Seoul Highlights Tour: Palaces, Hanbok, Tea Ceremony & Pickup

Summary

Palaces in hanbok, tea with a master and Seoul’s living streets

You’ll walk Seoul’s royal palaces in hanbok, watch guards march past ancient gates, taste street food at Gwangjang Market and share a quiet tea ceremony in Insadong with a local master. With hotel pickup and a guide who knows every shortcut and story, you’ll feel both welcomed and surprised by how alive these traditions still are.

What’s the experience like?

“You look like you belong in a K-drama,” our guide grinned as I fumbled with the hanbok ties outside Gyeongbokgung Palace. I’d never worn anything so bright — the silk felt cool against my arms even though the city was already humming by 10am. The guard ceremony started just as we got through the gates, drums echoing off stone walls. Our guide (Minji — she grew up nearby) pointed out tiny details I’d have missed: the way each guard’s beard is painted on, the old palace roof tiles chipped from decades of rain. It was crowded but not rushed; Minji waited for us to wander at our own pace.

Bukchon Hanok Village was next, all narrow alleys and wooden doors that creaked when locals came out to sweep their steps. We tried not to stare too much — there’s something about seeing real families living in those old houses that makes you lower your voice without thinking. Jogyesa Temple smelled faintly of incense and pine needles, and I caught myself watching an old man bow three times before lighting a candle. Minji explained the Buddhist rituals softly so we wouldn’t disturb anyone; it felt respectful, not staged.

Lunch in Insadong was chaos in the best way — clattering chopsticks, steam rising from bowls of kalguksu, shopkeepers calling out deals on paper fans and ink sets. You get time to choose what you want (I went for dumplings; no regrets), then after wandering through art shops we ducked into this quiet tea house for the Korean tea ceremony. The tea master barely spoke English but her hands did all the talking: slow movements, pouring water over leaves that smelled grassy-sweet. I still think about how peaceful that moment felt after all the city noise.

We finished at Namsan Park for that classic panoramic view of Seoul — honestly it’s better from the mountain than going up the actual tower (plus fewer crowds). There were couples hanging padlocks and kids chasing pigeons near the cable car station. Gwangjang Market was last — if you’re brave enough for bindaetteok or live octopus, this is your place. By drop-off (mine was Myeongdong), my feet hurt but my head was full — not just of facts but little flashes: hanbok silk brushing my wrist, temple bells somewhere behind me, dumpling broth warming my hands.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Seoul cultural and historic highlights

• Hotel pickup in Seoul
• Optional Hanbok rental experience
• Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace
• Watch change of guard ceremony
• Walk along main road in front of palace
• Explore Bukchon Hanok Village
• Visit Jogyesa Buddhist Temple
• Lunch and shopping in Insadong street
• Join Korean tea ceremony
• Take cable car to Namsan Park
• Enjoy panoramic view at Namsan Tower
• Visit Gwangjang Food Market
• Dropoff at Dongdaemun, Myeongdong, or City Hall

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Seoul highlights tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included for all guests on this tour.

Can I wear a hanbok during the palace visit?

Yes, hanbok rental is optional before visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace; you pay directly at the rental shop with many choices available.

What sites are visited on this day trip?

The tour visits Gyeongbokgung Palace (or Changdeokgung/Changgyeonggung depending on day), Bukchon Hanok Village, Jogyesa Temple, Insadong Street (with lunch), Namsan Park/N Seoul Tower area via cable car, and Gwangjang Food Market.

Is lunch included in Insadong?

No set lunch is included but there is free time to choose from many local restaurants or cafes in Insadong; your guide will offer recommendations.

How long does the Korean tea ceremony last?

The tea ceremony typically lasts around 30 minutes and takes place in Insadong or another traditional tea house nearby.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible and most areas/surfaces can accommodate wheelchairs or strollers.

What happens if it rains during the guard ceremony?

If weather conditions are poor, the guard ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace may be cancelled for safety reasons.

Are entrance fees included?

Yes, entrance fees for planned attractions are covered by your booking.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup by air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water provided along the way. Entrance fees to palaces and other sites are covered according to plan. You’ll have time for lunch in Insadong (at your own cost) with plenty of choices suggested by your guide before joining an optional Korean tea ceremony led by a local master. Drop-off options include Dongdaemun, Myeongdong or City Hall at day’s end.