(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.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At Hotel
- at Hotel Lobby
The main palace of Joseon Dynasty (Gyeongbokgung Palace)
Gyeongbokgung Palace is a representative tourist destination in Korea.
Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the five grand palaces of the Joseon Dynasty and the main palace of Joseon.
It is the first palace built during the Joseon Dynasty.
The first king of Joseon Lee Seong-gye established the Joseon Dynasty in 1392 and he moved the capital city from Gaeseong to Seoul. And then Gyeongbokgung was built in 1395, three years after the Joseon dynasty was founded, and it serves as the main palace.
Shall we explore Gyeongbokgung Palace together, a place that is modest yet not shabby, beautiful yet not extravagant?
Blue House (Cheongwadae)
Cheongwadae is the heart of power and the command center of South Korea.
The dramatic rise and fall of past presidents who passed through this place reflect the turbulent modern history of Korea.
Despite enduring liberation, division, and the Korean War, South Korea achieved miraculous industrialization and democratization.
During the Joseon Dynasty, the area behind Sinmumun Gate, the north gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace, was considered the realm of the divine.
Today, it remains open to the public, but in the royal era, it was a closed gate, only accessible during special ceremonies.
As Gyeongbokgung Palace was gradually opened to citizens in modern times, Cheongwadae followed suit in 2002.
We invite you to this historic site, where the "Miracle on the Han River" was born.
Head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism
Jogyesa Temple is the head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism.
The temple was first established in 1395, during the Joseon Dynasty.
However, the current temple as it is now was built in 1910. So, in 2010 the temple celebrated it’s 100 year anniversary.
The history of Buddhism in Korea spans over 1,400 years.
During the Joseon Dynasty, due to the suppression of Buddhism, most historic temples were built in mountain areas.
However, Jogyesa Temple, located in the heart of Seoul, is one of the rare exceptions and has played a crucial role in preserving the spirit of Korean Buddhism.
Jogyesa is more than just a temple; it is a valuable space where visitors can understand Korean traditional culture and Buddhist philosophy.
Within the temple grounds, there is a white pine tree estimated to be around 500 years old (designated as a Natural Monument in 1962) and a 400-year-old pagoda tree. Visitors can witness the beautiful harmony between the temple and the white pine.
Korea's traditional culture(Insadong) street
And we will look around Insadong for 50 minutes.
Insadong is one of the representative streets of Seoul where you can experience Korea's traditional culture, and it is also a must-see for foreigners in Seoul.
The street of traditional culture is alive with modern buildings and traditions.
Insadong is the street where Korean characteristics are best displayed, and there are many antique shops, art galleries, traditional tea houses, and local restaurants.
Traditional Korean market
Gwangjang Market is a traditional Korean market that offers a wide variety of products.
In the past, it was a historic market known for selling traditional goods like clothing, hanbok, and textiles. However, in recent years, it has become a paradise for street food, offering treats like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), mayak gimbap, tteokbokki, and sundae.
The term 'mayak(drug) gimbap' means 'so addictive that once you try it, you can’t stop eating it.‘
Gwangjang Market combines traditional market vibes with an array of delicious foods, making it a bustling place filled with shoppers and travelers.
Amid the crowd of travelers, how about capturing a photo with you in it?
Foot Bath Experience
Traditionally, Eastern medicine has developed around the use of medicinal herbs to treat people.
A foot bath involves soaking your feet in warm water infused with herbal ingredients used in traditional medicine.
In Eastern medicine, foot care is considered highly important.
The herbal foot bath experience offers a healing moment to relax both your body and mind.
Under a pavilion that reflects the beauty of traditional hanok, you can soak your feet in warm water infused with seasonal medicinal herbs like mugwort and chrysanthemum, providing a space to rejuvenate your tired body and mind.
Through this herbal foot bath experience, embrace the health philosophy of "Cold Head, Warm Feet" (두한족열) from the Donguibogam, and enjoy a healthier life in your daily routine.
Leave your fatigue behind and walk away feeling renewed.
Ending Point
At Hotel Lobby
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
Guiding fee
Free transportation (5 seater Sedan, Hyundai)
Fuel, toll, parking
Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off
Entrance Fees
Lunch
Traveler's Insurance
Tour Important Information
Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed every Tuesday; therefore, an alternate palace will be visited on that day.
The provided schedule is designed around the most popular attractions and timing, but it can be adjusted flexibly to accommodate the preferences and needs of the customers.
Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed every Tuesday.
It will be replaced by Changdeokgung Palace on Tuesday.
Important message from the supplier
I can drive my own car to make customers comfortable.
My house is close to Incheon Airport.
I can pick up at Incheon Airport and take you to the hotel in my car.
When needed, I can invite a professional photographer to take photos.
I love history and travel.
So, I will make my customers' trips valuable.
In our country with distinct four seasons, I can guide joyfully at any time.
I lived in Gyeongju for a long time when I was young. I know a lot about Gyeongju.
I've traveled to Jeju Island dozens of times. I have a lot of knowledge about Jeju Island.
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 Alice K.
Hello! I am Alice.
I live in Incheon, South Korea. It's very close to Seoul.
I want to guide my clients through the charming city of Seoul.
Especially when introducing the five grand palaces of Seoul, I would like to invite a professional photographer to capture beautiful moments.
I can help them dress in hanbok and create stunning life shots.
I also want to guide them through Kyeongju, a city that breathes with a long history. I lived in Kyeongju until my teenage years.
I want to introduce UNESCO-listed Kyeongju, a city of culture and history.
I have traveled to Jeju Island more than several ten times. I also want to introduce Jeju Island.
My clients can go anywhere they want in South Korea.
There are many well-preserved cultural heritage sites with a long history in Korea, and they can also experience the convenience of fast-developing Seoul.
Come and visit Korea. Let's explore Seoul and travel together anywhere.
Traveling in Korea will be a memorable and cherished experience.
Best regards. Alice.
Reviews
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Atala D.
“Sweet and accommodating ”
Alice organized a nice tour for the whine day. I wanted to go to the Gangnam Style Sculpture and it was very interesting all the walk from the Temple to the Coax place. Took me for skin care store and we had an authentic Korean lunch, for us it was too spicy. I highly recommended her for being so patient and attentive with us. Thank you Alice.
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Alice K.
Hello Atala!! Are you resting well? Thank you so much for leaving such a wonderful review so quickly. After dropping you off at the hotel, I traveled quite a distance. I have a guiding schedule here tomorrow. It’s raining here now, but the weather was so beautiful today while you were traveling. You must be a truly blessed person. I hope you enjoy the rest of your time as well. I look forward to meeting you again if you come back for another trip. Best regards. From Alice.
Abi P.
“Thanks for a great day Alice!”
Alice was very helpful when organising the day and was flexible to meet our needs. We'd definitely recommend a tour with Alice!
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Alice K.
Hello Abi!! How have you been? I hope your boss and Mrs. Bozena are doing well too. Thank you for leaving me such a nice review. Mrs. Bozena was such an understanding and considerate person. Please send my regards to your boss and his wife as well. Thank you! Best Regards. From Alice.
Jean U.
“Five hours in Seoul”
Alice showed us the most iconic places in Seoul before we had to catch our flight. She even took us to the airport! We did a modified version of her history tour which allowed us to visit the castle, Hanok village, Gamcheon, and the riverwalk. We were hoping to squeeze in Korean bbq but ran out of time. Thank you, Alice, for the stories, history lessons, and the rides. We wouldn’t have been able to cover as much ground without you!
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Alice K.
Hello Jean!! How have you been? I believe you’ve arrived safely at your destination and are now back to your peaceful daily life. Thank you so much for leaving me such a kind review. I trust that your caring husband and your lovely daughter, who looks like a teenager, are doing well too. I hope you’ll visit again with even more wonderful travel plans next time. When you do, I’d love to introduce you to some delicious Korean food. Take care and stay healthy! Best Regards. From Alice.
$320/ per group
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