Seoul Night Tour: N Seoul Tower, Deoksu Palace & Stream Walk

Summary

Seoul’s lights, palace stories & city views after sunset

You’ll trace Seoul’s nighttime energy from palace courtyards to neon-lit streams and panoramic city views at N Seoul Tower. Expect warm stories from your local guide, moments of quiet by Cheonggyecheon Stream, and a little laughter high above the city lights. It’s not just sightseeing — you’ll feel part of Seoul’s nightly rhythm.

What’s the experience like?

Hands stuffed in my jacket pockets, I followed our guide Jiwoo as she waved us across the street toward Deoksu Palace. There was this faint smell of roasted chestnuts from a vendor nearby — honestly, I almost broke off from the group right there. The palace walls looked different at night, kind of softer under the yellow lamps. Jiwoo told us how the old kings used to sneak out through a side gate (she winked like she’d seen it herself). I didn’t expect to feel so curious about palace gossip at 8 p.m., but here we were, all ears.

We wandered along Cheonggyecheon Stream next. The water was low and clear, catching bits of neon from above. Couples sat on the stone steps, some sharing snacks, some just quiet together — it felt like everyone was letting the city slow down for a minute. Our small group tried to keep up with Jiwoo’s stories about old Seoul versus new Seoul. Someone asked if people actually use the stream or if it’s just for tourists; she laughed and said her dad still comes here to think when work gets too much. That stuck with me.

N Seoul Tower came after — you can see it glowing from half the city, but being up there is something else. The elevator ride made my ears pop and then suddenly we were looking out over all those lights stretching past Gangnam. There’s this thing called “Locks of Love” where people leave padlocks on the fence; I watched a couple fumble with theirs and burst out laughing when they dropped the key (don’t worry, they found it). The air up there was cold but sharp and clean, if that makes sense. I tried to spot North Korea in the distance but mostly just saw endless city lights and thought about how small we all are sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Seoul night tour and city views

• Depart from hotel in Seoul
• Visit Deoksu Palace
• Walk Cheonggyecheon Stream
• See Gwanghwamun Square (Monday only)
• Enjoy night view from N Seoul Tower
• Explore Myeongdong shopping area
• Return to hotel

Top questions

Does this Seoul night tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in central Seoul are included.

What places are visited during this night tour?

The tour includes Deoksu Palace (or Bukchon Hanok Village on Mondays), Cheonggyecheon Stream, N Seoul Tower, and Myeongdong.

Is an English-speaking guide provided?

Yes, a professional English-speaking guide leads the tour.

How long does it take to reach N Seoul Tower from central Seoul?

It usually takes about 20-30 minutes by car depending on traffic.

Are entry fees included in this night tour?

The price includes entry fees for all scheduled sites.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What happens if Deoksu Palace is closed?

Bukchon Hanok Village will be visited instead on Mondays when Deoksu Palace is closed.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup and drop-off within Seoul, comfortable transportation between each stop, entry fees for every site on the route, plus stories and guidance from an English-speaking local who knows their way around both old palaces and late-night snack stalls alike.