Silent City Walk: Hidden Alleys & Traditional Tea Included
This 4-hour walking tour is about experiencing the real Seoul by walking through quiet, timeworn alleyways largely undeveloped. You'll explore Gilsangsa Temple, pass by old hanoks and stone walls, and end the tour at Sungkyunkwan, Korea’s oldest Confucian academy. Along the way, you'll take a relaxing break at a traditional teahouse to enjoy Korean tea and rice cakes , included in the tour price. It’s a slow walk with real Seoul stories and scenery.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Hansung Univ. Station (Exit 6)
Gilsangsa Temple
Once a luxurious restaurant, this serene space was later donated to become a Zen temple. Surrounded by trees and stillness, it offers a rare moment of peace in the heart of the city.
Suyeonsanbang
Once home to a beloved Korean writer, this teahouse now serves traditional drinks and calm moments in a garden setting. You’ll enjoy Korean tea and rice cakes here, both are included in the tour price.
Please note: Suyeonsanbang is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and may occasionally close without notice. In that case, we’ll visit a charming nearby café instead.
Silent Alleys & Stone Walls
Stroll through quiet, timeworn alleys where the past lingers in every brick, then follow a hidden trail along the old fortress wall.
Confucian Campus
Visit Korea’s oldest university and its historic lecture hall.
Ending Point
Hyehwa Station, Exit 4
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
A licensed tour guide
Traditional tea and snacks at a traditional tea house
Any food not included in the tour
Insurance are not included
Tour Important Information
* This tour involves a lot of walking including hills
* This tour is not recommended for those with severe back/knee problems.
* This tour is not wheelchair accessible.
* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
*Note about consultation and communication
I’m happy to answer any questions related to this tour after your booking is confirmed.
For more general travel-related questions (outside of the tour content), I kindly ask that you reach out after your booking becomes non-refundable (when the cancellation penalty period begins).
This helps me provide the best service to my confirmed guests while managing time and resources fairly.
If Suyeonsanbang Traditional Tea House is closed, we may visit a different café instead.
Important message from the supplier
Trip Consultation Policy
Trip consultation is included in the tour.
However, it will only be provided after the free cancellation period ends (7 days before the tour).
No consultation is available during the free cancellation period.
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
About Tour Guide Jeeseon C.
Hi! I’m Jeeseon.
Over the past several years, I’ve been working as a licensed guide, leading travelers from around the world through palaces, temples, hanok villages, traditional markets, and Seoul’s hidden local neighborhoods. I especially enjoy introducing guests to off-the-beaten-path gems and sharing the city’s authentic local atmosphere. Many of my guests say it feels like exploring the city with a thoughtful local friend.
I design every tour with care, balancing history, culture, and everyday life, so each guest can experience Seoul in a personal and memorable way. Guiding is more than a job to me, it’s a way to connect people with the heart of Korea.
My tours are ideal for curious travelers who want more than just sightseeing. I specialize in:
Korean history and culture storytelling
Practical Hangul learning experiences
Hidden gem exploration for repeat travelers
An orientation tour for first-time travelers to Korea with a Hangul learning session
Reviews
Kevin P.
“Great guide”
Great guide. Highly recommend
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Jeeseon C.
Kevin. Thank you so much for your warm review. I will never forget the tour with your family either. It was very hot that day, but the children were so brave and cheerful throughout the tour. I’m truly grateful for that. I hope your time in Seoul remains a happy memory for your family.
Orestes M.
“Exploring like a local with a good friend ”
Jeeseon made my first trip to Korea unforgettable. From the moment we met, she felt more like a longtime friend than a tour guide. She customized the experience around my interests and enriched every stop with detailed historical and cultural context. Beyond being incredibly knowledgeable, she is also a fantastic Korean language teacher who explains concepts clearly and makes learning enjoyable. Her professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail truly set her apart. If you’re visiting Korea and want a personalized, insightful, and memorable experience, I cannot recommend Jeeseon highly enough.
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Jeeseon C.
Thank you so much for your incredibly kind review. I don't think you realize how happy I was to meet you. My K-drama friend! Sometimes I felt like you knew even more about Korea than I do. I had such a wonderful time exploring Seoul with you, talking about Korean culture, history, language, and of course K-dramas. It never felt like work, it felt like spending the day with a good friend. I have a feeling your Korean is going to get really good. Keep studying and watching K-dramas! And whenever you see one of the places we visited appear on screen, I hope it brings back good memories and makes you smile. Thank you again for this warm review. It truly means a lot to me and gives me so much encouragement. Take care, and I hope we can meet again someday!
Misty H.
“More “Rent a Local Friend” than tour guide ”
My experience with Jeeseon was undeniably the best part of my 2 week trip to South Korea. I had a very specific activity in a very crowded market plus a specific park to visit on a busy Sunday during cherry blossom festival on my wishlist and Jeeseon said “no problem, sounds fun, let’s go!” We communicated effortlessly, met up without a hitch and proceeded with our adventures as if we’d been friends all along. She translated for me, shopped with me, bought snacks and navigated the bus route to the park like a pro. She took pictures for me, we picked out street food to share and I felt like I was hanging with a very cool friend the whole time. She doesn’t just show you what you asked to see, she enjoys it with you, making the whole day feel relaxing. I knew I had made the right choice picking Jeeseon to accompany me as we chatted and watched the crowds mingle along the river. She was booked with another tour after mine ended, which disappointed me since I would have gladly paid more to enjoy more of her insights, advice and company. I’ve visited South Korea 4 times now, traveled to many other countries and have dealt with many tour guides along the way. Not a single one comes close to the care and kindness that Jeeseon showed during our day together.
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Jeeseon C.
Thank you so much for this beautiful review! It really means a lot to me. Your message came at a time when I really needed it, and it gave me so much comfort and energy. Honestly, that day really felt like I was hanging out with a friend, not guiding a tour. Walking through the market, choosing food together, taking the bus, and spending time by the river all felt so natural and fun. And I still remember how beautiful you looked in the hanbok. It suited you so well. Next time you come to Korea, let’s meet again, eat something delicious, and just enjoy the day like real friends. Thank you again. I truly, truly appreciate it.
$286/ per group
More tours by Jeeseon C.
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Seoul Private Custom Tour: Highlights or Hidden Gems Your Pace-tea included
Experience Seoul exactly the way you want it—fully private, flexible, and customized just for you. The pace is entirely up to you: walk more or less, pause for tea, or spend extra time at places you love. Whether you know nothing about Seoul or already have specific interests, just tell me, I’ll design the schedule for you.
Seoul Private Custom Tour: Highlights or Hidden Gems Your Pace-tea included
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Evening Walk: Street Food, Hidden Alleys & a Glowing Palace(Food Included)
Discover the flavors and charm of Seoul on this 3-hour evening walking tour. We'll start by sampling local street food at a bustling traditional market — food tastings are included. As the sun sets, we’ll walk along the old stone wall of Jongmyo Shrine, lined with small cafés, ending our tour with a night visit to a beautifully lit royal palace. Perfect for travelers who want to experience real Korean life, hidden corners, and unforgettable night views, all guided by a local expert.
Evening Walk: Street Food, Hidden Alleys & a Glowing Palace(Food Included)
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