Home » South Korea Tours » Essence of Seoul Tour

Essence of Seoul Tour


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Seoul

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Seoul

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Seoul

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Seoul

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Seoul

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About This Trip

Disembark on the 4-day Essence of Seoul tour and discover the dazzling charm of this metropolis. Starting from the symbol of Seoul, Gyeongbokgung Palace, stroll through the ancient palace and feel the glory of the Joseon Dynasty. Then, proceed to Bukchon Hanok Village to experience the unique charm of traditional Korean houses. Wander through the bustling shopping districts of Myeongdong and Dongdaemun, enjoying the thrill of shopping and tasting authentic local cuisine. Head to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) to learn about the history of the Korean War. Ascend N Seoul Tower to overlook the panoramic view of Seoul and leave a memorable moment on the Love Lock Bridge below. Explore Gangnam District to immerse yourself in Seoul’s fashion and vibrant nightlife. This 4-day tour will give you a comprehensive experience of Seoul’s history, culture, and modern charm.

Highlights

  • Feel the splendor and solemnity of the Joseon Dynasty in Gyeongbokgung Palace
  • Experience the ancient charm of traditional Korean life in the well-preserved Bukchon Hanok Village
  • Shopping and dinning experience in the bustling Myeongdong and Dongdaemun
  • Discover tour to the mysterious Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
  • Enjoy the amazing panoramic view of Seoul from N Seoul Tower

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No meal

Four Points by Sheraton Josun, Seoul Myeongdong, 4-star hotel

Welcome to Seoul, a vibrant metropolis that seamlessly blends traditional culture with modern charm. Upon arrival, our local guide will meet you at Seoul International Airport and escort you to your hotel in Seoul. The rest of the day, easy and free on your own.

In the evening, stroll around the bustling Myeongdong, a bustling shopping district that is famous for its street food and shopping. You can try some Korean delicacies like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and hotteok (sweet pancakes) or enjoy dinner at local Korean style restaurant


Breakfast, Lunch

Four Points by Sheraton Josun, Seoul Myeongdong, 4-star hotel

This morning, visit the traditional Korean houses at Bukchon Hanok Village. Then have lunch in Samcheong-dong and take a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood. In the afternoon, head to Gyeongbokgung Palace to learn about the history of the Goryeo Dynasty, and then wander through the culturally rich Insadong. In the evening, make your way to Dongdaemun and enjoy the shopping there.

Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon Hanok Village, situated between Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Jongmyo Shrine, is a dense cluster of traditional Korean houses and represents the most iconic traditional residential area in Seoul. It is abundant with historical sites, cultural heritage, and folklore materials, earning it the nickname of “a street museum in the city center.”

Samcheong-dong

Samcheong-dong is an administrative dong located in Jongno-gu. The area still retains many traditional Korean houses (hanok) built during the Joseon Dynasty of the Lee family. It is said to have the best feng shui in Seoul and has been a residential area for the upper class since ancient times. In recent years, cafes and trendy boutiques have sprung up, gradually making it a new venue for local residents and foreign tourists to meet and unwind.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace is the main palace (official palace) of the Joseon Dynasty, the last unified dynasty on the Korean Peninsula, serving as the political center of the early Joseon Dynasty. It was first constructed in 1395 AD and has undergone numerous destructions and reconstructions. The size and layout of the palace strictly adhered to the vassal-suzerain relationship with China, being a princely mansion following the regulations for princely residences during the Ming Dynasty.

Insadong

During the later period of Japanese occupation of Korea, some yangban (high-ranking officials) from Insadong, who had fallen on hard times, began selling items from their homes to make money. Gradually, antique shops began to emerge in the area. Later, it developed into a cultural street where cultural goods were bought and sold.

Dongdaemun

Dongdaemun (also known as East Gate), located on the eastern side of the city wall in Seoul, is open all day. It is both a historical site and a shopping paradise in Seoul. It integrates traditional markets, fashion cities, and food alleys, and is renowned for its late-night shopping, rapid production and distribution, and fashion trends. It is one of the largest wholesale markets and tourist attractions in Asia.


Breakfast,Lunch

Four Points by Sheraton Josun, Seoul Myeongdong, 4-star hotel

Today, you will leave capital city and take a full-day trip to the mysterious Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which is the border between North and South Korea. The DMZ is a heavily guarded and fortified area that serves as a buffer zone between the two countries. You can take a guided tour of the area and learn about the history of the Korean War.

In the evening, head to Gangnam, a trendy district that is known for its nightlife. You can enjoy a variety of bars and nightclubs, or simply stroll through the streets and soak up the atmosphere.

Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)

The 38th Parallel is a military demarcation line near the 38th parallel north latitude on the Korean Peninsula. At the end of the Second World War, the Allies agreed to use the 38th parallel north latitude on the Korean Peninsula as a temporary dividing line for the military operations and surrender territories of the Soviet Union and the United States against Japan, with the north being the Soviet surrender area and the south being the American surrender area. After Japan surrendered, it became the temporary dividing line between the two regimes of the Republic of Korea (South Korea) and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea), which share the same Korean ethnicity but have different political systems. This line is commonly known as the “38th Parallel.” After the Korean War ended, the North-South military demarcation line was adjusted based on the 38th Parallel, and a demilitarized zone (DMZ) of two kilometers on each side of the provisional military demarcation line was delineated. It is still habitually referred to as the 38th Parallel.

Gangnam

Gangnam-ku is an administrative district of Seoul, located south of the Han River. Gangnam-ku is an important commercial area in Seoul, where Apgujeong is a renowned hub for high-end fashion, and Nonhyeon-dong is home to numerous film companies. This district is perceived by locals as a gathering place for wealthy individuals, where many affluent people and celebrities reside, and it symbolizes “fashion” and “affluence”.


Breakfast, Lunch

It’s the ending day. Firstly visit N Seoul Tower, which offers a panoramic view of the city. You can take a cable car to the top of the tower or hike up to the observatory. This afternoon, visit the famous Trickeye Trick Art Museum.

After the tour, drive to the airport for your homeward flight. End your discovery tour in Seoul.

N Seoul Tower

N Seoul Tower, located on Namsan in Yongsan District, was formerly known as Seoul Tower or Hansung Tower. Standing at a height of 236.7 meters, it was built in 1975 and has become a famous tourist attraction in South Korea. The “N” in N Seoul Tower represents both the first letter of Namsan and the word New, signifying renewal. The project cost 15 billion Korean Won and involved the installation of new lighting equipment suitable for different seasons and events, as well as the decoration of the tower’s exterior. From 7 PM to 12 AM every night, six searchlights illuminate the sky to form a pattern resembling a blooming flower–the “Flower of Seoul.”

The Trickeye Trick Art Museum

The Trickeye Trick Art Museum is a famous tourist spot that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Located in Hongdae, it is known as a paradise for young people’s entertainment. Since its opening in 2010, it has sparked a Korean Wave craze in both the tourism and art circles. Besides Seoul, branches have also been opened in Busan and Jeju Island. In 2014, Trickeye expanded its overseas market, establishing branches in Singapore, Jinan, China, Hong Kong, and other places, causing an unprecedented response.


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