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Seoul Tours, Vacation Packages & Trips


  • Sungnyemun Gate is a popular photo opportunity while on your Korea vacation - especially at night.
  • Changing of the guard at Gyeongbokgong Palace
  • Kimchee pots
  • Lighting Candles on Buddhas Birthday
  • Making noodles

Our Seoul Tours and Vacations

Seoul is the capital city of South Korea. With a population of over 10.5 million people, it is also South Korea’s largest city and its financial, political and cultural centre.

A major settlement for over 2000 years, Seoul is currently divided into 25 districts, and is a fairly organized metropolis, covering over 600 sq. km. Bisecting the north and south of the city is the Han River. Playing an important role in Korean history, the Han River was once used for trade to China via the Yellow Sea, thereby making it an attractive region for the Three Kingdoms of Korea (57-668 A.D.).

Things to do on a Trip to Seoul

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace was the principal royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) built-in 1395. It is the largest and most attractive of the Five Grand Palaces built at that time. Although the premises were once destroyed by fire in the 16th Century, they were later restored in the 19th Century including all 7700 rooms. During the Japanese invasion, it was partially destroyed but the palace once again is being restored. The pavilion and the pond have remained totally intact. Inside the grounds of the palace are the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum.

Changdeokgung Palace

Changdeokgung Palace was the favoured residence of many Joseon Dynasty kings and was the longest-serving royal presidential palace and the second-largest. It is well-preserved and still has many of its original features. An attraction of the palace is how its buildings blend into the surrounding landscape. The palace's rear garden, called Huwon, is considered an excellent example of Korean garden design and is the only rear garden of any Korean palace. Changdeokgung served as the main royal residence of Seoul for 270 years and the last emperor of Korea who reigned from 1907 to 1910, lived here until his death in 1926.

Seoul Tower

Also known as Namsan Seoul Tower, it is a landmark in the centre of Seoul and is located on a small mountain called Namsan. Combined with its own height and the height of the mountain, it is one of the tallest towers in the Orient. Built-in 1971, it serves as both a communication and an observation tower with 360-degree panoramic views of Seoul. Apart from having an observation deck, it contains a Teddy Bear Museum which includes: teddy bears from the past, present, and the future, gift shops, a café and two restaurants. To reach the tower there is a cable car, at night it is illuminated and can be seen from all over the city. There is a revolving restaurant.

Insa-dong

Insa-dong is a very special street in the centre of the city known for its traditional culture and crafts. The stores in Insa-dong specialize in a wide variety of goods that can only be purchased in Korea such as traditional clothing, traditional paper, traditional teas, pottery, and folk crafts. It is 700 metres/90 yards long and has a history dating back to the early days of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). It was a place of study for painters and the area is still a centre for painters, craftsmen, and art lovers. The most popular items sold here are Korean ceramics ranging in price from hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars. Other items sold in Insa-dong include earthenware, calligraphy materials, antique furniture, teas and souvenirs. Vehicles are not allowed on the street during weekends so that visitors can stroll.

Samcheong-dong

This is another unique area that lies close to the palaces and is where the aristocratic families of the Joseon Dynasty lived. It is well maintained with plenty of character and is where you will find some attractive Korean traditional houses. It now appeals to artistic types with chic galleries (as many as 40 different ones), trendy boutiques restaurants and European-style cafes. For anyone interested in shopping, the area offers an array of colourful accessories shops.

Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon Hanok Village is home to hundreds of traditional houses that line the streets, which are called hanok dating back to the Joseon Dynasty. The name Bukchon, translates to “northern village," as the neighbourhood lies north of two significant Seoul landmarks. Many of these hanoks function as cultural centres, guesthouses, restaurants and tea houses allowing visitors an opportunity to experience and learn about traditional Korean culture. The village is preserved to show off 600 years of Seoul’s history. Bukchon was not created for tourists and is a residential village inhabited by locals.

Namdaemun Market

Namdaemun refers to the southern gate of the four gates leading into the castle town during the Joseon Dynasty. As the oldest remaining wooden structure in Seoul and National Treasure No. 1, it symbolizes the history of Seoul from the past to the present and is cherished by Koreans everywhere. The market is the largest traditional market in Korea which mainly sells crops, fruits, and also electronics, traditional crafts and textile merchandise. Everything is displayed in humble stores and stalls. Even though it can be crowded and hectic, visitors visit the market to experience a Korean traditional marketplace and/or purchase a variety of goods at cheap prices.

With a large number of domestic and international companies based in Seoul, as well as hosting various international sports and political events, Seoul is a major player on the world stage.

A vibrant metropolis, Seoul offers a culture rich in history and architecture, along with museums, parks, cuisine, shopping, art, and seasonal festivals. Book your Seoul tour today!

Seoul and Korea Travel Information

At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to Korea.

Learn about the history and culture of Korea, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about Korea's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information, will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering Korea for yourself. Start exploring… book one of our Korea tours today!

Extend Your Trip throughout Asia

After your Korea tour, consider taking the time to visit other destinations. Goway offers exciting China vacation packages, India tours and Thailand vacation packages plus a comprehensive selection of vacation packages in many other Asian countries.

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Seoul, South Korea

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