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.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Gwanghwamun Square
- Meetings and greetings at Gwanghwamun
Context about culture and history of Joseon Dynasty
Sharing of cultural context about history, culture and Confucianism, that Gyeongbokgung reflects.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Tour to Gyeongbokgung Palace
Bukchon Hanok Village
Tour to Bukchong Hanok Village
Ikseondong hanok street
Tour to Ikseondong hanok street
Jogyesa Temple
Tour ends.
Ending Point
Jogyesa temple
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, drinks, entrance fee, transportation cost.
Entrance ticket will be bought at site. It is 3000Kor.Won/person.
Tour Important Information
Our tour to explore Korea’s unique cultural identity and beauty!
Center of tour is architecture. Architectural style represents spirit of times. We can see as much as we know. For example, without knowledge about Christianity, the spirit of medieval Europe, we cannot fully appreciate beauty and value of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
Confucianism is the spirit of Joseon Dynasty. Confucianism is Korea's cultural identity, that is reflected on palaces and traditional architecture.
I am the only Confucian culture tour docent guide in Korea who introduces Korean traditional Confucian culture. Tour and information based on Korea's unique Confucian culture will help you discover joy and wonder of unique Korean culture.
Gyeongbokgung is the most beautiful place and 1st must-see architecture in Korea. Gyeongbokgung represents Korea's cultural identity. Gyeongbokgung was built in 1395 as main palace and monumental architecture that represents Confucianism, and it is largest palace and the only palace built on flat land and according to traditional palace structure.
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.
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 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.
$180/ per group
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