During tour, tourist can experience and appreciate the essence of traditional Korean culture, by travelling to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village in 4 hours. Before starting tour, guide share the core cultural context that enables guest to figure out the authentic beauty and value of not only Gyeongbokgung but also all traditional architectures they will witness during their tour in Korea. Architectural style reflects the spirit of times, Confucianism.
Gwanghwamun Square
Meetings and greetings at Gwanghwamun
Sharing of cultural context about history, culture and Confucianism, that Gyeongbokgung reflects.
Tour to Gyeongbokgung Palace
Tour to Bukchong Hanok Village
Tour to Ikseondong hanok street
Tour ends.
Jogyesa temple
guide fee
meal, drinks, entrance fee, transportation cost
==Gyeongbokgung Palace was built as main palace of Joseon dynasty, intended to present Ideal of Confucianism and its national goal. Geyongbokgung is highlight and essence to showcase the authentic palace architecture of Confucianism. It is largest and grandest palace among all 5 palaces of Joseon Dynasty.
Guide shares the cultural context that enables guest to figure out the authentic beauty and value of not only Gyeongbokgung but also all traditional architectures they will witness during their tour in Korea. Architectural style reflects the spirit of times. Confucianism is the spirit of Joseon Dynasty. Palace architecture embodies Confucianism through its structure, style and decoration.
==Bukchon Hanok Village is a Korean traditional village in Seoul with a long history. Bukchon Hanok Village is unique and attractive destination that shows traditional landscape in the middle of highly urbanized metropolitan environment. Bukchon is one of the most beautiful places in Seoul that well blend traditional landscape with modern landscape.
==Ikseondong Hanok Village, unlike Bukchon Hanok Village, which is very touristy, Ikseondong is very quaint area, with traditional houses(hanoks) that have been converted into boutique shops, trendy cafes and restaurants.
==Jogyesa temple is the headquarter of entire Korean Buddhism, and the only temple in downtown of Seoul.
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.
Austin M.
Gyeongbokgung,Bukchon,Gwangjang,N-SeoulTower,Hongdae
“An Amazing, Educational Visit through Seoul's History”
My wife and I had the pleasure of exploring Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon, Gwangjang, N-Seoul Tower, and parts of Insadong with Paul and we had an incredible time! Paul's knowledge of Korean history, specifically the Confucian influence in architecture, government, and, well, all walks of life within both the modern Korean life as well as the Joseon dynasty was amazing context for our traveling. Sure, we could've wandered around Gyeongbokgung palace by ourselves or listened in on some of the wandering tour guides (who Paul was able to correct a few times), but having a private, guided tour around some of Seoul's most beautiful locals was worth the time and money. I'd definitely recommend seeing if Paul can help you enjoy Korea on your next visit!
Paul K.
(7 reviews)The center of culture and center of tour is architecture. Culture is based on spirit of times. Architectural style represents the spirit of times. We can see as much as we know about the spirit of times. Confucianism was the spirit of Joseon Dynasty. Gyeongbokgung represents Confucianism. Without the knowledge about Confucianism, we are not able to fully appreciate authentic value and beauty of Gyeongbokgung. Gyeongbokgung is not only the essence and highlight of palace architecture of Joseon Dynasty, but alos the most beautiful architecture and place in whole Korea.
“DMZ and war history tour”
We enjoyed our day with Paul who is very knowledgeable on Korean history. The tour did turn out to be quite long (11hours) as the DMZ tour took longer than expected and we got caught in a traffic jam getting back into Seoul. It was an interesting way to spend our last day in South Korea.
Paul K.
(7 reviews)Guest and her children, Vida and Ruber were very patient despite of tough itinerary, that was started from 6:40 am to 6:00pm, and traffic jam of 2hour & 10min on way back to accommodation. Guests paid to Korean history and reality of diviede Korea. Guests enjoyed beautiful weather of spring season.
Daralyn L.
Changdeokgung, Bukchon, Gwangjang market, N Seoul Tower
“Seoul: Views of History and Culture ”
We had an excellent tour with Paul. We met at our hotel lobby, where he provided a detailed introduction to the sights we would be visiting. We saw a broad swath of Korean Culture: the Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Folk Museum, Bukchon Hanok neighborhood, the Seoul City Wall, Nansen Mountain and vast views of the city from N Seoul Tower. Paul is a scholar of Korean history and culture. He explained the concepts of Confucianism philosophy in the architecture of the palace and its continued influence in modern life. We marveled at the contrasts and continuity between the Joseon Dynesty and the city around us. Our tour route was planned efficiently: we saw a lot as we walked and rode the bus and subways. Paul answered questions thoroughly and was generous with his time. I highly recommend him to visitors yearning to know more about Korean history and culture.
Paul K.
(7 reviews)Center of culture and tour is architecture. Architectural style represents spirit of times. We can see as much as we know about spirit of times. For example, ‘Romanesque’ and ‘Gothic’ are medieval European architectural styles. Without knowledge about Christianity, the spirit of medieval Europe, we cannot fully appreciate beauty and value of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Confucianism was the spirit of Joseon Dynasty. Architectural style of Gyeongbokgung presents Confucianism. Confucianism culture of Joseon Dynasty is unique characteristic of Korean culture, compared to Chinese, Japanese and European culture. With brief information about Confucianism culture, you can fully appreciate the beauty and value of Gyeongbokgung and traditional Korean culture, to make your whole trip excited and impressive in Korea.