This is the highlight to cover the traditional district in Seoul(called "Gangbuk") and Business distrct, the surthern part of Hangang river(Gangnam, you must have heard of the song ' Gangnam Style ')
You will learn overall Korean history including Seoul, life passages of Koreans(from birth till after death). You will feel the beauty of traditional architecture harmonized with modern buildings in Seoul.
You will enjoy Korean food and visit places heap in Korea.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Your Hotel
- where the front desk is located.
Cheonggyecheon Stream
Cheonggyecheon stream has become a resting place for Seoul citizens. You will learn about how this beautiful stream has changed throughout the history. Feel the beautiful scenery.
Gwanghwamun square
This used to be Government offices buildings located during Joseon Kingdom era. Now this square is a simbolic place for Korean democracy in modern era. You will also encounter with 2 statues of the most respected personnel throughout Korean history.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main & 1st palace of Joseon dynasty shows the dignity of the kingdom and the beauty of structures harmonized with surrounding natures such as mountains in its back since the 14th century. It still looks amazing with the comparison of highrise modernized buildings outside the palace at current time zone. If you want, you can rent Hanbok(Korean traditional costume) from Hanbok rental shop nearby.
Here we will watch the royal guards changing ceremony.
The national folk museum help you understand better traditional Korean life passages.
Insadong street
At Insadong handcraft street, you can look around various shops such as Calligraphy, Paintings, Traditional tea and Souvenirs and etc. We will have lunch time here.
If you are interested in Buddhism, we can visit a Buddhist temple nearby named Jogyesa.
COEX
Visit the COEX Convention & Exhibition Center & shopping mall complex which features the Starfield Library and the statue of singer Psy's hand. The area is home to five-star hotels, department stores, and skyscrapers.
Lottle world sky tower & Seokchon lake
Lotte World Tower
Lotte world tower(555m) is the tallest in Korea. If you want, we can go up to the observatory floor (you need to buy tickets). This area is rather Lotte Complex where Lotte mall, Lotte department store, Lotte mart, Lotte world adventure and Lotte hotel gather together here.
Seokchon lake
residents living in this area walk, jog and work out at Seokchon Lake. There open yard fitness facilities free of charge for citizens. And, It also offers beautiful scenery in all four seasons. You can see the entire Lotte World Tower from here.
Hotel
End of tour
Ending Point
Hotel
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Guide fee
Transportation : private car (Hyun Dai Staria Hybrid Van, 11 passenger car, 2025 version)
Parking fee
Toll fee
Fuel
* meal & drinks
(approx. 10,000~30,000 Korean won for lunch)
* admission fee
. Gyeongbokgung palace for you
(3,000 Korean won per person)
. Lotte sky tower 23,000 won per person(discounted price)
* Travelers Insurance
(Please subscribe it for you by yourself. Please note that Guide shall not be responsible for your injury, damages and loss of belongings)
Please be patient in case there is traffic jam.
My car is Hyun Dai Staria Hybrid Van (11 passengers, Year 2025)
Gyeongbokgung palace closes on every Tuesday. In this case, you go to other palace such as Changdeokgung or Deoksugung
Who you travel with is as important as where you go and what you see.
Here I am for you!
I have obtained official tour guide certificate in 2018.
I appreciate a lot of good reviews and kudos directly to me or indirectly through multi-national or Korean travel agencies.
Here are some extracts from the reviews.
Quote;
"Our tour guide Andy, in south Korea was exceptional, making the experience both educational and entertaining. His in-depth knowledge about the history and culture of the area was impressive, and he shared fascinating stories that brought the sites to life. His passion for the job was extremely good, leaving us with wonderful memories and a deeper appreciation for Korea." ; Unquote
On this ocassion, I would like to express gratitude from my warm heart to all the travelers whom I have met.
And, more about myself, I was born and raised in Seoul. Before becoming a tour guide, I had been working in Petrochemical Industry for major Korean conglomerates for quite a long timeframe. And, for developing overseas business projects of the enterprises. I resided in Indonesia and Vietnam as an expatriate for about 9 years.
Working in an international business environment and in a big organization gave me chances to broaden my views of the world and better understand diverse perspectives, cultures, religion, economics and politics as well. And, as I like reading books, my understanding about Korean history and human beings have been deepened with time.
You will see real Korea with the unviased vision through the eyes of real Korean.
Multiple days tour is also recommended. I can organise it reflectimg your tastes!
Come and enjoy with me!
Sincerly,
Andy
*Qualification/License :
Official English interpreting tourist guide (Korea Tourism Organization)
Korean History Evaluation Test 1st Grade certificate.
Driver's license(Sedan and Van)
*Academic background :
Master degree (Business & Administration)
Bachelor's degree (engineering chemical dept.)
Howard P.
“Seoul Guided Tour”
Andy was incredibly knowledgeable & accommodated what we wanted to see & do perfectly, but more importantly his enthusiasm energy & care he took to make sure we had a great time was second to none. I can’t recommend him highly enough, he’s a great guide & great guy. Thanks Andy for a great day in Seoul & Incheon. Howard & Heather
Andy P.
Thank you for the time sharing with me. I really enjoyed the timw with you. I Hope that you will have wonderful and unforgetable memories from your cruise trip! And, cheers all the best including your good health and happiness. Andy
Sarai T.
“A very unexpectedly great and fun time with Andy! ”
I just landed in Korea and booked with Andy 1 day before the tour. I messaged 10 other tour guides & Andy was the 2nd to respond, but with the most warm message ever. When we landed, the language barrier was so hard that a taxi driver denied us because we couldn't communicate. It made me feel defeated, and I realized how much I may need a personal translator. I requested a customizable tour where Andy could show me how to use the metro system, eat, and shop around. Andy genuinely made me feel like I was going to be taken care of. He may not know this, but he comforted me a lot with his words. Andy was also VERY flexible when it came to changing things up last minute and going with the flow in the moment. The most unexpected thing that made this trip was that I thought after a while Andy would get tired like my mom, and want to move fast, but I was wrong! I'm a 20 yr old girl who LOVES to shop. Not only was he spending HOURS with me in the shops, he's giving me ideas, and it's GIRLY things like skincare, purses, jewelry, and clothes. He also has GREAT taste! It was like I went shopping with my friend who is genuinely happy to be there & wants to help me find the best thing for my taste. It truly changed my perspective on him. I just thought he may be a guide immersed in history and culture of Korea, which is true as well - but he is also well-rounded apparently! The tour I booked with Andy was only 8 hours, but he spent the WHOLE day with us and didn't charge us at all. I truly feel as though Andy is just having a good time as well. Not only did I have a guide with me, but a friend. Andy was cracking so much jokes, and genuinely made me laugh. Me & Andy were always together, but somehow my mom would wander off and walk VERY far away from us. We both would have to aggressively scream "MOMMM!" to get her attention, but even then she could not hear us. Every time it happened, it was we made a joke about it. It was so much fun...
Andy P.
THANK you, Sarai so much for your kind review. I really enjoyed the time I spent with you and your mom. The weather was a bit cold. However, It could not block our JOURNEY. I'm so glad that you had a really fun time. I will pray for you and your family. Feel the NEW life and ENJOY the life! I will be any assistance for you anytime. Cheers for YOU and MOM. Thanks with LOVE. :)
$470/ per group