Seoul: Full-Day Royal Palaces Private Tour

The Seoul: Full-Day Royal Palaces Private Tour offers an immersive exploration of South Korea’s rich history and culture. Priced at $295 per person, this 8.5-hour excursion promises a guided journey through iconic sites like the Blue House and the grand royal palaces. With a stellar rating and rave reviews, this tour provides a unique opportunity to witness the captivating Royal Guard Changing Ceremony. Those seeking an engaging and well-organized experience will find much to discover in this comprehensive tour.

Key Points

• This private full-day tour offers an in-depth exploration of Seoul’s historic royal palaces, including the iconic Blue House and Gyeongbokgung Palace.
• The tour is priced at $295 per person and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a local guide, entry fees, lunch, and drinks.
• Guests can witness the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony and visit alternative sites like Deoksugung Palace or Bukchon Hanok Village on select days.
• The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes and clothes.
• The tour has an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 from 33 reviews, with praise for knowledgeable and friendly guides.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour offers a full-day private excursion to Seoul’s historic royal palaces, priced from $295.00 per person. It lasts 8.5 hours with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, along with a local guide, entry fees, lunch, and drinks. The itinerary highlights iconic sites like the Blue House, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and Changdeokgung Palace.

Participants can also visit Deoksugung Palace, Jongmyo Royal Shrine, or Bukchon Hanok Village on select days. Transportation is via air-conditioned minivan.

The tour operates rain or shine, and customers should bring passports and inform about dietary requirements in advance.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with hotel pickup from centrally-located hotels in Seoul, including areas like Gangnam, Myeongdong, Gwanghwamun, Itaewon, and Dongdaemun.

The tour begins with hotel pickup from centrally-located hotels in popular areas of Seoul, such as Gangnam, Myeongdong, and Itaewon.

The first stop is the Blue House (Cheongwadae), the official residence of the President of South Korea. Next, guests explore the Gyeongbokgung Palace, the oldest palace of the Joseon Dynasty built in 1394, and witness the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony.

Depending on the day, the tour may visit alternative sites like:

• Deoksugung Palace (Tuesdays)

• Jongmyo Royal Shrine (Mondays)

• Bukchon Hanok Village (Mondays)

Lunch of bibimbap is included, and the tour continues to other highlights such as Changdeokgung Palace, Insadong Antique Shop Alley, Namsangol Hanok Village, Sungnyemun Gate, and Namdaemun Market.

Transportation and Inclusions

Air-conditioned minivans provide the transportation for this tour.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off at a separate location. A local guide accompanies guests, and all entry fees, lunch, and drinks are covered. Optional three main meals are also included. This ensures a seamless and comprehensive experience for participants.

Guests are advised to bring their passports and inform the tour provider of any dietary requirements in advance. The tour operates rain or shine, and confirmation details are sent after booking, with a reminder email the day prior to the tour.

Participant Guidelines

Although not suitable for wheelchair users, the tour is recommended for participants who wear comfortable shoes and clothes.

Intoxication and unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed during the tour. Participants are advised to bring their passports and inform the tour operator about any dietary requirements in advance.

The tour operates rain or shine, and participants should check their inbox for a confirmation email the day prior to the tour, as pickup times may change due to local traffic conditions.

• Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended.

• Intoxication and unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed.

• Bring passports and inform about dietary requirements in advance.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

Customers have overwhelmingly praised the Seoul Royal Palaces tour, with an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 from 33 reviews.

The Seoul Royal Palaces tour has received an impressive 4.9 out of 5 rating from 33 enthusiastic customer reviews.

Reviewers highlighted the tour guides, describing them as "fun and conversational," "sweet, helpful, and patient," and "experienced."

One customer from Singapore, Callie, praised guide Heidi, while a customer from the United States, Joely, highlighted the experience with guide Leo.

An Australian customer, Elaine, appreciated the well-planned tour and experienced guide Melvin.

Important Information

The tour operates rain or shine, ensuring that guests can explore the historic royal palaces regardless of the weather conditions.

After booking, guests receive a confirmation email which they should check the day before the tour. Pickup times may vary due to local traffic conditions, so it’s important to stay flexible.

The tour company strives to provide a seamless experience, but factors beyond their control can impact the schedule.

Guests are advised to:

• Bring their passports

• Inform about any dietary requirements in advance

• Wear comfortable shoes and clothes

Exploring the Blue House

The first stop on the tour is the Blue House, officially known as Cheongwadae, the official residence of the President of South Korea.

Guests have the opportunity to view the exterior of this iconic building and learn about its history and significance. The Blue House has served as the executive office and official residence of the South Korean president since 1948.

Visitors can admire the elegant architecture and landscaping, which reflect traditional Korean design elements. Though the interior isn’t accessible to the public, this stop provides a glimpse into the seat of South Korea’s presidential power.

Discovering the Royal Palaces

Following the visit to the Blue House, the tour then takes guests to explore several of the city’s most renowned royal palaces.

These include:

• Gyeongbokgung Palace, the oldest and largest palace of the Joseon Dynasty, featuring the iconic Royal Guard Changing Ceremony.

• Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautiful landscaped gardens.

• Deoksugung Palace, an elegant complex with a mix of traditional and Western-style architecture.

The tour provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to step back in time and gain insights into Korea’s rich cultural heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos Inside the Palaces?

Photos are generally allowed inside the royal palaces, though visitors should check with their tour guide for any specific restrictions. Many palaces encourage photography to capture the stunning architecture and cultural heritage.

How Physically Demanding Is the Tour?

The tour is moderately physically demanding. Participants should be able to walk for extended periods and navigate uneven terrain. Those with mobility issues may find the tour challenging. Comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended.

Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?

The tour is not recommended for young children. The participant guidelines specify it’s not suitable for unaccompanied minors, and there are no details about child-friendly activities or accommodations. Families with young kids may want to consider a more family-oriented tour option.

What Currency Is Accepted for On-Site Purchases?

The tour does not mention the currency accepted for on-site purchases. However, it’s common for tours in Seoul to accept major credit cards and local currency, South Korean won. Travelers should check with the tour provider for specific payment details.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour’s itinerary can’t be customized, as it’s a pre-designed private tour. However, the tour operator may be able to accommodate special requests or dietary needs if informed in advance. Participants should check with the tour provider for any customization options.

The Sum Up

The Seoul: Full-Day Royal Palaces Private Tour offers an immersive cultural experience, with a well-organized itinerary and knowledgeable guides. Visitors can explore iconic sites like the Blue House and the royal palaces, witnessing the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony. Highly rated by guests, this tour provides a comprehensive look into South Korea’s rich history and traditions.

You can check availability for your dates here: