Essence of Seoul, 100% private Full Day Seoul City Tour
Seoul has been the capital of Korea for over 600 years, ever since the Joseon dynasty (1392–1910).
During the Joseon Dynasty, it was known as "Hanyang", but after being liberated from Japan in 1945 following World War II, it became known as "Seoul".
The capital of the Republic of Korea, Seoul is the most popular tourist destination in the country.
There are countless sights and places to visit, such as royal palaces, traditional markets and high-end shopping districts.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Hotel and Houses in Seoul
- Free pick-up and drop-off service is available for the travelers who stay in Seoul. Any hotels or houses is in Seoul OK.
Gyeongbokgung Royal Palace or Changdeokgung royal palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace was the first and largest of the royal palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace was located at the heart of the newly appointed capital of Seoul (then known as Hanyang) and represented the sovereignty of the Joseon Dynasty. The largest of the Five Grand Palaces (the others being Gyeonghuigung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace), Gyeongbokgung served as the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty.
**Gyeongbokgung Palace(closed on every Tuesday) or Changdeokgung palace(Closed on every Mondays)
The National Folklore Museum of Korea
The National Folk Museum of Korea is situated in the center of Seoul with the goal of becoming an educational venue where visitors can learn how Koreans lived from the past to present. The National Folk Museum of Korea investigates, researches, and acquires artifacts and various resources about the daily lives of Koreans in the past and present.
Insadong street for arts & crafts and Lunch
Insa-dong, located in Jongno-gu, Seoul, is a neighborhood that epitomizes traditional Korean culture and heritage. It is one of the most visited places by international tourists who are looking for an authentic experience in Korea. Along the main street, there are alleys that branch out and intertwine like a maze
Jogyesa Buddhist temple
The origin of Jogyesa Temple dates back to 1910 when a Buddhist temple named Gakhwangsa was established to be combined with the central office of the Korean Buddhism which had been in Wonheungsa Temple. The establishment of Jogyesa Temple led to the movement to reform the Korean Buddhism in the modern period. Today, Jogyesa Temple is widely regarded as one of the most important Buddhist temples in Korea providing an easily accessible venue for various religious and secular gatherings.
Bukchon Han-ok Village
An old residential district containing about 860 Korean traditional houses (hanok), Bukchon (“North Town”) is thus named because it is located north of Cheonggyecheon, a stream cutting across downtown Seoul. Formed on a site flanked by two of the Joseon’s royal palaces, Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, the district had been a hub of Joseon’s politics, administration and culture as it contained homes of royals, high-ranking officials and Confucian literati elites of the dynasty.
Seoul Tower(N) tower or Namdaemun traditional market
Seoul (N)Tower:
Namsan Seoul Tower was the first tower-type tourism spot in Korea. The top of the tower is at almost 480m above sea level, including Namsan Mountain (243m) and the tower’s own height (236.7m), making it one of the tallest towers in the Orient. It is comprised of Seoul Tower Plaza, recently opened to public access after 40 years, and N Seoul Tower was first established as a broadcast tower to send out TV and radio signals in 1969. As of now, it has become one of the representative landmarks and multi-cultural venues in Seoul.
Namdaemun market;
Namdaemun Market is the largest traditional market in Korea with over 10,000 stores that line the streets around Namdaemun (Gate), the main southern gate of the old city wall. Namdaemun Market first started under the reign of King Taejong (1367 – 1422, the third Joseon king) during the Joseon Dynasty (1392 – 1910), when the government built shops around Namdaemun and rented out the shops to traders. It boasts one of the largest distribution structures in Korea, providing local products, daily living essentials, food products, medical supplies and more to retailers and consumers across the country.
Free drop off service
Take you back to your hotel or house
Ending Point
At your hotel
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide fee
Private and individual transportation via a van
Gas, toll, parking fees
Free pick up and free drop off service
Entrance fee
(KRW3,000 / Gyeongbokgung Palace)
Your personal expenses
Lunch
Tour Important Information
* This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
* This tour is not recommended for those with severe back/knee problems.
* This tour is NOT wheelchair accessible.
* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
Important message from the supplier
I am ready to deliver tours and experience rain or shine.
Providing transit service is possible in the vicinity of Seoul,Kyounggido and even more places if you pay me the fee.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Chris L.
Hi there! I'm Chris, and I've been a licensed tour guide since 2004.
Being in a foreign country can sometimes feel a bit daunting and overwhelming.
It's a bit of a challenge when you don't speak the language, but that's all part of the adventure! You'll have to figure out the map, get around, and manage your money. While jet lag is still lingering, you're eager to see as much as possible before your flight departs in a few days.
Relax, my friend! You'll be in the very best hands with your very own reliable tour guide in Korea! I'll be your personal tour guides, helping you plan the perfect itinerary and taking you to all the best tourist attractions Korea has to offer.
I'm a fully licensed, professional tourist guide, and I've been doing this since 2004.
In Korea, you need a special license issued by the Korean government to work as a tourist guide.
I've always had a real passion for history, tradition, and culture.
I'm so proud of my English, and I absolutely love using it to chat with guests about the history and traditions of Korea.
I absolutely love sharing my culture with them and showing them what it's like to be a true Korean.
I'm so excited to show you the best of Korea! Being local is the best way to enjoy the country, and I'm here to help you do just that.
I've been lucky enough to take countless tours myself, so I can offer you a wealth of knowledge to help you get the most out of your time here.
$480/ per group
More tours by Chris L.
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Private half-day DMZ Tour for busy travelers
The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a weapons-free buffer zone between North and South Korea. The area was established on July 27, 1953 when the Armistice Agreement was signed during the Korean War. The zone has been protected from human disturbance for more than seven decades and has unintentionally become a haven for wildlife, making it a popular destination for nature lovers.
Private half-day DMZ Tour for busy travelers
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Time Travel to the Mid-Joseon Dynasty
Suwon and Yongin experienced turbulent history during the mid-Joseon period (16th-17th centuries), including the Imjin War and the Manchu invasions, and sites reflecting the era remain today.
Time Travel to the Mid-Joseon Dynasty
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Provincial Day Trip to Northern Gyeonggi-do
Bidulginangpokpo Falls (Pigeon Falls) -Hantangang River Geopark with bridges and walking trails, Meonguri Gorge is a place where basalt gorge presents a grand sight enough to be called ‘Grand Gorge in Korea.
Provincial Day Trip to Northern Gyeonggi-do
Other Popular Car Tour (driving guide) Tours in Seoul
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Private DMZ tour
Step into one of the most unique and historically significant places in the world -- the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). This remarkable tour offers an unforgettable glimpse into the division between North and South Korea, blending history, tensions, and the hope for reunification. With expert guides and immersive storytelling, your DMZ journey will deepen your understanding of Korea's history while standing on the very frontier of its future.
Private DMZ tour
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Seoul One-Day Private Tour & Free Photography Service – Capture Your Special Moments!
If it’s your first time in Seoul, this full-day private tour is a great way to fall in love with the city — where old traditions and modern life come together beautifully. As you explore and enjoy the day, I’ll capture your special moments with a high-resolution camera and provide professionally edited photos after the tour. The itinerary is flexible and can be customized to match your interests. Just let me know what you’d like to see or do!
Seoul One-Day Private Tour & Free Photography Service – Capture Your Special Moments!
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Seoul in a day, private tour
Seoul is a city where history meets modernity. Iconic landmarks such as N Seoul Tower, Lotte World Tower, and DDP stand alongside the city’s rich historical heritage. Amid its vibrant urban landscape, Seoul seamlessly integrates royal palaces, traditional villages, and bustling markets. Visitors can immerse themselves in authentic Korean cuisine, street food, and traditional attire, providing a truly distinctive cultural experience.
Seoul in a day, private tour
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(Full day) Listen to history, see culture and rest one's feet.
Listen to the hidden historical stories of Korea at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the most visited place in Seoul. Cheong Wa Dae, which means ‘Blue Tile House,’ is also known as the Blue House. It will be a meaningful trip to understand Korean history at Gyeongbokgung Palace, Blue House, Jogyesa Temple. And it will be a fun time to experience Korean culture at Insadong Street and Gwangjang Market. Foot bath experiences at the Oriental Medicine Promotion Center will relieve your fatigue.
(Full day) Listen to history, see culture and rest one's feet.
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