Best Things to Do - Half Day Seoul Trip (Seoul Palace & Temple)

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. The Jogyesa Buddhist Temple is one of the most important landmarks of Korean Buddhism, first established all the way back in 1935. The temple is located in downtown Seoul and is graced by an ancient white pine tree. There are a few important steps to entering the temple. First, you must go through “Iljum”, which is the one pillar gate. The “Iljumun” symbolizes the division between the world of the living and that of the holy Buddha world. You will have a beautiful spiritual experience and be able to admire the splendid, golden statues.

   40 min

2. * Please note that Gyeongbok Palace is closed on Tuesdays, so it will be substituted for pretty Changdeok Palace. You will see the meticulously choreographed ceremony that takes place in front of Gwanghwamun Gate. This tradition originated during the Joseon Dynasty and the city decided to bring it back for reenactment in 1996. The soldiers wear colorful blue and red uniforms and gracefully patrol the gates of the palace in protection of the king. The tradition is very elegant and simply beautiful to watch! Gyeongbok Palace (Except Tuesdays) It was first destroyed during the Imjin War between 1592 and 1598. Then, Imperial Japan destroyed a large portion of Gyeongbokgung Palace in the 20th century. The palace, however, has been restored time and again, and is now close to its former splendor! Some of the highlights here are Gangnyeongjeon, the king’s main quarters, Geunjeongjeon where the king accepted formal visits, Gyeonghoeru – the special banquet hall, and more!

   1 hAdmission included

3. Cheongwadae Sarangchae which serves as an exhibition hall to important Korean artifacts and documents. Here, you can learn about politics, history, and culture. Located just in front of the Blue House, this museum is a two-floor building that has a souvenir shop, so you can buy thoughtful gifts for the history lovers in your family. On the first floor, there is a permanent exhibit that presents traditional Korean clothing, food, and music, and is a must-see! The second floor is where you will go to learn in-depth information about the Korean presidents and their legacies. You will also be inspired by the geography section which displays photos of the regions of the country that every traveler should visit!

   40 minAdmission included

4. Ginseng Shopping Center

   30 min

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 233 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

How it compares in Seoul

• Its from-price is 70% below the median of the 1500 experiences we list in Seoul.
• It is shorter than most of them.
• By number of reviews it ranks 76 of 1500.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Seoul

Royal palaces and hanok villages sit among glass towers, buzzing markets and late-night food streets in Seoul, South Korea's capital.

Five grand palaces from the Joseon dynasty grace the city, led by Gyeongbokgung, with its colourful changing of the guard, and Changdeokgung, whose Secret Garden is a serene escape. Between them, Bukchon Hanok Village preserves traditional tiled-roof houses on sloping lanes, and Insadong is known for tea houses, galleries and crafts.

Top-ranked sights in Seoul: Third Tunnel of Aggression, DMZ, Gyeongbokgung Palace.

See all 1500 experiences in Seoul