Your day will start with a guided tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the most beautiful and largest of the five palaces. You will watch the Palace Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, a unique and special ceremony at the palace.
Hanok is a traditional Korean house built with natural materials like wood and soil. It features a unique heating system called Ondol
Bugak Palgakjeong, also known as the Bugak Pavilion, you'll be captivated by the stunning panoramic views of Seoul. This tranquil pavilion is nestled on the slopes of Bugaksan Mountain, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling city below. Take some time to absorb the beauty of the landscape and capture some incredible photographs.
Cheongha Korea Ginseng: Ginseng was first mentioned in ‘Ji Jiu Zhang’ during China’s Han dynasty as an herb widely used in the East for many diseases and ailments. It has been regarded as a panacea, or cure-all. Studies show that Korean ginseng performs best in terms of adaptogenic properties.
Time for lunch at your own expense is provided in Gwangjang Market, the nation’s first market. Although the goods are not brand name products, the wide selection of high-quality goods at inexpensive prices will make it an enjoyable shopping experience. The market is famous for the delicious foods so have lunch or some snacks. After lunch, afternoon tour starts.
The War Memorial of Korea is a museum established in 1994. The museum encourages reflection on preventing war through lessons from the Korean War and offers hope for the reunification of North and South Korea.
Jogyesa Temple is the chief temple of the Jogye Order, which represents Korean Buddhism. It promotes a society where people live together and embody the spirit of the Bodhisattva. Also, the temple is a historic site that has lived through the turbulent modern history of Korea.
Tapgol Park is a public park that lies at the centre of Seoul, near Insadong. It was here in 1919 where the March 1st Korean Independence Movement began. This movement called for the independence of Korea from Japanese rule. The park is also briefly featured in Squid Game Season 2 episode 1 “Bread and Lottery.” In the scene, the recruiter passes out lottery tickets and bread to the homeless there before stamping down the remaining bread.
The tour is scheduled to conclude at Myeongdong Cathedral, located near Myeong-dong Station.
(Some pictures provided by KTO and STO)
