Seoul: Private City Tour with Gyeongbokgung, Insadong & Lunch

Summary

Seoul palaces, village rooftops, temple incense and city views in a day

You’ll walk where palace guards march at Gyeongbokgung, trace quiet alleys in Bukchon Hanok Village, share a spicy Korean lunch near Insadong’s art shops, and end your Seoul day trip gazing over rooftops from Namsan Tower. With a local guide handling transport and stories along the way, it’s less about rushing and more about soaking up all those little moments you’ll remember later.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that stuck with me wasn’t the palace or the skyline — it was the sound of those boots on stone at Gwanghwamun Gate. Our guide, Minji, grinned as she pointed out the tiny details on the royal guards’ uniforms (I’d never noticed the colors before). The air smelled faintly like pine needles — maybe from Namsan nearby? I kept glancing up at the clouds over Gyeongbokgung Palace, half-listening for another round of drums. If you’re doing a day trip in Seoul, this is one of those “oh wow” moments you don’t expect to hit so early.

Bukchon Hanok Village was quieter than I thought it’d be — just a couple of old men chatting by a wooden gate, and us trying not to trip on uneven stones. The roofs curve in that way only Korean houses do. Minji told us about her grandmother’s house here (she laughed when I tried to say ‘hanok’ properly — definitely butchered it). Lunch came next: bulgogi and kimchi that made my lips tingle. No fancy restaurant, just a small place tucked behind an art shop in Insadong. I still think about that soup sometimes.

We wandered through Insadong after lunch — lots of paper shops and calligraphy brushes, plus one guy making candy by hand (he let me try twisting it; failed spectacularly). Jogyesa Temple was right there in the city’s heart, incense curling into the air while monks shuffled past. By late afternoon we were up at Namsan Tower. The view is big but what I remember is leaning on cold metal railings and watching couples attach locks to the fence. The city looked endless from up there — kind of dizzying but peaceful too.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Seoul's historic and modern sites

• Pass by Gwanghwamun Gate
• Watch Royal Guard Changing Ceremony
• Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace
• Walk through Bukchon Hanok Village
• Have lunch
• Enjoy free time in Insadong
• Visit Jogyesa Temple
• See panoramic views from Namsan Tower

Top questions

How long does the Seoul private city tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 8 hours including all stops.

Is lunch included in this Seoul day trip?

Yes, a traditional Korean lunch is included during the tour.

Are entry fees covered for Gyeongbokgung Palace?

Yes, entry fees for included sites are covered as part of your booking.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you’re staying in central Seoul.

What happens if Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed?

If it’s Tuesday or during bad weather, Changdeokgung Palace will be visited instead.

Is this private tour suitable for families?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

Will there be much walking during this Seoul city tour?

Yes, there is extensive walking especially through Bukchon Hanok Village and palaces.

Can special dietary needs be accommodated for lunch?

Gluten-free, vegan or halal options may be available with advance notice; extra charges may apply.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off within central Seoul, private transportation with an English-speaking driver-guide who shares stories along each stop, entry fees to palaces and attractions like Namsan Tower and Jogyesa Temple, plus a traditional Korean lunch near Insadong before heading back in the evening.