Seoul
Historic Seoul: explore Bukchon Hanok Village
Traditions & Heritage • 6 hours
5.0
(6)
Historic Seoul: explore Bukchon Hanok Village
Hanoks, secret courtyards and Changdeokgung Palace.
What makes this experience special
Key highlights
- Join your host and explore Bukchon Hanok Village, a historic enclave to the north of Seoul
- Enjoy the surreal pleasure of exploring a village preserved within the city itself
- Discover iconic attractions like Changdeokgung Palace, with the added benefit of your host’s local knowledge and insight
- Get recommendations from your host regarding other historic areas of the city to explore
- Learn a bit about South Korea’s history and culture as you explore the quaint alleyways and cobbled streets
What to know before you go
Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.
6 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested
What’s included
Private and personalised experience
6 hours in the city with a host
Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options)
Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)
What’s not included
Food and drink
Tickets to any attractions
Transportation costs
Gratuities (optional)
Meeting point
Your hotel/apartment or any other central locationCancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experienceWhat to bring
- We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
- Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.
How your day could unfold
A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you mostWhat you’ll do
You’ll travel back to an age of craftsmanship with one of our Seoul hosts as you head north and explore the quaint Bukchon Hanok Village. Not literally traveling back in time, obviously, but it will feel a lot like you have.
Vastly different from the modern interior of Seoul, the hanoks, or tiny houses, are built in the traditional Korean style.
With elegantly tiled roofs and tiny courtyard gardens, you’ll be utterly transported to another time in whimsical alleyways, popping into cafes, art galleries, and craft shops as you navigate the crisscrossing lanes.
Your host will treat you by taking you to the oldest market in the city, where you can browse exquisite silks and sample yummy sweet treats.
As if all of that weren’t enough, the iconic Changdeokgung Palace is just a stone’s throw away, so while you’re in the neighborhood, why not swing by there, too?
1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?
Real Stories, Real Connections
See our hosts and guests creating memories
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What travelers think of this experience
Katherine,
Jun 2023
Paul took us to the palace within the secret garden.. tge gardens were very serene, green and peaceful. A trip worth taking. We t also had thr opportunity to go to the Leeum museum’. The museum itself was very beautiful. It was interesting to see the original artifacts from the z Josesn period. Paul is very conscientious and is always making sure we are having a great time. Thank you Paul.
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Bonnie,
Jan 2023
This tour with Yujin as my guide was my favorite day in Seoul. Yujin was absolutely wonderful. I really enjoyed our day exploring Bukchon Hanock Village and the other sites that we visited. I learned so much about the history and culture of Korea. I highly recommend this tour with Yujin!
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Stefanos,
Apr 2018
kindness flexibility everything
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Aisha,
Mar 2025
Nice tour with JeeEun! She took us walking to see City Hall area, Gyeongbok palace, Insadong Village - Art, Ikseondong Village and into the HiKr Ground museum during the light snow fall. Interesting and informative tour with a pleasant guide. Great way to kick off our first visit to Seoul. Thank you.
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Bruce,
Mar 2025
This is experience was all about the guide. Jay made this very memorable and we are very thankful. He explained where and what we were doing. He always asked to make sure the walk was going to be ok. Took pictures of us. Explained not only the food but the history and construction of the city.
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Jo,
Mar 2025
Excellent private tour through the must see sites in Seoul. Jay was amazing - his English is excellent and he has a great personality. It was a great way to start out first trip in Seoul and gave us a greater understating of the history of South Korea. Highly recommended!
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