Seoul: Bukchon Village, Gyeongbokgung, Gwangjang Market
Who This Trip Suits
A three-and-a-half-hour morning that pairs Gyeongbokgung with the lanes of Bukchon Hanok Village and the food stalls of Gwangjang Market. It starts at Myeongdong Station Exit 9, with other pickup points on the options, and spends about an hour in Bukchon, then the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony and an hour’s guided visit of the palace, a drive past the Blue House, a break with Korean herbal tea at a ginseng centre, and street food at Gwangjang Market. It is rated 5.0 from 86 reviews, among the highest on the palace shelf.
Who this tour suits: a first morning in Seoul, when you want the palace, a traditional neighbourhood and a meal in one go without a full coach day. It also suits a Tuesday: the palace is closed, and the tour visits Changdeokgung and Insadong instead, so you lose Gyeongbokgung and the guard ceremony but keep the morning. Meals are not included.
Guests this October name their guides, Eva, Max and Ivy, for the history and the pace; one booked at the last minute and found it better than expected, another says their teenagers enjoyed it.
The price is from US$30 a person (checked October 2026), with free cancellation up to 24 hours before. For the full day with Insadong and N Seoul Tower, see the Seoul highlights tour; for the two palaces compared, Changdeokgung vs Gyeongbokgung.
About This Experience
Discover the rich cultural heritage of Seoul on this immersive guided tour.
Highlights
- Explore the traditional Bukchon Hanok Village
- Witness the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace or Changdeokgung Palace on Tuesdays
- Enjoy a cup of traditional Korean herbal tea at the Ginseng Center
- Taste authentic Korean street food at the bustling Gwangjang Market
What's Included
- ✓ Visit to Bukchon Hanok Village, a charming neighborhood with traditional Korean hanok houses, offering a glimpse into Korea’s heritage.
- ✓ Royal Guard Changing Ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul’s grandest palace, showcasing vibrant costumes and traditional music.
- ✓ Guided tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty, known for its elegant architecture and serene gardens.
- ✓ Drive by The Blue House, the former presidential residence, with scenic views from the vehicle.
- ✓ Visit to Ginseng Center, where you can discover Korea’s famous ginseng and its health benefits, with time to browse or shop.
- ✓ Visit to Gwangjang Market, one of Seoul’s oldest and most popular markets, renowned for its authentic street food such as bindaetteok, and mayak gimbap.
- ✓ Note: On Tuesdays, the tour includes Changdeokgung Palace and Insadong instead of Gyeongbokgung and Changing Ceremony due to closure.
Not Included
- Meals not specified
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities
Good to Know
- Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony are closed on Tuesdays.
- Instead, the tour visits Changdeokgung Palace and Insadong on Tuesdays.
- Changdeokgung Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, well-known for its beautiful traditional architecture and tranquil atmosphere. Many visitors appreciate its elegant design and historical significance.
- Insadong is a vibrant cultural district, famous for traditional Korean crafts, unique shops, art galleries, and street food. It’s a great place to experience authentic Korean culture.
- Pickup Information:
- Itaewon Station Exit 1: 08:20
- Myeongdong Station Exit 9: 08:50
- City Hall Station Exit 6: 09:00
- The tour ends at Myeongdong Station for all participants.
- If your group has 5 or more people, hotel pickup service within Seoul city is available upon request. Please leave a message when booking if you wish to arrange hotel pickup.
