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Seoul City Half Day Tour-Gyeongbok Palace Guard Changing Ceremony
Activity Duration (3 hours)
Light
Hosted in Chinese, English
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Overview
About
The Gyeongbok Palace Guard Changing Ceremony is a centuries-old tradition that has been performed for over 600 years. The ceremony takes place twice daily, at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. It is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Seoul.
What you'll do
Join a group tour of Seoul's vibrant historical landmarks and travel back in time to the Joseon Dynasty. By coach, visit the majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace and the serene Buddhist Jogyesa Temple. Next, head to Cheongwadae Sarangchae, where you can witness the impressive Changing of the Guard ceremony. Your knowledgeable guide will be with you throughout the tour, providing insightful commentary and answering all of your questions.
Meeting and pickup
Multiple pickup locations offered.
Additional pickup options
End: This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What is included?
- Professional guide (Englishs or Chinese)
- Hotel pickup
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Entry/Admission - Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Entry/Admission - National Folk Museum of Korea
What is not included?
- Lunch
- Hotel drop-off (dropped off at City Hall or Myeongdong)
- Gratuities
- Gyeongbok Palace (& Changing of Guard Ceremony) & National Folk Museum are closed on every Tuesday.
- Tuesday : Gyeongbok Palace - National Folk Museum -> Changdeok Palace & Bukchon Hanok Village
Additional Information
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 40 travelers
Meet your host
Hungerlust Sails
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Host since 2025
Itinerary
Seoul Full-day Tours Itinerary (2026 Guide) – What You'll See & Do
Explore the full itinerary for Seoul City Half Day Tour-Gyeongbok Palace Guard Changing Ceremony in Seoul, South Korea. This full-day tours experience includes 4 stops over 1 day. Duration: 3 hours. Activity level: Light.
No meal included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Here is the starting point
Jogyesa Temple
1
Jogyesa Temple
Stop: 40 minutes ·Admission includedThe admission fee is included in the tour package at no extra cost.
- 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.Read moreMore about Jogyesa Temple
2
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Stop: 60 minutes ·Admission includedThe admission fee is included in the tour package at no extra cost.
- Changing of the Guard Ceremony – witness a spectacular Korean tradition
- 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) – live like a royal
- Next up on our Seoul City Tour is Gyeongbokgung Palace. This was the main home of the Joseon Dynasty constructed in 1395. This is a stunning building with 7,700 rooms! The palace did take a few hits over the years, which makes it all the more interesting to see today!
- 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!Read moreMore about Gyeongbokgung Palace
3
National Folk Museum of Korea
Stop: 30 minutes ·Admission includedThe admission fee is included in the tour package at no extra cost.
- The National Palace Museum of Korea was initially established as the “Korean Imperial Museum” in 1908; however, it was renamed and relocated many times throughout its history.
- Today the museum holds approximately 45,000 artefacts and royal treasures from Joseon Dynasty palaces and the Korean Empire. In addition, you can find 14 of South Korea’s National Treasures located here.
- With 500 years of history on display, you can get a real sense of the past and discover what it was like to live as a Joseon King and Queen.Read moreMore about National Folk Museum of Korea
4
청하고려인삼(주)
Stop: 30 minutes ·Admission includedThe admission fee is included in the tour package at no extra cost.
This concludes the tour.
You’re free to explore at your own pace from here.
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