This cultural tour will take you back in time, from the era of the ancient Joseon Dynasty all the way through to modern day Seoul. You will learn about the history of South Korea and the transitions that took place to make it the modernized hub of technology it is today.
Let's start your day with Gyeongbokgung palace, one of the Five Grand Palaces of Seoul and the main residence of the royal members of the Joseon Dynasty. The palace is famous for its harmonious combination of human hands and natural scenery, which isolates itself from the bustling urbanization of Seoul. The design of the palace favors the use of the simplicity of the basic shades like blue, white, red, black, yellow, combined with the symbolic architecture of the Joseon Dynasty.
In this trip, you will also get to witness the traditional royal rituals of the Joseon Dynasty recreated through various cultural events such as the 'Changing of Royal Guard' ceremony and the opening and closing of the Gates at Gyeongbokgung Palace. Your local guide will make sure you catch this scene on time!
Located inside Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Folk Museum of South Korea demonstrates several historical artifacts that were used in the daily lives of ancient Koreans hundred years ago. Your guide will help you get a great insight into what Korean domestic and agricultural lifestyles would have been like, as well as their cultural beliefs.
You will also get to pass by the Blue House, the official residence of the president. The signature blue tiles of the main building blend beautifully with Bugaksan Mountain in the background.
Next, your guide will take you to pay a visit to Jogyesa Temple, a Buddhist temple built in the late 14th century during the Goryeo period. The temple's Dharma Hall serves as the main venue for several Buddhist events, holding rituals, lectures, and ceremonies all year long. The annual lantern festival in celebration of Buddhist's birthday also takes place at this temple.
Since Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed on Tuesday, you will visit Deoksugung Palace and History Museum instead. Deoksugung Palace, another palace of the “Five Grand Palaces” in the Joseon Dynasty, is also famous for its Changing of Guard ceremony. The History Museum is also another alternative for National Folk Museum on Tuesday as the vestiges from the prehistoric era to modern Seoul are on display and the landscape of Seoul is recreated from when it was the capital of the Joseon Dynasty.
