Seoul City Tour Gyeongbokgung Palace & Korea Folk Village – Full Day
Seoul City Tour Gyeongbokgung Palace & Korea Folk Village – Full Day
Seoul
Highlights
- Visit Seoul’s top sights including the Jogyesa Buddhist Temple, Presidential Blue House, and Cheongwadae Sarangchae
- Watch the ceremonious changing of the guards on a Gyeongbokgung Palace Tour
- Join a Korea Folk Village tour to see hundreds of thatched and tiled traditional houses from around the country
About
Seoul first became the capital of Korea in 1392, following the establishment of the Joseon dynasty. Six centuries of dominance have naturally created historical and cultural masterpieces dotting the landscape of one of the world’s largest and oldest capital cities. During this day tour, our local expert will take you to several sights in a thorough introduction to Seoul and its identity:
Jogyesa Buddhist Temple: The center of Korean Buddhism, this beautiful temple was built in the late 14th century. Its courtyard is a zen sanctuary in the middle of the urban jungle, with hundreds of intricate lanterns decorating it.
Gyeongbokgung Palace: Kings were crowned in this palace, once the seat of Korea’s monarchs. We’ll watch the famous Changing of the Guard Ceremony in front of its grand main gate, before exploring the main building and banquet pavilion overlooking a lake. (Closed on Tuesdays, to be replaced by Deoksu Palace)
Presidential Blue House: We’ll peer into the executive office and official residence of South Korea’s head of state. The complex – built in traditional Korean style – was actually erected on the site of the last dynasty’s royal garden, when its 600-year reign ended.
Cheongwadae Sarangchae: Right across the president’s house, this museum houses informative and creative exhibits on Korean history and culture. The bamboo garden and rice cake desserts come recommended! (Closed on Mondays)
Ginseng Center: Find out why Koreans have been cultivating this prized root for over 1,500 years! Beyond its use as a culinary ingredient (ginseng chicken soup, anyone?), “insam” is credited with myriad health benefits from pain relief to the cure for cancer.
Korean Folk Village: After lunch, we’ll spend a chunk of the afternoon exploring the traditional houses at this recreated village. Several traditional Korean buildings were relocated and restored here from around the country to mimic how Koreans lived in the late Joseon period.
Click here to see the Changdeok Palace & Seoul Markets Afternoon Tour.