Gwanghwamun Square: Our most recommended tours and activities

Seoul: Dark Side of the City and Ghost Stories Walking Tour

1. Seoul: Dark Side of the City and Ghost Stories Walking Tour

Prepare yourself for the creepiest, historically accurate, and frighteningly bone-chilling tales. Korea has a unique history that will suck you in. You will see places where bloody massacres occurred. You will walk under a bridge that carries a dark sinister secret. You will encounter three of Seoul's five palaces and learn the secrets about one of them that even Seoulites do not know. Your tour will be led by a historian who will tell you the dark side of Korean history including Prince Suyang's slaughter of his nephew's men and the massacre at the site where Korea's first Western hospital was at. Tales in Japanese Colonial times will be shared while walking in royal palaces. The itinerary extends to other parts of Seoul such as Nagwon-dong and Chenggyecheon Stream. Hear modern urban legends, true crime events, and quirky secrets of buildings that the local government would prefer you did not know. You might actually meet a ghost so do not be too surprised. Some tales may be too violent or sexual for minors. Parents please be advised. You will get a basic orientation of Seoul’s layout and see many sites including the three of five palaces, the Cheonggyecheon Stream, Tapgol Park, the Insa-dong neighborhood, Seoul City Hall, and the iconic Gwanghwamun Square. Your guide is an invaluable source of information and full tips about other places to see and eat. There will be restroom breaks and opportunities to have beverages and snacks. If you want to explore the dark back alleys and secret spots filled with horror, take the "Premium Tour" for extended and exclusive story-sharing.

Seoul: Market Food Tour & Evening Ebike Ride

2. Seoul: Market Food Tour & Evening Ebike Ride

Ride a secret route downtown to the Famous and Hidden Bukcheon Hanok Village, Changdeokgung Palace, and Gwanghwamun Square, and Gyungbokgung royal palace gate. Stop by the famous Gwangjang street food market and Ikseongdong village. You will love the food tasting at Gwangjang market! Receive an e-bike fitting in the heart of the city of Seoul. Go through a confidence-building practice ride on the bike lanes beside the Cheongyecheon river. Start your adventure by crisscrossing the river on exciting back streets and alleys used to avoid traffic as far back as the Joseon Kingdom. Stop by the trendy Hanok village of Ikseongdong to see what it's all about. Bike on to the world-famous Gwangjang market to sample Korean street food and maybe find a souvenir. There are a lot of foods you can taste of. Exploring Korean local food will let you understand Korean culture better. If a vegetarian/vegan option is required, please do let us know! Ride up to the Bukchon Hanok Village. Don't worry, the ride up the hill is effortless on your stylish e-bikes, the air will cool as you climb, and you will be able to see N-tower from the top of the Bukchon Hanok Village. Stop at every observation deck along the way for the epic panoramic views. Gwanghwamun Square and Gyungbokgung royal palace gate will give you a special city night view of Seoul and Joseon Kingdom.

From Seoul: 5D4N All Over Korea, UNESCO, Culture & Nature

3. From Seoul: 5D4N All Over Korea, UNESCO, Culture & Nature

Embark on an unforgettable 5-day journey through Korea's rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. Departing from Seoul's Gwanghwamun, your adventure begins in Gongju, where you'll explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Tomb of King Muryeong and Gongsanseong Fortress. Then, immerse yourself in traditional Korean culture in Jeonju, staying near the charming Hanok Village. Day two takes you to Gwangju, the birthplace of Korea's modern democratic movement. Pay your respects at the May 18th National Cemetery before heading to Suncheon to visit the stunning Suncheon Bay Garden. The day concludes in the port city of Yeosu, where you'll walk the historic path of Admiral Yi Sun-sin. On the third day, you'll visit the Jinjuseong Fortress, historically linked to the Japanese invasion in 1592. Then, it's off to Busan, where you'll explore the city's largest seafood market, Jagalchi Fish Market, and take in the views at Haeundae Beach and Dongbaek Park. The day ends in Gyeongju, where you'll check into your hotel. Day four is filled with UNESCO sites. Start with the Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju, then head to Andong Hahoe Village, a living museum of Joseon Dynasty architecture and culture. The day concludes in Pyeongchang, where you'll check into your hotel for some leisure time. The final day of your tour takes you to Mt. Seorak National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Preservation District. Marvel at the jade-like water flowing through the valleys and the peaks breaking through the clouds. Optionally, take a cable car to Gwongeumseong fortress for an even more spectacular view. The tour concludes with a transfer back to Seoul. This tour is a perfect blend of history, culture, and nature, offering a comprehensive and immersive Korean experience. Book now and create memories that will last a lifetime! Full itinerary as below:Day1: Donghwa Duty-Free Shop Building, Gwanghwamun, Seoul→ Depart to Gongju / Visit The Tomb of King Muryeong (UNESCO)→ Gongsanseong Fortress (UNESCO)→ Depart to Jeonju→ Hotel check-in,close by Jeonju Hanok Village Hotel: Jeonju Ramada hotel or similar Day2: Breakfast at hotel → Transfer to Gwangju, birthplace of Korea's democratic movement→ Visit May 18th National Cemetery → Suncheon Bay Garden→ Yeosu and Historic Site of Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s Path→ Hotel check-in Hotel: Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Yeosu or similar Day3: Breakfast at hotel → Jinjuseong Fortress – Chokseoknu edifice→ Move to Busan→ Jagalchi Fish Market, Busan’s largest seafood market→ Haeundae Beach and Dongbaek Park Tour→ Gyeongju→ Hotel check-in Hotel: Gyeongju Commodore Hotel or similar Day4: Breakfast at hotel → Seokguram Grotto (UNESCO), visit the beautiful temple and heritage→ Bulguksa Temple(UNESCO) → Andong Hahoe Folk Village(UNESCO), preserved Joseon Dynasty's ancient housing (Visit by Queen Elizabeth II)→ Pyeongchang → Hotel check-in Hotel: Ramada Hotel PyeongChang or similar Day5: Breakfast at hotel → Pyeongchang→ Mt. Seorak National Park (UNESCO), Korea's most famous national park (Could be skipped in OCT)→ Biosphere Preservation District → Cable car to Gwongeumseong Fortress (Optional for Shinheungsa temple)→ Gwanghwamun, Seoul at 17:00 PM

Seoul: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jogyesa Temple, and Cheongwadae

4. Seoul: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jogyesa Temple, and Cheongwadae

Spend the day exploring the best of Seoul, with your experienced guide. Stroll through the Insadong area, known for traditional goods and cafes. Listen as your guide describes historical stories of Korea. Learn about Hanguel, the alphabetic system used for writing the Korean language. Start your tour from Jogyesa Temple, the head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, and discover the history of the temple. Continue to Gwanghwamun Square and see the statues of King Sejong the Great, and Admiral Yi Sun-sin.  Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, established in 1395 as the main palace in the Joseon Dynasty. Walk under Gwanghwamun, the main gates of the palace. Take some time to look around the palace and admire the architecture.  Lastly, head to Bukchon and marvel at the traditional Hanok houses in the village.

Seoul: Deoksugung Palace History Odyssey Walking Tour

5. Seoul: Deoksugung Palace History Odyssey Walking Tour

Experience the historical wonders of Seoul seamlessly with the option of group or private tours, both expertly guided to bring the past to life. Your adventure includes tickets to three captivating destinations: Deoksugung Palace, Gwanghwamun Square, and Jeongdong-gil. Throughout the journey, immerse yourself in the rich heritage and stories that have shaped Korean history, as your expert guide provides live commentary. Begin your journey with a visit to Deoksugung Palace, a historic gem established in 1395 during the Joseon Dynasty. Delve into the legacy of the Joseon Dynasty's five-century reign, gaining insights into its profound impact on Korean society. Admire the grand architecture while absorbing fascinating stories that vividly depict the palace's historical significance. Continue your exploration at Gwanghwamun Square, a central hub of Seoul with immense cultural importance. Uncover the stories behind the grand statues and monuments, each representing pivotal moments in Korea's history. This part of the tour offers a deeper understanding of the country's progress and the cherished ideals that define its cultural landscape. As you progress, delve into authentic Korean culture and the societal changes that have shaped the nation's identity. Gain insights into the social systems and issues that have influenced Korea's evolution from ancient times to the present. This comprehensive tour not only showcases the urban landscapes of Seoul but also provides a nuanced understanding of the challenges and perspectives that have defined the Korean experience throughout history.

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What people are saying about Gwanghwamun Square

The location of the meeting was pretty easy to find. It was my first time ever using a subway and it was pretty easy! Just take the green line if your meeting location is in Anugk. If you stay in Lotte city Myeongdong, the ending location is only 16 minutes away. Not that many picturesque places, but it was really cool walking Seoul at night and going down alleys you wouldn’t really go through as a normal tourist.

This was an incredible tour which was thoroughly enjoyable, entertaining and informative. The tour guide, Shawn, was very engaging and he had clearly done huge amounts of research. The weather couldn’t have been better either - thunder and lightning right on cue for dramatic effect! I would also recommend staying on for the extended tour - well worth it. Really superb tour! Thanks so much Shawn! Cheers Ross

Shawn was a fantastic guide & the tour was fun and interesting. the walk wasn't challenging and the overall atmosphere was amazing. Absolutely would go again!

Amazing tour and guide! I highly recommend this tour to those who love ghost stories, folklore and history.

Joe was amazing! Definitely worth going on especially around Halloween time!