At a Glance

Price
$39 – $97
typical (median $65)
From $12 to $500
Reviews
4.88
12,000+ reviews
Themes
  • Culture 92%
  • History 77%
  • Photo 19%
Duration
2 – 10 hrs
  • Short <2h 1
  • Half-day 2-6h 15
  • Full-day 6-10h 16
Best for
Newcomer-friendly
  • Culture-lovers 65%
  • Families 62%
  • Couples 35%
Tour types
  • Day-trip 21
  • Half-day 5

Jay's Top Picks

The standout Seoul Palace Tours, hand-picked and reviewed by our team.

Budget Pick
⭐ 4.9 · 64 reviews⏱ 3h 30m
At $29, this is the cheapest full guided palace tour on the comparison page, undercutting most competitors in $33 to $80 range. Under $30, you get to experience Bukchon's traditional charm and watch Gyeongbokgung's iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony. The itinerary ends at Seoul's oldest market, where you can feast on Korean delicacies, at your own cost, of course. An excellent budget pick with a near-perfect 4.9-star rating.
$29.00/person
Book on Viator ↗
⭐ 4.9 · 3,588 reviews⏱ 8h
With 4.9 stars and 3,588 reviews, this is the most booked palace tour in Seoul on the comparison page. 98% of travelers have recommended the experience, praising its pickup experience, well-organized itinerary, and thoughtful guided service. At $64, you get to experience both traditional and modern sides of Seoul.
$64.00/person
Book on Viator ↗
Top Rated
Half Day, Small Group (Bukchon)
⭐ 5.0 · 1,689 reviews⏱ 4h
With a perfect 5-star rating across 1,689 reviews, this is clearly a top-rated guided palace tour in Seoul. Travelers frequently praise its guides for being knowledgeable and delivering exceptional value. The inclusion of the Bugak Skyway is a standout feature, transforming a standard palace itinerary into a scenic journey. At $39, the experience is affordably priced while offering a comprehensive mix of history, culture, and scenery.
$39.00/person
Book on Viator ↗
Distinctive Pick
⭐ 4.8 · 991 reviews⏱ 4h
The only Hanbok-centered experience on the comparison page, this is more than your average hanbok rental. At $12.05, the package covers hanbok petticoats, headbands, and Korean braided headband hairstyle. The store's excellent location is another highlight, making it easily accesible to Changdeokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Gyeongbokgung Palace.
$12.05/person
Book on Klook ↗

Compare All Seoul Palace Tours

Every tour option, organized by combination. Scroll horizontally within each category to compare prices and details.

Single Destination

Half-Day Seoul Palace Tour (6 options)
Full-Day Seoul Palace Tour (5 options)
Seoul Night Tour (3 options)

2 Destinations Combo

Gyeongbokgung Palace + Special Experience (3 options)
Gyeongbokgung Palace + Seoul Tower (2 options)
Gyeongbokgung Palace + DMZ (1 option)

3 Destinations Combo

Gyeongbokgung Palace + Folk Museum + Temple (2 options)

Frequently Asked Questions

Are palace tours in Seoul worth it?
We absolutely recommend guided palace tours in Seoul for first-time visitors and for those generally interested in the history behind royal palaces. Led by an expert, these tours are the best value experiences, worth purchasing over visiting independently.
Can I visit palaces in Seoul without a tour?
Yes, you don't have to purchase a guided tour to enter palaces in Seoul, although they are a plus for seeking deeper historical context. You can simply purchase tickets online or on the day of the visit.
How much is the palace tour in Seoul?
Guided palace tours in Seoul generally cost between $30 and $100 per person, while private experiences are slightly expensive, ranging between $100 and $500. If you prefer to visit independently, the entrance fee is roughly between $1 and $3 among five palaces.
What is included in a palace tour in Seoul?
Standard palace tours typically include round-trip transportation and visits to multiple sites like Bukchon Hanok Village, Jogyeosa Temple, and the Folk Museum. Most tours also include a hanbok rental, occasionally as an add-on.
Do I need to pay for a hanbok rental separately?
Usually no, as the prices of standard tour packages typically cover the cost of a hanbok rental. Some tours explicitly state a hanbok experience as an add-on, which visitors can select while booking a palace tour.
Are there special guided tours for night visits or seasonal events?
Yes, many OTAs offer special moonlight or nighttime guided palace tours, which we've compared under the "Seoul Night Tour" category. Limited-time seasonal tours are usually available during spring and autumn, coinciding with the event calendar of royal palaces.
Do I need to book a Seoul palace tour in advance, or can I join one on-site?
We highly recommend you book Seoul palace tours at least 2-3 days in advance, especially if you are planning to visit Changdeokgung Palace’s Secret Garden. Joining one on-site might be challenging, as guided tours are usually full.
Which palace tour should I choose from among Seoul's five palaces?
Gyeongbokgung Palace tours are generally the most-booked tours among first-time visitors, followed by Changdeokgung Palace and Deoksugung Palace tours. If you prefer a less-crowded experience, your answer is Changgyeonggung Palace tours.
Are the palaces in Seoul wheelchair accessible?
Among five royal palaces, Gyeongbokgung Palace is the most wheelchair-friendly, with palace grounds having ramps over steps and ledges. Deoksugung and Changdeokgung palaces also have ramps and accessible paths. That said, you must be prepared for rough cobblestone paths and steep slopes in all palaces.
Do I need to book a city highlights tour, or can I purchase a palace tour only in Seoul?
You do not need to book a comprehensive city highlights tour; you can purchase a palace-specific tour separately. City highlights tours are best if you want to combine palace visits with other sightseeing.

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