South Korea · Culture

2-Day Cultural and Shopping Tour of Seoul with Palace Hikes

2 Days Round trip from City Hall Station Exit 2 (9:30) Moderate pace

Gwanghwamun in Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore famous markets like Myeongdong Shopping Street and Namdaemun Market
02 Visit the royal palaces of the Joseon dynasty
03 Go mountain hiking on the ridges of Inwangsan and Bugaksan
04 Check out the mesmerising Bukchon Hanok Village
05 Sample local Korean delicacies

Go on a cultural tour to Seoul's famous destinations and enjoy shopping in the trendy markets. Visit royal palaces built during the Joseon dynasty, explore historic shrines, and hike the ridges above the city before discovering Bukchon Hanok Village. Also, try Korean delicacies and travel like a local on Seoul's public transport.

Visit royal palaces built during the Joseon dynasty, explore historic shrines, and hike the ridges above the city before discovering Bukchon Hanok Village.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access No

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Central Seoul Palaces and Market Walk

Arrive at City Hall Station and meet your tour guide.
Visit Deoksugung Palace, also called Deoksu Palace, a walled compound of palaces in Seoul that was inhabited by members of Korea's royal family during the Joseon monarchy until the annexation of Korea by Japan in 1910.
See Seoul City Hall, located in the heart of the city, with architecture that reflects the local culture and terrain.
Travel to Gyeongbokgung Palace, built in 1395, the main royal palace of Korea's Joseon dynasty.
Have lunch at a local restaurant and try famous Korean delicacies.
Stroll through central Seoul and shop at Insadong Street, Myeongdong Shopping Street, Namdaemun Market, and Namdaemun Gate.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Seoul.

Day 02

Mountain Hike and UNESCO Heritage Sites

09:30: Meet your tour guide at Doklipmun Station.
09:40: Start hiking Inwangsan and Bugaksan, a pair of small neighbouring mountains just north of central Seoul, overlooking Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Blue House, the presidential residence.
12:30: Visit Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional Korean village in Seoul with a long history, located on top of a hill between Jongmyo Shrine and Changdeok Palace. The village is composed of many alleys and hanok, and is preserved to show a 600-year-old urban environment.
13:00: Have lunch at a local Korean restaurant.
14:00: Check out Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Five Grand Palaces built by the kings of the Joseon dynasty.
16:00: Travel to Jongmyo Shrine, a 14th-century Confucian shrine dedicated to memorial services for the deceased kings and queens of the Korean Joseon dynasty. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a remarkable sight.
18:00: Have dinner and depart for your hotel.