Temple and palace morning tour of Seoul

Highlights

• Experience the magic of Seoul's temples and palaces
• We visit the beautiful Jogyesa Temple, Gyeongbok Palace and the Presidential Blue House
• Watch the “Changing of the Royal Guards” ceremony
• English-speaking tour-guide
• Hotel transportation and entrance fees included
• Suitable for families

All about the trip

Join us for the 'Rise and Shine' tour, an exciting day of discovering temples, royal palaces and ancient Korean history around the capital city of Seoul!

Our day begins by collecting you from your hotel in Seoul. We then make our way to the Jogyesa Temple to begin our day discovering Korean history.

Jogyesa itself is the chief temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It plays a leading role in the current state of Seon Buddhism in South Korea. The temple was first established in 1395, at the dawn of the Joseon Dynasty; the modern temple was founded in 1910 and initially called "Gakhwangsa". The name was changed to "Taegosa" during the period of Japanese rule, and then to its present name in 1954.

These days, Jogyesa Buddhist Temple is the centre of Zen Buddhism in Korea, and is famous for being located in the city. From the busy streets of Jongno the temple stands proud. The first things you will notice at the temple are the lovely trees that surround it. These locust and baeksong trees in front of the Daeungjeon are roughly 500 years old.

After Jogyesa temple we will make our way to Gyeongbok Palace. Built in 1395, Gyeongbok Palace is also commonly referred to as the “Northern Palace” because it is located towards the north. Especially when compared to the neighbouring palaces of Changdeok (Eastern Palace) and Gyeonghee (Western Palace). Gyeongbok Palace is arguably the most beautiful and remains the grandest of all the five palaces of Seoul.

Whilst at Gyeongbok palace we will watch a reenactment of the “Changing of the Royal Guards” ceremony, which takes place at the Gwanghwamun and Heungnyemun plazas. The royal guards of the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910) were in charge of protecting the gates of the capital city and the royal palace.

After the palace we will pass by the Presidential Blue House. This building is a symbol of Cheongwadae, known to travellers as the Blue House. The first thing that catches your eye when you arrive at Cheongwadae is the blue tiles of the main building. The blue tiles and the smooth roof look beautiful with Mt. Bugaksan behind it, so get your cameras ready for this spectacle.

After the Blue House we will visit the Cheongwadae Sarangchae. Newly opened Cheongwadae Sarangchae, it first opened to the public on January 5th, 2010 as a historic centre that gives visitors a chance to follow in the footsteps of Korean presidents and gain insight into the history of Seoul.

The Cheongwadae Sarangchae encompasses the past, present and even the future of Seoul. It serves as a tourist information centre that offers detailed information on World Cultural Heritage sites and assets.

This tour will give you detailed insights onto Seoul's fascinating history.

What is included in the price

• English-speaking tour-guide
• Hotel transportation
• Entrance fees

What is not included in the price

• Additional refreshments or extra snacks
• Funds for souvenirs

Instructions

This activity is organised by VIP Travel, Mapodaero 109, Mapo-Gu, Seoul, 04146, South Korea, +82 2 739 3501, vip@vviptravel.com.