Seoul: Gyeongbokgung Palace, N Seoul Tower & Hanok Village Day Tour

Summary

Palace guards, hanok rooftops, city views and old tea houses in seoul

You’ll step straight into centuries-old palaces, watch guards march at Gwanghwamun Gate, ride a cable car up N Seoul Tower for city views, and wander quiet hanok lanes with your guide sharing stories along the way. Expect a real taste of Seoul—from temple incense to spicy bibimbap—that stays with you after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I barely had time to finish my coffee before our guide, Minji, waved us into the van—she had that energy you get from people who actually like their job. First stop: Jogyesa Temple. The incense hit me before anything else, sweet and woody, mixing with the morning air. Monks moved quietly between lanterns, and for a second it felt like the city outside didn’t exist. I tried to copy one of their bows (not very gracefully), and Minji just grinned.

We drove past the Blue House—Cheongwadae—its blue tiles sort of glowing against the mountain. You can’t go inside but seeing it up close made it feel less like something from TV. Then Gyeongbokgung Palace: huge courtyards, red columns, stone guardians everywhere. The changing of the guard at Gwanghwamun Gate was way more dramatic than I expected—bright uniforms, serious faces, drums echoing off the walls. I probably took too many photos but honestly? Worth it. Inside the National Folk Museum I got stuck staring at these tiny models of old Korean kitchens—so much detail in something so small.

Lunch in Insadong was bibimbap—spicy-sweet sauce, crunchy veggies—and then some free time wandering shops packed with calligraphy brushes and tiny porcelain tigers. There was this old man selling ginseng candies; he insisted I try one and laughed when I made a face (it’s... earthy). After that we rode the cable car up to N Seoul Tower. The city looked endless from up there—gray blocks and green hills fading into haze. Windy but kind of peaceful too.

The last stop was Namsangol Hanok Village. Walking between those wooden houses you could almost hear what life sounded like back then—a kid running on stone steps or someone sweeping leaves out front. Minji pointed out which homes belonged to nobles versus commoners (I guessed wrong every time). By then my legs were tired but I didn’t really want to leave yet. There’s something about seeing all these layers of Seoul in one day that sticks with you longer than you expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Seoul city sightseeing and cultural tour

• Pickup from hotel
• Visit Jogyesa Temple
• Drive by Blue House
• Tour Gyeongbokgung Palace
• Visit National Folk Museum
• Watch changing of the guard
• Stop at ginseng shopping center
• Lunch and shopping in Insadong
• Visit N Seoul Tower and observation deck
• Walk around Namsangol Hanok Village

Top questions

How long is the full-day Seoul sightseeing tour?

The tour lasts a full day with multiple stops including lunch and returns in the evening.

Is hotel pickup included for this Seoul city tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included in your booking.

Which palaces are visited during this day trip?

The main palace is Gyeongbokgung Palace; on Tuesdays Deoksu Palace is visited instead.

What kind of lunch is provided on this tour?

A traditional Korean lunch such as bibimbap or bulgogi is served in Insadong.

Are entry fees included for all attractions?

Yes, admission fees for included sites are covered by your booking.

Is there a guide throughout the whole day?

Yes, a professional local guide accompanies you for all activities.

Can infants join this sightseeing tour?

Infants are welcome; they can ride in a stroller or sit on an adult's lap.

Is there much walking involved during the tour?

A moderate amount of walking is required; comfortable shoes are recommended.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup by air-conditioned vehicle, entry fees to major sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Namsangol Hanok Village (or alternatives if closed), a professional local guide throughout, plus a traditional Korean lunch in Insadong before returning to your hotel in the evening.