However long you are staying in Seoul, I would highly recommend purchasing a tour. Why?

  • You get detailed information about historic sites.
  • Gives you a chance to ask your guide questions.
  • Activity providers tend to add anecdotes that are often humorous, but more importantly, they offer context.

I prefer half-day tours. Why?

  • If you find yourself with annoying people that don’t heed to instructions, a duration of 3 hours is the maximum patience threshold. Any longer can lead to visible agitation.
  • You can always come back on your own for a thorough visit should you enjoy a location.

There are several tours online, but I can vouch for the Morning 3-Hour Intro to Seoul Tour (Palace, Temple & More) with https://www.getyourguide.com

At the Jogyesa Temple, I particularly enjoyed the 450-year-old Pagoda Tree. Because it is considered auspicious and is said to take away negative energy, one needs to touch the trunk to bring happiness.

The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace sets the mood and transports you to the Joseon Dynasty. To your left and right, you’ll see people wearing Hanbok, the traditional Korean attire. And as you speed walk through the offices and residences of the king, queen, court ladies and royal guards, you get a strong sense of rich cultural legacy.

Outside the gates of the Palace, you have a magnificent view of Cheongwadae (The Blue House), formerly the President’s home. After 74 years, it is now opened for public viewing given that the current President no longer lives there.

The last stop of the morning tour is the Geumsan Ginseng Museum. It is fascinating to learn about the origin and cultivation of Korean ginseng. And if you plan on buying products, just remember to use your currency converter application.

Tours are a great way to discover the city and get the lay of the land. The expertise of the guide is undeniable and no matter how many guidebooks you read, you simply can’t equate that with someone’s personal experience. Stories regarding family traditions that have been passed down from one generation to the next will at minimum spark your curiosity about their culture.