Tour Details

Seoul History and Culture Small-Group Tour

From: £31.25

Duration: 3 hours

Uncover the fascinating history and culture of Seoul on this half-day walking tour of the city. See charming Korean houses in a historic village, learn about Korea’s culinary history at a food museum, visit a royal Korean palace and shop at a local market. Capture the exuberant spirit and dynamic history of Seoul on this small-group tour!

Experience both the urban modernity and historic traces of Seoul on a three-hour walking tour. Meet your local guide and head to Bukchon Hanok village, a residential area dating back to the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897). The village is lined with hundreds of hanoks (traditional Korean houses). Walk along the quiet alleys and admire the latticed windows and patterned brick walls. Today, many of these hanoks operate as cultural centers, restaurants and tea houses, providing an opportunity to become immersed in traditional Korean culture.

Next, visit the Tteok Museum, a unique museum detailing the history, culture and preparation of tteok, the ubiquitous Korean rice cake. Gain insight into the tteok-making process through hands-on programs. Learn about the use of rice cakes in Korean rites of passage, and see displays of the 180 varieties of tteok. Be sure to sample this beloved Korean treat on the first-floor café.

Continue on to Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The royal palace is renowned for its traditional Korean architecture and garden design. Changdeokgung is one of the famous Five Grand Palaces and a favored palace of many princes of the Joseon Dynasty. (Please note: Due to opening times, tours that fall on a Monday will visit Kyungbokgung Palace instead.) 

Visit the Kwang Jang Market and browse through a wide selection of high-quality silk, satin and linen bed sheets and apparel. Inside the market, find more than 200 food stalls selling a wide variety of snacks, from spicy Korean rice cakes to bibimbap (mixed rice). Try the gyung dan, sweet Korean rice balls, and hobaak jook, a delicious pumpkin porridge.

Your tour concludes with a visit to Kwang Jang Market. You can then use your newfound knowledge of Seoul to continue exploring or return to your favorite spots for another look.

Nearby tours

  • tours

Noryangjin Fish Market Tour including Seafood Lunch

Duration: 3 hours
From: £63.77

Calling all foodies! Experience Seoul like a local on this 3-hour guided tour of the Noryangjin Fish Market. With your guide, an English-speaking local and Korean-cuisine connoisseur, discover the vibrant market and f...

read more

Small-Group Korean Night Food Tour

Duration: 4 hours
Category: Culture & History
From: £56.12

Experience the fascinating culture of South Korea in one of the most authentic ways possible – through their local cuisine! On this 4-hour journey through the streets of Seoul, your expert guide will take you to thr...

read more

Soul of Seoul Small-Group Walking Tour

Duration: 3 hours
From: £28.06

Discover the history, culture and food of Seoul on a walking tour of this bustling metropolis. Journey back to the past and visit Buddhist temples, historic landmarks, art markets and traditional tea shops. See the ci...

read more

The Soul of Seoul

Duration: 3 hours
Categories: Culture & History, Cruises & Sailing, Outdoors
From: £28.19

Take a stroll through Seoul’s charming streets on a walking tour that delivers history, cuisine and culture in equal measures. Visit peaceful temples, historic monuments, traditional markets and authentic tea shops ...

read more

The Street Museum in the Urban Core

Duration: 3.5 hours
Categories: Culture & History, Cruises & Sailing, Outdoors
From: £31.40

Unlock the fascinating fusion of history and modernity that make up Seoul on this exciting Urban Adventure. Admire historic architecture of days gone by at a traditional village, shop at a local market, learn about Ko...

read more

Culture Shock Rating

We have a wide range of tours designed to give you an insight into the destination you're travelling in and there is something for everybody. The culture shock ratings considers the destination visited, transport used, activities undertaken and that "Wow, I'm really not at home now!" factor. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

20%

This is the least confronting of our tour range. Transport used on the trip is either private or a very comfortable public option, the activities included are usually iconic sites and locations that are not all too confronting.

40%

The tour can include a mix of private and public transport providing a level of comfort that is slightly below what you would experience at home. Sites visited are usually iconic sites, tours can also include market visits, visits to communities etc that provide the traveller with a fantastic insight into destination.

60%

Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether it's a packed public bus where you are forced to stand, a visit to a local market, a local community, you are sure to have an experience that is very different from what you're used to at home.

80%

The comforts of your home town and the environment you are used to are more of a rarity. Expect some challenging transport options, visits to local sites and areas that don't resemble anything at home.

100%

You're out there in the global community! You are likely to be exposed to the elements, travel in whatever means of transport is available and basically take it as it comes, whatever comes! It can be tough.

Physical Rating

Our physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

20%

These tours have very limited physical activity. Usually climbing in and out of the transport provided, walking through sites, markets etc included in the itinerary.

40%

These tours have a bit of physical activity but nothing that should challenge you too much. This could be climbing on and off public transport through to a walk through the destination you're travelling in, they can include walking only tours or a combination of walking and transport.

60%

These tours involve a bit of physical activity from walking up and down hills in the destination you're travelling in or the surrounding areas. Climbing on and off local transport or riding a bike up to 30 kms along predominantly flat terrain or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.

80%

These Tours will provide you with some solid physical activity. Whether its bike riding, walking, trekking, kayaking or riding on public transport you will need to have a good level of fitness to enjoy this tour.

100%

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. These tours are our most challenging and involve some serious walking, hiking or bike riding. Can involve step climbs by foot or pedal and some challenging public transport options in the destination you are travelling.

Luxury Rating

Some trips are like a stroll on the beach, while others have you trekking alpine passes. Some of you thrive on camping out on the savannah, while others may prefer a hot shower and a comfortable bed in a lodge. Follow the grading systems below to find the right trip for you.

To help you choose the trip that's right for you, we've broken all of our trips down into four service levels. Measuring the comfort level of the accommodation and transport. So whether you're travelling on a budget and want to save money by using public transport, or prefer upgraded accommodation and are happy to pay a little more, then we have a level for you.

25%

This is grassroots travel at its most interesting

50%

Authentic experiences with some of the comforts of home

75%

For those who like to travel in comfort

100%

All the unique experiences wrapped up with a gold ribbon