Description

Uncover the fascinating history and culture of Seoul on this half-day walking tour of the city. See charming Korean houses in a historic village, learn about Korea’s culinary history at a food museum, visit a royal Korean palace and shop at a local market. Capture the exuberant spirit and dynamic history of Seoul on this small-group tour!lt;pgt;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 lt;emgt;hanokslt;/emgt; (traditional Korean houses). Walk along the quiet alleys and admire the latticed windows and patterned brick walls. Today, many of these lt;emgt;hanokslt;/emgt; operate as cultural centers, restaurants and tea houses, providing an opportunity to become immersed in traditional Korean culture.lt;brgt;lt;brgt;Next, visit the Tteok Museum, a unique museum detailing the history, culture and preparation of lt;emgt;tteoklt;/emgt;, the ubiquitous Korean rice cake. Gain insight into the lt;emgt;tteoklt;/emgt;-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 lt;emgt;tteoklt;/emgt;. Be sure to sample this beloved Korean treat on the first-floor café.lt;brgt;lt;brgt;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.) lt;brgt;lt;brgt;Visit the Kwang Jang 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 lt;emgt;bibimbaplt;/emgt; (mixed rice). Try the lt;emgt;gyung danlt;/emgt;, sweet Korean rice balls, andlt;emgt; hobaak jooklt;/emgt;, a delicious pumpkin porridge.lt;brgt;lt;brgt;Your tour concludes with a visit to Kwang Jang Market. You can then use your newfound knowledge of Seoul to continue exploring or return to your favorite spots for another look.lt;/pgt;

Additional information

Inclusions

Exclusions

Schedule details

Departure point

Seoul Railway Station

Departure time

2pm

Return details

Concludes at Jongno 3-ga Subway station or Kwang Jang Market