The Korean Empire and Jeongdong-gil Walking Tour : From Deoksung Palace to Zero Milestone
In the 19th century, Korea was a time of enlightenment of civilization. With the expansion of Western powers into Asia, Korea became the stage for diplomats and missionaries from America and European countries. Deoksugung Palace, which experienced upheaval after King Gojong declared the Korean Empire, talks about the past. Along the walkway leading to Gwanghwamun Square, the zero milestone is the starting point to understand Korea.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
In front of Ticket office, Deoksung Palace
- Take subway Line 1 or Line 2 and get off at City Hall Station. When you come out of exit # 2 of City Hall Station, you will find Daehanmun, the main gate of Deoksugung Palace. The meeting point is in front of the ticket office right next to Daehanmun.
Deoksugung Palace
Deoksugung Palace retains many history of Korea. It has a painful history behind its beautiful appearance. What used to be the residence of 9th King Seongjong's elder brother (Prince Wolsan) in Joseon Dynasty became the palace for the first time where the king started living one day after he returned from the shelter due to Imjin war in 1592.
Later, King Gojong, who left Gyeongbokgung Palace during a tumultuous period in the 19th century and stayed in the Russian legation, declared the Korean Empire in 1897 and became the emperor himself.
Then, around Gyeongwoongung Palace, the residence of the emperor, the embassies and legations of the Western powers established the their sites and became the No. 1 diplomatic sites. Joseon, called the Land of the Morning Calm, is now under a beacon of reform. Emperor Gojong, who, although weak in power, wanted to show the power of the Korean Empire, asked to build a modern stone structure along with the traditional hanok building at Deoksugung Palace. In 1907, King Gojong stepped down as emperor. Emperor Sunjong, who ascended throne, gave the name Deoksu for the virtue and longevity of his father Gojong, and from then on, Gyeongwoongung became Deoksugung Palace. In addition, the Korean Empire was defeated in 1910 without being able to withstand the physical power of Japan. With this, the Lee Joseon Dynasty, which began in 1392, went through the Korean Empire for a short period of eight years, putting an end to its 518-year history.
Jeongdong-gil
There is a beautifully decorated road along the stone wall walkway of Deoksugung Palace. In the Joseon Dynasty, there was Jeongneung, the tomb of the queen, so it was called Jeongneung-dong, and later became Jeongdong. Unlike Bukchon Hanok Village and Seochon Hanok Village, which were located near Gyeongbokgung Palace in the Joseon Dynasty, there were few resident houses in Jeong-dong. However, Joseon, which became a battleground for the Western powers in the 19th century, was no longer a country of morning calm. Around Gyeongungung Palace (the old name of Deokgusung), embassies and legatees of the Western powers began to situate. Since then, Jeong-dong has become the No. 1 diplomatic stage of each country. The missionaries who arrived in Joseon built churches and schools and started missionary work and education. Baejae Hakdang and Ewha Hakdang, the first public schools in Joseon, were training centers for the elite who led Korea after modernization. Jeongdong Methodist Church and Anglican Cathedral became gathering places, and were with the modernization of Korea. Along Jeongdong-gil, the Seoul Museum of Art, the National Jeongdong Theater, and the Yewon School are places where you can see the passion and talent of Koreans who love art.
Gojonguigil(The path taken by Gojong), the path of rear garden of Deoksugung Palace
The 120m-long path leading form the stone wall of Deoksung Palace to the Jeongdong Park Russian Legation is thought to be the one taken by King Gojong(r.1863-1907) when he took refuge in the Russian Legation in 1896. After his wife, Queen Minbi (Later she became posthumous Empress Myeonseon), was killed in 1895 at Gyeongbokgung Palace, King Gojong was threatened and feared. Then, King Gojong with his son, Sunjong, escaped Gyeongbokgung Palace and hid themselves in the Russian legation. After living in the Russian legation for about a year, in 1897, he returned to the then Gyeongun Palace(Old name of Deoksugung) to declare the Korean Empire. Let's walk along the path of King Gojong, who must have felt lonely. Then, let's go on to the path of rear garden of Deoksugung Palace. The path of rear garden of Deoksugung Palace is the one that led from Gojong's path to the one of Deoksugung Palace. The path of rear garden of Deoksugung Palace, where the British Embassy is located, is so quiet and beautiful. Especially, the path of rear garden of Deoksugung Palace, which is walked in spring and fall, is really magnificent.
Cecilmaru Observatory, Seohakdang-gil
Cecilmaru Observatory is an observation deck on the roof of the National Jeongdong Theater of Korea. It is a place where you can see Seoul Anglican Cathedral of St. Mary & Nicholas, Deoksugung Palace, and Seoul City Hall behind the Jeongdong Theater.
The Anglican church of Korea began in 1890 with the missionary work of Bishop John Carfesent by the Church of England. Yangijae, which was in charge of modern education for the royal family during the Korean Empire, is located in the area of Seoul Anglican Cathedral. Seohakdang-gil, which starts from the exit of Seoul Anglican Cathedral, is the place where Seohakdang-gil, a government-run educational institution during the Joseon Dynasty, was located. Let's walk along Seohakdang-gil to the zero milestone, the starting point of all roads in Korea.
Zero Milestone
The Zero Milestone is a reference point for road markings that indicate how much distance to a specific area is left. The Zero Milestone in Seoul is located at the center of Sejong-daero intersection in Gwanghwamun Station. Based on the zero milestone, the direction and distance to each point in Korea are determined.
Ending Point
Ganghwamun Station
Want to personalize this tour?
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/63573/27605598-37fd-4a45-b8b8-15af92ab49bf.png)
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
* Professional tour guide fee
* Free photo service
* Subway ticket
* Admission fees : KRW 1,000 for Deoksugung Palace
* Food and Beverages
* Personal expenses
* Traveler's insurance
Tour Important Information
* This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
* This tour is not recommended for those with severe back/knee problems.
Important message from the supplier
Service is available even at dawn or late night including pick-up and sending at Incheon International Airport.
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 Charlie C.
Hello, I am Charlie, a tour guide. It’s very nice to meet you!
I warmly welcome you to Korea.
Korea is a beautiful country with 5,000 years of history.
Drawing on my experience working for a Korean government agency and my expertise in Korean history and culture, I would like to introduce you to many tourist attractions, including Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi Province.
Join me on a journey, and let’s have a wonderful time together. Thank you very much!
Reviews
Brian C.
“A wonderful day with Charlie”
We had a great day with Charlie, we had a late flight home @ 23.55 so we wanted to make the best of our last day and we did. Charlie is very quick to answer any messages you may send him which is very reassuring. Charlie met us from the ship, he was respectful, polite and entertaining, his car was very clean and comfortable, We had had a hectic 3 weeks so we just wanted a day that wasn't too busy and this was just right, Charlie took some nice photos for us (I'm rubbish at selfies) he is vey knowledgeable about South Korea and knows the answer to anything you may ask him, by the end of the day we felt we had a new friend. I would recommend Charlie to anyone looking for a polite, helpful guide, he will make a trip to suit your needs and you will have a wonderful day. Thank you Charlie, we had fun. Brian & Josie
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/63573/27605598-37fd-4a45-b8b8-15af92ab49bf.png)
Charlie C.
Dear Brian, It was truly a pleasure to guide you and your wife on our tour of Aegibong Peace Ecopark, Imjingak, and Majang Lake Suspension Bridge. I sincerely appreciated your positive energy, enthusiasm, and thoughtful questions about Korea throughout the tour. I am also very grateful for your kind words and wonderful feedback about my guiding. They mean a great deal to me. I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you both again someday. Thank you once again, and I wish you both good health, happiness, and many more wonderful travels! Warmest regards, Charlie
Ben G.
“Great Tour”
From the initial interaction Charlie was responsive and eager to help. He asked the follow up questions in order to understand our interests. He then proposed a highly customized tour and then worked with us further to adjust it based on what we wanted to see. On the day of the tour he showed up on time with a clean and comfortable vehicle. During the tour he showed his deep knowledge of Seoul, its history and its architecture. It was a memorable tour that we enjoyed and will remember. Charlie is a real pro! Ben
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/63573/27605598-37fd-4a45-b8b8-15af92ab49bf.png)
Charlie C.
Dear Ben Gurdus, It was a great pleasure to guide you on our architecture tour of Seoul, visiting the Amorepacific Headquarters, Sebitseom, Lotte World Tower, and Dongdaemun Design Plaza. I especially enjoyed exploring the distinctive architectural character of each place with you—from the open courtyards and thoughtful spatial design of the Amorepacific Headquarters, to the unique floating architecture of Sebitseom on the Han River, the impressive vertical scale and panoramic views of Lotte World Tower, and the flowing curves and dynamic spaces of Dongdaemun Design Plaza. I sincerely appreciate your enthusiasm and genuine interest throughout the entire experience, from preparing the tour to visiting and discussing each architectural site together. Our conversations about the buildings, their design concepts, and how they relate to Seoul made the tour especially meaningful for me as well. Thanks to your thoughtful questions and passion for architecture, I also had a wonderful opportunity to study, learn, and discover many new things along the way. Thank you very much for your kind review and positive feedback. It truly means a lot to me. I hope the tour gave you not only memorable impressions of these remarkable buildings, but also a deeper sense of Seoul through its architecture and urban landscape. Warm regards, Charlie Choi
Diane L.
“DMZ tour with Charlie”
We had an awesome day with Charlie touring the DMZ zone. All communications prior to our arrival were perfect. He is extremely knowledgeable in the history as well as anything we may have asked. We had plenty of time to see the sights, he instructed us along the way with what you can and cannot do. He has a good sense of humor, is a careful driver so we felt comfortable all day. I cannot recommend Charlie enough! If you are interested in the DMZ tour, get in touch with Charlie. He also offered pickup and drop off at the airport which worked perfect for us! Thanks Charlie!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/63573/27605598-37fd-4a45-b8b8-15af92ab49bf.png)
Charlie C.
Dear Diane, Thank you very much for participating in today’s tour. I truly had a wonderful time touring with you and your husband today. Especially for the DMZ tour, I sincerely appreciate your kind and thoughtful review. I hope we can meet again on your next visit to Korea. Thank you once again!
$220/ per group
More tours by Charlie C.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/16841/fd2a10a5-2976-4ca2-86b3-a90ae0f242b2.jpg)
Amazing Western Seoul Tour
Eunpyeong Hanok Village boasts a beautiful natural environment. It is a famous place where you can feel the beauty and peace. Seoul Botanic Park is a space where nearly 8,000 species of plants live. It has a botanical culture center, a botanical library, and cafe, so you can spend a leisurely time. The Han River is the most important river for Seoul citizens. “Hangang Tour Cruise” starting from Yeouido Dock is the best gift to see the beautiful scenery of the Han River and Seoul.
Amazing Western Seoul Tour
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/16830/ddaa0221-5bbc-4014-ab9a-ac4eefb7046c.jpg)
Central Seoul Walking Tour ; From Gwanghwamun Square to Ikseon-dong Hanok Alley.
Gwanghwamun Square connects the Joseon Dynasty and modern times. The view of Bukaksan Mountain and Gyeongbokgung Palace from Gwanghwamun Square is just like a landscape. Let's go on a journey back to the past at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. We can tour antique shops and galleries along the Insadong Cultural Street. Jogyesa Temple is worth visiting. Lastly, Ikseon-dong Hanok Alley has pretty cafes, restaurants, and stores while maintaing traditional Korea houses.
Central Seoul Walking Tour ; From Gwanghwamun Square to Ikseon-dong Hanok Alley.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/16899/800ff608-c76a-477e-a923-3e879cc0ad90.jpg)
UNESCO Jongmyo and Changdeokgung Walking Tour ; World Cultural Heritage Sites.
Jongmyo Shrine and Changdeokgung Palace, registered as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites for their outstanding universal value, authenticity and integrity, are Koreans' pride. The world's most solemn and quietest Jongmyo Shrine is always a good place to visit. Beautiful cafes and shops along Seosulla-gil, attract passers-by. Changdeokgung Palace beloved by kings, is an eco-friendly space built while maintaining the maximum natural environment.
UNESCO Jongmyo and Changdeokgung Walking Tour ; World Cultural Heritage Sites.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/18548/163f896b-0982-43f8-9c91-3f9f83661743.jpg)
Bukak Skyway and Hidden Seoul Tour
The Skyway, which runs along the ridges of Mt. Bukak, is the best attraction to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Mt. Bukak and downtown Seoul. Starting with Gilsangsa Temple located in Seongbuk-gu, you can look into the hidden aspects of Seoul and hear the hidden stories of Seoul by touring the Korean Stone Art Museum, Bukaksan Octagonal Pavilion, Seodaemun Prison History Hall, Donuimun Museum Village, and Gyeonghui Palace.
Bukak Skyway and Hidden Seoul Tour
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Seoul
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19142/7cda2aa0-a960-4c8b-a52b-4aceb4a12515.jpg)
Seoul: A Journey Through History
Seoul has been the capital city of Korea since 1392. You will explore cultural heritage sites, including a royal palace, a Buddhist temple, the old streets, and a traditional market in the northern part of the city, all in one full day.
Seoul: A Journey Through History
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/75169/b7955194-10e5-4fc8-aaea-353ba661a4c6.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/16830/ddaa0221-5bbc-4014-ab9a-ac4eefb7046c.jpg)
Central Seoul Walking Tour ; From Gwanghwamun Square to Ikseon-dong Hanok Alley.
Gwanghwamun Square connects the Joseon Dynasty and modern times. The view of Bukaksan Mountain and Gyeongbokgung Palace from Gwanghwamun Square is just like a landscape. Let's go on a journey back to the past at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. We can tour antique shops and galleries along the Insadong Cultural Street. Jogyesa Temple is worth visiting. Lastly, Ikseon-dong Hanok Alley has pretty cafes, restaurants, and stores while maintaing traditional Korea houses.
Central Seoul Walking Tour ; From Gwanghwamun Square to Ikseon-dong Hanok Alley.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/63573/27605598-37fd-4a45-b8b8-15af92ab49bf.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/9353/137539.jpg)
Full-day Intro to Seoul and Korean History
This is my standard and very popular Itinerary for this ~8 hour tour: it can be adjusted for individual preferences. Its intention is to be a fascinating orientation & overview of Seoul "old & new", with introduction to who the Koreans are, and the key points of their history and customs. We can move faster and see more, or take our time and see a bit fewer sites; it's all up to your personal style. I will be telling colorful stories all along the way. You will learn so much, and in context!!
Full-day Intro to Seoul and Korean History
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/37927/134837.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/17879/90e78f7e-5e6e-4b7d-b323-84a49dcaacdb.jpg)
Seoul Downtown Walking Tour - the past and the present
From the serene atmosphere of palaces and old traditional villages to the bustling traditional markets and streets, you will see and experience real life in Seoul. I will help you explore the hidden gems and stories!
Seoul Downtown Walking Tour - the past and the present
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/68406/759b193c-ce99-45f8-95c7-3a9e940f15ad.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/17039/d6d81aa5-fae8-44a4-926b-be2f0d110c61.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/17039/ec751c2f-e6a8-4369-a009-f4cd3f849099.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/17039/fffa0d50-9951-46a9-a6a6-9688a44c79dd.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/17039/b06ab56f-7006-4983-8815-d782e7400770.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/17039/5a37ce1e-bf2c-4cf1-9af4-435624423a46.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/17039/0a1ac23d-003b-4ae3-a774-8323e2b7acdd.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/17039/97351e3e-e073-43ef-8b95-b320cfa86895.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/17039/48f93828-2518-4abe-b51f-4cd5e3d2bab1.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/17039/4f53c546-7d1a-40e7-9262-0c96851a4213.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/17039/1c74be58-9946-41d8-af35-c5e7cd0ddd58.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/17039/4f1f18b7-9b56-4b62-bbc2-1ad57a4c8425.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/17039/e17fbf62-0c7d-4e8e-a58c-bb4942f6bd3e.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/17039/0324c2ea-05ff-47b0-82a6-7999ff7d901a.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/17039/a93f1394-3bb7-41c8-b2b0-d76c947620ed.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/17039/c3d01135-1447-4286-8e6a-0cfc89329fd9.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/17039/6275e7d3-b414-4be8-9523-a6eaa0f84893.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/17039/a6173e0b-50cb-4636-9511-ecbdd9341036.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/17039/42ccc439-398f-4820-b93c-f5a3f42792cf.jpg)