Seoul: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Village & Gwangjang Market Tour

Summary

Walk palace grounds, wander hanok alleys and taste street food in Seoul’s north

You’ll join a local guide to watch royal guards at Gyeongbokgung Palace, wander through Bukchon Hanok Village’s quiet alleys, take in city views from Bugak Pavilion, and snack your way through Gwangjang Market’s food stalls. Expect small moments — laughter over mispronounced words or sunlight on old rooftops — that stick with you long after you leave Seoul.

What’s the experience like?

We were already weaving through the crowds outside Gyeongbokgung Palace when our guide, Minji, waved us over — she had this bright scarf so we couldn’t miss her. I’d seen photos of the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony before but standing there as the drums echoed off those old stone walls was something else. The colors on their uniforms looked almost too bold for real life. I caught a whiff of incense or maybe it was just the cool morning air mixing with something floral from the gardens. Either way, it felt like we’d stepped sideways into another time for a minute.

Bukchon Hanok Village came next — honestly, I thought it might be too touristy, but walking those narrow lanes between wooden houses (hanoks) with Minji explaining who still lives there made it feel different. She pointed out tiny details: curved roof tiles, little paper lanterns in doorways. There was this old man sweeping his steps who nodded at us; I tried to say hello in Korean and mostly failed (Minji grinned but didn’t let me off the hook). The light kept shifting — one second bright on the rooftops, then suddenly shadowed as clouds rolled by. It made everything look kind of cinematic.

The drive up Bugak Skyway was quiet except for Minji humming along to some old K-pop song on the radio (she said her dad loved that band). At Bugak Pavilion, Seoul just stretched out below us — glass towers in one direction, green mountains in another. You could hear birds and distant city noise all at once. I leaned on the railing longer than I meant to; it’s hard to pull away from that view.

By the time we got to Gwangjang Market my stomach was growling. The air inside hit me with fried batter and something sweet — maybe hotteok? We tried bindaetteok pancakes and kimchi mandu while vendors called out prices behind us. There’s this energy in Gwangjang that’s half chaos, half friendly chatter. Minji bought us a tiny bag of ginseng candy “for energy,” she said — though honestly I think she just likes them herself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Northern Seoul landmarks and market

• Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace
• Watch Royal Guard Changing Ceremony
• Walk through Bukchon Hanok Village
• Enjoy panoramic views at Bugak Pavilion
• Learn about Korean ginseng
• Taste local food at Gwangjang Market

Top questions

Where does this Seoul tour start?

The tour starts at Myeongdong Station Exit 10 in central Seoul.

Is transportation included during the tour?

Yes, transport by air-conditioned minivan or coach is included between stops.

Do I need to pay entry fees separately?

No, admission fees are included in your booking price.

How long does this day trip last?

The standard tour covers several hours; full-day options with extra stops are available.

Are meals or snacks provided?

No set meal is included but you’ll have time to buy your own food at Gwangjang Market.

Can infants join this tour?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

Is hotel pickup available?

No hotel pickup; you meet at Myeongdong Station for departure.

What should I wear for this tour?

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to uneven paths and lots of walking.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting your guide at Myeongdong Station, all entry fees for places like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bugak Pavilion, comfortable coach or minivan transport between sights, and plenty of time to explore Gwangjang Market’s food stalls before finishing up in central Seoul.