The Royal Seoul Sightseeing Tour: Gyeongbokgung Palace Visit, Royal Guard Changing Ceremony and more!

Begin this morning tour with a hassle-free pick up from your Seoul hotel. Enjoy a comfortable transfer to several royal residences in the booming capital city of Seoul, that holds a prominent historical relevance. Drive past the Deoksugung Palace, one of the five grand palaces built by the kings of Joseon Dynasty known for its distinctive western-style garden and fountain. Drive further by the Seoul Station and Sungnyemun - one of the Eight Gates in the Fortress Wall of Seoulwhich surrounded the city in the Joseon dynasty.

Check out the 11-km long Cheonggyecheon Stream that runs through downtown Seoul. Now a public recreation space, Cheonggyecheon is a massive urban renewal project at a site of a river that once flowed freely during the Joseon Dynasty! Stop next at the main gate of the Blue House or Cheongwadae for a souvenir photo opportunity. Then, witness Cheongwadae Saranchae, a Korean presidential exhibition center.

Prepare for another highlight of this tour –Gyeongbokgung Palace, built by the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) as its mainpalace, that served asa representation of sovereign rule during that period. You will also explore the National Folk Museum of Korea, located within the grounds of the Gyeongbokgung Palacethat houses 4000 items on Korea’s traditional way of life. Walk around the three permanent exhibition halls, two special exhibition halls, a shop and a reference room to gain an insight on Korea’s history and culture.

Enjoy another special part of this day by observing The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, a rare traditional scene in Korea. Don’t forget to click some memorable pictures of the guards in their impressive costumes. Finally, visit the Jogseya Temple, the center of Zen Buddhism in Korea.

This tour comes to an end with a drop-off at Myeongdong Lotte Hotel or or Namdaemun market.