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Activity Seoul, South Korea

Seoul Highlights Tour: Gyeongbok Palace, Insadong & N Seoul Tower

5.0 (32 reviews) 8 hours Free cancellation
Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Seoul Highlights Tour: Gyeongbok Palace, Insadong & N Seoul Tower

About this activity

Experience the essence of Seoul in one unforgettable day.

Explore the city’s historic heart at Gwanghwamun Square and Jogyesa Temple before stopping by the Blue House. Walk through Gyeongbokgung Palace and witness the royal guard ceremony. Visit the National Folk Museum and stroll through the hanoks at Namsangol Hanok Village.

Take in sweeping views from N Seoul Tower, seen in K-Dramas like Itaewon Class and My Love from the Star.

End the day at Gwangjang Market—a must-visit street food hub loved by BTS, Gordon Ramsay, and featured in Netflix’s Street Food: Asia. Try iconic Korean snacks like gimbap and tteokbokki.

This tour blends Korea’s royal history, local flavor, and K-culture into one perfect day.

✅ Gyeongbokgung Palace, The Blue House, Hanok Village

✅ Visit N Seoul Tower – a K-drama favorite

✅ Street food at Gwangjang Market

✅ Expert guide, round-trip transport, admissions included

Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Cultural Tours Historical Tours Excellent Quality Short term availability Weather Dependent - Moderate

At a glance

Duration
8 hours
Confirmation
Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group
Up to 44 people
People per booking
1–15
Guide
English
Operated by
Cosmojin Agency

Ages: Infants (0–3 years) · Children (4–10 years) · Adults (11–99 years)

What is included

Included

  • Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Included: N Seoul Tower - Round Trip Cable Car included
  • Included: Professional English speaking guide
  • Included: Free Pickup Service from CityHall Station Exit #7
  • Included: Gyeongbok Palace admission fee (Deoksu Palace on Tuesdays)

Not included

  • Not included: Personal Expenses
  • Not included: Travel Insurance
  • Not included: lunch
  • Not included: N Seoul Tower Observatory admission fee

Itinerary

  1. Gwanghwamun Square

    Passing by

    Gwanghwamun Square is the most iconic public space in Seoul, serving as the gateway to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Recently renovated into a pedestrian-friendly forest park, it offers a perfect blend of Korea’s 600-year history and its vibrant modern culture. Surrounded by majestic mountain views and city skyscrapers, it is a "must-visit" landmark for every traveler.

  2. Jogyesa Temple

    30 min

    Jogyesa Buddhist Temple, established in 1935 and located in downtown Seoul, serves as the center of Zen Buddhism in Korea. As you approach from the bustling streets of Jongno towards Anguk Subway Station, the temple unfolds as a peaceful retreat marked by its ancient white pine and 500-year-old locust and baeksong trees at the Daeungjeon, the main temple building. Visitors enter through the "Iljumun," a symbolic gate that divides the mundane world from the sacred realm of Buddha, where they can experience spiritual tranquility and admire the splendid golden statues.

  3. The Blue House

    Passing by

    After visiting Jogyesa Temple, you will pass by the Presidential Blue House, distinguished by its iconic blue tiles and beautifully set against the backdrop of Mt. Bukak.

  4. Stop 4

    one hour Admission included

    Step into the grandeur of Korea’s royal heritage.

    Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung is Seoul’s largest and most iconic palace — once the heart of the Joseon Dynasty.

    Here, you can witness the changing of the royal guard ceremony, explore historic architecture, and walk in the footsteps of kings.

    Filming locations:

    • Kingdom (Netflix) – the hit zombie-sageuk series set in a Joseon-era palace
    • The King: Eternal Monarch (SBS/Netflix) – alternate-universe royal palace scenes
    • Chicago Typewriter – historical flashbacks filmed on-site

    The palace’s elegant courtyards and mountain backdrop have made it a favorite for period dramas and cinematic scenes that blend tradition with fantasy.

  5. National Folk Museum of Korea

    40 min

    Step inside the National Folk Museum of Korea, located within the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace, and explore the everyday lives of Korean people throughout history.

    Through thousands of artifacts, interactive exhibits, and life-sized replicas, the museum vividly illustrates how Koreans lived, worked, and celebrated across the centuries.

    A highlight is the recreated traditional village street, where you can walk through shops and homes from the early 20th century—right at the moment when electricity first entered daily life.

    It’s a fascinating way to experience Korea’s cultural heritage and see how tradition shaped the modern nation.

  6. Namsangol Hanok Village

    40 min

    Namsan Hanok Village, located at the base of Namsan Mountain in the heart of Seoul, is a cultural haven that transports visitors back to the Joseon Dynasty. This village is an excellent representation of Korean heritage, showcasing five restored traditional Korean houses, or hanoks, which illustrate the historical architecture of various social classes from the 14th to the 19th century. Nestled within the modern cityscape of Seoul, the village not only offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city life but also provides panoramic views of Namsan Mountain and the surrounding city. This juxtaposition makes Namsan Hanok Village a must-visit for anyone looking to experience Korea's traditional culture while enjoying the natural beauty and historical architecture.

  7. N Seoul Tower

    one hour

    See Seoul from above — just like your favorite K-drama scenes.

    Located atop Namsan Mountain, N Seoul Tower offers panoramic views of the city skyline and is one of Korea’s most beloved landmarks for locals and tourists alike.

    A symbol of romance and K-pop dreams.

    Famous filming location for:

    • My Love from the Star – the iconic love lock scene
    • Itaewon Class – emotional reflection scenes from the tower view
    • K-Pop Demon Hunters (upcoming Netflix animated film) – features N Tower as a Seoul icon
    • Boys Over Flowers & True Beauty – night views from the tower featured in romantic moments

    Many visitors also leave “love locks” as seen in K-dramas, making it a must-visit spot for couples and fans alike.

  8. Gwangjang Market

    40 min

    Taste Korea’s most iconic street food at Seoul’s oldest market.

    Founded in 1905, Gwangjang Market is a sensory paradise known for its vintage charm, bustling food alleys, and traditional fabrics.

    Celebrity favorite!

    • Featured in Netflix’s Street Food: Asia (Ep.1)
    • Loved by Gordon Ramsay, BTS, and countless travel influencers
    • Try must-eat dishes like Mayak Gimbap, Tteokbokki, and Bindaetteok (mungbean pancakes)

    Also appeared in:

    • Let’s Eat (tvN)
    • Running Man – various street food episodes
    • Chef’s Table– referenced for Korean culinary roots

    It’s the perfect mix of flavor, energy, and K-culture authenticity.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

  • Subway Line No. 1 & 2, City Hall Station, Exit No. 7 (Outside)

End point

Using your ticket

  • Gyeongbok Palace & The National Folk museum will be replaced with Deoksu Palace on Tuesdays.
  • If the weather is -5℃ or raining, "The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony" & "Traditional performance" will be canceled.
  • You might not be allowed to pass by the Presidential Blue House for the security.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel You get back
At least one day before 100%
Less than a day before 0%

Good to know

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

  • Gyeongbok Palace & The National Folk museum will be replaced with Deoksu Palace on Tuesdays.

  • If the weather is -5℃ or raining, "The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony" & "Traditional performance" will be canceled.

  • You might not be allowed to pass by the Presidential Blue House for the security.

  • Activity Level: Moderate walking; comfortable shoes recommended.

Traveller ratings

5.0 out of 5 · 32 reviews
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Seoul Highlights Tour: Gyeongbok Palace, Insadong & N Seoul Tower

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