Gwanghwamun Square connects the Joseon Dynasty and modern times. The view of Bukaksan Mountain and Gyeongbokgung Palace from Gwanghwamun Square is just like a landscape. Let's go on a journey back to the past at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. We can tour antique shops and galleries along the Insadong Cultural Street. Jogyesa Temple is worth visiting. Lastly, Ikseon-dong Hanok Alley has pretty cafes, restaurants, and stores while maintaing traditional Korea houses.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
In front of Exit # 9, Gwanghwamun Station
- If you get off at Gwanghwamun Station, Subway Line 5, and go out exit 9, you can see Gwanghwamun Square. The meeting point is the place before heading out to Gwanghwamun Square.
Gwanghwamun Square is a representative space from the Joseon Dynasty to the present day of the Republic of Korea. In the Joseon Dynasty, there were six administrative ministries, Yukjo-geori, in front of Gyeongbokgung Palace, and now the Korean Government Complex, foreign embassies, and major media companies are gathered. The statue of King Sejong, the greatest historical figure for the Korean people, stands tall. King Sejong is revered as a great king who loved the people as well as creating Hangul and inventing various scientific instruments. Inheriting the spirit of King Sejong, various events are being held at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. Gwanghwamun Square is a space for citizens to relax and hold various gatherings. It is a cultural landmark where various festivals are held and a sacred place for street cheering. Gyeongbokgung Palace, Cheong Wa Dae, and Bukaksan Mountain from Gwanghwamun Square are like a picture.
It was built in 1395 at the behest of King Taejo Lee Seong-gye, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty. The palace was named Gyeongbokgung after two letters from "I am already drunk and full because of virtue”. Gyeongbokgung is based on the theory of feng shui, and has Mt. Bukak as its main mountain to the north of the capital and Mt. Namsan in front of it. It is also the site where Cheonggye Stream and the Han River flow. "Jongmyo Shrine" is located on the left side of the palace and "Sajikdan Altar" is located on the right. Many buildings were burned or damaged during the Imjin War, Japanese colonial era, and the Korean War, and were later rebuilt.
Along the central axis upon which Gwanghwamun Gate stands, important buildings such as the throne Hall and king’s residence are aligned to show grand scale and dignity of the main palace. In addition, Gyeonghoeru is a large pavilion, with 48 stone pillars on the lower floor and wooden pillars on all sides. Various other buildings show their appearance as royal palaces of the Joseon Dynasty. It follows the principles of humble but not shabby, and splendid but not luxurious. Gyeongbokgung is also the place for music videos and photo shoots of BTS, a K-pop icon. It is also fun to take pictures in beautiful Gyeongbokgung Palace wearing the traditional Korean costume hanbok.
Insa-dong is full of restaurants that serve delicious food, from the traditional Korean food to various cuisines. You can enjoy lunch according to your preference.
Nowadays, templestay in Korean temples are popular all over the world. Let's be free from anguish for a moment and have a peaceful moment through meditation and tea ceremony. Jogyesa Temple is the headquarter of the Jogye Order, which has approximately 3,000 Jogye Order temples across the country. Most Jogye Order temples are reaching out to the general public one step closer through the templestay programs. Feel the footsteps of Korean Buddhism, which has a 1700-year-old history, at Jogye Temple in the heart of Seoul.
Jogye order is based on the teaching of Sakyamuni Buddha and follows the order’s doctrine of ‘Directly pointing at one’s mind.
Insa-dong is the area from Anguk-dong Rotary to Topgol Park in Jongno. It is located halfway between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace, the palaces of the Joseon Dynasty. During the Joseon Dynasty, there was a store that sold brushes, paper to Confucian scholars who came from the provinces to take the civil service examination. Also, there was a inn where people could stay overnight. Near Insa-dong was "Dohwaseo," which was in charge of the artists who drew the royal family's event paintings during the Joseon Dynasty. Insa-dong was both an official residence and a private residence. With the start of Japanese colonial era in 1910, the classes of the yangban people living in Bukchon in the past collapsed. From this time on, Insa-dong began to have stores selling antiques such as ceramics, ancient calligraphy, and ancient furniture owned by the yangban people. As there were many art-related shops, exhibition halls were opened here, and they have continued to form a cultural street. As a result, as Insa-dong became a meeting place for artists, and art lovers, many traditional tea and traditional food restaurants began to form. Now, modern buildings and traditions live together. Korean characteristics are best revealed, and ancient art shops, galleries, traditional tea houses, and folk restaurants are concentrated. The main attractions include galleries, ancient art stores, craft stores, antique stores, art galleries, Ssamgil, Hi Insa-dong, and traditional tea houses.
Ikseon-dong is a place where alleys and hanoks harmonize with each other to exude beautiful charm. Ikseon-dong is a place where hanoks built in the 1920s line up shoulder to shoulder. Trendy shops over 100-year-old alleys attract people. Ikseon-dong was designated as a Hanok Conservation District in 2018 as a place where hanoks were gathered in the past. Since 2019, it has been popular as a strange time travel destination in Seoul coupled with the retro and newtro craze. The alleyways, which are densely connected between small and low hanoks, are lined with colorful stores. Ikseon-dong Hanok Alley is one of the most visited attractions by people around the world regardless of nationality these days.
The tour will end in front of Exit 6 of Jongno 5-ga Station, Subway Line 3.
Jongno 5(O)-ga Station
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
- Professional Guide Fee
- Gyeongbokgung Admission Fee : KRW 3,000 per person
- Subway ticket
- Food & Drinks
- Personal expenses
- Traveler's insurance
* This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
* Since the tour starts at the exit of Gwanghwamun Station and finishes at the entrance of Jongno 5(o)-ga Station, it is necessary to prepare a T-money card or subway ticket.
* This tour is not recommended for those with severe back/knee problems.
* It is recommended to wear a hat and sunglasses when the weather is hot.
* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allegies or other dietary restrictions.
Service is available even at dawn or late night including pick-up and sending at Incheon International Airport.
Hello, I am Charlie, a tour guide. It’s very nice to meet you!
I warmly welcome you to Korea.
Korea is a beautiful country with 5,000 years of history.
Drawing on my experience working for a Korean government agency and my expertise in Korean history and culture, I would like to introduce you to many tourist attractions, including Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi Province.
Join me on a journey, and let’s have a wonderful time together. Thank you very much!
$330/ per group
Reserve