The Soul of Seoul
Seoul, Korea
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
-
-
Tour snapshot
Locate the soul of Seoul by visiting traditional tea shops, temples, craft markets and food hot spots on this Seoul tour that reveals that yes, Seoul has a soul, and it's a beautiful one at that!
-
Highlights
- Walk the vibrant streets of Seoul, uncovering some of its local secrets
- Experience Jogyesa, the cultural heart of Seoul
- Visit the Seoul Museum of History and Jeongdong-gil
- Learn about Korean Buddhism at a serene temple
- Sip tea at a traditional tea shop in Insa-dong
- Admire delicate arts and crafts at a typical Korean market
-
Schedule details
- Duration: 3 hours
- Meeting point:
Inside Seoul Railway Station, in front of the McDonalds near the ticketing point in the centre of the station.
- Find the exact meeting point with what3words:
- Starting time: 9.30 AM
- Ending point:
Insa-dong (traditional Korean market).
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English speaking guide, public bus ticket.
Exclusions: Items of a personal nature, food and drink, lunch, tips / gratuities for your guide.
Experience Seoul's unique blend of old and new on this Urban Adventure that takes in markets, bridges, temples, and tea shops! As one of Asia's up-and-coming cities, Seoul is an interesting city full of delights, yet still remains off the mass tourism radar. In our opinion, that makes Seoul ideal for discovering unique local experiences and getting to know the city like a local.
Start the day at Cheonggyecheon Plaza, with its picturesque stream, historic stone bridges, and uniquely decorated walls, and then head out for a walk through Jongno, one of central Seoul's oldest areas.
Next our Seoul walking tour heads for Jogyesa, Seoul's cultural epicentre. While here, admire an ancient tree that has stood for more than 500 years - it's such a rarity that it's officially protected by the local government.
Your Seoul city tour continues with a walk to Insa-dong, an area bursting with Korean culture, cuisine, and tradition. Visit an authentic tea shop to sample soothing teas before strolling to a market where traditional crafts and clothing offer quality souvenir ideas.
At the end of the tour, you're free to continue exploring Seoul. We highly recommend taking the opportunity to feast on some tasty Korean cuisine. Korean food is one of the world's best kept secrets, so don't miss the chance to try some. Your guide will let you know the best place to try local delicacies like Bibimbap or Jeon, and will be able to give you recommendations for where to continue your Seoul adventure.
-
Additional information
Inclusions: Local English speaking guide, public bus ticket.
Exclusions: Items of a personal nature, food and drink, lunch, tips / gratuities for your guide.
Your Trip: For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Child Policy: This is a child-friendly tour. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour. Children younger than 6 are permitted at no extra cost, but please make sure you inform our guides of this before you take the tour.
-
Local contact
BACK TO TOP