My family and I visited South Korea for my mom’s 70th birthday. I booked a private tour for two days with Korea Tour Company. It was easy and seamless from the booking process until the day of the tour. We had Mr. Choi as our tour guide. He was very knowledgeable, punctual, patient and simply the absolute best!!! If I were you, try to request him as your tour guide. Even my four year old nephew keeps asking if Mr. Choi will join us on our next couple of days in Seoul and while we were in Jeju, he was just great! We had a full day exploring Seoul and another day visiting the DMZ. The company and Mr. Choi helped us create an itinerary that we wanted. I highly recommend booking a trip with Korea Tour Company. Thank you Mr. Jang who assisted me with the booking process and most especially to Mr. Choi for making our short stay in Seoul a very memorable one!!!
Full-Day Seoul Highlights Private Guided Tour
At a glance
- Duration
- 9h 30min
- Price from
- $235 / person
- Location
- Seoul, South Korea
- Rating
- 4.9 / 5 · 53 reviews
- Languages
- CMN, YUE, EN
- Group
- Private
- Cancellation
- See policy below
- Hotel pickup
- Available
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- Korea Tour Company
Description
Discover the vibrant heart of South Korea with our Seoul City Highlights Tour. Start at the grand Gyeongbokgung Palace, home to the Joseon Dynasty, and witness the mesmerizing Royal Guard Changing Ceremony. Wander through the traditional 'Hanok' houses of Bukchon Village, before exploring the artful alleys of Insadong Street, brimming with tea houses and galleries. Immerse in the culinary delights of Gwangjang Market, sampling local flavors. Conclude with a panoramic night view of Seoul from Namsan Tower—an unforgettable encounter with Seoul's cultural tapestry.
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Every day
- Start times
- 9:30 AM
- Next available
- Fri, Oct 9
- Adult (ages 3+)
- $235
- Infant (ages 0–2)
- Free
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $470.
Larger groups pay less per person.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 7.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Known as the "Palace of Shining Happiness," Gyeongbokgung Palace is the largest and most iconic of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. Visitors can marvel at its intricate architecture, colorful murals, and beautiful gardens. Don't miss the changing of the Royal Guard ceremony, which takes place multiple times a day. You can also explore the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum, both located within the palace grounds. Expect to spend around 1.5 hours here depending on how in depth of a tour you want.
Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village is nestled between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace is a must-visit for a glimpse into traditional Korean culture. It boasts well-preserved Hanok houses (Korean traditional houses) that date back to the Joseon Dynasty. Wander through the narrow alleyways, enjoy tea and snacks in charming teahouses, and visit one of the many cultural centers or museums to learn about Hanbok (traditional clothing) and other Korean crafts. For a more immersive experience, visitors can even book a stay at a Hanok guesthouse. Plan to spend around 1 to 1.5 hours exploring Bukchon Hanok Village.
Insadong
Insadong is a vibrant and artistic neighborhood in the heart of Seoul, famous for its traditional art galleries, antique shops, tea houses, and souvenir stores. Strolling along the main pedestrian street, visitors can discover unique Korean handicrafts, pottery, and traditional calligraphy tools. Be sure to try some delicious street food, like Hotteok (sweet Korean pancakes), and visit Ssamzigil, a shopping complex with a spiral walkway featuring more handicraft shops and eateries. Allocate about 1 to 1.5 hours to explore Insadong Street.
Established in 1905, Gwangjang Market is one of Seoul's oldest and most beloved traditional markets. With over 5,000 shops, it's a haven for foodies and shoppers alike. Sample a variety of mouthwatering Korean street food, such as Bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), and Gimbap (Korean sushi rolls). Apart from food, the market is also famous for its quality fabrics, vintage clothing, and hanbok stores. Be prepared to immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere. Expect to spend about 1 to 1.5 hours to explore and savor the diverse culinary delights of Gwangjang Market.
N Seoul Tower
Namsan Tower: Officially known as N Seoul Tower, this iconic communication tower sits atop Namsan Mountain, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Seoul's skyline. Ride the cable car or hike to the top, and take in the cityscape from the observation deck, which stands 479 meters above sea level. Namsan Tower is also a popular spot for couples who attach love locks to the railings as a symbol of their everlasting love. Onsite, you'll find a variety of restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops. For a truly memorable experience, visit at night to see the tower illuminated. Plan to spend around 1 to 1.5 hours enjoying the views and attractions at Namsan Tower.
What's included
Included
Private transportation
Entrance Fee (Gyeongbokgung Palace)
All Fees and Taxes
Licensed Guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
Not included
Lunch
Snacks
Insurance
Gratuities
Namsan Tower cable car (optional 16,000KRW)
Namsan Tower observatory (optional 21,000KRW)
Pickup Locations & Times
It is important that you give us your pick up location as soon as possible. If we do not have your pick up location 24 hours before your tour, we will cancel the tour. We will send you a reminder message 3 days before your tour. We will give you your assigned guide's info at that time along with instructions on meeting your guide in your hotel lobby or outside your building if staying in an Airbnb. Pick up time is at 9:30am and you will depart immediately. Your 9.5 hour day starts at 9:30am whether you are ready to go or not. If you are not ready to go and we cannot get a hold of you, your guide will wait 60 minutes until 10:30am. If you don't show up or contact us before 10:00am, it will be a "no show" and no refund will be given.
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.9
53 reviews
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The listed amount of time that will be spent at each site is an estimation. You can adjust as you like, as long as the touring day ends within the 9.5 hours listed.
- During your day, you will spend about 1 hour moving from location to location. You will also have about 1 to 1.5 hours for a stop for lunch. All told, everything will add up to 9.5 hours total.
- If there happens to be time leftover after visiting all the attractions, your guide will be happy to take you to an additional location(s) in central Seoul. Any subsequent entrance fees or parking are not included and paid by you on the spot.
- Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed on Tuesdays. It will be replaced by Changdeokgung Palace on Tuesdays.
- The shops at Gwangjang Market is closed on Sundays. The food stalls and restaurants will be open.
- The cable car and observatory are optional at Namsan Tower and not included. If not taking the cable car, you can either walk or take a bus to the base of the tower.
- Infant seats for children 3 and under are available on request, but subject to availability. Please contact us to make sure we have one available on your tour date.
Cancellation
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
0+ days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Full-Day Seoul Highlights Private Guided Tour take?
Full-Day Seoul Highlights Private Guided Tour lasts about 9h 30min. The itinerary has 5 stops.
How much does Full-Day Seoul Highlights Private Guided Tour cost?
Prices start at $235 per person for this Seoul experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $470. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Full-Day Seoul Highlights Private Guided Tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 9:30 AM.
Can I cancel Full-Day Seoul Highlights Private Guided Tour for free?
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. It is important that you give us your pick up location as soon as possible. If we do not have your pick up location 24 hours before your tour, we will cancel the tour. We will send you a reminder message 3 days before your tour. We will give you your assigned guide's info at that time along with instructions on meeting your guide in your hotel lobby or outside your building if staying in an Airbnb. Pick up time is at 9:30am and you will depart immediately. Your 9.5 hour day starts at 9:30am whether you are ready to go or not. If you are not ready to go and we cannot get a hold of you, your guide will wait 60 minutes until 10:30am. If you don't show up or contact us before 10:00am, it will be a "no show" and no refund will be given. Pickup points include Hoegi Motel, Kakao Motel Yeongdeungpo.
What languages is Full-Day Seoul Highlights Private Guided Tour offered in?
The experience is available in CMN, YUE, EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 15 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Infant seats for children 3 and under are available on request, but subject to availability. Please contact us to make sure we have one available on your tour date.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Full-Day Seoul Highlights Private Guided Tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 53 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Korea Tour Company.
Reviews(53)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
K
Amazing two days in Seoul and DMZ
Z
Fantastic Tour
We had a wonderful time exploring South Korea and really appreciated our tour guides knowledge and guidance throughout our tour. We highly recommend Korea Tour Company to anyone looking for a great way to experience South Korea. Thank you, for making our trip so special!
Operator response
Thank you, Jeff, for your kind words. We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed your South Korea tour and found our guides helpful. We hope to assist you with future travel plans!
R
Overview of Korea
Fantastic two days of touring with Kory ,our very informative and friendly guide.It was money well spent.Kory is highly recommendated as he was very accommodating.We learned a lot about Korea ;the culture,history and people ,ie information that can't be obtained by AI.
Operator response
Thank you, Rachel, for sharing your experience! We're thrilled you enjoyed the tour and found Kory informative and friendly. We're glad you learned so much about Korea's culture and history during your visit!
J
Wonderful Tour Guide!
Kory was the BEST guide! He incorporated personal experiences and stories from his family to help us understand the history of Seoul and the surrounding area. He was flexible when we wanted to adjust our plans and was ready to move things around due to weather. He was fun and so helpful. I would recommend him highly!
Operator response
Thank you, Jennifer, for sharing your wonderful experience with Kory! We're thrilled to hear he made your tour memorable with his insights and flexibility. Your kind words mean a lot to us and him!
L
Satisfying, superb and splendid trip
We booked this Korea Private Tour for second time for three days. We are very satisfied with the knowledge that the guide explained to us, about the places and the history. Kory is our guide. We went to Nami Island, City tour, Ganghwa Luge and Other places. Thank you very much.
Operator response
Thank you, Liberty, for choosing us again and sharing your wonderful experience! We're delighted that you enjoyed the tour and Kory's guidance. We look forward to welcoming you for more memorable trips!
J
Worth Every Minute – Highly Recommended
Our tour guide, Kory, was absolutely exceptional and made the entire experience unforgettable. From the moment the tour began, he was knowledgeable, engaging, and incredibly organized. His passion for the history, culture, and local attractions was evident in every story and explanation, bringing each destination to life. What truly set him apart was his ability to connect with everyone in the group. He was friendly, patient, and always willing to answer questions or provide additional recommendations. His attention to detail ensured everything ran smoothly, allowing us to relax and fully enjoy the experience. Thanks to their expertise and enthusiasm, this was one of the best tours I have ever taken. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for an informative, enjoyable, and memorable experience. Five stars all the way!
Operator response
Thank you, Janet, for sharing this wonderful feedback about your tour experience. We're delighted to hear how much of a positive impact Kory made on your journey. Your kind words inspire us to continue delivering exceptional experiences.
C
KORY - THE guide for Seoul
Kory was an excellent guide. His historical knowledge of South Korea was impressive. Attentive to our time frame—- made excellent suggestions as to format. He was especially helpful with a member with special needs.
Operator response
Thank you for sharing your positive experience with Kory as your guide. We're delighted he could provide excellent service and support, especially accommodating special needs, to enhance your time in Seoul.
R
just do it...
the whole experience from first dealing with Albert and Grey then meeting Fred our guide for the day was just perfect couldn't have asked for more we would certainly recommend arranging your tour with these lovely people
Operator response
Thank you, Rob, for your kind words! We're thrilled you had a perfect experience with Albert, Grey, and Fred. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we hope to welcome you back on another tour soon!
R
Family Trip to Seoul
We had an amazing experience thanks to The Korea Tour Company. The planning process prior was really easy with great communication from the operator. We had a party of 8, which can be a lot, but the guides and drivers did a fantastic job of making sure everyone was engaged and enjoyed the experience. Highly recommended.
Operator response
Thank you, Rich, for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled our team could contribute to making your family’s trip to Seoul enjoyable and seamless. Your kind words mean a lot to us.
K
4 days Seoul tour
Mr Ahn Ji-Hoon was the perfect host for our 4 days Seoul tour. He is very knowledgeable and super friendly and helped us navigate Seoul with ease.
Operator response
Hi Kenneth. Thank you for your review and choosing Korea Tour Company!
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| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Day Seoul Highlights Private Guided Tour | 9h 30min | 4.9 (53) | $235 | |
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from$235
4.9(53)