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Seoul Ultimate Tour: Choose 4 Must-Visit Places for a Personalized Exploration
4.9
22 Ratings
Seoul
Embark on the Seoul Ultimate Tour and choose 4 must-visit places for a personalized exploration. Discover the hippest roads, royal palaces, local parks, hanok villages, shopping districts, art galleries, museums, Buddhist temples, and traditional local markets.
Duration:
9 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Itaewon - In Itaewon, you’ll find ‘Gyeongnidan-gil’, one of the trendiest streets blending various global cultures. The area, influenced by the nearby US Army base, became home to many international residents early on. Gyeongnidan-gil has grown in popularity as a unique and exotic tourist attraction lined with restaurants, cafes, and ateliers.
- Garosu-gil - Sinsadong Garosu-gil is a popular, upscale street in Seoul, also known as ‘artists’ street’. It boasts an eccentric flair with its charmingly decorated coffee shops and designer stores.
- Gyeongbokgung Palace - Gyeongbok Royal Palace, the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty, is located in the heart of Seoul. It’s a must-see when visiting Korea. The palace’s name means “Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven.”
- Changdeokgung Palace - Recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO in December 1997, Changdeokgung Palace was the second royal villa built after Gyeongbokgung Palace in 1405. It served as the principal palace for many Joseon dynasty kings and is the most well-preserved of the five remaining royal Joseon palaces.
- Changgyeonggung - Originally built as Suganggung Palace by King Sejong (r.1418-1450) for his retiring father, King Taejong, Changgyeonggung Palace often served as residential quarters for queens and concubines. Renovated and renamed during King Seongjong’s reign (r.1469-1494), it became a park with a zoo and botanical garden during Japanese colonial rule. The palace grounds were restored to their former glory in 1983.
- Yeouido Hangang Park - Located in Yeouido, the heart of politics, media, banking, and finance, this park is one of the most frequently visited parks next to the Han River. It hosts many exciting events, including the Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival in spring.
- Seoul Forest - Opened in 2005 and located between Jungnangcheon Stream and the Hangang River, Seoul Forest is one of the most beloved parks by citizens. It consists of four parts: Culture & Art Park, Educational Experience Park, Eco-forest Park, and Riverside Park along the Hangang River.
- Seoul Botanical Garden - The garden features outdoor Theme Gardens that reproduce traditional Korean gardens with native plants and a Greenhouse exhibiting plants from 12 tropical and Mediterranean cities.
- Cheonggyecheon Stream - This 11 km-long stream runs through downtown Seoul and was created as part of an urban renewal project. It restores the stream that existed during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).
- Bukchon Hanok Village - Surrounded by Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Jongmyo Shrine, Bukchon Hanok Village is home to hundreds of traditional houses, called hanok, dating back to the Joseon dynasty. The name Bukchon, meaning “northern village,” comes from its location north of Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jongno.
- Ikseon-dong Hanok Street - Known as one of the hippest and trendiest areas in Seoul, Ikseon-dong Hanok Village, established in the 1920s, offers a unique mix of modern and traditional elements. The narrow alleyways, lined with uniquely decorated shops and cafes, are often referred to as “photo zones” due to their photogenic backdrops.
- Insadong - This area is filled with galleries, traditional restaurants, teahouses, and cafes. The teahouses and restaurants complement the galleries and are hidden deep within twisting alleyways, making it feel like a treasure hunt.
- Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) - Hosting various exhibitions, fashion shows, forums, conferences, and other events, DDP is divided into sections named Allimteo, Beaumteo, Sallimteo, DDP Design Museum, Design Market & Eoullim Plaza, and Dongdaemun History & Culture Park. Designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid, the building’s exterior attracts many photographers with its delicate curves and bold shapes.
- Starfield COEX Mall - Located in the center of Seoul, Starfield COEX Mall leads in trend and culture, combining fashion, food, culture, and entertainment. The Starfield Library is a landmark offering a space for rest and entertainment with books.
- The Hyundai Seoul - Opened in Yeouido on February 26, The Hyundai Seoul features “Exclusive Label” on the first floor with 30 global designer brands, “Creative Ground” on B2 with the first H&M brand shop Arket in Asia, and “Tasty Seoul” on B1 with approximately 90 famous food & beverage brands. The eco-friendly futuristic department store has larger resting areas and paths, including “Sounds Forest,” an indoor rest area one-seventieth the size of Yeouido Park, and multiple photo spots with natural sunlight.
- Myeongdong Shopping Street - Myeong-dong is one of Seoul’s primary shopping districts, lined with brand name shops and department stores. Common products include clothes, shoes, and accessories.
- Seoul Museum of Art - SeMA is a 3-story building with six exhibition halls, a lecture hall for educational programs, and a library with art-related books, magazines, and visual reference materials. One exhibition hall features a permanent collection titled “The Soul of Chun Kyung Ja,” showcasing works by the famous Korean artist Chun Kyung Ja.
- The War Memorial of Korea - Established on June 10, 1994, by the War Memorial Service Korea Society, this museum commemorates the noble sacrifice of patriotic martyrs. It houses approximately 33,000 artifacts, with about 10,000 on display in six indoor halls, including Expeditionary Forces Room, Patriotic Memorial Room, War History Room, 6·25 Korean War Room, Development Hall, and Large Machinery Room.
- National Museum of Korea - Housing a vast collection of over 420,000 artifacts from ancient times to the modern era, the National Museum of Korea covers a wide range of topics, including art and culture. It also features a Children’s Museum with educational programs and experiences.
- Jogyesa Temple - As the head temple of the Jogye order, Jogyesa Temple plays a significant role in Korean Buddhism. Originally built in the late 14th century during the Goryeo period, it was completely destroyed by fire and later rebuilt by many respectful monks.
- Bongeunsa Temple - Located north of COEX in the Gangnam area, Bongeunsa Temple was constructed in the 10th year of Silla King Weongseong’s reign (794). It was refurbished and renamed by Queen Jeonghyeon in 1498.
- Gwangjang Market - As Korea’s first permanent market, Gwangjang Market remains a popular tourist destination over 100 years later. The food street is particularly popular among locals and foreigners.
- Mangwon Market - Located in Mapo-gu, Seoul, Mangwon Market is beloved by young locals for its fancy streets and delicious food alleys. This traditional market features many delicious restaurants and friendly vendors offering fresh ingredients in a clean environment.
What's Included
- Exclusive private transportation
- Visits to four notable sightseeing locations
- Included admission tickets to attractions
- Educational driving tour with a guide
What's Not Included
- Lunch
- Personal Travel Insurance
- Anything not mentioned in details
Additional Information
This is the definitive tour of Seoul, encompassing four must-see destinations in the city! Please pick four locations from the list below and let us know in advance. *We can accommodate visits to additional areas upon consultation.
[Hottest Spots]
-Itaewon-dong
-Seongsudong Cafe Street
[Imperial Residences]
-Gyeongbokgung Palace (Not open on Tuesdays)
-Changdeokgung Palace (Not open on Mondays)
-Changgyeonggung Palace (Not open on Mondays)
[Parks frequented by locals]
-Yeouido Hangang Park (*We can arrange for another Han-river park visit depending on your schedule)
-Seoul Forest
-Seoul Botanical Garden (Not open on Mondays)
-Cheonggyecheon Stream
[Traditional Korean Housing Areas]
-Bukchon Hanok Village
-Ikseon-dong Hanok Street
[Shopping Hubs]
-Insadong(Antiques oriented street)
-Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
-Starfield COEX Mall
-The Hyundai Seoul
-Myeongdong Shopping Street
[Artistic Spaces]
-Seoul Museum of Art(Closed on Mondays)
[Historical Museums]
-National Folk Museum
-The War Memorial of Korea (Not open on Mondays)
-National Museum of Korea
[Korean Temples]
-Jogyesa
[Classic Local Markets]
-Gwangjang Market
Location
Itaewon
Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu,
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(22 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
Michelle_p
May 15, 2024
No stress way to see everything - This was a great way to see everything I wanted to see in Seoul at my pace and on my schedule. I learned a lot from Eddie and he took the time to really customize the experience for me. Highly recommend,
Review provided by Viator
Chomba_m
May 13, 2024
Best First Impression of Korea and Korean People - The tour was more than what we bargained for. I have traveled to different parts of the world and had a tour guide and no one beats the professionalism and charm that Joseph has. Spending time with Joseph gave us an insight of the history of Korea, especially the tour of the Gyeongbokyung Palace and the changing of the guards. We got not only a guide but also a professional photographer. This tour will be one of the most memorable of all.
Review provided by Viator
792viviant
Apr 16, 2024
Private tour of Seoul - Our family with my senior parents had an amazing day with Joseph! He was friendly, patient, on-time, flexible, respectful and knowledgeable. We sent a set itinerary (Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village and Myeondong Shopping Street) and important points we hope to accomplish during each site around Seoul. Joseph took many pictures and videos of us which were amazing. We did not expect this from him, but it was a bonus that Joseph was our private photographer as well. He also recommended restaurants to eat which were delicious and other must-see shopping areas we should check out while in Seoul. Thank you Joseph! Highly recommend PLK Travel and our tour guide, Joseph!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Augusta
Nov 29, 2023
DIY and Marie were the best - A great experience in choosing your own trips with an educated and passionate guide. My nephew and i chose 1. Insadong,
2. Bukchon Hanok Village,
3.Gyeongbokgung Palace,
4. Myeongdong Shopping Street. Marie was so accommodating and welcoming. She was sincere in making sure our experiences were both memorable and joyful. She was gracious enough to take pictures for us and guide us to a fantastic eatery that my nephew thoroughly enjoyed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sara_l
Oct 27, 2023
Nice experience - Driver with very nice attitude Willing to show us the city and interact with us Clean car and very punctual
Review provided by Viator
Kuulani_k
Oct 11, 2023
Great tour guide! Friendly and flexible - Sebastian, our tour guide, put us at ease in our first day in Seoul helping us get our currency exchanged and showing us his favorite place to eat - amazing tokbokki! - and how to order and pickup food in the food court at Coex Mall. He was warm and friendly and took us exactly where we wanted to go, adjusting based on our preferences and never rushing us! Would highly recommend for anyone wanting to explore Seoul in a customized way.
Review provided by Viator
Jenetta_o
Oct 3, 2023
Private Tour - This tour was totally awesome. We got to pick the places we wanted to go to. The list was amazing. We had ample enough time to see all of the sights that we wanted and really enjoyed ourselves.
Review provided by Viator
Karrynn
Aug 6, 2023
Best decision I made traveling to Korea with elderly parents - Best experience ever! I’m so happy I booked a private tour with PLK. I was traveling with my elderly parents and our tour guide, Sebastian is the best. Touring soul in a clean with really good AC private van is the way to go. Our tour is personalized, it feels like a friend is showing us around town. Our tour guide is so nice and knows the ins and out of the city by heart. He gives us extra detours to secret/local spots, shows us how to get to places with less stairs, and the best part is having a local showing us where the best local foods are. Will definitely book again and I highly recommend to everyone.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carlk629
Jun 12, 2023
Great experience - We booked this tour at short notice and were not disappointed. Joseph, our guide, was punctual and made a couple of suggestions around changing the itinerary based on what we would be interested in (choosing the 4 venues was the hardest part of the booking). Highlights were the Bukchon Hanok village and Gyeongbokgung Palace - both of which involve a fair bit of walking. Joseph was very personable and generous with sharing his advice about other general experiences in Korea, especially around what and where to eat Korean food. Overall a very good experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Glen
May 3, 2024
Dissappointing Guide - We were very dissappointed with the guide. She was a uniquely poor communicator of the sites, historical periods and the dates and often confused periods. At the palaces she could not communicate basic information and added no value versus visiting without a guide. At one site she could not find parking so we just toured on our own. She was helpful in the food market, but still could have added more context.
PLK needs to vet their guides much more carefully.
PLK was also a poor fit which was my fault. They insisted we could not do this as a walking tour and was not flexible. The reality is that four sites we visited would have been very walkable and would have saved us and the guide driving and searching for parking.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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