Seoul: Oriental Medicine Healing Half Day Tour

Explore Seoul’s rich oriental medicine heritage on this immersive half-day tour. Explore the city’s oldest traditional market, sample local street foods, and uncover the evolution of coffee culture at the vintage-inspired Starbucks 1960 store. Then, venture to Korea’s largest medicinal herb and ginseng market, indulge in a traditional Korean massage, and experience an oriental medicine tea ceremony. The tour culminates with an interactive museum showcasing the principles and practices of this ancient healing tradition. Uncover the secrets of oriental medicine and gain a newfound appreciation for this integral part of Korea’s cultural tapestry.

Traditional Market Exploration

After meeting the guide at Jegi-dong Station, you will explore Seoul’s largest and oldest traditional market, where they can sample a variety of Korean street foods and witness the bustling energy of this historic commercial hub.

The market’s narrow alleyways are lined with stalls selling everything from fresh produce and homemade kimchi to traditional handicrafts and antiques.

Participants will have the chance to try local delicacies like tteokbokki, a spicy rice cake dish, and hotteok, a sweet pancake filled with brown sugar and nuts.

As they navigate the market, they’ll gain insights into the city’s modernization story at the Starbucks 1960 location, which showcases the brand’s evolution in Korea.

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Starbucks 1960 and Seoul’s Modernization

The tour then takes participants to the Starbucks 1960 location, where they’ll discover how the brand has evolved in Korea and gain insights into the city’s modernization story. This unique Starbucks store provides a glimpse into Seoul’s rapid transformation from a traditional, agrarian society to a dynamic, global metropolis.

Visitors can:

1. Learn how Starbucks adapted its offerings to cater to local tastes and preferences, reflecting the changing consumer culture.
2. Explore the store’s vintage-inspired decor and design, which pays homage to Seoul’s architectural heritage while embracing modern elements.
3. Understand how the rise of coffee culture in Korea has paralleled the country’s economic and social development over the past few decades.

This stop offers a thought-provoking contrast to the traditional market experience, illustrating Seoul’s dual identity as a city that honors its past while enthusiastically embracing the future.

Medicinal Herb and Ginseng Market

From the bustling traditional markets, the tour then takes visitors to explore Korea’s largest medicinal herb and ginseng wholesale market, offering a glimpse into the country’s rich heritage of traditional medicine and wellness practices.

Visitors wander through the labyrinth of stalls, surrounded by the alluring scent of dried herbs and the hustle and bustle of vendors. They’ll discover a vast array of traditional medicinal ingredients, including the renowned Korean ginseng, which has been used for centuries to promote overall health and vitality.

The guide provides insight into the significance of these natural remedies in Korean culture and how they’re incorporated into various traditional therapies, such as herbal teas and acupressure massages.

Traditional Korean Massage Experience

Participants then enjoy a traditional Korean massage experience at the Oriental Medicine Center, where skilled therapists utilize ancient techniques to promote overall well-being.

The massage experience includes:

1. Acupressure massage, which targets specific pressure points to alleviate tension and improve circulation.
2. Herbal poultice massage, where heated herbal pouches are applied to the body to relieve muscle soreness and inflammation.
3. Ginseng oil massage, leveraging the rejuvenating properties of this renowned Korean herb to nourish the skin and revitalize the senses.

After the massage, guests are treated to a soothing traditional Korean tea ceremony, further enhancing the holistic healing experience.

Immersive Oriental Medicine Tea Ceremony

Following the traditional Korean massage, guests then enjoy a serene tea ceremony that showcases the holistic principles of Oriental medicine.

Skilled tea masters guide participants through the intricate preparation and presentation of a selection of premium Korean teas, each infused with restorative herbs and botanicals carefully chosen for their therapeutic properties.

Guests learn about the cultural significance and medicinal benefits of each tea as they savor the aromatic blends and experience the calming ritual.

The tea ceremony provides a peaceful respite, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the ancient wisdom and time-honored traditions that underpin Korea’s rich Oriental medicine heritage.

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Interactive Oriental Medicine Museum Visit

After the serene tea ceremony, the tour moves to the interactive Oriental Medicine Museum, where guests can enjoy the rich traditions and cutting-edge applications of this centuries-old healing practice.

Visitors explore engaging exhibits that explore the fundamental principles, practices, and history of Oriental medicine, gaining insights into how this holistic approach to wellness has evolved and endured.

The museum features three key interactive experiences:

1. A hands-on station where guests can learn about the diagnostic techniques of pulse and tongue analysis.

2. An immersive display showcasing the medicinal properties and preparation of traditional herbs and botanicals.

3. An interactive display highlighting the latest advancements in Oriental medicine, from acupuncture to herbal therapies.

Tour Highlights and Inclusions

The tour highlights an engaging exploration of Seoul’s vibrant culture, blending the city’s rich history with its modern transformation.

Guests embark on a journey through the bustling Namdaemun Market, the largest and oldest traditional market in the capital, where they can savor the flavors of authentic Korean street food.

The experience continues at the Starbucks 1960 store, which offers a unique glimpse into Seoul’s modernization story.

Afterward, participants explore Korea’s medicinal heritage at the country’s premier herb and ginseng wholesale market.

The tour culminates with a traditional Korean massage, tea ceremony, and interactive visit to the Oriental Medicine Museum, providing a holistic understanding of the country’s wellness practices.

Meeting Point and Getting There

The tour begins at Jegi-dong Station, Exit 2, where participants should meet their guide, who’ll be holding a Tripper sign, at 2:30 PM.

Getting to the meeting point is straightforward:

• From Jegi-dong Station, simply take Exit 2 and look for the Tripper guide.
• The station is well-connected, with easy access via subway lines 1, 2, and 5.

Participants are encouraged to arrive a few minutes early to ensure a smooth start to the tour.

Once the group is assembled, the guide will lead the way to the first stop on this immersive exploration of Seoul’s traditional markets and oriental medicine heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This Tour Suitable for Vegetarians or People With Dietary Restrictions?

The tour is suitable for vegetarians and those with dietary restrictions, as it includes sampling Korean street foods and experiencing traditional Korean tea, which can be accommodated. The tour guide is able to cater to various dietary needs.

Can I Book This Tour as a Private Group or With My Family?

Yes, this tour can be booked as a private group or with your family. The tour operator offers private group bookings for up to 10 participants, providing a more personalized and exclusive experience.

What Should I Bring With Me on This Tour?

For this tour, it’s recommended to bring comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothing, a small backpack or purse, and any necessary personal items. Bringing a camera is also suggested to capture the sights and experiences along the way.

Is the Tour Guide Available to Answer Questions in Other Languages?

The tour guide is available to answer questions in multiple languages, not just English. Participants can expect the guide to be accommodating and able to communicate effectively with those who do not speak English as their primary language.

Are There Any Physical Activity Requirements for This Tour?

The tour does not have any strenuous physical activity requirements. Participants can expect a leisurely walking pace to explore the markets and Oriental Medicine Center. There are no hiking or fitness prerequisites to join this half-day tour.

Recap

This immersive half-day tour in Seoul offers a unique opportunity to explore Korea’s rich Oriental medicine heritage.

Visitors will venture through the city’s oldest traditional market, discover the evolution of Seoul’s coffee culture, and explore the world of medicinal herbs and traditional Korean massage.

The tour culminates with an Oriental medicine tea ceremony and an interactive museum experience, providing deep insights into this ancient healing tradition.

You can check if your dates are available here: