Small-Group Royal Palace and Seoul City Tour W/ Lunch

Exploring Seoul’s rich cultural heritage can be an immersive and rewarding experience, and this small-group tour offers an excellent opportunity to dive into the city’s dynastic past. Visitors will have the chance to witness the grandeur of the Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palaces, observe the captivating changing of the royal guards ceremony, and explore the artisanal traditions of Insadong and Namdaemun Market. With a knowledgeable local guide leading the way, this tour provides a well-rounded introduction to Seoul’s highlights, making it an ideal choice for first-time visitors and cultural enthusiasts alike. But the tour offers more than just a glimpse into the past – it also…

This experience made our list of the 11 Best Lunch Experiences In Seoul.

Key Points

• This small-group tour explores the highlights of Seoul, including two UNESCO-listed royal palaces, Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung.
• Visitors can witness the changing of the royal guards ceremony at Gwanghwamun Gate and learn about Korea’s dynasties and traditional culture from a local guide.
• The tour includes browsing traditional shops and goods at Insadong Antique Street and Namdaemun Gate and Market.
• Included in the tour are hotel pickup, lunch, entrance fees, and drop-off at City Hall or Myeongdong.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible but is stroller-friendly and located near public transportation.

Tour Overview

This small-group, full-day Seoul city tour typically explores the highlights of the city, including Jogyesa Temple, the Blue House, Gwanghwamun Gate, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Insadong Antique Street, and Namdaemun Gate and Market.

Travelers will learn about Korea’s dynasties and traditional culture from a local guide. The tour includes hotel pickup, lunch, entrance fees, and drop-off at either City Hall or Myeongdong.

However, it’s not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with heart/medical conditions.

The royal guard changing ceremony may be canceled due to weather, and on certain days, alternative sites may be visited instead of the regularly scheduled palaces.

Tour Highlights

The tour highlights include visiting two UNESCO-listed royal palaces: Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace.

Travelers will also witness the changing of the royal guards ceremony at Gwanghwamun Gate, explore traditional shops and goods at Insadong Antique Street and Namdaemun Market, and stop at the Korean Ginseng Center.

The tour provides a comprehensive look at Seoul’s cultural heritage, including:

• Exploring the grand Gyeongbokgung Palace and the serene Changdeokgung Palace
• Witnessing the impressive changing of the royal guards ceremony at Gwanghwamun Gate
• Browsing the traditional crafts, antiques, and street food at Insadong and Namdaemun
• Learning about the renowned Korean ginseng at the dedicated center

This small-group tour offers an immersive experience into Seoul’s iconic landmarks and time-honored traditions.

Tour Inclusions

The small-group Seoul city tour includes hotel pickup from central Seoul locations, a local guide to provide insightful commentary, and a satisfying lunch. Bottled water and all necessary entrance fees are also covered, ensuring a seamless and comprehensive sightseeing experience.

Travelers will be dropped off at either City Hall or Myeongdong upon tour completion.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s stroller-friendly and near public transportation. Infants must sit on laps, and the tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with heart/medical conditions.

A vegetarian option is available.

Please note that the royal guard changing ceremony may be canceled due to weather.

Additional Information

Certain tour restrictions and considerations apply, as the small-group Seoul city tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though it’s stroller-friendly and near public transportation. Infants must sit on laps, and the tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with heart/medical conditions.

Nonetheless, a vegetarian option is available.

The royal guard changing ceremony at Gwanghwamun Gate may be canceled due to inclement weather.

On Mondays, Changdeokgung Palace is closed, and Bukchon Hanok Village is visited instead.

On Tuesdays, Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed, and Changdeokgung Palace and Rear Garden are visited instead.

Booking and Logistics

Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and a minimum of 2 people is required for the tour to proceed.

The maximum number of travelers per tour is 15, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.

Customers can easily plan their Seoul adventure with this hassle-free booking process. The tour operator ensures a seamless experience by handling all the logistics, from hotel pickup to entrance fees.

Travelers don’t need to worry about coordinating the logistics, as the local guide takes care of everything.

Whether it’s a solo trip or a group outing, this small-group tour provides a personalized and efficient way to explore the highlights of Seoul.

Royal Palaces

Two UNESCO-listed royal palaces – Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung – anchor this comprehensive Seoul tour, providing glimpses into Korea’s dynastic past.

Visitors explore the grand architectural splendor and witness the changing of the royal guards ceremony at Gwanghwamun Gate, seeing the country’s storied history and traditions.

The tour highlights include:

• Wandering the expansive grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of the five royal palaces and a stunning example of traditional Korean palace architecture.

• Discovering the secretive Changdeokgung Palace and its enchanting Rear Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its harmonious blend of nature and man-made structures.

• Observing the disciplined precision of the royal guard changing ceremony, a time-honored tradition that symbolizes the legacy of Korea’s monarchic past.

Traditional Culture

The tour also immerses visitors in Seoul’s vibrant traditional culture, with stops at iconic landmarks that showcase Korea’s rich heritage. At Insadong Antique Street, travelers browse an array of traditional Korean handicrafts, artworks, and antiques, gaining insight into the country’s artistic legacy. Likewise, the bustling Namdaemun Market provides a lively glimpse into the daily life and commerce of historic Seoul, as vendors hawk a diverse array of local goods and specialties.

Traditional Craft	Description	Price Range
Hanji Paper	Handmade from mulberry tree bark	$5 – $50
Celadon Ceramics	Distinctive green-glazed pottery	$20 – $200
Metal Inlay	Intricate metalwork designs	$30 – $500
Embroidery	Vibrant silk thread embroidery	$10 – $100
Lacquerware	High-gloss, durable wooden items	$50 – $500

Shopping Experiences

Aside from immersing visitors in Seoul’s rich cultural heritage, the tour also provides ample opportunities to explore the city’s vibrant shopping experiences.

One of the highlights is a stop at Insadong Antique Street, a charming neighborhood known for its traditional Korean shops and galleries. Visitors can browse through a wide variety of unique handcrafts, antiques, and artwork, including:

• Traditional Korean ceramics, pottery, and calligraphy
• Authentic Korean paper products and lanterns
• Intricate Korean embroidery and textile goods

Plus, the tour includes a visit to the bustling Namdaemun Market, Seoul’s largest traditional market, where shoppers can find a diverse array of local goods, from fresh produce to traditional Korean fashion and accessories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Tour Be Customized for Individual Needs?

The tour can be customized to some degree for individual needs. Certain aspects like transportation, dietary requirements, and mobility accommodations may be adjusted, though the overall itinerary and activities would remain consistent across the small-group experience.

What Language Options Are Available for the Tour Guide?

The tour is offered with English-speaking guides. Other language options, like Mandarin or Japanese, may be available upon request depending on availability. Guests should inquire about preferred language options when booking the tour.

Is the Tour Suitable for Those With Limited Mobility?

The tour is not suitable for those with limited mobility. It is not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for travelers with back problems or medical conditions. Strollers are allowed, but infants must sit on laps.

Can Children Participate in the Tour Activities?

Infants must sit on laps, but the tour is generally accessible for children. However, the tour may not be recommended for those with young children due to the walking required and potential difficulty for strollers in some areas.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?

There are no special discounts or offers mentioned. The tour has a minimum of 2 people required, and a maximum group size of 15 travelers. Cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the experience.

Recap

This small-group tour offers an immersive exploration of Seoul’s cultural heritage.

Visitors can experience the grandeur of royal palaces, witness the changing of the guards, and explore the city’s traditional artisanal culture.

With a local guide, hotel pickup, lunch, and admission fees included, the tour provides a well-rounded introduction to Seoul’s dynastic past and vibrant present, making it an ideal choice for first-time visitors and cultural enthusiasts.