Temples, markets and Hwaseong Fortress full-day tour

Location: South Korea

Activity: Sightseeing

Languages spoken: English, Japanese

Duration: 8 hrs

Difficulty: Easy

Person (10+)

71.40 €

Child (3-9)

64.30 €

Total price 71.40 €

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Duration: 8 hrs

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Available in 2 days

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Highlights

We visit the beautiful Changdeok Palace and Jongmyo Royal Shrine!
Enjoy a traditional Korean lunch
Find some bargains and antiques at the Insadong Arts and Crafts Market
Spend the afternoon at the mighty Hwaseong Fortress!
Hotel collection and English-speaking tour-guide included
Family friendly tour

All about the trip

Join us for an exciting day trip around Seoul to learn all about its history and culture! We will explore Korean temples and palaces, enjoy a traditional lunch, visit an exciting traditional market and then discover the mighty Hwaseong Fortress!

Our day begins by collecting you from your hotel in Seoul. Your English-speaking guide will then take you to the first stop of the day, the fascinating Changdeok Palace. This palace was the second royal villa built after Gyeongbok Palace in 1405. Changdeok was the principal palace for many of the Joseon kings, and is the best preserved among the five remaining royal Joseon palaces. The rear garden that was used as a place of rest by the kings boasts a gigantic tree that is over 300 years old, a small pond and a pavilion. The palace grounds are comprised of a public palace area, a royal family residence building, and the rear garden.

Next up will be the beautiful Jongmyo Royal Shrine. The Jongmyo Royal Shrine is the primary place of worship for the kings of the Joseon Dynasty. It was built when the first King of the Joseon Dynasty, Lee Sung-Gye (1335-1408) founded the Joseon Dynasty. Jongmyo Royal Shrine is registered as World Cultural Heritage because the tradition and customs such as the memorial services and traditional music are very well preserved. Here you will really get a great insight into ancient Korean culture.

Beforee we stop for lunch we will visit the bustling Insadong Arts and Crafts Market. The famous Insadong Market has been at the heart of nation’s capital for over 600 years! It was the centre of culture during the Chosun Dynasty (1392-1910). This was also where the Ministry of Art was once situated. The notable features of Insadong are the countless alleys that branching out from the main street. Insadong has become known as ‘Merry’s Area,’ and is a firm favourite shopping spot among travellers.

After a delicious lunch and brief trip to the Ginseng Centre we will visit the infamous and visually-incredible, Hwaseong fortress! This is definitely one place you do not want to miss if you are visiting Seoul.

Officially a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress is home to a unique blend of traditional Korean architectural styles.

The Hwaseong Fortress itself was recognised as the official fortress of Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, from the latter days of the Joseon Period (1392-1910). Its construction began on the fortress in 1794 and was finished in 1796.

The fortress's outside wall is over 5 km in length and it has a great variety of military facilities that you cannot find at other fortress.

This impressive fortress should definitely not be missed and what better way to learn all about its history than with a guided tour by a local expert?

What is included in the price

Traditional Korean lunch
English-speaking tour-guide
Hotel transportation
Entrance fees and boat cruise

What is not included in the price

Additional refreshments or extra snacks
Funds for souvenirs

Instructions

What to take with you?

You may wish to bring a small bag or rucksack for your personal possessions such as your personal ID, drinking water, a light rain coat during monsoon season etc.

We also advise that you bring some sun protection during the summer months such as a hat or sun cream.

Bringing a camera for capturing those memorable moments is a good idea too!

Itinerary

	Hotel collection in Seoul
	Changdeok Palace (Gyeongbok Palace on Monday only)
	Jongmyo Royal Shrine (Seoul Museum of History on Tuesday only)
	Insadong Arts and Crafts Market
	Shopping Centre
	Traditional Korean Lunch
	Hwaseong Fortress
	We return you to your hotel

Where do we meet and where will the trip end?

Meeting place:

We arrange pick-up and drop-off at hotels in Seoul. Please let us know your hotel name during the booking.

Final destination:

See above

Cancellation Policy - Benevolent

Cancellation more than 4 days prior to the starting date. Clients are automatically refunded the full booking price.
Cancellation within 48 to 96 hours prior to the starting date. Clients are entitled to a 50% refund of the booking price.
Cancellation less than 48 hours prior to the starting date. No refunds.

The full Terms and Conditions are available on our website.

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