Gyeongbokgung,Bukchon,tradtional food,SeoulTower,museum
Exploring for Korea’s unique cultural identity!
Tour features Gyeongbokgung palace - the most beautiful place and best architecture, Bukchon Hanok Village, traditional food, N Seoul Tower, Museum.
Guide share information of Korean culture that helps guest fully appreciate beauty and value of Gyeongbokgung but entire Korean traditional culture.
Gyeongbokgung is the most beautiful place and monumental architecuture that represent Korea's traditional culture.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Gwanghwamun square
- Meeting and greeting and sharing of brief context about Korean traditional culture & history.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Geyongbokgung is highlight and essence to showcase the authentic palace architecture of Confucianism.
National Folk Museum
Folk Museum features Korean Folk culture of four seasonal customs and traditional life passsge.
Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village is unique and attractive destination that shows traditional landscape in the middle of highly urbanized metropolitan environment.
Gwangjang market
Gwangjang market is the oldest traditional Korean market, where we can experience traditional Korean food at food stands.
N-Seoul Tower or National Museum of Korea
N Seoul Tower, which seats on the top of Namsan mt., provides panoramic view of Seoul. Fortress wall from N Seoul Tower to South Gate can be included as an option.
National Museum of Korea is largest and most prestigious museum with attractive huge outdoor garden, exhibiting about 10,000 pieces on display.
Hongdae steet
Hongdae is vibrant and trendy area featuring young & modern culture & atmosphere of Korea
End of tour
Tour ends at Hongdae street
Ending Point
Hongdae
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
meal/lunch, entrance fee for N Seoul Tower, transportation.
* Entrance fee for palace is 3,000Kor.Won. It will be bought at palace.
Tour Important Information
Exploring of unique Korea's Confucian culture!
Tour is designed to explore Korean architecture, mythological symbols, Confucian culture and history at Gyeongbokgung and Bukchon Hanok Maeul, and the Korean people’s traditional life, rituals, customs and culture at National Folk Museum and Korean best art relics at National Museum.
Alongside, you can experience the taste of Korean traditional food in Insadong street, or the joy of bustling atmosphere of traditional market at Gwangjang Market, and can enjoy amazing panoramic view of Seoul from tower of Namsan Mountain, and the best beautiful Korea's traditional arts at National Museum of Korea. Eventually, your trip to Seoul will be impressive and memorable in their life.
Gyeongbokgung is the most beautiful place and must-see architecture in Korea. Gyeongbokgung was built in 1395 as the grandest main palace and monumental architecture that represents Confucianism, national ideology of Joseon Dynasty, and only authentic palace structure of Confucianism.
The National Folk Museum of Korea illustrates traditional Korean life, using reconstructed environments to reproduce authentic cultural scenes. Folk Museum offers a beautiful and fascinating glimpse into the core of Korean traditional culture, featuring seasonal activities and the four major life cycles, all deeply rooted in the Confucian principles of the Joseon Dynasty.
Lunch at a restaurant in Insadong street: Korean traditional Bibimbab, mixed rice in iron pot. Or as alternative, street food at Gwangjang market.
Namsan mt. is situated in the center of Seoul, and N Seoul Tower, with panoramic view of Seoul. Visitors can see stunning view of Seoul at N-Seoul Tower.
Moving and tour to Sureymun Gate/South Gate of Seoul Fortress Wall, that is Korea’s national treasure #1, and walk through Namdaemun market that is biggest traditional market in Korea.
National Museum of Korea is the 3rd largest museum in world, showing best art and craft relics of Korean culture.
Tuesday is closed at Gyeongbok Palace
Important message from the supplier
My primary tourist destination is Seoul and metropolitan area, consisting of 5 palaces, Royal Ancestral Shrine, Bukchon Hanok Village, National Museum of Korea, War Memorial of Korea and other museums & galleries and contemporary architectures, and Namsan Mt. with N-Seoul Tower, traditional & trendy market places such as Gwangjang market & Hondae street, and also Korean Folk Village & DMZ tour.
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 Paul K.
Hello, I am Paul. I’m Korea’s only traditional culture guide deeply rooted in authentic Confucian philosophy. I am tour guide with proven record track of over 300 tours for international tourists.
My goal of tour guide is to help tourists create archives in their minds for the records of memory and the space holding hidden historical and cultural stories and values.
My specialty is Korean traditional architecture, art and mountain hiking, deeply rooted in Confucian culture & history.
Architecture and art are center of tour. The tour is designed to offer authentic appreciation of Korean traditional architecture and culture, through basic, intellectual information of Confucianism, provided before tour starts. Confucianism is quintessence of Korea's traditional culture and current Korea’s cultural identity.
With basic understanding of Confucianism, you can fully enjoy not only the beauty of the palace architecture but also Korean traditional culture, and your trip to Seoul will be impressive and memorable in your life.
My major places of tour are following destinations:
1. Monumental architecture of Korea’s tradition: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace & Secret Garden, Jongmyo Shrine (Royal Ancestral shrine), Seonjeongneung - Royal Tombs of Joseon Dynasty
2. Museum: National Museum of Korea, National Folk Museum
3. Bukchon Hanok maeul(Korean traditional house neighborhood), Insadong Street & Jogyesa Buddhist temple
4. Namsan mountain & N Seoul Tower, which offer unique experience of panoramic view of Seoul and Seoul metropolitan area
5. Market and street for food and shopping: Gwangjang market, Namdaemun market, Myeongdong street, Hongdae street
6. River south of Seoul(Gangnam of Seoul)Star Field library at COEX, Gangnam style statue, Bongeusa Buddhist temple in Gangnam, river south area
7. Hiking: Bukhansan mountain, Inwang mountain
8. DMZ tour, Korea Folk Village
Thank you for your interest!
As your guide, I hope to see you soon in Seoul!
Reviews
Diane M.
“Tour DMZ with Paul”
We absolutely loved this guided tour! Paul was extremely attentive throughout the entire experience, and he knows the history of his country by heart. He shared it with so much passion and enthusiasm, which made the tour both fascinating and enjoyable. We learned a lot and had a wonderful time. I highly recommend this tour!
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Paul K.
Thanks for good review! According to the global travel magazine 'Time Out', Seoul is ranked among the top 10 most beautiful cities in the world. It is a city with a unique cultural tradition, perfectly blending the old and the new. The tour of Seoul is worth more than your time, money, and effort, and it is sure to be impressive and memorable in your life. Confucianism culture is Korea's unique cultural identity! I’m Korea’s only traditional culture guide deeply rooted in authentic Confucian philosophy.
Jose R.
“Great tour in Seoul!”
Paul was a great welcome to Seoul! We met him at the palace, he was prompt and very clear with the meeting point. He did an interesting intro before going through the beautiful palace and secret gardens, well timed and then through some other highlights to feel the culture and history of this amazing city (ie. a walk through a traditional village, visit to the folklore museum which was really enlightening and interesting, etc). Paul is a very knowledgeable guide and a super way to learn about the highlights, history and culture of the city, and country! Thank you!
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Paul K.
Great review create great guide! Grateful for great review!
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Kahoko K.
“First time Seoul”
My daughter and I had a great time with Paul. He is a gentle and kind person and has remarkable knowledge about Korean culture and history, especially confucianism. We have learned so much things throughout the tour. It helped us even after the tour. I highly recommend him as a future guide for you. Thank you, Paul !
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Paul K.
It was my monumental experience to host tour for Kahoko-san! She kept encouraging my work and fundamental spirit as tour guide. It was a great tour with Kahoko-san.
$250/ per group
More tours by Paul K.
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DMZ tour to 3rd tunnel, Imjingkak, Gamaksan Suspension Bridge
DMZ tour offers your exploring of the dark side of Seoul, featuring intense tensions, violent confrontations and the constant risk of war between North and South Korea. During DMZ tour, you will visit the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel to see the reality of North's threatening provocation and Imjingak to see the scars & sorrowful memories of the Korean War. On your way back to Seoul, you will visit Gamaksan to enjoy beautiful natural scenery.
DMZ tour to 3rd tunnel, Imjingkak, Gamaksan Suspension Bridge
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Changdeokgung, Bukchon, Gwangjang market, N Seoul Tower
Tour to Changdeokgung & Rear Garden, listed by UNESCO World Cutural Heritage, traditional Korean village, traditional food and whole view of Seoul. Tour feature highlight & essence of beautiful traditional culture and landscape at Changdeokgung, Bukchon Hanok Village, and traditional food at Gwangjang market, beautiful cityscape at Namsan Tower. Guide share information of Korean culture that help guest fully enjoy the beauty and value of traditional Korean culture as well as palace architecture.
Changdeokgung, Bukchon, Gwangjang market, N Seoul Tower
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Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon Village, Museum, Korean traditional food,
Tour of 6 hours to explore essence and highlight of traditional Korean culture from best of best palace, traditional Korean house village, traditional Korean food. Tour features Gyeongbokgung - main palace of Joseon Dynasty & the most beautiful place and architecture in Korea, Bukchon Hanok Village, traditional food. Guide share information of Korean culture that help guest fully enjoy and appreciate the authentic beauty and value of traditional Korean culture as well as palace architecture.
Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon Village, Museum, Korean traditional food,
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Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon Village, Ikseondong, Jogyesa temple
Tour of 4 hours to explore essence and highlight of traditional Korean culture from best of best palace, traditional Korean house village, traditional Korean folk culture. Tour features Gyeongbokgung palace - main palace of Joseon Dynasty & the most beautiful place and best architecture of Korea, Bukchon Hanok Village. Guide share information of Korean culture that help guest fully enjoy and appreciate the authentic beauty and value of traditional Korean culture as well as palace architecture.
Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon Village, Ikseondong, Jogyesa temple
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Seoul
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Seoul Downtown Walking Tour - the past and the present
From the serene atmosphere of palaces and old traditional villages to the bustling traditional markets and streets, you will see and experience real life in Seoul. I will help you explore the hidden gems and stories!
Seoul Downtown Walking Tour - the past and the present
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Seoul: A Journey Through History
Seoul has been the capital city of Korea since 1392. You will explore cultural heritage sites, including a royal palace, a Buddhist temple, the old streets, and a traditional market in the northern part of the city, all in one full day.
Seoul: A Journey Through History
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![[Expert Historian] Seoul Deep Dive: The Soul of Old Seoul](https://images.gowithguide.com/filters:format(avif)/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/17457/c71154a7-079b-4f5d-9ceb-6b847340b938.jpg)
[Expert Historian] Seoul Deep Dive: The Soul of Old Seoul
Not a typical tour—understand Korea, not just see it. See how Korea’s history, culture, and daily life connect through the structure of old Seoul. Rather than simply visiting landmarks, this tour follows a clear narrative—from everyday life in Bukchon and local markets to the royal order of Gyeongbokgung—showing how different layers of society were organized. Whether traveling solo or as a couple, this experience offers a deeper and more meaningful way to understand the spirit of old Seoul.
[Expert Historian] Seoul Deep Dive: The Soul of Old Seoul
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Full-day Intro to Seoul and Korean History
This is my standard and very popular Itinerary for this ~8 hour tour: it can be adjusted for individual preferences. Its intention is to be a fascinating orientation & overview of Seoul "old & new", with introduction to who the Koreans are, and the key points of their history and customs. We can move faster and see more, or take our time and see a bit fewer sites; it's all up to your personal style. I will be telling colorful stories all along the way. You will learn so much, and in context!!
Full-day Intro to Seoul and Korean History
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