5 Best Seoul Tours

If you plan to visit Seoul, you should be aware that the city offers so many options that you may not be able to discover them all. However, taking guided tours of the main sites is a good opportunity to learn more about the most important places and soak up the ancient local culture, which can be complex and intriguing in equal parts.

A ghost tour of Seoul is a captivating journey into the world of the supernatural and mysterious that reveals the other side of the city. During this unique experience, you will explore iconic and obscure sites that are imbued with ghost stories, sinister legends and unexplained events that have shaped Seoul's history.

On this type of tour, you can visit Donggureung Cemetery, a site that houses the graves of historical figures and important families. Your guide will regale you with tales that shroud this cemetery in mystery and tales of spectral apparitions. You could also head to Gyeonghuigung Palace, where the spirits of tragic concubines and disgruntled nobles are said to still haunt the grounds.

Another popular destination for these experiences is Gwangjang Market, known for its bustling activity during the day and stories of paranormal encounters at night. Walking through the dark alleys and street food stalls will transport you to a world where urban legends come to life.

Exploring these historical sites from a paranormal perspective will allow you to experience the city in a unique and unnerving way, connecting you to its more enigmatic and exciting side.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 37 euros per person.
• Duration: between 2 and 3 hours.

Taking part in a Seoul pub tour is an exciting and lively way to mingle with the city's nightlife and experience its festive atmosphere. This type of tour will offer you the opportunity to explore different bars and nightspots, meet other travellers and locals, and enjoy drinks and music in a variety of settings and in one of the best things to do at night in Seoul.

During a pub crawl, you can visit a variety of venues ranging from traditional bars to modern nightclubs. The route usually includes popular areas such as Hongdae, Itaewon and Gangnam, each with its own unique scene and atmosphere. These places will give you a taste of the cultural and entertainment diversity the city has to offer.

Please note that a pub crawl is not just about the drinks, but also the social interaction. You'll get to meet other travellers from all over the world, share stories and experiences, and make new friends along the way. The local guides on the tour will provide you with information about the nightlife culture in the capital, as well as recommendations for drinks and places to try.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 20 euros per person.
• Duration: between 4 and 5 hours.

Exploring Seoul with a guided tour is one of the best ways to learn about the history, culture and architecture of South Korea's capital. Accompanied by an expert guide, you'll tour some of the city's most iconic sites, discovering its imperial past and vibrant present.

This tour will take you to iconic sites such as the Gyeongbokgung Palace, the jewel of the Joseon dynasty, where you will witness the changing of the guard. You will also visit the traditional Bukchon Hanok Village, with its well-preserved hanok houses that showcase the Korean architecture of the past. In addition, the tour usually includes a stop in Insadong, an area famous for its craft shops and art galleries.

Whether you're in Seoul for a short time or want a comprehensive introduction to the city, this guided tour is ideal for taking in the essential sights while learning about South Korea's fascinating history.

Details of interest

• Price: from €35 per person.
• Duration: approximately 3 hours.

If you are looking for an active and different way to get to know the South Korean capital, a bike tour of Seoul is an excellent option. Cycling around the city, you'll enjoy a unique perspective as you cycle through its parks, rivers and iconic neighbourhoods.

The tour will take you along the Han River, one of the city's main natural waterways, where locals often go for walks and sports. You'll also pass through areas such as Yeouido, Seoul's financial island, and Dongdaemun History and Culture Park, a modern space built on top of ancient fortifications. In addition, you will visit traditional markets and lively districts, discovering the fusion of tradition and modernity that characterises the city.

This tour is perfect for those looking for a different and dynamic experience while exploring Seoul, with the advantage of doing it in a small group and with the company of an expert guide.

Details of interest

• Price: from €100 per person.
• Duration: approximately 3 hours.

One of the best ways to learn about the history of Seoul is to tour the five palaces of the Joseon Dynasty that are scattered throughout the city. These palaces housed the buildings of royal power in the capital in the past and are now part of the cultural tour of this destination, especially two of them, Gyeongbokgung Palace and Deoksugung Palace, which are the largest and most picturesque palaces that you can visit on guided tours.

Guided tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace

A guided tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace will allow you to learn about the history of the Joseon Dynasty and experience the grandeur of one of Korea's most iconic palaces. Here you will see the Gwanghwamun Gate, the imposing main entrance to the palace that was the seat of government for the royal court for more than three centuries.

During the tour, your guide will introduce you to the rich history of Gyeongbokgung and its role as a centre of power during the Joseon Dynasty. As you pass through the courtyards and past the ornate pavilions, you will learn about the events and historical figures that shaped the building and the country as a whole into one of Seoul's most iconic palaces.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 30 euros per person.
• Duration: about 2 hours.

Guided tour of Deoksugung Palace

Deoksugung Palace, also known as the Palace of Virtue and Longevity, is considered the most architecturally beautiful building of the Joseon Dynasty. The palace is notable for its blend of traditional and Western styles, making it easily distinguishable from the other four buildings in the city by its design.

During a guided tour of Deoksugung Palace, you will learn about Korean history, the monarchy and the Western influence on the royal court. You will also see the picturesque gardens of the entire palace, attend the ceremonial changing of the guard, and visit the Jeukjodang, the royal ceremonial hall, and the Hamnyeongjeon, the exclusive residence of the Korean queens.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 30 euros per person.
• Duration: about 2 hours.

If you are planning to visit Seoul and want to take part in a tour, you can either book the experience in advance online, or book it once you are in the South Korean capital. Be aware that if you choose the latter option, you may be exposed to higher fees for last-minute bookings and the possibility that there may not be room on your chosen tours.

If you are planning to visit Seoul during the summer or during the high season months, I advise you to book your tours in advance. This will save you time and money and give you enough time to plan an itinerary that will allow you to better discover the city.

If you are planning to visit Seoul during the high season, I advise you to book tours in advance to avoid cancellations or price increases at the last minute. In addition, I also recommend that you choose to seek information about the sites you are going to visit in order to optimise your experience and get the most out of your visit.

On the other hand, keep in mind that Seoul is one of the largest cities in Asia and, consequently, its offer is very wide. Therefore, I recommend that, as far as possible, you do not limit your tours to the best museums in the city or the most popular palaces, but also opt for alternative sites, which you can get to know with food tours or ghost tours.

Seoul is one of Asia's most famous global cities and an interesting tourist destination for any visitor, but it can be overwhelming. The complexity of the language and the difference in customs between Eastern and Western civilisations can complicate understanding and hinder some experiences. For this reason, you will be able to count on the necessary guided assistance on the tours to avoid these inconveniences.

In addition, the permanent assistance of an expert local guide will also make it easier for you to understand the vast local culture, will allow you to distinguish the best palaces, museums and parks worth visiting and will add a more professional touch to your visit to this city. It will also allow you to optimise your time, especially if you plan to visit Seoul in 3 days or even less.

Seoul is a city that presents many challenges. Language and culture shock, even though the country is intertwined with Western customs, can be a difficult barrier to overcome if you plan to tour this destination on your own. On a tour, on the other hand, you can count on permanent guided assistance that will allow you to relax and save time and money on every experience.

In addition, Seoul is home to Korea's centuries-old cultural heritage and centuries of history. A tour will allow you to get to know all the secrets of this destination, which would otherwise be very difficult to interpret.