Layover tour: pickup at ICN airport - Seoul highlight tour - Sendoff at Seoul station
Joined 2023
Tour starts from my pick up at ICN - Go to Seoul station by express train (45mins) or normal train(65min) - Buy return ticket of expresee train for ICN - Tour - We'll go to Seoul station by my escort - Customers leave Seoul st for ICN and tour ends at Seoul station.
Tourist destinations are the best places in Seoul, such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, the essence & highlight of palace architecture, Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong street for half days. Price include all transportation costs.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Arrival terminal of Inchon Airport
- Tour starts from meeting at ICN - Go to Seoul station by express train or normal train - purchase of return ticket for express train for ICN - Tour to highlight of Seoul cultural places - Go back to Seoul station by my escort - Customers leave Seoul station for ICN and tour ends at Seoul station. According to above schededule, we meet at 7am at ICN, and tour ends at 1pm at Seoul station. It is 6 hours tour. Express train moves almost every one hour, and in peak season, it is sold out and so we need to buy ticket in advance. Express train is a designated seat system with comfortable amenity. According to situation, we will take normal train. It takes 1 hour by normal train to go to Seoul. There is 20 min difference between express & normal train. We will take normal train, when we have to wait over 20 min for express train. Terminal no of arrival should be given to guide in advance time. Meeting time can be adjusted by guest's flight schedule.
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.
Insadong street and Jogyesa Buddhist temple
Insadong is the representative cultural street of Seoul, showing the mixture of traditional and modern atmosphere.
Seoul station
Terminal for express train to depart for Incheon airport.
It takes 45 minutes from Seoul station to Incheon airport by express train.
Ending Point
Seoul express train station
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
1. guide fee
2. 2 express train tickets per person from Incheon airport to Seoul and from Seoul to Incheon airport.
3. public transportation during tour.
4. entrance fee for Gyeongbokgung
food, meal, drink
Tour Important Information
Exploring of Korea’s unique cultural identity and beauty!
Tour starts from my pick up at ICN - Go to Seoul st by express train or normal train - Buy return ticket of expresee train for ICN - Tour - We'll go to Seoul station by my escort - Customers leave Seoul st for ICN and tour ends at Seoul station. All transportation costs and admission price are included in the price of tour.
Tour places are Gyeongbokgung Palace - Bukchon Hanok Village - Insadong street.
Architecture is the center of culture and center of tour. Architectural style represents spirit of times. Confucianism is spirit of Joseon Dynasty.
Confucianism culture of Joseon Dynasty is unique & differentiated characteristic of Korean culture, compared to Chinese and Japanese.
The beauty and value of traditional architecture consists of architectural feature & its historical significance and spirit of times.
With the basic information offered by guide, you can fully appreciate the beauty and value of not only Gyeongbokgung but entire Korea’s traditional culture.
Without the basic information, you are just fascinated by their superficial beauty.
The information helps tourists can fully enjoy not only this tour but also entire tour in Korea.
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 is hanok(traditional Korean house) village with long history, largest cluster of about 1,000 hanoks. Buckon village shows beautiful scenery that blends the traditional with metropolitan landscape.
Jogyesa Buddhist temple is small but the headquarter Buddhist temple of Korean Buddhist Organization, built in 1926 in Insadong and located adjacent to Gyeongbokgung.
Increase of guest by only additional transportation cost
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 tour guide in Seoul. I am English tour guide certified by Ministry of Culture & Sports & Tourism with indepth experiences over 200 tours for international tourists.
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
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
Jennifer R.
“Fantastic experience! ”
I had the pleasure of having Paul as my guide for my first visit to Korea. The tour met all my expectations and more, thank you Paul! Paul is very responsive and went out of his way to travel to my hotel for an hour to pick me up as I wasn’t familiar with travelling in Seoul. His knowledge of Confucianism, Joseon Dynasty history & architecture was exceptional. This really provided insight to Korean culture both historically and as it is now, which enabled me to truly perceive the beauty and fully appreciate the sites and scenes we visited together. He’s such a fun and considerate guide, and we had such great conversations about various different cultures, life, and personal experiences. Paul also has insider knowledge of great spots and hidden places for the best photos (changing of guard, Hanok Bukchon), 1000won coffee (delicious!), food to aim for (at Kwangjang market). Thank you Paul for such a great experience, I hope we will meet again and appreciate your motivation to share the true beauty of Seoul!
Paul K.
Guest’s good review is the best reward and encouragement for my commitment to tour! Our tour is exploring of Korea’s unique cultural identity and beauty! Architecture is the center of culture and center of tour. Architectural style represents spirit of times. Confucianism is spirit of Joseon Dynasty. Confucianism culture of Joseon Dynasty is unique & differentiated characteristic of Korean culture, compared to Chinese and Japanese. Eventually, we can understand the beauty and value of traditional architecture consist of architectural feature, its historical significance and spirit of times. But without the basic information, tourists are just fascinated by superficial beauty of the buildings and places. Through tour, we explored Korea's unique cultural identity, focusing on architectural feature, historical significance and Confucianism, the spirit of Joseon Dynasty.
$220/ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!!
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!
Gangbuk Seoul (Northern district of Hangang River in Seoul) one day tour
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.
