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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

Car Tour (driving guide)

Joined 2021

Thomas K.

5.00 / 5

(42 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Seoul

English, Korean (Native)

9 hours

Private tour (only you and Thomas K.)

Up to 7 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

(42 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

Peter C.

5 / 5

Jan 14, 2026

A Homecoming Journey to Wonju

Jan 14, 2026

Gangwon

9 hours

Customized

“Trip to our son’s birthplace ”

Our son was born in Korea and expressed a desire to see the city of his birth and so we arranged a two day trip with Thomas. It’s a small city that is not on the common tourist agenda. We saw a great deal and learned even more. Thomas arranged an excellent itinerary that gave us a very good introduction to the city and surrounding countryside. He made a special effort to introduce us to the reality of Korean life there (food, history, markets, etc). The trip was very meaningful to my son, and really, to all of us. Thomas made every effort to tailor the trip to our interests and kept us comfortable regardless of conditions (it was cold!). Thomas took lots of pictures of us in various scenic or interesting locations which we will treasure. We can recommend Thomas without reservation.

Biancah S.

5 / 5

Jan 6, 2026

DMZ & Nami Island Tour

Jan 6, 2026

Gyeonggi

11 hours

Customized

“Best tour guide ever!”

We can’t thank Thomas enough. He was absolutely amazing as a tour guide and driver. I wanted a tailored tour and no other company would accommodate. He was very communicative and friendly. When we arrived, he had provided warm transport and water for all passengers. As we drove to the DMZ, he explained all the sights in Seoul. Everything was seamless and he explained a lot about the sight. He handled ticketing and guiding. He brought his professional camera and took photos of us along the way. He was very genuine and even showed us the best places to eat. Don’t worry about any other guide, you have to go with Thomas. He didn’t even ask for a review - that’s how humble he is. 5 stars!!

Thomas K.

Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review. It was truly a pleasure to guide you, and I am very glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour and the DMZ experience. I appreciate your trust and warm words, and I wish you many wonderful memories from your time in Korea. I hope to see you again on your next visit.

Kim fong N.

5 / 5

Dec 8, 2025

Private Day Trip: Folk Village & Hwaseong + Starfield – Flexible Itinerary - Free Photo Service

Dec 8, 2025

Gyeonggi

9 hours

“Photo Taking and personal Tour guide”

The experience is fantastic. I have hired many private tour guides in various trips and I would say this is the best I have experience so far. Many private tour guide will just bring you to a destination, do some introduction and leave you alone. Thomas goes everywhere you goes and explain every little details. This helps us appreciate korean culture better. He is also jovial, as he always laugh and creates some fun in his sharing. The best, which my two kids love, is his photography. He knows where to takes the best shot, he is patient and he ensures all the good spots are taken with a photograph. on iternary, we all love the korean folk village and the fortress. starfield is light. if you can switch this with Naksan park, which Thomas can help with better photos. The park is beautiful !

Thomas K.

Thank you so much for your wonderful review. It was a real pleasure guiding your family in Korea, and I am truly grateful for your kind words. I am delighted to hear that you enjoyed learning about Korean history and culture throughout the tour. Capturing happy moments for families is one of my favorite parts of this job. I sincerely hope to welcome you and your family back to Korea again.