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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Paul_Koo_Seoul_BR-1222871067
Paul_Koo_Seoul_BR-1222871067
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Dongwook_Lee_Seoul_BR-1243215431
Dongwook_Lee_Seoul_BR-1243215431
Dongwook_Lee_Seoul_BR-1243215431
Dongwook_Lee_Seoul_BR-1243215431
Dongwook_Lee_Seoul_BR-1243215431
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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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Nuray
Apr 2025
I highly recommend Steve! He was very knowledgeable, flexible, and kind. Thoroughly enjoyed my tour :)
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Marybeth
Apr 2025
GJ was a great guide and helped me find specific gifts I was looking for. She provided excellent information about Korean culture.
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Sally
Apr 2025
I could not be happier with my decision to book a private tour for my first day in Seoul. Jeeseon and I emailed and messaged back and forth before my arrival so that we could collaborate on an itinerary, based on my interests and “wish list” of things to see and do. Not only did she create an amazing itinerary to incorporate many items on my list, but then masterfully pivoted on a moment’s notice in order to catch the cherry blossoms on their last big day in bloom before the storms came in. We had an absolute blast! She showed me a fantastic mix of hidden gems and seemed to know just what I would like. She was so fun, organized, knowledgeable, and flexible. She had a lovely, positive energy, was incredibly patient with me, and looked after me closely (as I was a bit of a “lost child” on my first day in the city). I feel so lucky to have been paired with Jeeseon! She made my first day in Seoul so very memorable, and I would book a tour with her again in a heartbeat! My tour experience was a 10/10!!
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