Private Guided Tour Seoul: 9 Hours, Flexible Itinerary

Nine hours, your route: a guide who adapts the day to what you actually want to see.

A nine-hour private guided tour of Seoul with a full-time professional guide, air-conditioned van, entrance fees and traditional tea included. You pick the stops from Gyeongbokgung Palace, Insadong, Gwangjang Market, Bongeunsa Temple and Namsan Tower, and the guide adjusts the itinerary on the day if traffic or your interests shift. Pickup is available from either Incheon Airport or Seoul hotels. Lunch and cable car tickets are separate.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Gyeongbokgung Palace2h · entry included
2. Han Riverpass by
3. Insadong1h 30m
4. Bongeunsa Temple1h
5. Gwangjang Market1h 30m
6. Namsan Tower1h 30m

Flexible private guided tour in Seoul

• Meet guide in private van
• Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace with guide
• Drive and pass by Han River
• Walk Insadong street and enjoy tea
• Visit Bongeunsa Temple or alternative
• Stop at stunning library or alternative
• Explore Gwangjang Market and try snacks
• Visit Namsan Tower with guide

The experience

Nine hours is long enough to cross both sides of the Han River and move through Seoul without rushing. The guide meets you in a clean, air-conditioned van and handles all the navigation, entrance fees and parking. You don't book tickets separately or figure out which palace is which. The route typically moves through Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty, where the guide explains the history and shows you the best photo spots; then Insadong, a traditional street lined with Korean pottery, artwork and cafés where you'll have lunch and the guide treats everyone to traditional Korean tea; then either Bongeunsa Temple, a calm spiritual site in the heart of Gangnam's busy district, or an alternative stop if temples don't appeal to you.

The flexibility is built in. The guide will recommend attractions but you choose where to go, and can swap stops on the day if heavy traffic makes a timing tight or if something else catches your interest. Gwangjang Market is usually on the route: a lively traditional market where the guide introduces you to local food, explains the history, and you'll try street snacks together, including the famous "knife noodle" vendor known as the "Netflix Auntie." Namsan Tower offers panoramic views of Seoul, though the cable car ticket (around $11 per person) is separate and optional. If you'd rather skip it, the guide suggests an alternative. The guide is a full-time professional, not a freelancer, and stays with you the whole way to make sure the day holds together at your pace.

Pickup is from either Incheon Airport or a Seoul hotel, depending on which option you choose. The tour includes all entrance fees to attractions, parking, fuel and tolls. You'll need to budget separately for lunch beyond what's included in Insadong, gratuities, and the cable car if you go up Namsan Tower. The van is wheelchair accessible and can accommodate strollers for infants and small children.

What’s included

• All entrance fees to the attractions you visit.
• professional English-speaking guide for the full nine hours.
• air-conditioned private van with parking and fuel included.
• traditional Korean tea in Insadong.
• pickup and drop-off from either Incheon Airport or your Seoul hotel.

Options for this experience

2 options

Pickup and drop-off across Seoul hotelsGuide in English · 19 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 16:00Private transfer to and from all Seoul hotels and airports or ports, with pickup included; locations are available on request.

Incheon Airport or port pickup and drop-offGuide in English · 19 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 16:00Private transfer from Incheon Airport or port in either direction, with pickup included; one-way Incheon transfers are available.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day19 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 16:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (2 and older) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Awesome Tour

Is this one for you?Pick Incheon pickup if you're flying in and want your guide to meet you at the airport. Pick Seoul pickup if you're already in the city: both include a private vehicle and guide who adjusts the route based on what interests you most.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 2): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's included in the nine-hour tour and what do I pay for separately?

The tour includes all entrance fees to the attractions you visit, the professional guide, air-conditioned van, parking, fuel, tolls and traditional tea in Insadong. Lunch beyond the tea, gratuities and the Namsan Tower cable car ticket (around $11 per person) are separate.

Can I choose which stops to visit, or is the itinerary fixed?

You choose the stops from the available attractions (Gyeongbokgung Palace, Insadong, Gwangjang Market, Bongeunsa Temple and Namsan Tower), and the guide adjusts the route on the day if traffic is heavy or your interests shift. The guide recommends stops but you decide where to go.

What is Gwangjang Market like, and will I have time to eat there?

Gwangjang Market is a lively traditional market where the guide explains the history and introduces you to local food specialties. You'll try street snacks together (pancakes, knife noodles and other local dishes), and have time to explore the stalls with the guide.

Is the guide fluent in English, and will they stay with me the whole time?

The guide is a full-time professional who speaks English and stays with you throughout the nine hours. They handle all navigation, explain the history and meaning of each site, and help with photos.

Do I need to arrange my own pickup, or is it included?

Pickup is included and you choose at checkout whether you want to be picked up from Incheon Airport or from a Seoul hotel. The guide meets you at your location and returns you there at the end of the tour.

What is Insadong, and what happens there during the tour?

Insadong is a charming traditional street filled with Korean pottery, artwork, antiques and cozy Korean-style cafés. You'll stroll down it after lunch, and the guide treats everyone to traditional Korean tea together as a break before continuing the rest of the day.