Magpie
4.8(81 reviews)

Seoul Royal Palaces Morning Tour

From₩40
4 hours
Seoul, South Korea

About this activity

Discover Seoul's royal heritage with a guided morning tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace and the National Folk Museum, including hotel pickup and drop-off.

Highlights

  • Explore Gyeongbokgung Palace's grandeur
  • Witness the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony
  • Visit the National Folk Museum's exhibits
  • Enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off services
  • Learn about Korea's royal history

Full description

Step into the rich tapestry of Seoul's royal history with this engaging morning tour. Begin your day with a convenient hotel pickup, then journey to the majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of Korea's Five Grand Palaces. Here, you'll witness the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, a vibrant display of traditional Korean military customs. Next, delve into the nation's cultural heritage at the National Folk Museum, where diverse exhibits showcase Korea's traditional lifestyle. This tour offers a seamless blend of history, culture, and convenience, ensuring a memorable start to your day in Seoul.

Included / Excluded

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Guided tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace
  • Visit to the National Folk Museum
  • Meals and beverages

Itinerary

1

Jogyesa Buddhist Temple is the center of Zen Buddhism in Korea, and is famous for being located in the city. From the busy streets of Jongno, follow the road towards Anguk Subway Station, and you will see Jogyesa Temple. The first things you will notice at the temple are the lovely trees. These locust trees and baeksong trees in front of the Daeungjeon, the main temple building, are about 500 years old.

Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

Keep your camera handy for the changing of the guard ceremony at Gwanghwamun Gate.

Duration: 20 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3

After visiting Jogyesa Temple, you will move on to the next place called Gwanghwamun to watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony. It is a ceremony to announce the changing of the royal guards, as well as to clarify the guards' identities. Then, you will head toward Gyeongbokgung, which was the main palace and the most beautiful palace during the Joseon Dynasty. Please note that Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed on Tuesdays or during special events. In such cases, the itinerary will change to Deoksugung Palace without prior notice.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES
4

Within the compound, visit the National Folk Museum to learn about how people have lived in Korea from ancient times to today. Your guide shows you displays that demonstrate daily life for members of the aristocracy and ordinary citizens, including traditional farming and hunting techniques, weaving, cooking and other tasks.

Duration: 20 minAdmission: YES
5

Pass by: The Blue House (Cheongwadae) was built on the grounds of the royal garden from the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910) using traditional Korean architectural styles. Constructed on the grounds of a Joseon Dynasty royal garden, the Blue House features traditional Korean architecture. On our tour today, we will take a drive-pass to see its main buildings and exterior.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6

Before getting off at the drop-off location, Insadong., you will have the opportunity to visit the Government-Approved Korean Ginseng Center, where you can taste Korean ginseng tea and a variety of products. You will also learn about the benefits of Korean ginseng and gain valuable information about its qualities. Korean ginseng is globally recognized for its exceptional quality, particularly for its effectiveness in boosting immunity, combating fatigue, and preventing aging. Extracted from roots that are over six years old, it contains a high concentration of saponins, offering various health benefits. In Korea, it is a highly popular gift exchanged to improve health. A visit to the Korean Ginseng Center is included in the itinerary, providing a chance to explore and purchase ginseng products. Discover one of nature’s finest plants and find a special, precious traditional Korean gift.

Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Meeting point

Start Location

Unknown location

Important information

Know before you book

  • Tour operates in English; proficiency is recommended.
  • Hotel pickup is available from select Seoul hotels; confirm your pickup location.
  • The tour may be subject to change due to weather conditions or unforeseen events.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes for the palace grounds.
  • Bring a camera to capture the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony.
  • Ensure your camera has sufficient battery life for the tour.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

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

Accessibility

  • Stroller Accessible
  • Easy Public Transport
  • Infants Required On Laps

Good to know

  • Not recommended for participants with back problems or heart complaints or other serious medical conditions
  • This tour is proceeding with minimum 2 people and if the participants number is below it, the tour can be cancelled.
  • Please note that Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed on Tuesdays or during special events. In such cases, the itinerary will change to Deoksugung Palace without prior notice.

Traveler reviews

4.8
81 reviews
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very good

it was very fun and i learned a lot from this tour

aidanl662Jun 9, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Great day in the city

Good overview of the city , informative tour of the two palaces

Laurie KJun 4, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Palace visit

Great understanding of the Korean history and culture. I wish we would have rented the costumes to walk around the palace grounds- although the people wearing the garments looked pretty hot. Overall, great experience and the communication was not an issue. Thanks

ramon_HJun 1, 2026VIATOR

One of the best tour with Mr. Eddie

Excellent tour. Highly recommended. Mr. Eddie explained very well and gave us great information. He was very attentive and I appreciate it very much. I would love to have the opportunity for Mr. Eddie to be my guide again in the future.

Teri_WMay 31, 2026VIATOR

thank you korea

the tour is amazing and rich in culture the guide was astounding and very friendly

481irishaMay 1, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Additional information

Not recommended for participants with back problems or heart complaints or other serious medical conditions This tour is proceeding with minimum 4 people and if the participants number is below it, the tour can be cancelled. Please note: On Tuesdays, Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed and you will go to Changdeokgung & Changdeokgung Rear Garden (Secret Garden) instead in the morning.
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