Korean Palace and Temple Tour in Seoul: Gyeongbokgung Palace and Jogyesa Temple

You’ll be picked up at your Seoul hotel in the morning and driven by comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle around the city. First, pass the Blue House (Cheongwadae), the executive office and residence of the South Korean head of state and president of the Republic of Korea.

Continue to Gyeongbokgung Palace, which was the primary residence of the royal family in the Joseon Dynasty. Arguably as the most beautiful palace in Seoul, Gyeongbokgung remains the largest and grandest of the Five Grand Palaces. With your guide, explore the palace compound on foot and learn about the traditional architecture typical of the Joseon Dynasty.

Inside the compound, visit the National Folk Museum to gain an understanding of how Koreans have lived from ancient times to today. Following your guide through the museum, learn about the customs of both the ordinary citizens and members of the aristocracy as you browse displays of traditional farming methods, hunting, weaving, cooking and other housekeeping chores.

Finally, head to Jogyesa Temple, the leading temple for Zen Buddhism in Korea. On your visit, you’ll get an authentic sense of Buddhism’s role during the Joseon Dynasty, and witness first-hand how this place provides a calm sanctuary for locals from the busy streets of Seoul. After your time here, you'll be taken to the Ginseng Center before being dropped off at City Hall.