Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon Village, Ikseondong, Jogyesa temple
Joined 2023
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?
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
Joined 2023
About Tour Guide Paul K.
Hello everyone, I am Paul, a English tour guide in Seoul. I am proven & professional tour docent with hosting of over 200 tours for international tourists and with state license as a guide.
Seoul is a fascinating destination that seamlessly blends the traditional with the modern.
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 curator and 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.
My primary tourist destinations are focusing on 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 & Hongdae street, and also Korean Folk Village & DMZ tour in neighboring cities.
Alongside, I am specialist for hiking to Bukhansan Mt. and Inwangsan Mt. that are located in downtown Seoul, where you can enjoy beautiful natural sceneries and stunning view of Seoul.
With my hands-on experiences and deep knowledge of Korea's culture & history, you can discover true discoveries in Korea.
Thank you for your interest!
As your guide, I hope to see you soon in Seoul!
Reviews
Sandra M.
“2 day Tour of Korean culture Highlights”
My husband and i had a short visit to Korea at the end of a cruise and booked Paul to show us the highlights of the city in 2 days. Paul was very knowledgeable about the Korean culture and history with regard to confucius culture. This information gave us a better understanding of the sights that we visited. Paul was very punctual and got us around the city with confidence. We visited two places, the secret gardens, two museums, Seoul Tower and experienced tradition Korean street food as well as a restaurant. Our tour was busy and we did a lot of walking as well as using the train system, which is amazing, and we also used the bus. Overall we got a great taste of Seoul in a short time. There is so much more to see and do, perhaps on our next visit. Thank you Paul
Paul K.
Guest's good review is great rewarding to my dedication to tour and my study. Appreciation of architecture, art and craft requires background knowledge. We can see as much as we know about background knowledget. Confucianism is Korea's culturual identity. Korean traditional culture as well as Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces represent Confucianism. I appreciate Sandra's full appreciation of Korean traditional culture. Paul
Angelo M.
“A day of education”
Paul was an amazing and very knowledgeable guide. He not only took us for a day tour of the Temples, Palaces and Shrines but he also provided great context by giving us a historical insight in Confucianism with its social and moral framework and how it has had a profound impact on the modern South Korea. Many thanks Paul. Much appreciated and will definitely recommend you to our friends if they come to Seoul for a tour. Cheers, Angelo
Paul K.
It's gratitude to meet good guests, and even grateful for good will and sharing humor with guests! Center of tour is architecture! Architectural style represents spirit of times. Confucianism is spirit of Joseon Dynasty, which was last dynasty just before current Korea. Confucianism is Korea's cultural identity. Appreciation of Korea's tradition architecture, art and cragts require knowledge of Confucianism. Without knowledge of Confucianism, appreciation cannot create intense memory, but we are just fascinated by their superficial beauty that cannot last long.
Allison M.
“Excellent day in Seoul”
Fantastic tour! We were very happy with Paul’s services as a tour guide. We were able to see many sights and gain a true appreciation for the Korean history and culture. He is a true gentleman and we would highly recommend this tour.
Paul K.
Customer's good words reward my dedication and commitment! Appreciation of traditional architecture, works of art and crafts require background knowledge. Confucianism is Korea's cultural identity. Confucian culture is unique attractiveness of Korean culture, compared to Chinese and Janpanese culture. Without knowledge of Confucianism, we cannot fully enjoy Korean tradtional culture.
$160/ per group
More tours by Paul K.
Gyeongbokgung,Bukchon,Gwangjang,N-SeoulTower,Hongdae
Gyeongbokgung,Bukchon,Gwangjang,N-SeoulTower,Hongdae
Changdeokgung, Bukchon, Gwangjang market, N Seoul Tower
Changdeokgung, Bukchon, Gwangjang market, N Seoul Tower
DMZ tour to 3rd tunnel, Imjingkak, Gamaksan Suspension Bridge
DMZ tour to 3rd tunnel, Imjingkak, Gamaksan Suspension Bridge
Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon Village, Gwangjang market, Folk Museum
Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon Village, Gwangjang market, Folk Museum
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Seoul
Seoul Downtown Walking Tour - the past and the present
Seoul Downtown Walking Tour - the past and the present
Full-day Intro to Seoul and Korean History
Full-day Intro to Seoul and Korean History
Seoul in a Day: A Journey Through History
Seoul in a Day: A Journey Through History
Central Seoul Walking Tour ; From Gwanghwamun Square to Ikseon-dong Hanok Alley.
Central Seoul Walking Tour ; From Gwanghwamun Square to Ikseon-dong Hanok Alley.
