Seoul: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Namsan Tower & Markets Day Tour

Summary

Seoul’s palaces, markets & cable car views in one lively city day

You’ll walk palace courtyards as drums echo during Seoul’s changing of the guard, taste street snacks in Insadong’s busy lanes, ride Namsan’s cable car above city lights, and end your day wandering vibrant markets with local stories fresh in your mind.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the guard ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace to feel so intense — those bright uniforms and the steady drumbeat just echoing off the stone. Our guide, Minji, nudged us closer so we could see the guards’ faces (she said their mustaches are actually fake — I would never have guessed). The air smelled faintly of incense from Jogyesa Temple earlier that morning, still clinging to my jacket. I kept thinking how Seoul manages to be both calm and buzzing at once.

We wandered through Insadong after that, where I tried hotteok for the first time — sweet pancake with nuts and sugar inside. It burned my tongue a bit but was worth it. There were old men playing janggi under a tree and a young couple taking selfies by a hanji shop. Minji told us about her grandmother’s favorite tea house here; she sounded proud but also a little embarrassed sharing family stories with strangers. The main keyword “Seoul city tour” came up when another traveler asked if this is what locals do on weekends (Minji just laughed and said locals mostly avoid crowds unless there’s good food involved).

The Namsan cable car was honestly shorter than I imagined but the view — wow. You could see all the tiny cars crawling below and the Han River cutting through everything like a silver ribbon. At N Seoul Tower there were love locks everywhere; some had faded names, others looked brand new. A breeze picked up and someone’s hat flew off (not mine this time). We ended near Namdaemun Market where vendors shouted prices over each other and I got lost for a second in all the colors and smells — fried mandu, grilled skewers, something sweet I couldn’t place.

I keep remembering that moment on the palace steps when everything went quiet for just a second before the drums started again. If you’re looking for a Seoul city tour that feels layered — palaces, markets, cable cars, laughter with strangers — this one surprised me more than I thought it would.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Seoul city tour with cultural highlights

• Hotel pickup or meet downtown
• Pass by Cheonggyecheon Stream
• Visit Jogyesa Buddhist Temple
• See Changing of the Guard Ceremony
• Tour Gyeongbokgung Palace
• Explore National Folk Museum of Korea
• Pass by Blue House
• Visit Cheongha Korea Ginseng Museum
• Lunch and free time at Insadong Market
• Visit Gwangjang Market
• Explore Namsangol Hanok Village
• Ride Namsan Cable Car
• Visit Namsan Tower (N Seoul Tower)
• Drop off at Myeongdong or Namdaemun Market

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Seoul city tour?

Yes, free hotel pickup is available from selected hotels in downtown Seoul or two central meeting points.

Does this day trip visit Gyeongbokgung Palace?

Yes, Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the main stops unless it’s Tuesday (then Changdeokgung is visited instead).

What food can I try during the tour?

You’ll have free time in Insadong and at markets like Gwangjang or Namdaemun to sample Korean street food such as hotteok or mandu.

Is there a guide on this Seoul city sightseeing tour?

Yes, an English- or Chinese-speaking professional guide leads the group throughout the day.

Are entry fees included in this tour?

All taxes and entry fees for attractions listed are covered in your booking.

How long does the Namsan cable car ride last?

The ride is short but offers great views over central Seoul as you ascend to N Seoul Tower.

Can I bring small children on this tour?

Yes, infants can join; prams/strollers are allowed and specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from downtown locations or central meeting points, transportation by air-conditioned vehicle, all taxes and entrance fees covered throughout stops like Gyeongbokgung Palace or Changdeokgung (on Tuesdays), guidance from an English- or Chinese-speaking local guide all day long, plus round-trip tickets for the Namsan cable car up to N Seoul Tower before drop-off at lively shopping districts or traditional markets depending on your preference.