Morning 3-Hour Intro to Seoul Tour (Palace, Temple & More)

This 3-hour morning tour offers visitors a compact introduction to Seoul’s top sights. Guests will explore the 600-year-old Jogyesa Buddhist Temple, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and the Cheongwadae Sarangchae. Along the way, they’ll witness the changing of the guard ceremony and learn about the significance of Korean ginseng at the museum. Led by an English-speaking guide, the tour provides valuable insights into Korea’s rich history and culture. Whether you’re short on time or simply want an overview of the city, this morning excursion is an efficient way to maximize your Seoul experience.

Key Points

• This 3-hour morning tour provides an overview of Seoul’s top attractions, including a palace, temple, and cultural museum.
• Itinerary includes visits to the 600-year-old Jogyesa Buddhist Temple, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and the Korean Ginseng Museum.
• Guests witness the changing of the guard ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace, offering insights into Korea’s history and military traditions.
• The tour is led by an English-speaking guide and includes hotel pickup from downtown Seoul.
• Highlights include exploring the oldest palace in Seoul and learning about the cultural and medicinal significance of Korean ginseng.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This 3-hour morning tour offers an introduction to the highlights of Seoul, including a visit to a palace, temple, and other notable landmarks. The tour lasts 3.5-4 hours and is led by a live English-speaking guide.

Guests will be picked up from their downtown Seoul hotel at no extra charge. The itinerary includes stops at the 600-year-old Jogyesa Buddhist Temple, the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace with its changing of the guard ceremony, and the Cheongwadae Sarangchae.

There’s also a photo opportunity at the Blue House and a visit to the Korean Ginseng Museum. The tour ends at City Hall Station or Myeongdong around 12:30 PM.

Itinerary

The tour’s itinerary begins with a visit to the 600-year-old Jogyesa Buddhist Temple, where guests spend approximately 30 minutes exploring the temple grounds.

Next, the group heads to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the oldest palace in Seoul, and spends an hour touring the grounds, including witnessing the changing of the guard ceremony.

After the palace, they visit Cheongwadae Sarangchae for 30 minutes before a brief 10-minute photo stop at the Blue House.

The final stop is the Korean Ginseng Museum, where guests learn about this important aspect of Korean culture and history.

The tour ends with drop-off at either City Hall Station or Myeongdong.

Highlights

The tour offers several highlights for visitors, including a visit to the oldest palace in Seoul, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and an exploration of the 600-year-old Jogyesa Buddhist Temple.

Guests will also observe the changing of the guard ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace, providing a glimpse into Korea’s rich cultural heritage.

Plus, the tour includes a stop at the Korean Ginseng Museum, where visitors can learn about the significance of this iconic Korean ingredient.

Throughout the tour, the English-speaking guide will provide insights into Korea’s history and culture, ensuring an engaging and informative experience for all participants.

Inclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup from the downtown Seoul area, transportation, and entrance fees, as well as an English-speaking guide to provide insights throughout the experience. Travellers can look forward to a comprehensive introduction to Seoul’s rich heritage and cultural landmarks.

Inclusions	Details
Hotel Pickup	Downtown Seoul area only
Transportation	Provided
Entrance Fees	Included
Guide	English-speaking

With the guide’s expertise, participants can explore the history and significance of the sites visited, ensuring a well-rounded and informative tour. The inclusions aim to make the experience seamless and enjoyable for all participants.

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Additional Information

Depending on the day, the itinerary may change to visit Changdeok Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village instead.

The tour typically picks up guests between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM, and the experience ends around 12:30 PM.

Travelers can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, giving them flexibility.

The tour includes hotel pickup in the downtown Seoul area, transportation, entrance fees, and an English-speaking guide to provide insights into Korean history and culture throughout the journey.

Whether the itinerary features Gyeongbokgung Palace or Changdeok Palace, the tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Seoul’s iconic landmarks and cultural heritage in just a few hours.

Hotel Pickup

One of the key features of this tour is the complimentary hotel pickup service, which is available for guests staying in the downtown Seoul area.

This convenient perk ensures a hassle-free start to the tour, as you’ll be picked up directly from your hotel. The tour company provides this service to make your experience as seamless as possible.

Simply let them know your hotel location, and they’ll ensure you’re at the starting point on time. With this included pickup, you won’t have to worry about finding your own way to the meeting spot, allowing you to sit back and relax before diving into the cultural highlights of Seoul.

Changing of the Guard

As part of the tour, visitors can witness the captivating changing of the guard ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace.

This meticulously choreographed event, performed by the palace’s royal guards, offers a glimpse into Korea’s rich cultural heritage and military traditions.

The ceremony begins with a formal march, as the guards march in perfect synchronization, their uniforms and weapons gleaming.

Onlookers can observe the guards’ disciplined movements and attention to detail as they execute their duties with precision.

This time-honored ritual provides a fascinating insight into Korea’s history and the enduring pride of its people.

Korean Ginseng Museum

Another stop on the tour is the Korean Ginseng Museum, where visitors can learn about the cultural and medicinal significance of this iconic Korean root. The museum features interactive exhibits that showcase the history, cultivation, and health benefits of ginseng. Visitors can even purchase high-quality ginseng products on-site.

Ginseng Facts
Ginseng has been used in traditional Korean medicine for thousands of years	✓
Ginseng is believed to have adaptogenic properties that can help the body cope with stress	✓
Korea is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of ginseng	✓

The Korean Ginseng Museum provides a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and cultural significance of this revered plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible. The tour operator provides a pickup and drop-off service, and the included sites are designed to accommodate visitors with mobility challenges.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Yes, guests can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, the tour itinerary does not include any dedicated meal or snack breaks, so guests should plan accordingly. Food and beverages cannot be consumed during the tour activities.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour has no strict dress code, but visitors are recommended to wear comfortable, casual attire. Modest clothing is preferred when visiting religious sites like the Jogyesa Buddhist Temple.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, you can extend the tour duration. The tour provider offers flexible options to customize the itinerary and length to meet your needs, though additional fees may apply. It’s best to discuss any changes directly with the tour operator.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Camera?

Customers don’t need to bring their own cameras as the tour includes an English-speaking guide who can take photos of participants throughout the tour. The guide will provide opportunities to capture memorable moments during the excursion.

Recap

This Seoul city tour provides an excellent introduction to the capital’s cultural and historical highlights.

Guests will visit the iconic Jogyesa Temple, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and the Korean Ginseng Museum, led by an English-speaking guide who offers insights into Korea’s rich heritage.

The tour includes witnessing the changing of the guard ceremony, giving participants a memorable experience of Seoul’s vibrant past and present.

You can check availability for your dates here: