Seoul
Experience the pulse of Seoul's cultural scene at Insadong
Traditions & Heritage • 3 hours
5.0
(6)
Experience the pulse of Seoul's cultural scene at Insadong
Explore Seoul's most exciting neighborhood! Stroll through winding streets discovering traditional crafts, charming boutiques and beautiful temples
What makes this experience special
Key highlights
- Join your host and explore the most creative neighbourhood in Seoul!
- Visit a traditional teahouse where you’ll be transported back in time by the ancient ritual and traditional architecture
- Browse antique stores and workshops where artisans still make traditional stationery and porcelain to this day
- Visit one of the hundreds of galleries (really, there are more than 100!) in the area, like the Museum of Fine Art
- Shop in a modern take on the traditional outdoor market selling arts and crafts
- Try the local street food if you get hungry - even if you’re not hungry, we’re certain you’ll still want to try it
- Visit historic landmarks and temples as you amble around
What to know before you go
Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.
3 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested
What’s included
Private and personalised experience
3 hours with a Host
Walking experience
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
Welcome to Insadong - a neighborhood permeated with everything artistic, eclectic and creative.
You’ll explore with one of our Seoul hosts, flitting between traditional tea houses and even more traditional porcelain and stationery shops - Insadong is actually known across Korea as the spiritual home of traditional crafts and antiques.
It’s been an artist’s neighborhood for centuries, actually. Stroll along its largest street, Insadong-gil, with your host and see street vendors throwing together mind-boggling dishes like ‘dragon's beard candy - you’ll want to try it!
Pop into a stationary store and discover ancient writing techniques; stop by Jogyesa Temple and try to choose which of the 100 art galleries you’d like to visit.
We’d recommend a stop by Ssamziegil, a market/mall hybrid - quirky, right? - where you’ll find 70 independent shops selling the works of Korean artists and craftspeople.
After all of that, you might need a break, and a traditional tea ceremony sounds like just the thing.
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
Dongwook_Lee_Seoul_BR-1243215431
Paul_Koo_Seoul_BR-1222871067
Paul_Koo_Seoul_BR-1222871067
Dongwook_Lee_Seoul_BR-1237207143
Dongwook_Lee_Seoul_BR-1236216821
Paul_Koo_Seoul_BR-1241050275
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
17,500+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting
Trusted and recommended by travelers worldwide, including 99% on Google and TripAdvisor.
recommended by 99% of travelers on google
recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor
We don’t make deals with businesses - giving you unbiased and authentic local experiences.
What travelers think of this experience
Joseph
Dec 2024
Our recent trip to Seoul South Korea was made extra special by booking a private tour with City Unscripted. Because we had a limited time to see the highlights of Seoul, we chose to do a tour focusing on Art and Food. We were fortunate enough to be paired with our guide Andrew. It is always refreshing to be paired with a guide who is both knowledgeable and engaging. Andrew had a keen sense of what we wanted to see and exactly how best to navigate the city with the tight schedule we had to keep. With Andrew as our guide and mentor, we learned many important details about how to get around the city, where to see the best Art, and best of all, where to find the best food in the marketplaces. I highly recommend the Private tour of Seoul and I strongly advise you to ask for Andrew as your guide, you won't be disappointed. Andrew speaks multiple languages fluently and made everything a breeze. We hope to return to Seoul again soon and we look forward to seeing our friend Andrew for another adventure in the city. Joseph
Show more
Katherine
May 2023
Paul is an excellent tour guide. He was already in the lobby when we came down to meet him. We wanted to take pictures in the traditional dress so he brought us to a very nice hanbok rental. We then walked over to the palace and had several pictures taken.. Afterwords we went to the Namendem Market for a short while.
Show more
Nuray
Apr 2025
I highly recommend Steve! He was very knowledgeable, flexible, and kind. Thoroughly enjoyed my tour :)
Show more
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.
Show more
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!!
Show more
David
Apr 2025
GJ was an excellent guide, lots of fun and really engaging and accommodating for our kid’s interests as well. It was a full itinerary for the 4 hours but very all at a pace.
Show more