Seoul History and Culture Small-Group Tour

Experience both the urban modernity and historic traces of Seoul on a three-hour walking tour. Meet your local guide and head to Bukchon Hanok village, a residential area dating back to the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897). The village is lined with hundreds of hanoks (traditional Korean houses). Walk along the quiet alleys and admire the latticed windows and patterned brick walls. Today, many of these hanoks operate as cultural centers, restaurants and tea houses, providing an opportunity to become immersed in traditional Korean culture.

Next, visit the Tteok Museum, a unique museum detailing the history, culture and preparation of tteok, the ubiquitous Korean rice cake. Gain insight into the tteok-making process through hands-on programs. Learn about the use of rice cakes in Korean rites of passage, and see displays of the 180 varieties of tteok. Be sure to sample this beloved Korean treat on the first-floor café.

Continue on to Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The royal palace is renowned for its traditional Korean architecture and garden design. Changdeokgung is one of the famous Five Grand Palaces and a favored palace of many princes of the Joseon Dynasty. (Please note: Due to opening times, tours that fall on a Monday will visit Kyungbokgung Palace instead.)

Visit the Gwangjang Market and browse through a wide selection of high-quality silk, satin and linen bed sheets and apparel. Inside the market, find more than 200 food stalls selling a wide variety of snacks, from spicy Korean rice cakes to bibimbap (mixed rice). Try the gyung dan, sweet Korean rice balls, and hobaak jook, a delicious pumpkin porridge.

Your tour concludes with a visit to Gwangjang Market. You can then use your newfound knowledge of Seoul to continue exploring or return to your favorite spots for another look.