Seoul: Gyeongbokgung Palace Tour & Lunch at Authentic Market

Explore the rich history and vibrant culture of Seoul with the "Gyeongbokgung Palace Tour & Lunch at Authentic Market." This 3-hour tour offers a unique glimpse into Korea’s royal past and culinary delights. Discover architectural marvels from the Joseon Dynasty at Gyeongbokgung Palace, then head to Tongin Traditional Market to savor authentic Korean dishes using traditional yeopjeon coins. With a knowledgeable guide and limited participants, this immersive experience promises an unforgettable adventure.

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Key Points

Comprehensive 3-hour tour exploring the historical Gyeongbokgung Palace and the vibrant Tongin Traditional Market in Seoul.
Guided tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace, showcasing the architectural wonders and captivating tales of the Joseon Dynasty.
Immersive lunch experience at Tongin Traditional Market, using old brass coins (yeopjeon) to handpick favorite local Korean dishes.
Small group tour limited to 10 participants, conducted in English with a full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
Tour starts at Gyeongbokgung Station and concludes at Tongin Traditional Market, allowing for further exploration of the local cuisine.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of Gyeongbokgung Palace and a unique dining experience at Tongin Traditional Market.

Guests can enjoy a 3-hour activity, including a guided tour of the historic palace and a lunch at the traditional market. Priced from $119 per person, the tour is limited to 10 participants and conducted in English.

Explore Korea’s royal heritage and savor traditional cuisine on this 3-hour guided tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace and Tongin Traditional Market.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot without paying today.

This immersive experience allows guests to discover Korea’s royal history and traditional cuisine.

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Itinerary Details

The tour begins at the iconic Gyeongbokgung Palace, where guests embark on a 1.5-hour guided exploration of this historic site.

The tour then moves to the Tongin Traditional Market, where you will have 1.5 hours to:

Use yeopjeon (old brass coins) to select their preferred Korean dishes.
Immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the local market.
Savor the authentic flavors of traditional Korean cuisine.
Engage with the vendors and learn about the market’s rich history.

The tour concludes at the Tongin Traditional Market.

Exploring Gyeongbokgung Palace

As guests embark on the guided tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace, they’ll uncover the rich history and grandeur of this iconic landmark from the Joseon Dynasty.

The palace’s architectural marvels, including the Geunjeongjeon and Gangnyeongjeon halls, showcase the dynasty’s cultural and political prowess.

Winding through the palace grounds, the tour explores the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, once used for royal banquets, and the Hyangwonjeong Pavilion, an exquisite structure nestled in a tranquil pond.

Throughout the experience, the knowledgeable guide shares captivating tales of the Joseon rulers and their legacy, immersing visitors in Korea’s royal past.

Lunch at Tongin Traditional Market

After exploring the grandeur of Gyeongbokgung Palace, guests move on to experience the vibrant atmosphere of Tongin Traditional Market.

At the market, they use yeopjeon (old brass coins) to purchase an assortment of traditional Korean dishes from stall vendors.

This unique lunch experience allows them to:

Immerse themselves in the lively market culture
Handpick their favorite local specialties
Discover the flavors of authentic Korean cuisine
Engage with friendly vendors and soak in the market’s energetic ambiance.

This contrast between the historic palace and the bustling market provides a well-rounded cultural encounter.

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Engaging With Korea’s Royal History

At the start of the tour, guests are invited to explore the historic grandeur of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty.

An English-speaking guide leads visitors through the well-preserved palace grounds, sharing fascinating stories and insights about Korea’s rich royal history.

Guests discover the stunning architecture, intricate details, and symbolic significance of the various buildings and structures.

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Taking in Traditional Cuisine

Following the guided tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the group proceeds to the nearby Tongin Traditional Market.

There, they’ll enjoy Seoul’s rich culinary heritage. Participants use yeopjeon, old brass coins, to:

Select a variety of traditional Korean dishes from the market’s food stalls.
Assemble a unique lunch box with their chosen items.
Savor the flavors of Korea’s time-honored recipes.
Engage with the lively atmosphere of the bustling market.

This hands-on dining experience allows travelers to discover the country’s vibrant food culture firsthand.

Meeting Information and Logistics

Participants meet outside Exit 5 of Gyeongbokgung Station on the Subway Orange Line No. 3.

The tour guide can be reached via WhatsApp at 82-10-6263-5744 for any questions. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

The tour starts promptly at the scheduled time, so participants should arrive a few minutes early.

The tour ends at the Tongin Traditional Market, where guests can continue exploring the local cuisine on their own.

Customers have rated the overall experience 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 2 reviews.

What Travelers Are Saying

Travelers have praised the Gyeongbokgung Palace Tour & Lunch experience, applauding its immersive exploration of Korea’s royal history and traditional cuisine.

Recent reviews highlight the tour’s strengths:

Engaging History: Guests appreciated the guide’s knowledgeable and captivating storytelling about the Joseon Dynasty at Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Authentic Lunch: Using traditional yeopjeon coins to select dishes at Tongin Market provided an authentic and memorable dining experience.
Small Group Size: The limited group of 10 participants allowed for a personalized and intimate tour.
Overall Value: Reviewers noted the tour’s quality and felt it delivered excellent value for the price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?

The tour may not be suitable for those with significant mobility issues. While there’s a guided tour, navigating the palace grounds could be challenging. Participants should have moderate mobility to fully enjoy the experience.

Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated During the Market Visit?

The tour can accommodate dietary restrictions at the traditional market. Guests should notify the guide in advance about any dietary needs, and the guide will work to ensure suitable options are available during the market visit.

How Much Free Time Is Allotted for Independent Exploration?

The tour allocates 1.5 hours for the market visit, allowing participants ample time to explore the market independently and sample traditional dishes at their own pace. Dietary needs can be accommodated upon request.

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Gyeongbokgung Palace?

Photography is generally allowed inside Gyeongbokgung Palace, but visitors should avoid using flash and respect any restrictions or signage. Photography rules may vary, so it’s best to check with the tour guide or palace staff upon arrival.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Activities?

The tour can likely be customized to include additional activities, though this may incur an extra cost. Customers should inquire with the tour operator about possible customization options and associated pricing.

The Sum Up

This tour offers an immersive experience that allows travelers to explore Gyeongbokgung Palace’s rich history and savor authentic Korean cuisine at Tongin Traditional Market. With a knowledgeable guide and limited group size, visitors gain unique insights into Korea’s royal past and culinary traditions. Whether you’re a history buff or a foodie, this tour provides a well-rounded introduction to the vibrant culture of Seoul.

You can check availability for your dates here: