Seoul: A Journey Through History
Seoul has been the capital city of Korea since 1392. You will explore cultural heritage sites, including a royal palace, a Buddhist temple, the old streets, and a traditional market in the northern part of the city, all in one full day.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Your hotel
- I will pick up at your hotel.
Royal Guards Changing Ceremony & Gyeongbokgung Palace
Visit the first and main palace of the Joseon Dynasty built in 1394. Explore royal heritages and architectures, which are the national treasures of Korea. The royal guards' changing ceremony starts at 10:00 am.
National Folk Museum of Korea
Located next to the royal palace, explore Koreans' life passage with traditions and customs from birth to death that have been continued from the old days to today.
Bukchon Hanok Village
A traditional village where aristocrats lived during the Joseon dynasty. The village has been preserved with Hanok (traditional houses) despite the city’s industrialization.
Lunch
It is highly recommended to try the exquisite dishes of Korean cuisine.
Jogyesa Temple
Discover Buddhism at Korea's most significant temple, the heart of Korean Buddhism.
Insadong Alley
Insadong is a historic neighborhood with a deep connection to traditional Korean culture.
Gwangjang Market
One of Korea's oldest traditional markets opened in 1905. Enjoy food made with warm, homemade mother’s cook and experience local life in bustling atmosphere!
Option 1: Seoul City Fortress Wall and East Gate
Fortress Wall stretches 18 km along Seoul’s four inner mountains, built in 1396 to protect the capital, offering scenic walking trails that blend history with panoramic city views. East Gate is connected to the fortress wall and it is Korea's Treasure No.1.
Option 2: Myeongdong
The biggest shopping area in Seoul. Busy and vibrant with K-beauty, skin care, fashion, shoes and many products. Street food opens at 4:00 PM.
Your hotel
I will take you back to your hotel or your preferred place.
Ending Point
your hotel or your preferred place. (To be discussed)
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
- Hotel pick-up.
Public transportation
-- Subway US$10/person (round-trip)
Private Transportation USD126
Admission Ticket
-- Gyeongbokgung Palace US$3/person.
- Meal & snack
Tour Important Information
* Times and places can be changed depending on your requests.
* This tour involves a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes.
* This tour is not recommended for those with severe back/knee problems.
* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
* Please inform me in advance if you require a private car.
* Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed on Tuesdays. Changdeokgung Palace will be replaced.
Important message from the supplier
Full time (8hrs) or Part time (4hrs) is available.
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 Sally K.
I am a government-certified tour guide, showcasing popular tourist attractions, breathtaking scenic spots, and hidden gems across Seoul and other major cities in Korea. I am passionate about sharing insights into Korean history, culture, traditions, food, politics, inter-Korean relations, and modern social trends.
With over 5 years of professional guiding experience, I have successfully led more than 1,000 guests from around the world.
I am trained in VIP protocol and assisted distinguished guests, including state visitors and the 2025 APEC Summit delegates. I specialize in delivering refined, seamless, and culturally insightful experiences tailored to each guest.
I truly value building genuine connections and intimacy with my guests. By creating a warm and engaging atmosphere during the tour, I promise you a joyful, meaningful, and unforgettable experience during your stay in Korea.
Reviews
Frank V.
“That best tour i have ”
Hi everyone! I highly recommend Sally; she is the best guide. • i loved the experience. Gyeongju is basically a real-life open-air museum. Her descriptions of all the events, followed by a stroll through the streets, made for an unforgettable experience
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Sally K.
Haha! I think Seoul and Gyeongju got mixed up. :D We were in Seoul, remember? And that pagoda was actually the model at the National Folk Museum, a replica in the famous temple, Gyeongju. Anyway, thank you so much for the sweet review! I'm so glad you had a great time. Best wishes! Sally
Nadine 5.
“TWO FANTASTIC DAYS OF TOURS IN SEOUL WITH SALLY K”
We booked two days of tours in Seoul with Sally day 1 historic tour of Seoul, day 2 modern Seoul, we were we totally blown away by Seoul as a city, and Sally was a really amazing guide was incredibly knowledgeable took us to all the sights we would never have found or known about ourselves, having discussed prior to our trip what we would like to do and tailoring exactly to suit our needs, her English was excellent, and as my husband had a knee injury arranged for a very comfortable car and driver for both days of the tours, I would highly recommend using Sally if you are looking for a guide in Seoul.
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Sally K.
Thank you so much! Your review truly made my day. :D I had such a wonderful time with both of you, and I'm so happy to hear you fell in love with Seoul! It was a pleasure guiding you, and I'm especially glad everything worked out comfortably for your husband's. Thank you again for trusting me with your Seoul adventure. Please come back to Korea and I’d love to show you more hidden gems next time! Best Wishes, Sally
Burcu B.
“Fabulous historical insights with Sally!”
If you love history, Sally is the absolute best guide you could ask for. She is so knowledgeable and passionate about the places we visited. Just keep in mind that it is a very active, walking-heavy tour. Make sure you check the weather forecast before you go, as it might be tough to handle on a really hot day. Thanks again, Sally!
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Sally K.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation despite the hot weather. I'm so happy I could help make your time in Seoul meaningful. I hope to welcome you back to Korea someday. Wishing you all the best and safe travels! :)
$389/ per group
More tours by Sally K.
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K-pop Demon Hunters One-Day Tour
Step into the world of K-Pop Demon Hunters! This exclusive tour takes you to the real-life filming and inspiration sites featured in the global hit Netflix animation. From dazzling concert stages to ancient city walls, each stop lets you relive the thrilling moments where our fierce HUNTR/X battled supernatural forces.
K-pop Demon Hunters One-Day Tour
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DMZ: Witness the Last Cold War Frontier
The DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) is a buffer zone that separates South and North Korea. Established in 1953 following the armistice agreement of the Korean War, the DMZ is 4 kilometers wide. Despite its name, it is one of the most heavily guarded borders in the world. This tour is not just a visit to a historical site; it is also a journey toward understanding the reality of division and the hope for peace on the Korean Peninsula.
DMZ: Witness the Last Cold War Frontier
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Cutting-Edge Seoul: Redefining Modern Living
Korea lives in 2050! You will explore the innovative designs and cutting-edge technology of Korea at present, which you have never experienced before anywhere in the world. You will visit the newest and trendy areas including Gangnam with great architecture, K-beauty, fashion, art, and more, that will surprise you every time for 8 hours.
Cutting-Edge Seoul: Redefining Modern Living
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Explore UNESCO World Heritage and Folk Village
Discover two UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites in Suwon City. First, you will explore Suwon Hwaseong Fortress built in 1796 to honor King Jeongjo’s father, Crown Prince Sado. You will also visit the Korean Folk Village experiencing tradtional customs. Lastly, you will see Starfield Library Suwon, the tallest library in Korea.
Explore UNESCO World Heritage and Folk Village
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Seoul
![[Expert Historian] Seoul Deep Dive: The Soul of Old Seoul](https://images.gowithguide.com/filters:format(avif)/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/17457/c71154a7-079b-4f5d-9ceb-6b847340b938.jpg)
[Expert Historian] Seoul Deep Dive: The Soul of Old Seoul
Not a typical tour—understand Korea, not just see it. See how Korea’s history, culture, and daily life connect through the structure of old Seoul. Rather than simply visiting landmarks, this tour follows a clear narrative—from everyday life in Bukchon and local markets to the royal order of Gyeongbokgung—showing how different layers of society were organized. Whether traveling solo or as a couple, this experience offers a deeper and more meaningful way to understand the spirit of old Seoul.
[Expert Historian] Seoul Deep Dive: The Soul of Old Seoul
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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.
Central Seoul Walking Tour ; From Gwanghwamun Square to Ikseon-dong Hanok Alley.
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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!!
Full-day Intro to Seoul and Korean History
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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!
Seoul Downtown Walking Tour - the past and the present
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