Half-Day Morning Tour of Seoul to Jogye Temple, Gyoengbok Palace and Insadong

Meet your guide at your Seoul hotel between 8:20am and 9am to begin your half-day tour. Hop aboard a climate-controlled minivan and head to your first destination, Jogye Temple. This holy site in Seoul is famous for its colorful lotus lanterns hanging from the ceiling, as well as its large smiling Buddha statue. According to local lore, if you make a wish and walk around the temple's 10-story pagoda, your wish will come true.

Go through security to visit The Blue House, the residence of South Korea's president. While the residence is in fact white, it gets its name from the blue tiles that cover the roof.

Next head to Gyeongbok Palace, the biggest palace of the Joseon Dynasty and the former residence of the king. Pass beneath Gwanghwamun Gate, the main entrance to the palace, and stroll the palace grounds as you learn about the history behind its numerous buildings.

Finish your tour in the artistic and very trendy neighborhood of Insadong. Your guide will leave you here at around 12:30pm, and you're then free to wander the neighborhood, sitting down for a cup of tea in a traditional Korean teahouse, shopping in the area's antique stores, or appreciating the work of local artists in numerous private galleries. Food, drinks, hotel drop-off, and optional gratuities are not included.

Please note: Gyeongbok Palace is closed on Tuesdays. You will visit Deoksu Palace instead.