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 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.
Gyeongbokgung is 1st must-see architectures in Korea, because Gyeongbokgung represents Korea's cultural identity, and Gyeongbokgung is the most beautiful place in Korea. Gyeongbokgung is 1st palace of Joseon, built as main palace in 1395, and it is largest palace and the only palace built on flat land and according to traditional palace architecture.
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 & Hondae 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
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.
Sandra H.
“Two day tour with Paul”
My family did a two day tour in Seoul with Paul. He is a good fit for those who are looking for (1) historical knowledge and explanations (2) fast walking and (3) someone who will definitely try to visit all sites on the agenda. He is a history specialist and has knowledge of Confucian writings. He has fixed recommendations for the tours, and I suggest being prepared to follow his agenda rather than flexing as things arise. We were able to communicate in English without any problems. Paul was prompt and reliable meeting us at our hotel. He is great at knowing the best photo spots, and he took great pictures of our family during the trip. He’s a very kind hearted, trustworthy, and well-intentioned tour guide with a lot of passion for others to learn about the history and culture of Korea. Our tours with Paul were very memorable! Thanks Paul!
Paul K.
Customer's good review always is great reward for my commitment to tour.
Stan V.
“Helaas niet door gegaan”
Vanwege plotselinge ziekte van ons kon de tour met Paul niet doorgaan. Jammer. We hadden ons er écht op verheugd. Paul heeft ons in de aanloop van de excursie steeds prima op de hoogte gehouden en geïnformeerd hoe we het beste kunnen reizen. Weet zeker dat onze excursie met Paul top zou zijn geweest, maar helaas: we waren er té ziek voor.
Paul K.
Dear Stan, I much appreciate your review with 5 star rating, though you did not tour. Anyway it is written in Dutch. Again, I am so sorry that you got sick in S.Korea and lost your tour. Hope you recover your health and enjoy your whole tour. Paul
$160/ per group
More tours by Paul K.
Gyeongbokgung,Bukchon,Gwangjang,N-SeoulTower,Hongdae
Exploring for Korea’s unique cultural identity! Tour features Gyeongbokgung palace - the most beautiful place and best architecture, Bukchon Hanok Village, Gwangjang market, N Seoul Tower, Hongdae street. 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 must-see architecuture that represent Korea's traditional culture.
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Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon Village, Gwangjang market, Folk Museum
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, Gwangjang market. 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.
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Seoul
Central Seoul Walking Tour ; From Gwanghwamun Square to Ikseon-dong Hanok Alley.
Gwanghwamun Square connects the Joseon Dynasty and modern times. The view of Bukaksan Mountain and Gyeongbokgung Palace from Gwanghwamun Square is just like a landscape. Let's go on a journey back to the past at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. We can tour antique shops and galleries along the Insadong Cultural Street. Jogyesa Temple is worth visiting. Lastly, Ikseon-dong Hanok Alley has pretty cafes, restaurants, and stores while maintaing traditional Korea houses.
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This is the highlight to cover the traditional district in Seoul(called "Gangbuk"). You will learn overall Korean history including Seoul, life passages of Koreans(from birth till after death) and Korean democracy evolvement. You will feel the beauty of traditional architecture harmonized with modern buildings in Seoul. This tour covers visiting old palace, folk museum, city stream, old city wall and etcetra. For more description, refer to the itinerary below.
