Seoul: Royal Palaces, Insadong & Namdaemun Market Day Tour

Summary

Palace guards, ancient temples and market scents in seoul

You’ll walk temple grounds scented with incense, watch palace guards march in full regalia at Gwanghwamun Gate, explore Seoul’s royal palaces with a local guide, and get lost among antiques and street food in Insadong and Namdaemun Market. Expect moments of quiet awe mixed with city bustle — it’s a day that lingers after you’re back at your hotel.

What’s the experience like?

Jogyesa Temple hit me first — incense curling up under the old locust trees, monks gliding by in grey robes while city traffic buzzed just outside. Our guide, Minji, waved us over to point out the 500-year-old baeksong tree. She told us it’s seen dynasties come and go. I tried to imagine all that quiet resilience while a sparrow landed right on the stone lantern. Kind of made me pause longer than I meant to.

We shuffled toward Gwanghwamun Gate for the royal guard changing ceremony. Drums echoed off the palace walls — deep and slow, then suddenly sharp as the guards snapped their spears upright. I didn’t expect how formal (and honestly a bit intimidating) those bright uniforms would look up close. Minji laughed when I asked if they ever trip over their hats; apparently not, but she said tourists sometimes do trying to copy them for photos.

The main keyword here is “Seoul city tour,” but what sticks with me is wandering through Gyeongbokgung Palace’s courtyards with sunlight bouncing off the tiled roofs. There was this moment in the National Folk Museum where we all went quiet reading about old farming tools — something about seeing daily life from centuries ago made Seoul feel less like a giant metropolis and more like someone’s home. Lunch was on our own in Insadong; I ducked into a tiny tea house with paper lanterns and tried rice cakes that stuck to my teeth (in a good way). The shop owner smiled at my awkward Korean. It felt warm in there.

Later, at Changdeokgung Palace, afternoon light slid across the stones and everything slowed down. By Namdaemun Market, though, it was back to noise: vendors calling out prices, smells of fried batter mixing with ginseng from nearby stalls. My feet were tired but I didn’t want to leave just yet — there’s something about watching locals haggle or seeing kids chase each other under Soongryemun gate that makes you want to stay longer than planned.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Seoul royal palaces and cultural tour

• Visit Jogyesa Buddhist Temple
• Watch Royal Guard Changing Ceremony
• Tour Gyeongbokgung Palace
• Explore National Folk Museum
• View Blue House from outside
• Visit Korean Ginseng Center
• Lunch and shop at Insadong
• Tour Changdeokgung Palace
• Visit Namdaemun Gate and Market

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Seoul city tour?

Yes, hotel pickup in central Seoul is included for all guests.

Which palaces are visited during the tour?

The tour visits Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace; substitutions may occur if closed.

Do I get free time for lunch?

Yes, you have free time for lunch in Insadong where you can choose your own dining spot.

What happens if one of the palaces is closed?

If Gyeongbokgung or Changdeokgung Palace is closed (on Mondays or Tuesdays), Bukchon Hanok Village will be visited instead.

Are entrance fees covered?

All entrance fees are included in your booking price.

Is this tour suitable for children or strollers?

Yes, infants and small children can join using a pram or stroller.

How long does the full-day Seoul city tour last?

The tour lasts approximately one full day from morning pickup until late afternoon drop-off.

What markets are included on this Seoul city tour?

You’ll visit Insadong Antique Street and Namdaemun Market during the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water throughout, entry fees for all sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace (or alternatives if closed), guided walks with an English-speaking local guide who shares stories along the way, plus comfortable hotel pickup within central Seoul before setting out together as a small group.