Situated at the top of Gwanghwamun Square, the presence of Gyeongbukgung palace gleams brightly in the central spine of the nation. As the first and largest palace built by Joseon Dynasty in 1395, this grand villa consisted of 330 buildings and had up to 3,000 staffs.
Before entering to explore the palace, we will watch the changing ceremony of royal guards. This enactment is an excellent opportunity to experience a rare tradition, performed exactly as it used to be held. Guards appear wearing royal uniforms, carrying traditional weapons and playing traditional instruments.
Insa-dong, located in the heart of the city, is an important place where old but precious and traditional goods are on display. There is one main road in Insa-dong with alleys on each side. Within these alleys are galleries, traditional restaurants, teahouses, and cafes.
The galleries are the heartbeat of Insa-dong. There are about 100 galleries in the area and you can see every example of traditional Korean fine art from paintings to sculptures. Traditional craft stores dealing with calligraphy, ceramics, embroidery, and stamps are interesting complement to galleries.
- Included Drinking tea at a traditional Korean Tea House
Bukchon Hanok Village is home to hundreds of traditional houses called hanok, that date back to the Joseon Dynasty. We will go stroll in this labyrinth of traditional homes cramped together, sharing walls. Created by the first city-planner of Korea, these intimate structures will delight you as you discover your way around the hillside village.
Jongmyo Shrine was a primary place of worship for kings throughout Joseon Dynasty. The memorial service, called Jongmyo Jaerye, is said to be the oldest complete ceremony in the world, and was carried out in obedience to the king’s order.
Gwangjang Market was the first permanent market in Korea and continues to thrive as a popular tourist destination today, popularized by a recent Netflix show. The second floor of the market is filled with silk, satin, and linen bed-sheet stores, which are the largest and most famous in Seoul.
The highlight of this market is, however, discovering the animated street food stalls! We will go sampling some of the best Korean street foods here. The specialties in this market are octopus tartar and mung-bean pancakes. You will also be introduced to eccentric Korean foods such as steamed pork feet, blood sausage, and spicy chicken feet.
Take in the breathtaking 360-degree view of the Seoul Metropolis! The top of the tower is at almost 480m above sea level, including Namsan Mountain(243m) and the tower’s own height(236.7m).
The tower was first established as a broadcast tower to send out TV and radio signals in 1969. As of now, it has become one of the representative landmarks and multi-cultural venues in Seoul. At the tower, you can check out other highlights including the famous 'Locks of Love' and ancient beacon mounds.
Lunch and Drinking tea at a traditional Korean Tea House at Insadong
5star hotel in Seoul : Intercontinental Hotel or similar
4 Comments
4.6
This multi-day adventure exceeded our expectations, especially with the chance to delve into Gyeongju’s remarkable UNESCO heritage sites. We were treated to delicious local meals that showcased the flavors of South Korea, enhancing our experience of the culture. While the itinerary was packed with exploration, we found the hotel accommodations in Gyeongju could benefit from a bit more comfort, but overall, the journey from Busan was well worth it.
4.4
We had a fantastic time on this private tour, immersing ourselves in the rich UNESCO heritage of Gyeongju while enjoying some delightful local meals. The only hiccup was the hotel in Gyeongju, which could have been a bit more comfortable, but the stunning sites and seamless transition to Seoul made it worthwhile.
4.8
Exploring Gyeongju’s UNESCO heritage sites with friends turned out to be a highlight of our journey from Busan in South Korea to Seoul. Each day was packed with rich history and stunning landscapes, and we loved the intimacy of a private tour, which allowed us to delve deeper into the stories behind these remarkable sites. The only minor drawback was our overnight stay in Gyeongju, where the amenities were a bit underwhelming, but it didn’t detract from the overall experience of uncovering Korea’s past together.
4.4
Our three days traveling from Busan in South Korea to explore Gyeongju’s UNESCO heritage sites were filled with breathtaking moments and delicious local cuisine. Each day unfolded with fascinating stories as we visited ancient temples and royal tombs, and we particularly enjoyed the traditional meals that showcased the region’s flavors. While the private tour felt intimate and engaging, we did encounter a minor inconvenience with our hotel, which could use some updates; otherwise, this journey was a wonderful way to experience Korea’s rich history together.