Changdeok Palace – Discover the Joseon Dynasty’s Favourite Palace Our tour begins at one of the Five Grand Palaces, Changdeok, which was, in fact, the Joseon kings’ favourite. The palace is effortlessly nestled within a natural park, surrounded by a tranquil lake and beautiful trees. Allow yourself to take a photo for a quick moment. You will enter Changdeok Palace through the Donhwamun Gate which was burned down in 1592 and beautifully restored in 1608. Then, you will see Geumcheongyo Bridge which is the oldest in all of Seoul! Next ahead of you will be Injeongjeon Hall which is where the most important state banquets and events were held. Make sure to pay special attention to Huijeongdang Hall – the royal bedchamber. This room burned down in a fire and was rebuilt, featuring wooden floorboards and carpets, glass windows, and chandeliers that make it stylistically different from any other room in the palace.

Hanok Village Tour – What to Expect What better way to get to know a country’s heart and soul than going to its most traditional village? Bukchon Hanok Village is a 600 year old urban environment made up of hundreds of Hanok Houses (Korean traditional style houses) which date all the way back to the Joseon Dynasty. Traditionally this village was home to high-ranking government officials and nobles. Bukchon literally translated to “Northern Village” still to this day remains a residential neighbourhood, with real people living there. For this reason we ask that you be respectful and considerate at all times during our Hanok Village tour. These days, many of the Hanok houses are also operating as tea houses, restaurants, cultural centers and guesthouses. This is great for visitors because it means we will be able to enter these beautiful buildings and experience traditional Korean culture in an authentic setting.

Insadong Arts and Crafts Market – shop for Korean treasures If you appreciate art, you will fall in love with the Insadong Arts and Crafts Market where most of the goods are hand-crafted! Here, you will be able to walk down a long street full of various stalls and shops. At the top of the street, you will see a poo-themed cafe which is quite funny! You will be able to indulge in little treats as well such as waffle bars made with matcha and plum tea. Feel free to stray from the high street a bit and explore the alleys which have cute ceramics shops and more food vendors. You will have lots of fun talking to the lovely locals who are extremely friendly and helpful!

Shopping centre

Jogyesa Buddhist Temple – travel back in time The Jogyesa Buddhist Temple is one of the most important landmarks of Korean Buddhism, first established all the way back in 1935. The temple is located in city centre Seoul and is graced by an ancient white pine tree. There are a few important steps to entering the temple. First, you must go through “Iljum”, which is the one pillar gate. The “Iljumun” symbolises the division between the world of the living and that of the holy Buddha world. You will have a beautiful spiritual experience and be able to admire the splendid, golden statues.

Kwangjang Market Located in the Jongno 5-ga area in Seoul, Gwangjang Market was the nation’s first permanent traditional market. Established in 1905, the market today is home to more than 5,000 stores selling fabric, bedding, handmade crafts, ibaji food, and hanbok. Many of Gwangjang’s stores and alleys have remained unchanged from the way they were in the past. It is not uncommon to find noodle restaurants and hanbok stores that have been in business for as long as three generations. Specialities of the market include bindaetteok (mung bean pancake), mayak gimbap (a type of seaweed roll), vegetables, bedding, imported living goods, hanbok, fabric, and vintage goods. The market operates from 9am to 6pm, except for the food market, which is open until 11pm. Gwangjang Market is closed on Sundays, but the food market is open year round. Recently, the market was upgraded with modern-style bathrooms and rest areas.