
Small-Group Seoul Tour with Gyeongbokgung Palace (hotel pick-up)
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 93 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Small-Group Seoul Tour with Gyeongbokgung Palace (hotel pick-up) worth booking?
Small-Group Seoul Tour with Gyeongbokgung Palace (hotel pick-up) is a 3.5-hour experience in Seoul, South Korea, from $40 per person. It scores 76 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 93 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 76 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (93)
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- From
- $40 per person
On this tour, you will visit the Buddhist temple in the city, the Presidential Blue House Square and Gyeongbokgung Palace for 3.5 hours with a small group. First, you will visit Jogyesa temple that represents Buddhism in Seoul and pass by the Cheongwadae, the Presidential Blue House, that symbol of with blue tiles and move on to Gwanghwamun Gate to see the royal guard changing ceremony. After the ceremony, you will explore Gyeongbokgung Palace that is also referred to as the northern palace. Also you will visit a museum called the National Folk Museum, where you can see how Koreans from a few centuries ago lived. Please note that Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed on Tuesdays or during special events. In such cases, the itinerary will change to Deoksugung Palace without prior notice.
What you get
About this experience
On this tour, you will visit the Buddhist temple in the city, the Presidential Blue House Square and Gyeongbokgung Palace for 3.5 hours with a small group. First, you will visit Jogyesa temple that represents Buddhism in Seoul and pass by the Cheongwadae, the Presidential Blue House, that symbol of with blue tiles and move on to Gwanghwamun Gate to see the royal guard changing ceremony. After the ceremony, you will explore Gyeongbokgung Palace that is also referred to as the northern palace. Also you will visit a museum called the National Folk Museum, where you can see how Koreans from a few centuries ago lived. Please note that Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed on Tuesdays or during special events. In such cases, the itinerary will change to Deoksugung Palace without prior notice.
What's included
Included
- Professional guide
- Hotel pickup in Central Seoul
- All Fees and Taxes
Not included
- Food
- Hotel drop-off
What you'll see and do
Jogyesa Temple
Jogyesa Buddhist Temple is the center of Zen Buddhism in Korea, and is famous for being located in the city. From the busy streets of Jongno, follow the road towards Anguk Subway Station, and you will see Jogyesa Temple. The first things you will notice at the temple are the lovely trees. These locust trees and baeksong trees in front of the Daeungjeon, the main temple building, are about 500 years old.
30 minutes here
Gwanghwamun Gate
Keep your camera handy for the changing of the guard ceremony at Gwanghwamun Gate.
20 minutes here
Gyeongbokgung Palace
After visiting Jogyesa Temple, you will move on to the next place called Gwanghwamun to watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony. It is a ceremony to announce the changing of the royal guards, as well as to clarify the guards' identities. Then, you will head toward Gyeongbokgung, which was the main palace and the most beautiful palace during the Joseon Dynasty. Please note that Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed on Tuesdays or during special events. In such cases, the itinerary will change to Deoksugung Palace without prior notice.
60 minutes here · Admission included
National Folk Museum of Korea
Within the compound, visit the National Folk Museum to learn about how people have lived in Korea from ancient times to today. Your guide shows you displays that demonstrate daily life for members of the aristocracy and ordinary citizens, including traditional farming and hunting techniques, weaving, cooking and other tasks.
20 minutes here · Admission included
The Blue House
The Blue House (Cheongwadae) was built on the grounds of the royal garden from the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910) using traditional Korean architectural styles. Constructed on the grounds of a Joseon Dynasty royal garden, the Blue House features traditional Korean architecture. On our tour today, we will take a drive-pass to see its main buildings and exterior.
Pass by without stopping
Ginworldart Korean Ginseng Museum
Before getting off at the drop-off location, Insadong., you will have the opportunity to visit the Government-Approved Korean Ginseng Center, where you can taste Korean ginseng tea and a variety of products. You will also learn about the benefits of Korean ginseng and gain valuable information about its qualities. Korean ginseng is globally recognized for its exceptional quality, particularly for its effectiveness in boosting immunity, combating fatigue, and preventing aging. Extracted from roots that are over six years old, it contains a high concentration of saponins, offering various health benefits. In Korea, it is a highly popular gift exchanged to improve health. A visit to the Korean Ginseng Center is included in the itinerary, providing a chance to explore and purchase ginseng products. Discover one of nature’s finest plants and find a special, precious traditional Korean gift.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Seoul
Estimated pickup is between 08:30 ~ 08:50 AM at City Hall Station, Exit 6 (next to The Plaza Hotel). Your exact time will be confirmed via WhatsApp, your booking platform, or email by 6:00 PM (KST) the day before your tour.
Meeting point
Seoul
Estimated pickup is between 08:20 ~ 08:40 AM. Your exact time will be confirmed via WhatsApp, your booking platform, or email by 6:00 PM (KST) the day before your tour.
Meeting point
Seoul
For those staying outside our pickup area, please arrive at the Jogyesa Temple main gate by 8:55 AM to join your guide at the meeting point.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 55 minutes before departure.
Ends at
The tour concludes at approximately 1:00 PM at the entrance of Insadong Antique Alley. Known for its traditional crafts, galleries, and historic tea houses, Insadong is the perfect place to enjoy an authentic Korean lunch and explore at your own pace.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Seoul N Tour
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Not recommended for participants with back problems or heart complaints or other serious medical conditions
- This tour is proceeding with minimum 2 people and if the participants number is below it, the tour can be cancelled.
- Please note that Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed on Tuesdays or during special events. In such cases, the itinerary will change to Deoksugung Palace without prior notice.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 92 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
92 verified traveler reviews for Small-Group Seoul Tour with Gyeongbokgung Palace (hotel pick-up). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Temple and Palace tour.
Very spacious beautiful grounds with lots of walking. Wear comfortable shoes. Mrs Hee Soo our guide was a lovely jovial lady with a good amount of knowledge and jokes to share. She was very attentive to our needs to.
via Viator
Great tour.
Great tour. Hee-Soo was friendly professional and well informed. Highly recommended.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had a great time on our tour and that Hee-Soo’s professional, friendly, and knowledgeable guidance made your experience special. Your kind recommendation means a lot to us, and we hope to welcome you back to Seoul in the future! Warm regards, SeoulNTour Team
via Tripadvisor
Great 1/2 day tour
Even though this tour was a minimum of two people, I was solo and paid for 2 and it was worth it. I saw places I never would have not seen on my own. Tour guide was very friendly and explained everything.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your feedback! We truly appreciate you choosing to tour with us, even as a solo traveler, and we are thrilled to hear that the experience was well worth it. It is wonderful to know that our guide helped you discover special spots you might have otherwise missed and made your trip enjoyable. We will be sure to share your kind words with our guide! We hope you created unforgettable memories during your time in Korea, and we would love to welcome you back again in the future. Warm regards, SeoulNTour Team
via Viator
Excellent
The tour was perfect. Sook-hee was very knowledgeable and provided an excellent experience.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are thrilled to hear that your tour was perfect and that Sook-hee provided you with an excellent, insightful experience. Sook-hee and our team will be delighted to hear your kind words. We hope to welcome you back to Seoul again in the future! Warm regards, SeoulNTour Team
via Tripadvisor
Great tour. Our guide...
Great tour. Our guide Sook-hee was very knowledgeable and friendly. I would recommend this tour for others.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your great review! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour and found Sook-hee knowledgeable and friendly. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back on your next visit to Seoul! Warm regards, SeoulNTour Team
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 33
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Seoul N Tour, who run 9 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 77.1 and 2 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Seoul N Tour runsWhy this scores 76
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Small-Group Seoul Tour with Gyeongbokgung Palace (hotel pick-up): questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Seoul.
How much does Small-Group Seoul Tour with Gyeongbokgung Palace (hotel pick-up) cost?
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Prices start at $40 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Seoul usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Small-Group Seoul Tour with Gyeongbokgung Palace (hotel pick-up) take?
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Plan for about 3.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Seoul is not rushed.
Is Small-Group Seoul Tour with Gyeongbokgung Palace (hotel pick-up) worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 76 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 93 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Seoul, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Small-Group Seoul Tour with Gyeongbokgung Palace (hotel pick-up)?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Small-Group Seoul Tour with Gyeongbokgung Palace (hotel pick-up) suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Small-Group Seoul Tour with Gyeongbokgung Palace (hotel pick-up)?
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Around 33 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Seoul can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Seoul and add a light layer if any part of the 3.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Small-Group Seoul Tour with Gyeongbokgung Palace (hotel pick-up) start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Seoul within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Seoul?
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On Outty we rank every Seoul experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Best DMZ Tour Seoul: Defector Q&A, 3rd Tunnel & Suspension Bridge, DMZ Tour: Defector Q&A, Tunnel & Suspension Bridge /Hotel pick up, 2026 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best: DMZ Tour from Seoul. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Seoul?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Seoul?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Small-Group Seoul Tour with Gyeongbokgung Palace (hotel pick-up)?
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Included: Professional guide; Hotel pickup in Central Seoul; and All Fees and Taxes. Not included: Food; and Hotel drop-off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Small-Group Seoul Tour with Gyeongbokgung Palace (hotel pick-up) include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 515 listed pickup locations in and around Seoul. Be ready about 55 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Small-Group Seoul Tour with Gyeongbokgung Palace (hotel pick-up) offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Small-Group Seoul Tour with Gyeongbokgung Palace (hotel pick-up)?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Small-Group Seoul Tour with Gyeongbokgung Palace (hotel pick-up) wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Small-Group Seoul Tour with Gyeongbokgung Palace (hotel pick-up) if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Seoul. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Small-Group Seoul Tour with Gyeongbokgung Palace (hotel pick-up)?
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Across 93 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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