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Product #101146
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【Japanese-speaking Guide】Enjoy a Full Day at Seoul's Top 8 Hotspots
【Japanese-speaking Guide】Enjoy a Full Day at Seoul's Top 8 Hotspots
【Japanese-speaking Guide】Enjoy a Full Day at Seoul's Top 8 Hotspots
【Japanese-speaking Guide】Enjoy a Full Day at Seoul's Top 8 Hotspots
【Japanese-speaking Guide】Enjoy a Full Day at Seoul's Top 8 Hotspots

【Japanese-speaking Guide】Enjoy a Full Day at Seoul's Top 8 Hotspots

South Korea-Ikseon-dong Hanok Village , Bukchon Hanok Village , N Seoul Tower , Seoul , Seoungsu , Myeongdong
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  • Efficiently visit must-see spots in Seoul in just one day.
  • Travel comfortably between locations using the tour bus.
  • An experienced Japanese-speaking tour guide will provide detailed explanations for each attraction.
[5% App discount] Code: APP5OFF , HK: APP15HK

Product Info

－ Tour Information －

  • Vehicle Type: Varies depending on the number of participants.
  • Tour Type: Group Tour

－ Tour Introduction －

  • Gyeongbokgung Palace

One of the five grand palaces in Seoul, this royal palace boasts 600 years of history as the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). It was built in 1395 by Yi Seong-gye (King Taejo, reigned 1392-1398), the founder of the Joseon Dynasty, as the palace for the new dynasty when the capital was moved to present-day Seoul. It is also called 'Bukgwol' (Northern Palace) because it is located in the north of Seoul.

  • Royal Guard Changing Ceremony

Witness the changing of the guard ceremony, where the Royal Guard was responsible for opening and closing the palace gates and providing security during the Joseon Dynasty. The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony held at Gyeongbokgung Palace is a spectacular event featuring many guards in different roles, accompanied by commands, the sound of traditional instruments, vibrant flags waving, and precise movements.

  • Bukchon Hanok Village

Located between Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Jongmyo Shrine, this area is a traditional residential district that has walked alongside Seoul's 600-year history, preserving its old-fashioned streets. Today, it is used for traditional cultural experience centers and Hanok restaurants, making it a place where you can savor the atmosphere of the Joseon Dynasty.

  • Insadong

Insadong is a maze of side alleys branching off from the main street. It is a space in the heart of the city where modern vibes harmonize with traditional heritage, densely packed with art galleries, traditional craft shops, traditional restaurants, and cafes.

  • Ikseon-dong

Ikseon-dong is an 'urban Hanok' village that emerged in the 1920s, with over 120 houses standing shoulder to shoulder. While Bukchon, another Hanok village, was largely a high-class residential area for the 'Yangban' (nobility), Ikseon-dong was a place where middle-class people lived. Today, it has been beautifully renovated into a trendy hotspot filled with stylish cafes, restaurants, and boutiques housed in converted Hanoks, bustling daily with both locals and international tourists.

  • Gwangjang Market

In the past, Korean markets were typically non-permanent, such as daily, every-other-day, or 3, 5, 7-day markets. Gwangjang Market, however, was the first permanent public market in the country, established with government permission in 1905, and grew into a massive market handling all kinds of goods. In the center, there are rows of food stalls offering a variety of menus, including bibimbap packed with vegetables, bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) ground and fried on the spot, sundae (blood sausage) stuffed with ingredients, kalguksu (knife-cut noodles), gimbap, pajeon (scallion pancakes), dumplings, sashimi, and yukhoe (beef tartare).

  • Seongsu-dong

Located in the eastern part of Seoul, Seongsu-dong was a bustling heavy industrial area that supported Korea's economic growth until the 1970s. It later declined, and until a few years ago, it was a desolate area lined with vacant houses and aging buildings. However, thanks to the efforts of local residents, the local government, and young entrepreneurs, it has been revitalized into a trendy Seoul hotspot, filled with cafes, fashion boutiques, and restaurants renovated from old, charming houses.

  • N Seoul Tower Octagonal Pavilion (Palgakjeong)

The Octagonal Pavilion, the symbol of Namsan and the heart of Seoul, is a landmark that represents the city. It is a resting place visited by many tourists throughout the year, where panoramic city views harmonize with the beauty of traditional Korean architecture. Due to its beautiful scenery, it is also famous as a filming location for numerous popular Korean dramas such as 'My Love from the Star' and 'True Beauty'. It is the perfect spot to take commemorative photos as if you were the protagonist of a drama.

  • Tour concludes in front of Sejong Hotel in Myeong-dong or in front of Migliore in Dongdaemun


Purchase Notice

  • This tour will be conducted as a shared tour with other customers.
  • Please be sure to arrive on time. The tour will depart 10 minutes after the scheduled departure time, and if you are unable to board, you will not be able to join the tour midway or receive a refund.
  • Tour schedules may be changed or canceled due to weather, traffic conditions, etc.
  • If there are three or fewer participants, we may provide transportation using public transport.
  • Due to traffic conditions, there may be slight variations in the travel time.
  • We assume no responsibility whatsoever for accidents caused by natural disasters or other causes not provided on this tour.
  • Please note that the tour lounge on the 2nd floor of the Lotte Hotel in Myeongdong, which is the meeting point, is not affiliated with the tour operator. Therefore, please refrain from contacting or calling the tour lounge.
  • If you wish, we can also drop you off at a sightseeing spot along the tour route.
  • Wheelchair access is not available.
  • At N Seoul Tower, you will only be able to visit the octagonal pavilion; you will not be admitted to the tower itself.

Reminders

  • A minimum of 2 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 1 day(s) before the departure date

  • Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time

FAQ

1. How can visitors travel between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village?

Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village are conveniently located close to each other. Visitors can enjoy a pleasant walk of approximately 10-15 minutes between these two iconic sites, experiencing the traditional atmosphere along the way. For those on an organized tour, dedicated transportation is typically arranged, ensuring a seamless and efficient transfer between attractions.

2. What makes Bukchon Hanok Village a worthwhile visit for travelers?

Bukchon Hanok Village offers a unique opportunity to experience Seoul's 600-year history through its beautifully preserved traditional Korean houses. As an active residential area, it provides a glimpse into local life amidst historical architecture. The village is also renowned for its picturesque alleys, offering excellent photo opportunities and scenic views of the city, framed by the surrounding palaces.

3. What are the admission policies and entry requirements for Gyeongbokgung Palace?

Gyeongbokgung Palace requires an admission ticket for general entry, which can be purchased at the palace gates. Visitors wearing a hanbok (traditional Korean attire) are often granted free admission, which is a popular way to enhance the cultural experience. It is recommended to verify the palace's operating hours and any special closure dates before your visit.

4. What are the key differences between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace for visitors?

Gyeongbokgung Palace is known for its grand scale and represents the main royal palace, featuring magnificent architecture and the iconic changing of the guard ceremony. Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is celebrated for its natural landscaping and the Secret Garden (Huwon), which requires a separate guided tour. Gyeongbokgung offers a grand historical display, while Changdeokgung emphasizes harmony with nature.

5. What makes Eunpyeong Hanok Village distinct from other traditional villages in Seoul?

Eunpyeong Hanok Village offers a unique blend of modern architecture and traditional Korean houses, set against the backdrop of Bukhansan Mountain. Unlike the bustling urban setting of Bukchon or Ikseon-dong, Eunpyeong provides a more tranquil and natural environment. It is ideal for visitors seeking a serene escape and a different perspective on hanok architecture, away from the city's core.

6. What kind of historical experience can visitors expect at Donuimun Museum Village?

Donuimun Museum Village offers an immersive journey into Seoul's past, particularly recreating the streets and atmosphere of the 1960s to 1980s. Visitors can explore various preserved and restored buildings, including traditional houses, a retro barber shop, a comic book store, and a guesthouse. It serves as an interactive cultural space, bringing historical periods to life through its exhibits and architectural details.

7. What views can be seen from the Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky observatory?

From the Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky observatory, situated 555 meters high, visitors are treated to breathtaking panoramic 360-degree views of Seoul. On clear days, you can spot major landmarks such as the Han River, Namsan Mountain, and even parts of Gyeongbokgung Palace. The observatory also features impressive glass floors, providing a thrilling downward view of the city below.

8. What kind of interpretive guidance is provided when visiting Seoul's historical sites and villages?

When exploring Seoul's significant historical sites and traditional villages, such as Gyeongbokgung Palace or Bukchon Hanok Village, visitors can greatly benefit from detailed interpretive guidance. Experienced guides often provide insightful explanations about the rich history, cultural significance, and architectural details of each location, enhancing understanding and appreciation of these unique Korean landmarks.

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