Things to Do in Seoul
• Head to the observation deck of the N Seoul Tower for unobstructed views of the city and the beautiful landscapes surrounding it.
• The N Seoul Tower features an exciting range of restaurants from casual eateries to fine-dining restaurants. While at the tower, make a pit stop at the Sky Restrooms! These high-end WCs offer amazing views of the city with their floor to ceiling windows.
• Shop to your heart's content with a discount voucher worth KRW 10,000 and VIP Gold Membership at Lotte Duty Free stores in Seoul, Busan, and Jeju.
Hello Everyone,
This is Sanghyuk(English name - Sam)
My tour will explore the famous tourist places in Korea.
All the places are connected to each places by walking around 10 min! I've lived in the UK for 3 years and a half years and after I come back to my country, I'd like to introduce our culture to the people who are interested in Korean culture.
My tour will have 3 places which are:
- Bukchon Hanok Village
- Changdeok Palace
- Ikseondong
Please note:
- For your Information, there is an admission fee for Changdeok Palace
- Changdeok Palace - 3,000 won
- Even though there is an admission fee to enter the places, I believe that it will be worth having a look around our culture. The tour will take around 2 hour and a half.
My tour will start from Anguk station Exit 3.
Please be aware of the below.
The tour is a Tip Based tour not real free tour.
Some people just left without paying the tip end of the tour.
• Zoom up at 10 meters per second in the thrilling Sky Shuttle to the observatory, an adrenaline-pumping ride that is an experience in itself.
• Savor a top-of-the-world feeling on the glass-floored Sky Deck, then head to the Sky Terrace's open-air area on the 120th floor to catch the breeze.
• Craving more fun? Upgrade your ticket for access to Lotte World Adventure, the Aquarium, Folk Museum, and Magic Island for a day packed with thrills.
• Fun fact: The elevators at Lotte World Tower are some of the fastest in the world, zooming at 10 m/s. You'll reach the observatory in a minute!
WELCOME TO SEOUL — MORTOUR GUIDES
Seoul Free Walking Tour 🗺️: Best of the City, Local Life & History
At the forefront of tech and style yet deeply rooted in tradition, Seoul blends heritage, gastronomy and innovation.
On this tour you’ll uncover that mix first-hand: old-meets-new culture, iconic landmarks and local life.
Areas we explore
Gwanghwamun & Jongno-gu. We start at Seoul City Hall and walk through Gwanghwamun towards Gyeongbokgung (exterior views, no entry). Then we wind into Insadong among hanok lanes, tea houses, galleries, bars and craft shops. You’ll also get our best tips to eat & drink like a local (yes—fried chicken + beer combo included 😉).
Highlights
- Gyeongbokgung Palace (exterior only)
- Insadong: affordable art, crafts & souvenirs
- Traditional tea-house stop (optional; consumption not included)
- Route may vary due to events/weather
Meeting point
📍 Seoul City Hall Station – Exit 5
Look for your guide with the “Mortour Guides” sign.
Duration
⏱️ ~2 hours
About the free tour (you set the price)
Booking is free. At the end, you’re welcome to tip what you feel is fair.
As a non-binding reference in Seoul, many walkers contribute ₩10,000–₩50,000 per person, depending on satisfaction.
What to bring
💧 Water · 👟 Comfortable shoes · 🌞 Sunscreen
Contact & logistics
After you confirm, we’ll share day-of logistics via GuruWalk chat.
In line with platform policy, we don’t post phone/links publicly.
Changes & cancellations
If you can’t attend or need to reschedule, please manage your booking in GuruWalk to free the spot.
• Try your hand at the Comet Express, Atlantis, Gyro Drop, Bungee, and many more rides at Magic Island.
• Visit the Folk Museum and learn about the 5000-year-old Korean history.
• Upgrade your ticket to access the Lotte World Aquarium or the Seoul Sky Observatory for a fun addition.
We invite you to dive deeply into the history of Korea, by visiting its beautiful palaces. If you join our Free Walking Tour, we will help you gain a true understanding of the must-see palaces of Seoul, and you will be impressed by Korea's rich history.
For the Spanish tour at 1:00pm, we will meet at City Hall Station exit 2.
The meeting point for the English tour, which starts at 4:00pm, is Gwanghwamun station exit 2.
The main goal of our tour is to explore the two most beautiful palaces of Seoul, namely Gyeongbok palace and Deoksu palace. We will further introduce you to Cheonggyecheon stream, the statues of King Sejong, Admiral Lee Sun-Shin, and everything you can see along the way. We do not accept large groups, which allows us to adjust to your pace, keep the experience personal, and make sure that everyone receives our full attention.
For Deoksugung Palace and Gyeongbokgung Palace, there is a fee required to enter (+/- 5000 won = +/- $3 in total).
We look forward to meeting you!
• Ride the T Express, Korea’s first wooden coaster, with a steep 77-degree drop and high speeds for an adrenaline rush.
• See giant pandas up close, go on a safari to spot lions, tigers, and giraffes, and enjoy family-friendly encounters with smaller animals in petting zones.
• Experience Korea’s rich culture at the Hoam Art Museum, home to over 15,000 pieces of Korean art, including national treasures and Buddhist paintings.
• Stroll Everland’s Four Seasons Garden with seasonal festivals by day, then enjoy dazzling parades, fireworks, and night shows by evening.
Have you ever dreamed of seeing Seoul beyond the guidebooks?
Join me for walking journey where history, tradition, and modern culture come alive. As a certified tour guide in Korea, I’ll share hidden stories, cultural insights, and the atmosphere that makes Seoul unforgettable.
I truly enjoy introducing Seoul to travellers from all around the world, and by offering this experience as a free tour, I also find personal fulfilment in giving back and sharing my city in the spirit of service.
We will explore different themed routes:
- Namsan Walk & Hanok Village – Climb Namsan on foot to enjoy breathtaking city views, then finish at the charming Namsangol Hanok Village.
2.Royal Seoul & Bukchon – Begin at majestic Gyeongbokgung
Palace and wander through the narrow alleys of Bukchon Hanok
Village, where old and new Seoul meet.
3.Gangnam & Bongeunsa Temple – Step into Seoul’s modern
heart, visit Bongeunsa Temple, and discover nearby hotspots
blending tradition with trend.
4.Seongsu Vibes – Explore Seoul’s trendiest neighbourhood,
Seongsu-dong, filled with cafés, art spaces, and urban creativity.
5.Customised Tour – Design your own route based on your interests, from food and history to hidden local gems.
Come with curiosity and leave with stories, photos, and memories that last. Book now and let’s discover the real Seoul together!
• Discover the history of the Korean War at Imjingak Park. See the bullet-riddled Freedom Bridge, where 12,773 POWs walked to freedom.
• Venture into the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, dug by North Korea and discovered in 1978. Visit Dora Observatory, and see North Korea's 160m flagpole in Kijong-dong, nicknamed "Propaganda Village”.
• Stop by the Unification Village, a small farming community that specializes in creating soybean milk, traditional soy sauce, and corn goods.
• Want to explore more? Take a Gondola ride over the Imjingang River for a closer look at North Korea.
Seoul is a fascinating city, which use to be the capital for more than 600 years, has a lot of interesting history and different stories behind it.
Since it has been the capital for so long there are old towns which has been here for few centuries.
Seochon is one of the old towns with a lot of historical background.
If you are interested, let's find out together!
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Album of Eight Scenic Sites of Jang-dong
Hong Geon-ik House presents the ‘Album of Eight Scenic Sites of Jang-dong’ route of the Seochon walking tour. Created in the 1750s, this painting series by the renowned artist Gyeomjae Jeong Seonshowcases the splendid landscapes of Jang-dong, now part of Seochon.
Starting at the Hong Geon-ik House, participants will explore Jeong Seon's birthplace and visit the actual locations that inspired his paintings.
This walk offers a rare opportunity to compare the natural vistas depicted in these historic artworks with the present-day scenery of Seochon, fostering a deeper connection to the neighborhood’s heritage.
✅ This route includes uphills and we walk a lot in this tour, so I strongly recommend you to be ready to walk a lot!! Think of it as a morning city hike than a regular walk
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Main spots to visit:
📍Pilundae:
Pilundae, deriving its name from the pen name of the mid-Joseon statesman Yi Hang-bok, served as his residence. The name "Pilundae" was engraved on a rock within the estate, a legacy bestowed by his father-in-law, General Gwon Yul. In 1537, upon King Jungjong's request, Chinese envoy Gong Yong-gyeong named the mountain west of Gyeongbokgung Palace "Pilunsan," symbolizing its role as a guardian standing to the palace’s right. From this vantage point atop Inwangsan, it is said one could view Bukhansan to the north, Gyeongbokgung and Jongno to the east, and Namsan to the south,offering panoramic views of significant landmarks.
📍Suseong-dong:
Suseong-dong is the first valley located at the foot of Inwangsan, situated along the border between Ogin-dong and Nusang-dong. Historically, it was the site of Anpyeong Daegun's residence, renowned for its thundering waterfalls and picturesque streams and rocks, making it a popular summer retreat for Joseon scholars. The valley featured the stone bridge, Girin-gyo, which Gyeomjae Jeong Seon famously depicted in his artworks, capturing scholars as they enjoyed their leisure time there. Living beneath Inwangsan, Jeong Seon frequently interacted with 19th-century intellectuals like Chusa Kim Jeong-hui and Park Yun-mok, producing paintings and poetry that celebrated the valley's remarkable beauty.
📍Jahadong:
Jaha-dong, nestled on the slopes of Baekaksan (Bukaksan) just below Changuimun, the northern gate of Hanyangdoseong, has historically been the domain of the Uiryung Nam Clan. This distinguished literati family was a central figure within the 'Nam-in' political party, their grand mansions prominently set against the mountain. The northeastern slopes of Baekaksan descend to form the village's scenic backdrop, with a stream flowing between Baekaksan and Inwangsan, encircling the village. To the south, the Jang-dong Valley opens expansively, offering sweeping views all the way to the Han River.
📍Cheongsongdang:
Named for the soothing sounds of pine breezes, Cheongseongdang was a scholarly retreat where Cheongseong Seong Su-chim, a scholar of the mid-Joseon period, pursued his studies after stepping down from public office. The area, historically abundant with pine trees, inspired Nuljae Park Sang, a friend of Seong Su-chim's father, to give it the name Cheongseongdang. Located very close to the birthplace of Jeong Seon, its exact site coincides with the northern wall of Gyeonggi Commercial High School. A rock inscription, "Cheongseongdang Yuji" (Site of Cheongseongdang), remains within the school grounds, marking this historical location.
📍Cheongpung-gye:
Cheongpunggye refers to the valley in the vicinity of 52 Cheongun-dong, situated on the northern side of the eastern foothills of Inwangsan Mountain. Originally named for its abundance of verdant maple trees, the name evolved after the Qing Invasion to mean "valley of clear breezes." For Gyeomjae Jeong Seon, Cheongpunggye was not merely a scenic location but also a place of deep personal significance, as it housed his mentor's family estate. In 1914, during the Japanese occupation, Cheongpunggye and Baegun-dong were merged to form what is now known as Cheongun-dong.
📍Daeunam & Dokrakjeong & Chumidae:
Baekaksan Mountain, the protective mountain located behind Gyeongbokgung Palace, not only shields the royal grounds but also served as the foundational point for constructing the Hanyangdoseong Fortress. The landmarks Daeunam, Dokrak Jeong, and Chwimidae are located along the southern slopes of Baekaksan, where Cheongwadae (the Blue House) stands today. Daeunam refers to a large rock positioned north of Yuksanggung. Nearby, in a gorge east of Daeunam, lies Dokrak Jeong, a pavilion built by Toiwoodang Kim Su-hong. Chwimidae, or "mid-ridge terrace," offers a view where the palace walls and trees stretch across expansive fields, with the triangular Namsan Mountain rising prominently in the background. Below a pine grove near what is believed to be Chwimidae, three scholars are depicted enjoying the landscape.
Album of Eight Scenic Sites of Jang-dong photo © KANSONG ART & CULTURE FOUNDATION. All rights reserved Hong Geon-ik House photo ©Hong Geon-ik House. All rights reserved
Host : Seoul Metropolitan Government
Organizer : OPENHOUSE
Planning : OPENHOUSE
Tour Run by: Yang Daeun
photo © Hong Geon-ik House. All rights reserved
*Some places might not be able to go in. In this case, it’s going to be an outside visit.
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❕❗️Even the time slot you want is full, let me know when you want to join, and I’ll try my best to make a spot for you😄
• Experience thrilling indoor and outdoor rides at Magic Island and Lotte World Adventure.
• Soar to new heights at Seoul Sky Observatory, where 360-degree views of the city from South Korea’s tallest building will leave you in awe.
• Zoom up from the 1st floor to the 118th in just a minute in the Sky Shuttle, one of the world's fastest double-decker elevators.
• Did you know? The Lotte World Tower is the sixth tallest building in the world.
Are you going to leave Seoul after only staying at famous tourist spots of Seoul?
This is an opportunity to take a brief look at the real life and life of the contemporary Korean. Here is a chance to look around the local residences where Korean ually are. You may be able to smell them.
Walk through the commercial districts around the station, along natural rivers, and look into the peaceful lives of Koreans. Cross the bridge and you'll see schools, and walk through a park where children play. We'll also walk for a while inside private neighborhoods. We'll say goodbye when we reach the shopping mall at the end of the tour. I'll let you know where the nearest subway station is.
• Stroll through Imjingak Park, where history comes alive with the Mangbaedan Altar, a bullet-riddled steam locomotive, and other war memorials.
• View North Korean landscapes and cities from Dora Observatory, and walk through the dim 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, a passage once capable of moving 30,000 soldiers per hour.
• Visit Unification Village, which offers a glimpse into resilient farmers' peaceful lives under special security, learning their stories and way of life.
• Fun fact: Walls of the 3rd infiltration tunnel are still blackened from the coal North Korea smeared on them to disguise it as a coal min
I invite you to discover Seoul through a cultural tour, designed for curious travelers seeking an authentic experience that will allow them to immerse themselves in Korean history in an accessible, enjoyable, and entertaining way.
On this tour you will discover:
- The Altar of Heaven , Seoul's best-hidden treasure.
- The historic Metropolitan Library , with a powerful message of survival.
- The iconic Gwanghwamun Avenue is the ideal setting for understanding the Korean War and the indelible marks it left on the peninsula's history.
- The tranquil Cheonggyecheon Stream , a perfect example of how Seoul balances tradition, modernity and nature.
- The national heroes in front of their majestic statues.
- The monumental Gyeongbokgung Gate , an eternal symbol of royal power.
- Korea's oldest post office , where its history takes us from carrier pigeons to today's technology.
- And finally, the spirituality of Jogyesa Temple , the epicenter of Korean Buddhism.
🍜 Of course, GASTRONOMY will have its moment.
💄 And for those interested in Korean COSMETICS, I also offer to recommend their best secrets.
My goal is that, by the end of the tour, you'll be able to position yourself in Korean history , understand what its inhabitants have been through, and connect all of this with the modern, dynamic, and avant-garde Seoul of today.
Note: The tour will end around 12:30-1:00 PM, just in time for you to enjoy lunch before many restaurants close for their regular lunch break, which usually runs from around 2:30-5:00 PM.
