car ride, included in the tour package. From the top, they can enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the city and take in the sights of landmarks like Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Han River. The tower also houses various shops, restaurants, and a revolving platform, providing guests with a well-rounded experience.

Observation Deck	Height	Opening Hours	Admission Fees
Main Deck	236m	10:00 – 22:00	Adults: 14,000 KRW Children: 11,000 KRW
Top Deck	236m	10:00 – 22:00	Adults: 16,000 KRW Children: 13,000 KRW
N Lounge	109m	11:00 – 22:00	Free admission
Seoul Sky	500m	10:00 – 22:00	Adults: 27,000 KRW Children: 22,000 KRW

Korean Rituals

Throughout the Seoul city tour, visitors have the opportunity to experience authentic Korean rituals and traditions that have been passed down for generations. These rituals, deeply rooted in the country’s rich cultural heritage, offer a glimpse into the spiritual and ceremonial practices that have shaped the identity of the Korean people.

The tour highlights three distinct Korean rituals:

Soju Tasting: Visitors can partake in the traditional tasting of soju, Korea’s national distilled beverage, and learn about its historical significance and the proper etiquette for consuming this iconic liquor.

Tea Ceremony: Guests are invited to participate in a traditional Korean tea ceremony, where they can savor the delicate flavors of locally sourced teas and observe the graceful movements and precise steps involved in this time-honored practice.

Hanbok Dressing: Visitors have the opportunity to don the vibrant and elegant traditional Korean clothing known as hanbok, and enjoy the rich cultural tradition behind this traditional attire.

Local Shopping

As visitors explore Seoul’s vibrant cityscapes, they’ll discover an array of local shopping destinations that offer a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage and contemporary trends.

From traditional markets brimming with handcrafted goods to trendy boutiques showcasing the latest Korean fashion and design, these shopping experiences allow travelers to enjoy the dynamic retail landscape of the capital.

In Insadong, one of Seoul’s most iconic cultural hubs, visitors can browse antique shops, art galleries, and stores selling traditional crafts like ceramics, calligraphy, and embroidered textiles.

Meanwhile, neighborhoods like Myeongdong and Hongdae are renowned for their bustling shopping streets, where shoppers can find everything from K-beauty products to street food and quirky souvenirs.

Included in Tour

The Seoul City Full Day Tour includes several key attractions and experiences that provide visitors with a well-rounded introduction to the city’s rich cultural heritage. Travelers on this tour will visit the UNESCO-listed Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of Seoul’s most iconic royal landmarks, and enjoy a round-trip cable car ride to the top of N Seoul Tower for panoramic views of the cityscape. Plus, the tour includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and hotel drop-off service at the end of the day, ensuring a seamless and comfortable sightseeing experience.

The tour also features:

• Visits to ancient temples and opportunities to experience traditional Korean rituals
• Shopping for local goods in the vibrant Insadong neighborhood
• Recommendations for a delicious lunch with the group.

Meeting and Pickup

Travelers on the Seoul City Full Day Tour can be picked up from their downtown hotels or major subway stations, or they can meet the group at a designated meeting point.

This convenience ensures the tour is accessible to all participants, whether they’re staying close to the city center or need to travel from further away. The designated meeting area provides a central location for those who prefer to make their own way to the start of the tour.

Regardless of how travelers choose to join the group, the tour’s pickup and meeting options make it easy for first-time visitors to the city to experience Seoul’s top attractions in a seamless and hassle-free way.

Tour Reviews

With nearly 1,000 reviews praising its diverse itinerary and knowledgeable guides, the Seoul City Full Day Tour has earned a Badge of Excellence and a 5.0 rating, attesting to its popularity among first-time visitors to the city.

Travelers consistently highlight the tour’s ability to showcase the city’s top attractions, including the iconic Gyeongbokgung Palace, the panoramic views from N Seoul Tower, and the vibrant shopping district of Insadong.

The tour’s inclusiveness, with round-trip transportation, a guided tour, and a local lunch, is also widely praised. Participants appreciate the tour’s efficient organization, allowing them to maximize their time and fully enjoy the rich cultural experiences Seoul has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Wear for the Tour?

When going on a city tour, it’s best to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes. Layers are recommended to adjust to any changes in temperature throughout the day. Bringing a small backpack or purse can also be helpful for carrying essentials.

Can I Take Photos Inside the Palace?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside Gyeongbokgung Palace. However, there may be some restricted areas where photography is prohibited. It’s best to follow the guide’s instructions and be mindful of any signs or rules regarding photography within the palace grounds.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is suitable for children as it includes activities and sights that would interest them, such as visiting ancient temples and experiencing Korean rituals. The round-trip transportation and hotel drop-off also make it convenient for families.

How Long Does the Tour Last?

The tour lasts the full day. According to the details provided, the Seoul City Full Day Tour is a comprehensive sightseeing experience that covers top attractions and includes transportation, a guide, cable car ride, and lunch – making it a full-day excursion.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

While the standard tour itinerary is fixed, the tour provider may allow some customization options. Guests should inquire about the flexibility to adjust the tour schedule or focus based on their specific interests and needs.

Recap

The Seoul City Full Day Tour offers an enriching experience, immersing visitors in South Korea’s cultural heritage. From the grandeur of Gyeongbokgung Palace to the panoramic views atop N Seoul Tower, the tour showcases the city’s highlights.

Engaging in traditional Korean rituals and exploring vibrant shopping districts add depth to the experience. With its comprehensive itinerary and inclusions, this tour provides a well-rounded introduction to the wonders of Seoul.