Best tours of Seoul

If you're planning to visit Seoul, you should be aware that the city offers so many options that you may not be able to discover them all. However, taking guided tours or excursions to the main sites is a great way to get to know the most important places and soak up the ancient local culture, which can be complex and intriguing in equal parts.

Some of the best things to do in Seoul during a tour include seeing the Gyeongbokgung Palace on a guided tour, taking a pub crawl, visiting local markets and taking a cooking class, taking a yacht ride on the Han River and going on a ghost tour of the most intriguing and spooky spots in the South Korean capital.

One of the best ways to learn about Seoul's history is to tour the five Joseon Dynasty palaces scattered around the city. These palaces housed the buildings of royal power in the capital in the past and are now part of the cultural tour of this destination, especially two of them, Gyeongbokgung Palace and Deoksugung Palace, which are the largest and most picturesque palaces that you can visit on guided tours.

Guided tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace

A guided tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace will allow you to learn about the history of the Joseon Dynasty and experience the grandeur of one of Korea's most iconic palaces. Here you will see the Gwanghwamun Gate, the imposing main entrance to the palace that was the seat of government for the royal court for more than three centuries.

During the tour, your guide will introduce you to the rich history of Gyeongbokgung and its role as a centre of power during the Joseon Dynasty. As you pass through the courtyards and past the ornate pavilions, you will learn about the events and historical figures that shaped the building and the country as a whole into one of Seoul's most iconic palaces.

The guided tour will allow you to discover the architectural and artistic details of Gyeongbokgung that might go unnoticed on your own. In addition, you will also be able to attend the Changing of the Royal Guard, a traditional ceremony of changing of the guard that takes place in front of the main gate.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 30 euros per person.
• Duration: about 2 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get to know the centre of royal power of the Joseon dynasty in a fully guided tour.
• Disadvantages of these tours: You will have little free time to explore the palace on your own.

Deoksugung Palace Guided Tour

Deoksugung Palace, also known as the Palace of Virtue and Longevity, is considered the most architecturally beautiful building of the Joseon Dynasty. The palace is notable for its blend of traditional and Western styles, making it easily distinguishable from the other four buildings in the city by its design.

During a guided tour of Deoksugung Palace, you will learn about Korean history, the monarchy and the Western influence on the royal court. You will also see the picturesque gardens of the palace, attend the ceremonial changing of the guard and visit the Jeukjodang, the royal ceremonial hall, and the Hamnyeongjeon, the exclusive residence of the Korean queens.

In the green area of the palace you can relax and escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, as it offers a striking sound insulation despite being located in the centre of Seoul, and during your visit you can also visit the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Korea, which is housed in one of the buildings of the complex.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 30 euros per person.
• Duration: about 2 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will be able to see what is architecturally considered the most beautiful building of the Joseon dynasty in Seoul.
• Disadvantages of these tours: due to the preservation of the interiors, it is forbidden to take photographs in many places.

Taking part in a pub crawl in Seoul is an exciting and lively way to mingle with the city's nightlife and experience its festive atmosphere. This type of tour will offer you the opportunity to explore different bars and nightspots, meet other travellers and locals, and enjoy drinks and music in a variety of settings and in one of the best things to do at night in Seoul.

During a pub crawl, you can visit a variety of venues ranging from traditional bars to modern nightclubs. The route usually includes popular areas such as Hongdae, Itaewon and Gangnam, each with its own unique scene and atmosphere. These places will give you a taste of the cultural and entertainment diversity the city has to offer, and you'll have the opportunity to mingle with the locals.

Keep in mind that a pub crawl is not just about the drinks, but also the social interaction. You'll get to meet other travellers from all over the world, share stories and experiences, and make new friends along the way. Local guides or tour organisers will provide you with information about the nightlife culture in the capital, as well as recommendations on drinks and places to try.

In addition to the pub crawl experience, some pub tours may also include group activities or games to encourage fun and camaraderie. From trivia contests to drinking games, these activities add an interactive tinge to the experience, which you can enjoy whether you visit Seoul in summer or winter.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 20 euros per person.
• Duration: 4 to 5 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will be assisted throughout the night to see the best night spots for a drink in Seoul.
• Disadvantages of these tours: the cost of the tour only includes the advice of the local expert guide, drinks and refreshments are at your own expense.

Taking a tour of Seoul's markets with a cooking class included is an experience that will allow you to experience Korea's cuisine and culinary culture in an interactive and delicious way. During this tour, you will have the opportunity to explore some of the city's liveliest markets, where the vibrant aromas and colours will transport you to a world of authentic flavours.

One of the stops on this tour will be the Gwangjang Market, famous for its street food stalls and fresh produce. Here you can sample a variety of iconic dishes such as bindaetteok, which are mung pancakes, tteokbokki, spicy rice cakes, and other dishes that reflect authentic Korean street food.

In addition, at Noryangjin Market, known for its incredible selection of fresh seafood, you will learn about Korean fish culture and how to select quality ingredients. This market is often featured on Seoul's best food tours.

After exploring the markets, the other exciting part of the tour begins: a cooking class. Under the tutelage of an expert chef, you will learn how to prepare classic dishes such as bulgogi, whose main ingredient is marinated meat, kimchi, which is made with fermented cabbage, and bibimbap, a popular rice dish mixed with vegetables and meat. This hands-on experience will give you an insight into the culinary secrets and techniques that are fundamental to the local cuisine.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 77 euros per person.
• Duration: about 3.5 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get to know the best markets of the South Korean capital and the secrets of the local cuisine.
• Disadvantages of these tours: you will be able to do tastings but you are not allowed to remove the products from the kitchen due to local health regulations.

Enjoying a relaxing yacht ride on the Han River is a delightful way to experience the beauty and serenity of Seoul from a unique perspective. This iconic river divides the city into two parts and is surrounded by urban and natural scenery. As you embark on a yacht, you will blend into the tranquil and scenic atmosphere that contrasts with the hectic pace of the city.

During the yacht ride, you will be able to admire some of the most iconic landmarks and monuments from a privileged view. The lights of the skyscrapers, the illuminated bridges and the historic buildings along the waterfront create a visual spectacle that becomes especially memorable at sunset when the city is illuminated. But one of the best silhouettes you'll see from the river is the N Seoul Tower, the famous 239-metre high observation deck, which I also recommend you visit for some of the best views of the city.

The Han River is also a place where history and culture intertwine. As you cruise along its waters, you'll see a number of parks and public spaces along the banks that offer opportunities to experience the water way. Some yachts even offer on-board entertainment, such as live music or fine dining, adding a tinge of luxury and elegance to your experience on the water.

This type of cruising is not only relaxing, but also provides a unique perspective of the city that is perfect for taking some of the best photographs of your trip from an alternative vantage point. Also, if you plan to visit Seoul during the winter, you can discover the silhouette of the snow-capped river, giving you one of the best postcards of the city during the cold season.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 16 euros per person.
• Duration: about 30 minutes.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get an alternative view of the city from the Han River.
• Disadvantages of these tours: although it is a tour that passes through different important points of the city that go down to the river, it does not include stops along the way.

A Seoul Ghost Tour is a captivating journey into the world of the supernatural and the mysterious that reveals the other side of the city. During this unique experience, you will explore iconic and obscure sites that are imbued with ghost stories, sinister legends and unexplained events that have shaped Seoul's history.

On this type of tour, you can visit Donggureung Cemetery, a site that houses the graves of historical figures and important families. Your guide will regale you with tales that shroud this cemetery in mystery and tales of spectral apparitions. You could also head to Gyeonghuigung Palace, where the spirits of tragic concubines and disgruntled nobles are said to still haunt the grounds, offering a fascinating insight into the history of the place.

Another popular destination for these experiences is Gwangjang Market, known for its bustling activity during the day and stories of paranormal encounters at night. Walking through the dark alleys and street food stalls will transport you to a world where urban legends come to life. Likewise, Yanghwajin Cemetery, famous for its gloomy atmosphere and apparitions, will envelop you in its mystery.

Exploring these historical sites from a paranormal perspective will allow you to experience the city in a unique and unnerving way, connecting you to its more enigmatic and exciting side. Whether you are a lover of ghost stories or simply a curious adventurer, these experiences will take you on an unforgettable journey that reveals the hidden secrets behind the places you set foot in.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 37 euros per person.
• Duration: between 2 and 3 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will discover the city from an alternative side, going over the supernatural legends that surround it.
• Disadvantages of these tours: you won't have much free time to explore the sites you visit on your own, as you won't be able to leave the tour group.

If you are planning to visit Seoul and want to take part in an organised tour, you can either book the experience in advance online, or book it once you are in the South Korean capital. Be aware that if you choose the latter option, you may be exposed to higher fees for last-minute bookings and the possibility that there may not be room on your chosen tours.

If you are planning to visit Seoul during the summer or during the high season months, I advise you to book your tours in advance. This will save you time and money and give you enough time to plan an itinerary that will allow you to discover the city better.

If you are planning to visit Seoul during the high season, I advise you to book tours in advance to avoid cancellations or price increases at the last minute. In addition, I also recommend that you choose to seek information about the sites you are going to visit in order to optimise your experience and get the most out of your visit.

On the other hand, keep in mind that Seoul is one of the largest cities in Asia and, consequently, its offer is very wide. Therefore, I recommend that, as far as possible, you do not limit your tours to the city's best museums or the most popular palaces, but also opt for alternative sites, which you can get to know with gastronomic tours or ghost tours.

Seoul is one of Asia's most famous global cities and an interesting tourist destination for any visitor, but it can be overwhelming. The complexity of the language and the difference in customs between Eastern and Western civilisations can complicate understanding and hinder some experiences. For this reason, you will be able to count on the necessary guided assistance on the excursions to avoid these inconveniences.

In addition, the permanent assistance of an expert local guide will also make it easier for you to understand the vast local culture, to distinguish the best palaces, museums and parks worth visiting, and to add a more professional touch to your visit to this city. It will also allow you to optimise your time, especially if you plan to visit Seoul in 3 days or even less.

Seoul is a city that presents many challenges. Language and culture shock, even though the country is intertwined with Western customs, can be a difficult barrier to overcome if you plan to tour this destination on your own. On a guided tour, on the other hand, you'll be able to count on permanent guided assistance that will allow you to relax and save time and money on every experience.

In addition, Seoul is home to Korea's centuries-old cultural heritage and centuries of history. A guided tour will allow you to get to know all the secrets of this destination, which would otherwise be very difficult to interpret.