Explore Seoul’s stunning attractions that would allow Korean history and culture immersion with these suggested day tours!
Offering amazing attractions and activities; a tour of Seoul can be overwhelming for people who would visit the bustling city for the first time.
It’s totally understandable since Seoul brims with places to visit. Now, if you have a specific penchant for art and history, Seoul is a great stop to realize that goal.
You can marvel at the grand palaces, visit hanok villages or traditional markets, and even neighborhoods full of artistic merits.
If you love period-set Korean dramas and want to traipse on the grounds of the stunningly crafted landscapes of Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung and Deoksugung; you can allot a whole day visiting these palaces.
The scenic landscapes of these palaces will let you bathe in the balance of stunning architecture and nature.
You can even walk the grounds of these palaces wearing a hanbok so you can snap some Instagram-worthy photos while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
As I always advise friends who travel for the first time to Korea, visiting all the palaces in one day is possible but it will numb your legs and feet.
Thus, divide and conquer. Below is a suggested course you can take.
Gyeongbokgung + National Palace Museum of Korea + Tongin Market + Deoksugung + Namdaemun Market
As described by Visit Korea, Gyeongbokgung is referred to as the Northern Palace. It is the biggest among all the palaces. Notably, the majestic feel of the palace evokes masculinity.
Those Joseon-set Korean dramas would really ring in your memory when you walk on the ground of Gyeongbokgung palace.
Inside the palace are two museums that you can visit: the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum
Displaying over 40,000 relics from the Joseon dynasty, the museum gives you a peek at the dignity and creativity of royal cultural assets.
You can bundle Gyeongbokgung and the National Palace Museum of Korea into your morning itinerary. If you still have time, you can include the nearby National Folk Museum.
For lunch, you can head to Tongin market for a sumptuous meal of traditional Korean food. Food stalls and restaurants abound in the area.
You can also go for Dosirak Cafe experience where you can buy a lunch tray and 10 yeopjeon (brass coins; old Korean currency) for 5,000 won.
You can use the yeopjeon to buy food and fill your lunch tray as you tour around the marketplace, offering both a fun and unique dining experience.
After lunch, you can head to Deoksugung Palace. Like the rest of the palaces which were ruined in the course of Korea’s history, Deoksugung Palace survived and kept a quarter of its original structure.
Its key point is its fusion of modern and traditional elements. It is the designated palace of the Korean empire. Coupling your visit to Deoksugung with Gyeongbokgung takes you on an immersing trip down Korea’s history lane.
Not to be missed when you’re already at Deoksugung palace is to walk on Deoksugung Stone Wall Path. This is a perfect walk, especially for lovers.
Complete your day with a visit to the nearby Namdaemun Market. It offers over 1,700 varieties of goods at affordable prices which include pottery, clothing, accessories, kitchenware, and regional specialties.
It is also known as one of the best marketplaces to buy traditional handicrafts, glasses and sunglasses. So, you can start buying souvenirs.
Also serving food, you can also satisfy your cravings with delish guksu and jokbal.
Important Note: If you will take this tour better do it on Wednesday to Sunday as Gyeongbokgung is closed on Tuesdays while Deoksugung is closed on Mondays.
Changdeokgung + Changgyeonggung + Insadong + Jogyesa Temple
Visitors would easily notice how Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung emanate a feminine vibe in contrast to the masculine feel of Gyeongbokgung and Deoksugung.
Especially pretty during spring and autumn, these two palaces are great for afternoon or morning walks. You can plan the side trips accordingly to what you prefer.
UNESCO heritage site, Changdeokgung Palace is known to be a place of rest for the kings. Additionally, the rear garden (Huwon) boasts a gigantic tree (Hyangnamu) that was said to be older than the palace, a small pond and a pavilion.
Meanwhile, Visit Korea stated Changgyeonggung Palace was originally built as Suganggung Palace by the 4th ruler of the Joseon dynasty, King Sejong for his retiring father, King Taejong. It often served as residential quarters for queens and concubines.
During Japanese period it became a zoo and a botanical garden. The palace grounds remained this way until 1983 when the restoration of its old grace was completed.
Situated in the heart of the city, Insadong houses alleys that are seemingly art galleries for extensive and interesting displays of traditional items.
Along with those, traditional restaurants, cafes and teahouses abound in the thriving neighborhood.
If you are looking to experience a temple stay, you can head to Templestay Information Center.
On that note, Jogyesa Temple is a stone’s throw away from Insadong. That makes it a nice place to visit when you are in the area.
Don’t miss out Ssamzigil, a shopping mall specializing in crafts, if you intend to bring home some souvenirs for your loved ones.
K-Travel: Revel On The Serene and Grandiose Palaces In Seoul
Source: Visit Korea | Own Travel Experience
Photos: Visit Korea | Own Photos Taken From Personal Seoul Trips
