Seoul Jogyesa Temple, Gyeongbokgung Palace & Folk Museum Guided Tour - Changing of the Guard

From Jogyesa Temple to Gyeongbokgung Palace
Seoul's Historic Sights with an English-Speaking Guide

This guided tour of Seoul covers Jogyesa Temple, the heart of Korean Buddhism, Gyeongbokgung Palace, the Joseon-era royal palace, and the National Folk Museum of Korea inside the palace grounds, led by a live English-speaking guide. You also pass the Blue House and stop at a Korean specialty products center. Options are a half-day morning tour (09:00-13:00) and a full-day tour (09:00-17:00), departing from designated meeting spots such as City Hall Station and Myeongdong Station.

Start at Jogyesa Temple and watch the Gyeongbokgung guard changing ceremony

The tour begins at Jogyesa Temple, the center of Korean Buddhism. Hear about the temple's history, from its founding in the late 14th century to its destruction by fire and reconstruction in 1910, and about the 1954 purification movement that aimed to remove Japanese influence and revive traditional Buddhism.

Next, head to Gyeongbokgung Palace to watch the royal guard changing ceremony. Guards in costumes and weapons based on historical records recreate the ceremony of the Joseon era.

Pass the Blue House and visit a specialty products center after the Folk Museum

At the National Folk Museum of Korea inside the palace grounds, see historical artifacts used in the everyday life of past Koreans and learn about domestic and agricultural life and Korean cultural beliefs.

Pass the former presidential residence, the Blue House, and see its blue tiles and gently curved rooflines set against Bukaksan Mountain. Finally, visit a Korean specialty products center to learn about, and buy, amethyst, red pine and ginseng.

The itinerary also lists Insadong, Bukchon and Namdaemun Market

The itinerary also shows Insadong with lunch and one hour of free time, and guided visits of about 40 minutes each to Bukchon Hanok Village and Namdaemun Market. Duration and stops may differ by option, so please check the details sent after your booking is confirmed.

※ The itinerary may change depending on local conditions.
※ Please check the schedule of the guard changing ceremony at Gyeongbokgung in advance.
※ Photography may be restricted in certain areas.