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Seoul Private Tour - null
Seoul Private Tour - null
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Seoul Private Tour - null
Seoul Private Tour - null
Seoul Private Tour - null
Seoul Private Tour - null
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Seoul Private Tour - Gyeonghaeru Pavillion in Gyeongbokgung Palce
Gyeonghaeru Pavillion in Gyeongbokgung Palce
Seoul Private Tour - null
Seoul Private Tour - Private Car
Private Car

Seoul City Tour-Korea

Art, Culture, & Historical
Car Tour (driving guide)
Seoul Tour Guide - Kevin L.

Joined 2022

Kevin L.
5.00 / 5
(21 reviews)
Identity Verified
Interview-Based Quality Checks
Seoul
English, Korean (Native)
9 hrs 30 mins
Private tour (only you and Kevin L.)
Up to 7 people

Seoul has been the capital for more than 600 years from the establishment of the Joseon Dynasty in the late 14th century to the present. Divided by the Han River, Seoul is adorned with many historical treasures such as royal palaces, fortress walls, traditional village, traditional markets, and modern architectural marvels like Lotte World Tower, Trade Tower. Seoul truly embodies the charm of coexisting past and present. It also serves as the birthplace of K-POP and Korean wave(Hallyu).

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

09:00 AM

Meeting Point

At your hotel

09:30 AM

Gyeongbokgung Royal Palace+Gate Guard Changing Ceremony

Gyeongbokgung Palace was the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty. The Joseon Dynasty was the last dynasty in Korean history, founded in 1392 and lasted until 1910. Gyeongbokgung Palace was established in 1395, following the foundation of the Joseon Dynasty in 1392. It is also known as the 'Northern Palace' because it is located further north compared to Changdeokgung Palace (the Eastern Palace) and Gyeonghuigung Palace (the Western Palace). There were five royal palaces during the Joseon Dynasty. Among them, Gyeongbokgung Palace takes pride in being the largest in scale and the most beautiful. 'Gyeongbok' means 'The new dynasty will be greatly blessed and prosperous' In addition, you can also have the opportunity to observe the gate guard changing ceremony taking place twice a day, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

11:00 AM

Buckchon Hanok Village(Northern Traditional House Village)

Bukchon Hanok Village is situated between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace (the secondary palace), and its streets are lined with traditional houses. Here, hundreds of houses sit shoulder to shoulder. The name "Bukchon," which literally translates to "northern village," originated because the neighborhood is located to the north of two significant Seoul landmarks, Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jongno. During the Joseon Dynasty, it served as an exclusive residential area for high-ranking court officials and nobility due to its strategic position between the two royal palaces.

However, these houses are not the ones that were inhabited by dignitaries during the Joseon Dynasty. They were remodeled during the period from 1920 to 1930 due to a significant influx of people to Seoul, many of whom were Japanese individuals seeking new opportunities during the Japanese Occupation period.

One noteworthy aspect of this village is that it was not created as a tourist attraction. Instead, Bukchon Hanok Village is a residential neighborhood where people actually live. Therefore, visitors are kindly requested to explore the area quietly, preserving the tranquility of the residents.

12:00 PM

Insadong + Lunch at traditioal restaurant

Insa-dong, the name of the location, has occupied the very center of Seoul for the past 600 years, since the Joseon dynasty. Many historically famous officials and scholars lived here due to its proximity to Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace. Additionally, there was a government office called ‘Dowhaseo’ responsible for artistic activities. This historical background naturally paved the way for today’s artistic district. During the Japanese colonial period, many dignitaries faced collapse, leading them to sell their furniture and antiques, which made this area famous for its antique products. Insa-dong is a place where the old and new seamlessly coexist. The main road in Insa-dong is flanked by alleys on each side. Within these alleys, you can find numerous galleries, traditional restaurants, teahouses, and cafes.

03:00 PM

N Seoul Tower

The N Seoul Tower was established atop Namsan in 1971. It is one of the most famous tourist attractions, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view of Seoul's cityscape. The tower's name was changed from Namsan Tower to N Seoul Tower in 2005, with the "N" representing 'new,' 'Namsan,' and 'nature.'

N Seoul Tower has also gained a reputation as an auspicious place for love, making it a popular spot for couples. One of the most cherished activities at N Seoul Tower is the 'Love locks' event. In a gesture symbolizing eternal love, couples inscribe their names and wishes on a padlock and then hang it on the designated lock tree.

04:30 PM

Gwangjang Traditional Market

Gwangang Market used to be one of the three major markets in the late Joseon dynasty, alongside Namdaemun Market and Jongno Market. Originally named Dongdaemun Market, it thrived during the 1960s-1970s, but experienced a slowdown in the 1980s due to the rise of large-scale discount stores. From the late 2000s, it has experienced a revival, thanks to the popularity of Eatery Alley, which has attracted foreign tourists. Famous foods in Gwangang Market include Yukhae (Korean-style raw beef), Sannakji (raw/live small octopus with wriggling tentacles), Mung Bean pancake, Mayak(drug)gimbap (small gimbap with mustard sauce), Makgeoli (Korean rice wine), and more. The market's second floor is filled with silk, satin, and linen products.

05:30 PM

Taking a short walk in Cheonggyecheon Stream

Cheonggyecheon, which was a natural stream during the Joseon dynasty, has been transformed into an 11 km long modern artificial stream that runs through downtown Seoul. It was restored in 2003, reclaiming the space from traffic roads. It serves as an excellent destination for Seoul citizens to find relaxation by leisurely strolling along the stream, contributing to a harmonious balance between the bustling downtown environment and nature. Additionally, the stream offers the added benefit of providing a cooling effect, particularly appreciated during the summer season.

06:30 PM

End of Tour

Ending Point

At your hotel

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

What‘s included

Guiding fee

Free transportation (11 seater KIA Carnival )

Fuel, toll, parking

Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off

What‘s not included

Entrance Fees

Lunch

Traveler's Insurance

Tour Important Information

> Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed every Tuesday; therefore, an alternate palace will be visited on that day.

> The provided schedule is designed around the most popular attractions and timing, but it can be adjusted flexibly to accommodate the preferences and needs of the customers.

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
Seoul Tour Guide - Kevin L.

Joined 2022

Kevin L.
5.00 / 5
(21 reviews)
Identity Verified
Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Kevin L.

I received a license in 2016 from the Korea Tourism Organization as a qualified professional tour guide. I have guided a variety of tours for people and tourists from all over the world and have been doing so for over 9 years.

Before being a tour guide I spent most of my career working in the banking industry for almost 30 years, starting with Korea First Bank which later became a US based Newbridge Capital and UK based Standard Chartered Bank until I retired in 2016.

My experience in the banking industry was very much customer-first and dealing with the public which laid the cornerstone and passion to becoming a tour guide.

After retiring from the bank, I worked as a lecturer for a volunteering organization run by the local public office and taught students about the environment and disabilities.

With various experiences and personal management skills, these challenges have provided a real life, hands on cultural nuances which will promote friendship and expand life experiences between different cultures.

I'm based in Seoul but will be happily arrange the tours to Busan, Gyeongju, Sokcho, Jeonju etc. as a customized tour. Feel free to drop me a request message.

Reviews

Glorious Gloucesters

Booked a personalised tour for my husband for the DMZ and to see the Glorious Gloucester Memorial. Kevin was welcoming from the start and extremely knowledgeable on all aspects of the tour. We were able to go out our own pace and never felt rushed at all. The tour has been a once in a lifetime experience made all the more memorable due to Kevin's kindness. Would highly recommend Kevin as your guide

Sally W.

Kevin L.

Thank you very much for your wonderful and thoughtful review. It was truly a pleasure guiding you and your husband, and I am delighted to hear that the tour was such a memorable experience for you both. Your kind words mean a great deal to me. Thank you again for your recommendation. Warm regards, Kevin Lee

Fabulous tour with Kevin.

This trip was a highlight of our time in Seoul and was put together for us by Kevin. The Royal Palaces are amazing to see and it was great to have a guide with us to explain the history and stories of the places we saw. Kevin also obtained tickets to the Secret Garden for us, and I am so glad we got to see this very special place. Kevin was happy to tweak the itinerary too as it was such a hot day and afterwards drove us back to our hotel in Pangyo. Thoroughly recommended and Kevin was a great guide.

Helen R.

Kevin L.

Thank you so much for your wonderful review. It was a pleasure spending the day with you in Seoul. I'm so glad you enjoyed the tour, especially the Secret Garden. Thank you again for your kind words and recommendation. Wishing you all the best. Warm regards, Kevin Lee

Fascinating day trip

Kevin picked us up exactly on time in his large, comfortable car and took us to the DMZ. Here we joined a bus tour (this is obligatory) but Kevin came with us and did a great job of guiding us round the various places we visited and making sure we were always back at the bus on time! This tour is a must if you are in Seoul and this trip was well worth it as Kevin picked us up from our hotel in Pangyo, which meant we didn't have to try to find our way to a more central meeting point first thing in the morning. A great day out.

Helen R.

Kevin L.

Thank you very much for your kind review. I'm delighted to hear that you enjoyed the DMZ tour and found the pickup from Pangyo convenient. It was a pleasure spending the day with you. Thank you again for your recommendation, and I wish you all the best. Warm regards, Kevin Lee

Want to Personalize?

$300/ per group

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