If it’s your first time in Seoul, this full-day private tour is a great way to fall in love with the city — where old traditions and modern life come together beautifully. As you explore and enjoy the day, I’ll capture your special moments with a high-resolution camera and provide professionally edited photos after the tour. The itinerary is flexible and can be customized to match your interests. Just let me know what you’d like to see or do!
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel
- Meeting point: your hotel lobby - I’ll pick you up there.
Meeting
At hotel lobby
Bugak Skyway Palgakjeong Pavilion
Enjoy the peaceful beauty of nature along Bugak Skyway and take in panoramic views of the entire city from Palgakjeong Pavilion — a perfect spot for your first photo stop.
Gyeongbokgung Palace & Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony
Step into the heart of Korean royal history at Gyeongbokgung Palace — the first and largest palace of the Joseon Dynasty. We’ll arrive in time to watch the colorful Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (~15 minutes), then explore the palace grounds and take photos in traditional architecture settings.
National Folk Museum of Korea
Explore Korea’s everyday history at the National Folk Museum, where traditional artifacts reveal the domestic life, agriculture, and cultural beliefs of the Korean people. It’s located inside the Gyeongbokgung complex, making it a convenient and meaningful stop.
Lunch
We’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. You can choose from authentic Korean dishes or let me know your preferences — I’ll recommend something you'll love!
Bukchon Hanok Village
Stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village, a living neighborhood where hundreds of modernized hanok (traditional-style houses) built in the mid-20th century still serve as real homes, galleries, and guesthouses. This area offers a unique blend of traditional architecture and contemporary urban life — and it’s one of the most photogenic spots in Seoul.
Insa-dong
Discover Insa-dong, a cultural street filled with antique shops, art galleries, tea houses, and street snacks. It’s the perfect place to shop for souvenirs and experience Korea’s artistic spirit.
Gwangjang Market
Dive into the vibrant atmosphere of Gwangjang Market, one of Korea’s oldest and most beloved traditional markets. The bustling food alley is especially famous — try local favorites like mayak gimbap, bindaetteok, or freshly made noodles.
Namsangol Hanok Village
This village has five restored hanok (traditional Korean house) premises, a pavilion, traditional garden, performance art stage and a time capsule plaza, making it a perfect spot for both locals and tourists to take a leisure walk.
Namsan Seoul Tower
Stroll through Namsangol Hanok Village, home to five beautifully restored hanok houses set against a scenic backdrop of gardens, a pavilion, and a time capsule plaza. It's a relaxing space where tradition meets calm, perfect for both cultural insights and photos.
Back to the hotel
We’ll return to your hotel safely after a full day of exploring, tasting, and capturing unforgettable moments around Seoul.
Ending Point
Drop-off at your hotel for a comfortable finish to the day.
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
- Private guide fee
- Free private transportation (minivan), including fuel, tolls, and parking
- Complimentary professional photo service (taken with high-resolution camera)
- One bottle of mineral water per person
- All admission fees
- Meals and drinks (except one bottle of mineral water, which is provided)
- Personal expenses (shopping, snacks, etc.)
- Travel insurance
Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed every Tuesday. On those days, the itinerary will include [Changdeokgung Palace] instead.
My minivan is ideal for 5 passengers, but if your group includes children and you are not bringing large luggage, it can accommodate up to 7 people. Please note that it may feel a bit cramped.
This tour involves moderate walking, so please wear comfortable shoes.
Let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions.
Please provide your hotel name and address in advance for smoother pickup.
- A foldable stroller can be accommodated, but please inform in advance."
- Child car seats are not provided by default, but let me know if one is needed.
- The 4th-row seats are used when more than 6 passengers join, which may reduce legroom.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or special requests. I’m flexible with tour arrangements and happy to customize the itinerary based on your interests. Let’s plan a comfortable and memorable trip together!
Hi, I’m Thomas — a licensed tour guide based in Seoul since 2016.
With nearly 30 years of experience as a personnel manager at a major company, I’ve learned how to understand people and provide thoughtful service. Now, as your private tour guide, I’m here to help you discover Korea your way — at your own pace and based on your interests.
Whether you're into history, culture, food, or hidden local gems, I’ll tailor your tour just for you. Simply let me know what you’d like to see, do, or eat, and I’ll take care of the rest.
ㅁ What I offer:
- Fully customized private tours
-Free transportation (van service included)
- Free professional photo service (with high-quality camera)
- Comfortable, safe, and memorable experiences
Let’s make your time in Korea unforgettable — and I’ll be there to capture it through photos you’ll treasure.
Thank you, and I look forward to meeting you!
Sofia C.
“A must-do, memorable!”
Visiting the DMZ is a must-do. I wasn't entirely sure about it because I was hesitant to travel alone, but since I was so curious, I opted for the private tour so I wouldn't have to worry about a thing. And it was a great choice. The guide, Thomas, picked me up at the hotel reception on time, and we set off for the border. I highly recommend the private tour, especially for this special visit. And having a local private guide, who knows the history like the back of his hand, is the best, as he's also telling you about his own experiences firsthand. I didn't have to worry about a thing because everything was perfectly organized. Just don't forget your passport, or you won't be able to enter the DMZ. It's an essential requirement. Thomas will escort you safely throughout the entire tour. Well, since I was traveling alone, I felt like I had my own bodyguard, and that made my trip both relaxing and memorable. I had a wonderful time. And Thomas's fabulous photoshoot, which is also a photographer, is proof of that. Thanks again, Thomas, for everything. I had an exceptional day.
Thomas K.
Thank you for the amazing review! I’m glad the private DMZ tour felt safe, well-organized, and memorable—and that you enjoyed the photos. I hope to guide you again!
Sofia C.
“Perfect first visit to Seoul with a memorable photoshoot”
I highly recommend this tour for a first visit to Seoul. I'm Spanish and was traveling alone. Although I speak English, I didn't feel confident enough to explore the city on my own. Booking a private tour was a great decision. I was delighted with Thomas's organization, who arrived punctually to pick me up from the hotel lobby in his vehicle. He took me to all the places specified in the tour. But as if that weren't enough, he made it very clear at all times that if I wanted to change anything or visit something specific not included in the tour, I should let him know, as it could be adapted without any problem. Thomas was very attentive, helpful, and charming. As the tour progresses, Thomas shares interesting facts about Korean history that only a well-informed local can share with you. I wouldn't have been able to visit everything I discovered in a single day if I had tried it on my own. Also, and this is a plus to keep in mind when booking a private tour, is the fact that Thomas is also a photographer. Therefore, as his description clearly states, it includes a fabulous and memorable photoshoot. Wherever you go, there's always a photo waiting. It came in handy for me, since traveling alone, selfies would have been much worse than his gorgeous photos. So, thank you so much, Thomas, for the exceptional private guided tour of Seoul.
Thomas K.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I’m glad the flexible itinerary and photo shoot made your first visit to Seoul easy and memorable. Hope to welcome you back someday.
Dov G.
“Wonderful experience all around”
Thomas was a pleasure to deal with, from the planning phase all the way through the tour itself. He is knowledgeable and personable, and his commitment to providing a memorable experience for all participants is evident. His vehicle is spacious and comfortable, which was helpful for us as we had our luggage with us on the day we toured with him. Perhaps best of all are the terrific photos he takes, which we will treasure as we look back on our visit to Seoul for years to come. We can certainly recommend Thomas.
Thomas K.
It was a privilege to guide your family’s first visit to Korea, and I’m delighted you enjoyed the tour and made great memories. Enjoy your time in Jeju, and I wish you a safe and comfortable journey home.
$450/ per group