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Private One-Day Tour in Seoul – Partially Customizable Itinerary + Free Photography Service

Gyeongbokgung Palace

the Change of the Royal Guard Ceremony

Bukchon Hanok Village

Gwangjang Market

Namsan Seoul Tower

Private One-Day Tour in Seoul – Partially Customizable Itinerary + Free Photography Service

Art, Culture, & Historical

Car Tour (driving guide)

Joined 2021

Thomas K.

5.00 / 5

(60 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Seoul

English, Korean (Native)

9 hours

Private tour (only you and Thomas K.)

Up to 6 people

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!

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

- Meeting point: your hotel lobby - I’ll pick you up there.

09:00 AM

Meeting

At hotel lobby

09:20 AM

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.

10:00 AM

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.

11:20 AM

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.

12:00 PM

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!

01:00 PM

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.

02:00 PM

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.

03:00 PM

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.

03:50 PM

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.

04:50 PM

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.

06:00 PM

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.

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

- 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

What‘s not included

- All admission fees

- Meals and drinks (except one bottle of mineral water, which is provided)

- Personal expenses (shopping, snacks, etc.)

- Travel insurance

Tour Important Information

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.

Important message from the supplier

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!

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

Joined 2021

Thomas K.

5.00 / 5

(60 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Thomas K.

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!

Reviews

Michelle W.

5 / 5

Oct 9, 2026

Seoul Highlights Private Tour

Oct 9, 2026

Seoul

13 hours

Customized

“Excellent day spent with Thomas”

We had an amazing day with Thomas. He met us at the port and took us on a fabulous tour of Seoul. We saw so much but never felt rushed. We were taken to a great restaurant for lunch and Thomas managed to get us a prime spot to witness the changing of the guard at the palace. The day ended with a great food tour around the local market trying various local delicacies and then up to a sunset viewing point before Thomas drove us to the airport. We saw so many different aspects of Seoul an throughout Thomas took some amazing photos which he sent on to us. We can’t thank Thomas enough for looking after us so well and sharing so much information with us. I would highly recommend taking a tour with Thomas

Thomas K.

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It was a real pleasure showing you around Seoul and sharing some of Korea’s history, culture, and food with you. I'm delighted you enjoyed the tour and the photos. Wishing you all the best and many more wonderful travels!

Bennett P.

5 / 5

Oct 5, 2026

Seoul Royal Heritage Walking Tour

Oct 5, 2026

Seoul

4 hours

Customized

“Great guide!”

We are a couple, two independent travelers who rarely use guides. However, we wanted to see some of the old Dynasty highlights and palaces on our first day in Korea and we knew we would have jet lag. So we hired Thomas. He was superb. Kept showing us more and more but always slowed down when we need to slow down. Very friendly and funny. And an amazing photographer. The pictures he took for us are incredible. We would recommend him without a hesitation.

Thomas K.

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It was a pleasure showing you both around Seoul on your first day in Korea. I’m glad you enjoyed exploring at a comfortable pace despite the jet lag, and I’m delighted you love the photos! I hope they bring back happy memories of your time here. Thank you again for your kind recommendation!

Sue P.

5 / 5

Oct 2, 2026

Private Nami Island & Railbike + Morning Calm – Flexible Itinerary - Free Photo Service

Oct 2, 2026

Gyeonggi

10 hours 30 mins

“Beautiful day ”

Lovely day from the rail bike, to Jara Island and zipp wiring across to Nami Island followed by a relaxing stroll around Garden of morning calm. We ended up back in Seoul to experience the beautiful Seoul Nighscape This was our second day with Thomas - always informative, friendly and good company.

Thomas K.

I’m so glad you enjoyed our second day together. We certainly packed a lot into the day, from the rail bike and Nami Island to the Garden of Morning Calm and Seoul’s night views! I really enjoyed spending these two days with you as well. Thank you again for your kind words, and I hope you take home many wonderful memories of Korea. Thomas