Seoul is a city that seamlessly combines ancient traditions with cutting-edge modernity. Its streets are filled with stories that span centuries, from royal palaces and traditional hanok villages to bustling markets and neon-lit streets. What makes Seoul stand out as a destination for city tours is the city’s incredible diversity—each corner offers something unique, whether it’s the grandeur of Gyeongbokgung Palace or the buzz of K-pop filming locations. We especially appreciate tours like the Seoul: City Highlights, Palace Tour, and Optional Hanbok (link), which offers an immersive experience into Korea’s royal history and culture.
Seoul’s variety of tours caters to different interests and schedules—whether you prefer a half-day city walk, a private full-day exploration, an evening hike, or even ghost stories. The city’s rich layers mean you can tailor your experience: history, modern culture, street food, or pop culture. Below, you’ll find a carefully curated list of the 15 best city tours in Seoul, each with a focus on what makes them special and why they’re worth your time.
1. Seoul: City Highlights, Palace Tour, and Optional Hanbok
At number one, this guided walking tour offers a deep dive into Seoul’s royal past with visits to Gyeongbokgung Palace, where you can witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, and the charming Bukchon Hanok Village. For an authentic photo op, you can try on a Hanbok—the traditional Korean dress—either with or without the full outfit included (link). Along the way, enjoy local snacks and learn about Korea’s history through artifacts at the National Museum.
What makes this tour special is the mix of culture and historical insight, topped with the optional Hanbok experience, which adds a fun, colorful element. With a 4.9-star rating from over 700 reviews, travelers love the friendly guides and tasty snacks. The highlight for many is seeing the palace’s ceremonial guards in action. This tour is perfect if you want a well-rounded introduction to Seoul’s historic core without feeling rushed.
Bottom Line: If history and culture are your priorities, and you enjoy interactive experiences, this guided walk offers excellent value at just $56 per person.
2. Seoul City Private Full-Day Tour Including Lunch
Number two on our list is a private, all-day exploration of Seoul’s most iconic sights (link). For around $220, your party gets a dedicated guide and vehicle, making it easy to customize your itinerary. You’ll visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village, and enjoy a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant.
This tour offers a perfect balance of historical sites and local neighborhoods. Highlights include witnessing the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony, exploring Insadong’s art and crafts, and viewing Seoul from the N Seoul Tower. Several guests mention how flexible and fluent their guides were, tailoring the day to their interests. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a comprehensive, comfortable introduction to Seoul in just one day.
Bottom Line: For those who prefer a private, personalized experience, this tour combines convenience and depth, making it a top choice for first-time visitors who want to see a lot without stress.
3. Seoul: Dark Side of the City and Ghost Stories Walking Tour
Number three is a nighttime ghost walk that explores Seoul’s spooky stories and hidden alleys (link). This 1.5 to 2.5-hour adventure takes you through haunted spots where strange phenomena have been reported, with folklore and true crime tales told by an engaging guide.
Guests who enjoy a thrill will love the atmospheric storytelling and the chance to see Seoul’s landmarks in a different light. The tour’s highlights include stories of paranormal encounters and visits to iconic, yet mysterious, landmarks. Reviewers acclaim the guide’s storytelling skills and how the tour makes Seoul’s darker history come alive. If you’re into the supernatural or want a fun twist on your city exploration, this tour hits the mark.
Bottom Line: A perfect choice for adventurous spirits seeking a different perspective on Seoul’s history, priced affordably at $39 per person.
4. Special City Night Tour
Number four is a evening tour that captures Seoul’s city lights and vibrant nightlife (link). For about $150, you’ll see landmarks like Deoksu Palace, walk along the Cheonggyecheon Stream, and take in spectacular views from N Seoul Tower. The drive through Seoul’s bustling streets offers a glance at the city’s energetic atmosphere after dark.
Guests love the panoramic city views from N Seoul Tower and the relaxed stroll along the stream. The tour’s flexibility and the opportunity to see Seoul in a different mood make it popular. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy evening scenery and don’t mind a few hours of sightseeing after sunset.
Bottom Line: If you want to experience Seoul’s night scene with scenic vistas in a comfortable setting, this tour offers excellent value at $150.
5. Private Seoul City Tour
Number five is a fully private, customizable full-day tour (link). For $210, you get a dedicated guide, private vehicle, and the freedom to pick your sites—whether that’s Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon, or N Seoul Tower. Your guide will tailor the day to your interests, including options like shopping at Gwangjang Market or visiting Naksan Park.
Guests highlight how this tour’s flexibility allowed them to focus on personal interests like history or shopping, making it well-suited for travelers with specific priorities. The reviews praise the expert guidance and the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a personalized adventure, this tour balances comfort with the freedom to craft your perfect day in Seoul.
6. Seoul: City Highlights eBike Tour
Number six is an eBike tour that covers Seoul’s highlights in just three hours (link). This active option allows you to glide past Cheonggyecheon, Gwanghwamun, and the Royal Palace, with stops to enjoy traditional snacks and take photos.
Reviewers love the easy electric bikes and how they make covering a lot of ground manageable. The tour’s mix of city sights and cultural stops makes it appealing for active travelers who prefer a faster-paced experience. The guide’s knowledge about Seoul’s landmarks enhances the visit.
Bottom Line: If you prefer a quick, energetic overview of Seoul with scenic stops, this tour offers excellent value at $98.
7. Free Style Private Tour (Essence of Seoul or DMZ)
Number seven is a fully bespoke private tour, allowing you to select your favorite sites or include a DMZ visit (link). For around $195, you get a flexible 7 to 8-hour experience with a private guide and vehicle.
Guests praise the customizable approach, which lets them focus on history, culture, or even a trip to the DMZ. The guide’s flexibility and insider knowledge help create a personalized, memorable day. Many reviews mention how well the guide tailored the day to their interests.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want total control over their itinerary, especially those interested in history and the DMZ.
8. Seoul: Guided City Wall Sunset Hike with Korean Dinner
Number eight is an evening hike through Naksan Park, combined with a traditional Korean dinner (link). Over about 3 hours, you’ll walk along sections of Seoul’s ancient fortress wall, watch the sunset, and enjoy panoramic views.
Guests love the scenic walk and the chance to see Seoul’s skyline from the hillside. The guide’s friendly style makes the hike engaging, and the dinner provides a satisfying conclusion. Many mention how quiet and atmospheric the park is at sunset.
Bottom Line: If you enjoy outdoor activities and beautiful vistas, this scenic evening tour offers a memorable experience for about $68.
9. Seoul City Half Day Tour – Gyeongbok Palace Guard Changing Ceremony
Number nine is a half-day morning tour focusing on Gyeongbokgung Palace and Jogyesa Temple (link). For just $38, you’ll witness the Changing of the Guard and learn about Korean traditions through your guide.
Guests enjoy the concise itinerary that hits major sites efficiently. The guard ceremony is a highlight, and the guide’s storytelling enhances the experience. It’s perfect for travelers with limited time but who still want a taste of Seoul’s history.
Bottom Line: An affordable, quick introduction to Seoul’s royal and spiritual sites, ideal for travelers with tight schedules.
10. Full Day- Essential Seoul City Tour & Gourmet Tour (including Lunch and Dinner)
Number ten offers a comprehensive, full-day city and food tour (link). For $289, it combines visits to Gyeongbokgung, Insadong, Gwangjang Market, and Tongin Market, with included lunch and dinner.
Guests rave about the diverse cultural experiences and the chance to sample traditional Korean dishes. The tour’s schedule is packed but well-organized, making it ideal for first-time visitors looking for a complete overview with culinary delights.
Bottom Line: For a full immersion into Seoul’s sights and flavors, this tour delivers excellent value, especially with all meals included.
11. Seoul: City Highlights Private Tour with Pickup and Drop-off
Number eleven boasts a private, flexible day exploring Seoul’s top spots (link). For $165, you choose your departure time and sites, with a licensed guide and vehicle at your disposal.
Many reviewers mention how the guide’s local insights and ability to adapt made a big difference. You can customize stops like Namsan, Bukchon, or even venture outside the city to Nami Island or DMZ.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking tailored experiences with maximum comfort, especially those with specific interests or limited time.
12. Seoul: City Full Day Tour – Changdeok Palace (wearing Hanbok)
Number twelve provides an immersive cultural experience with a Hanbok dress-up (link). For just $99, you start with a Hanbok photoshoot, then visit Changdeokgung Palace and **Bukchon Hanok Village.
Many guests find the Hanbok experience adds a fun, memorable touch to the visit, and the guide’s detailed explanations make the history come alive. The tour includes shopping at markets and tasting local treats, offering a well-rounded day.
Bottom Line: For travelers who want culture and photo opportunities, this tour balances tradition and sightseeing beautifully.
13. Seoul City Tour: Gyeongbok Palace, N Tower & Local Market
Number thirteen is a compact tour combining Gyeongbokgung, Namsan Tower, and Insadong (link). Priced at $69, it’s designed for quick but meaningful sightseeing with cultural stops and a chance to shop.
Guests appreciate how this tour packs in a lot of key sights in a short time, making it perfect for travelers with limited schedules who still want a full overview. The changing of the guard and the art market are highlights.
Bottom Line: If time is tight but you want a taste of Seoul’s royal, scenic, and shopping scenes, this tour offers solid value.
14. Private Airport Transfer: Seoul to Incheon
Number fourteen is a comfortable, private transfer service (link). For $98, you get a clean, air-conditioned van that handles up to five people, with pickup flexible in time.
Reviews mention punctuality and comfort, making this an ideal way to avoid the stress of last-minute taxis, especially when traveling with luggage. It’s a simple, practical way to end or start your trip.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers prioritizing convenience and comfort, especially those arriving or departing from Incheon Airport.
15. Private K-pop Boyband Location Tour from Seoul City
Number fifteen is a customized K-pop filming sites tour that takes fans behind the scenes at BTS filming locations (link). For $230, visit Seoul Forest, Laundry Pizza, and other hotspots, with plenty of time for photos.
Reviews highlight how guides are passionate about BTS and share insider stories, which makes this tour a must for K-pop fans. It’s a fun way to see Seoul through the lens of pop culture, with personalized touches.
Bottom Line: If BTS or K-pop is your thing, this tour offers a unique experience with the chance to visit famous filming spots and take memorable photos.
How to Choose Your Perfect Seoul City Tour
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, interest level, and time constraints. If you’re short on time but want a quick overview, options like the Seoul City Half Day Tour or the City Highlights & Night Tour could be ideal. For culture, try the Hanbok Palace Tour or the Full Day Traditional & Cultural Experience.
Travelers keen on personalized experiences should opt for private tours (link) or the Bespoke Private Tour (link). For those interested in pop culture, the K-pop Location Tour (link) is unbeatable.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons like spring and fall, to secure your preferred dates and guides.
Seoul offers a diverse array of tours that cater to history lovers, culture seekers, night owls, and K-pop fans alike. Whether you want a quick snapshot or an in-depth exploration, you’ll find an experience that makes your visit memorable. For a balanced mix of culture, history, and fun, the private full-day tours and cultural experiences stand out as excellent choices. For an adventurous twist, ghost walks and sunset hikes add a touch of excitement. Whatever your interest, early booking will ensure you don’t miss out on these top-rated Seoul adventures.