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!
Cheonggyecheon Stream
A modern public recreation space and restored urban waterway running through the center of downtown Seoul.
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 USD133
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
Avi S.
“We couldn’t get more helpful, flexible and deep knowledge than Sally!!!”
Thank you very much for the wonderful educated day you spent with us. You are very professional with a deep understanding and sensitivity of your clients situation. We are mostly appreciate your flexibility and support with the administration issues. Thank you from Donna, Tamar and double Avi. We will definitely recommend on you, so please feel free to mention us for your prospects.
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Sally K.
Thank you so much for your beautiful and heartfelt review! Your kindness, trust, and appreciation mean so much to me. I will always remember our time together, and I would be absolutely delighted to welcome you back to Korea someday! Thank you also for your kind invitation to dinner. Sending you all a big hug and my warmest wishes. Sally
Rafael M.
“Great complement to the historical tour Sally also offers”
This was my second of two tours with Sally. The idea was to go through the history and development of South Korea early on and then a few days later check the most modern and trendy spots in the more upscale neighborhoods in Seoul and it worked out exactly that way. Sally also arranged private transportation that turned the day a bit more comfortable, which was trully appreciated. The day went so well that it made me plan on returning to Seoul at some point soon to experience the cultural aspect (museums, art exhibitions and events) of the city in more depth than I did this time around.
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Sally K.
Hi Rafael, Thank you so much for taking the time to write another lovely review! I hope you’ve made it home safely by now and are getting some well-deserved rest. I truly cherish the two days we spent together. They were so special to me, and I’ll always remember them. Just as you hoped and I promised, when you come back to Korea, I’ll show you even more and share many more stories with you. And of course, we still have to do the DMZ tour together! :D I already miss you. ㅜㅜ Have a great weekend and take good care of yourself! Best wishes, Sally
Rafael M.
“Great deep dive into the history of South Korea”
This was my first of two tours with Sally. Her knowledge of the history and development of South Korea is great and she paced the day extremelly well. I had a great time getting to see the historical sights in the morning and a very pleasant afternoon bridging across to modern time checking out the famous Gwangjang Market, Cheonggye Plaza and the shopping district. I'm really glad I booked this tour early on the trip.
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Sally K.
Thank you so much for your lovely review! I’m so glad you enjoyed exploring both the historical and modern sides of Seoul with me. It was my great pleasure sharing Korea’s history and culture with you. I look forward to seeing you again on our second tour!
$399/ 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
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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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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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Tracing the western influence in Korea
Since its opening the door to the outer world in 1876, many foreigners have visited and lived in Korea. This tour will follow their stories, why they came, who there were, what they have done.
Tracing the western influence in Korea
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