Seoul: UNESCO Palace and Street Foods Guided Tour

Explore the vibrant heart of Seoul on this captivating guided tour. Discover the UNESCO-listed palaces, learn about Korea’s rich history, and savor the flavors of the city’s renowned street food scene. With an expert guide by your side, you’ll uncover the architectural gems and royal stories that make this city so alluring. But the true highlight? Diving into the bustling Gwangjang Market, where the mouthwatering aromas will have you craving more. Get ready to embark on a one-of-a-kind adventure that seamlessly blends culture, cuisine, and captivating sights.

Key Points

• This guided tour offers a 4-hour experience exploring Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung palaces, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, along with a visit to Gwangjang Market for street food tasting.
• The tour includes a live English-speaking guide, palace admissions, and concludes with a scenic stroll along Cheonggyecheon Stream, providing an immersive journey through Seoul’s history and culinary delights.
• Visitors can learn about the rich history, unique architecture, and natural settings of the palaces, gaining insights into Korea’s dynastic past.
• The street food experience at Gwangjang Market offers tastings of traditional Korean dishes like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), mayak gimbap (compact rice rolls), and makgeolli (rice wine).
• The tour provides flexibility with free cancellation and pay-later booking options, making it a convenient choice for exploring Seoul’s UNESCO-listed palaces and vibrant street food scene.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Seoul: UNESCO Palace and Street Foods Guided Tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of Seoul’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant culinary scene. Priced from $60 per person, the 4-hour tour provides a live English-speaking guide and includes admission to the UNESCO-listed Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung palaces.

Travelers will stroll through the historic grounds, then head to the bustling Gwangjang Market to savor local street food specialties. The tour concludes at the Cheonggyecheon Stream, allowing participants to soak in scenic city views.

With free cancellation and a pay-later booking option, this tour combines must-see sights and distinctive flavors.

Detailed Itinerary

The tour begins at the Changdeokgung Palace General Tourism Support Center, where you will embark on a guided exploration of the UNESCO-listed Changdeokgung Palace for 2 hours.

They’ll then move on to the nearby Changgyeonggung Palace for a 40-minute guided tour.

After a 20-minute walk, the group arrives at the vibrant Gwangjang Market to savor the local street food scene for 50 minutes.

The tour concludes with a 10-minute guided stroll along the scenic Cheonggyecheon Stream before ending at Gwangjang Market.

Exploring Changdeokgung Palace

Participants begin their UNESCO palace exploration at the Changdeokgung Palace General Tourism Support Center.

The guide leads the group on a comprehensive tour of this historic site, filled with traditional Korean architecture and lush natural settings.

The tour includes:

1. A deep dive into the palace’s rich history, dating back to the 14th century and its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

2. Insights into the unique architectural features that blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, showcasing the harmony between nature and design.

3. Captivating stories of the royal family and the significance of specific palace structures, bringing the past to life.

Discovering Changgyeonggung Palace

After exploring the stunning Changdeokgung Palace, the group now heads to the neighboring Changgyeonggung Palace.

Built in the 15th century, this lesser-known royal residence offers a glimpse into Korea’s dynastic past. The tour guide leads the group through the palace’s tranquil courtyards and graceful architecture, sharing captivating stories about its former inhabitants and the intricate traditions that shaped daily life.

Visitors marvel at the harmonious blend of natural elements and human-made structures, gaining a deeper appreciation for the historical and cultural significance of this UNESCO-recognized site.

The 40-minute tour provides a well-rounded understanding of Seoul’s royal heritage.

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Savoring the Street Food at Gwangjang Market

As the tour group departs the serene palace grounds, they’re whisked away to the vibrant Gwangjang Market, a renowned epicenter of Seoul’s dynamic street food scene.

Here, they explore the bustling stalls and indulge in a variety of local delicacies:

1. Bindaetteok: Savory mung bean pancakes, crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, a crowd-pleasing classic.

2. Mayak Gimbap: Compact rice rolls filled with carrots, spinach, and delicate pickled radish, offering a harmonious balance of flavors.

3. Makgeolli: The traditional Korean rice wine, served chilled, providing a refreshing complement to the flavorful street fare.

Admiring the Cheonggyecheon Stream

The tour group then ventures to the Cheonggyecheon Stream, a scenic urban oasis that winds through the heart of Seoul.

They stroll along the tranquil waterway, taking in the sights and sounds of this revitalized public space.

The guide points out the unique architectural features and landscaping that have transformed the once-polluted stream into a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.

Unique architectural features and landscaping have transformed the once-polluted Cheonggyecheon Stream into a peaceful urban oasis.

As they reach the end of the tour, the group is left with a renewed appreciation for Seoul’s ability to balance its rich history with modern urban development.

What’s Included and Not Suitable For

Although the Seoul: UNESCO Palace and Street Foods Guided Tour includes a range of engaging experiences, there are certain limitations.

The tour isn’t suitable for:

1. People with back problems, as it involves a significant amount of walking.

2. Wheelchair users, as the palaces may not be fully accessible.

3. Vegetarians or those with food allergies, as the street food tasting at Gwangjang Market focuses on traditional Korean dishes.

The tour provides a comprehensive package, including entrance fees, a live tour guide, and travelers insurance, making it a compelling option for those seeking to enjoy Seoul’s rich history and vibrant culinary scene.

Customer Reviews and Meeting Point

Frequently, the Seoul: UNESCO Palace and Street Foods Guided Tour earns glowing reviews from past participants.

With an overall rating of 5/5 based on 2 reviews, the tour provides an authentic and memorable experience. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable and engaging tour guide, Sam, who brings the palace histories to life.

They also highlight the vibrant ambiance of Gwangjang Market and the delicious street food tastings.

To join this tour, travelers should meet at the Ticket Office of Changdeokgung Palace. The meeting point is accessible via Subway Line 3 to Anguk Station, Exit 3 or Subway Lines 1, 3, or 5 to Jongno 3-ga Station, Exit 7.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour’s maximum group size is not explicitly stated in the provided information. However, the tour is described as suitable for all ages, suggesting it accommodates a range of group sizes without mentioning any specific limit.

Is There a Discount for Senior Citizens or Students?

The tour doesn’t mention any discounts for senior citizens or students. The pricing information simply states the cost is "From $60.00 per person", suggesting a standard rate applies regardless of age or student status.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?

Yes, the tour can be customized for private groups. Customers can contact the tour operator to discuss their specific requirements, such as group size, schedule, or dietary preferences, and the tour can be tailored accordingly.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended. Customers can request a custom tour package with a longer itinerary and additional activities. Extended tours are subject to availability and may incur an additional fee.

Can the Tour Guide Accommodate Special Dietary Requests?

Unfortunately, the tour doesn’t accommodate special dietary requests. As mentioned, it’s not suitable for vegetarians or those with food allergies. The guide is unable to cater to these needs during the street food tasting.

The Sum Up

The "Seoul: UNESCO Palace and Street Foods Guided Tour" offers a captivating blend of cultural exploration and culinary delights. Visitors can enjoy the rich history of Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung palaces, then savor the vibrant street food scene at Gwangjang Market. The tour concludes with a scenic stroll along the Cheonggyecheon Stream, providing a well-rounded experience that showcases Seoul’s UNESCO-listed attractions and vibrant local culture.

You can check availability for your dates here: