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#Seoul Guided Walking Tour Recommended Course

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THE 10 BEST Seoul Walking Tours

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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Secret Food Tours Seoul w/ Private Tour Option

2. Seoul: Palace, Temple and Market Guided Foodie Tour at Night

3. Full-day Customizable Private Seoul Highlight Tour

4. Seoul City Full Day Tour-Gyeongbok Palace, Seoul Tower, Insadong

5. Seoul Half Day Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private

6. The Award-Winning PRIVATE Food Tour of Seoul: The 10 Tastings

7. Drinking and Eating through the Alleys of Seoul

8. Seoul moonlight walking tour with local historian

9. Let’s Sauna and Eat like Koreans! : #1 Private Tour

10. Premium Private DMZ Tour & (Suspension Bridge or N-Tower) include lunch

11. Best Walking Tour to Gyeongbok Palace n Bukchon with Expert

12. Immersive Korean BBQ, Market, and Secret Pub Experience in Seoul

13. Seoul Private Food Tour : LETS GET FED!!

14. Seoul : Sindang-dong Occult Tour

15. Free style private Tour(Essence of Seoul city or DMZ)

16. Gangnam Walking Tour on Youth and Society in Seoul Korea

17. [Premium Private Tour] Mt Seorak & East Sea or Nami island from Seoul

18. Seoul: Han River Guided Night Cruise and Hangang Park Picnic

19. Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Seoul Private Walking Tour

20. Rare Chance : Korea's White House Walking Tour

21. The Seoul Pub Crawl [official]

22. Seoul: City Highlights and Historical Experience No Shopping

23. DMZ TOUR with Exclusive North Korean Defector Meet-Up

24. Seoraksan National Park Ulsanbawi Hiking from Seoul

25. Seoul Highlights & Hidden Gems Tours by Locals: Private + Custom

26. Evening Ghost Walking Tour in Seoul

27. Seoul Art Tour with a Local Expert: 100% Personalized & Private

28. Street Food Fiesta in Namdaemun Market

29. Korea's Divide: DMZ & Defector Experience

30. Seoul Pub Crawl by Absolute

What travellers are saying.

• Maritza M Seoul, South Korea 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun evening! This should have been the first thing to do in Seoul, a nice evening to get to know the “food culture” in Seoul. So much to eat and no idea what or where? This tour will introduce you to delicious dishes in a very friendly and fun atmosphere… at least that was my experience, thanks a lot!!!! Read more Review of: Immersive Korean BBQ, Market, and Secret Pub Experience in Seoul Written 16 April 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Best DMZ Tour Korea from Seoul (Red Suspension Bridge Optional)
• Korea DMZ Tour from Seoul-Hotel Pickup /option: Suspension Bridge
• Seoul: Palace, Temple and Market Guided Foodie Tour at Night
• Secret Food Tours Seoul w/ Private Tour Option
• Seoul City Full Day Tour-Gyeongbok Palace, Seoul Tower, Insadong
• KOREA TOUR (DMZ TOUR)
• Korealinx Corporation
• Capture Korea
• Koridoor Tours
• Delectable Travels
• MySeoulTrip
• ZenKimchi Experiences
• We Ride Korea
• Seoul Free Walking Tour

Seoul Walking Tours

Gwanghwamun Square is considered the center of Seoul. This walking tour will take you through the Central Government Complex as you walk past plazas, sculptures, streams, waterfalls, statues, government buildings, gates, and palaces. This tour will give the first time visitor to Seoul a better understanding of the city and an idea of the layout and history and future of Seoul.

Last Updated on Jul 6, 2023

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Free Walking Tours in Seoul, South Korea

If you plan to visit Seoul, consider taking a free walking tour to learn more about the city.

In addition to all the pay-what-you-wish options, this post will cover some paid sightseeing tours.

• History & Highlights
• Food & Pub Crawls
• Evening & Ghost Tours

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Free walking tours are guided tours offered in many cities around the world, where the guide charges no upfront cost.

Instead, participants pay what they feel the time was worth at the end, usually as a tip to the guide.

In Seoul, South Korea, these free walking tours provide a rich and affordable way to explore the city's vibrant culture and history.

Lasting typically 2 to 3 hours, these tours are led by friendly and knowledgeable guides who share fascinating stories about Seoul's past and present.

Tipping the guide, usually around $10-$20, is customary as per your satisfaction with the tour.

There are many tours to choose from, each with a unique focus.

For instance, history tours delve into Seoul's past; food and pub crawls introduce you to local cuisine and nightlife; ghost tours reveal eerie tales, and evening tours showcase the city's beauty after dark.

Each tour offers a unique lens to experience the multifaceted charm of Seoul.

Why trust us?

Free Tours by Foot has been an authority on name-your-own-price tours and budget travel for more than a decade.

Team member and tour guide, Canden Arciniega, lived in Seoul for a year teaching English at PSA in Bundang. An avid traveler, she spent weekends and holidays exploring the South Korean capital's hiking trails, temples, and festivals.

She lived off dakkochi (popular street chicken skewers) and spent a lot of time shopping in Myeong-dong.

Seoul History Tours

Seoul history tours offer a captivating journey through time, tracing the city's evolution from its origins as a 14th-century capital to the bustling metropolis we see today.

It's an enlightening experience that allows you to see Seoul through a historical lens, making your visit all the more enriching.

Notable attractions often included on these tours are the grand Gyeongbokgung Palace, the traditional Bukchon Hanok Village, and the bustling Insadong Street, each telling a unique story of Seoul's vibrant history.

These tours provide a deeper appreciation of the city beyond its bustling modern facade.

MorTours offers a 2.5 hour free walking tour of the Gwanghwamun and Jongno-gu area covering main sites such as:

• Gyeongbokgung Palace
• Dawon Tea House

The tour runs almost daily at 11:30 am.

BOOK A SPOT HERE

Mark’s Tours

Mark’s tour is an immersive journey through Seoul's rich history.

Join for a Free Walking Tour of Gangnam, one of the richest areas in Seoul and South Korea. Learn about the history of Gangnam and its present-day story. This tour goes over history of Korea, Seoul, Gangnam and modern life in Korea.

Learn why South Korea is the plastic surgery capital of the world. Hear some fun facts and stories about modern Korea. 

The attractions covered on this tour are:

• Bongeunsa temple 
• COEX Mall Library 
• Statue of "Gangnam Style"  mega-hit song
• Samseong Food and Culture Street
• Seolleung and Jeongneung Royal Tombs

The tour guide also shares personal recommendations for nightlife, restaurants, and other activities in Seoul. 

• Duration: 2.5 hours

MORTOURS immerses you in the city's vibrant blend of traditional and modern culture.

The tour explores the Gwanghwamun and Jongno-gu area, featuring highlights like Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jogye-sa Temple, and the hipster neighborhood of Sik Mool. 

It is a free payment tour, meaning you can decide how much to tip the guide at the end.

The meeting point is next to the Gyeongbokgung main gate.

• Availability: Daily
• Starting time: 10:30 A.M.
• Book Your Tour or Learn More

Seoul Free Tour

The "Seoul Free Tour" offered by Civitatis is an ideal way to discover the city's most prominent sights.

This tour starts at 11:30 a.m. from the City Hall subway station and takes you on a journey through Seoul's history, visiting several notable landmarks along the way.

It lasts approximately 2 hours and ends at the residential palace of Changdeokgung.

Note: You need to make reservations up to 24 hours in advance.

• Duration: 2 hours
• Starting time: 11:30 PM

Seoul Food Tours and Pub Crawls

Seoul food tours and pub crawls are a fun way to try the city's wide range of tasty foods.

These tours are a must for food lovers. They let you try traditional Korean cuisine, including Bibimbap, Kimchi, and Korean BBQ. 

At the same time, pub crawls introduce visitors to the vibrant nightlife and popular local drinks like Soju and Makgeolli.

These experiences not only satisfy your taste buds but also offer insights into Seoul's food culture and history.

NOTE: Unfortunately, there are not currently any free pub crawls or food tours in Seoul.

Seoul Pub Crawl

The "Seoul Pub Crawl" is a lively and safe way to experience Seoul's vibrant nightlife.

It takes you to four different bars and clubs in the popular areas of Itaewon and Hongdae. 

Participants receive free entry to all venues and three or more free shots.

It's an excellent opportunity to socialize, dance, and enjoy the city's party scene with locals and fellow travelers.

• Duration: 5 hours
• Starting time: 8:00 PM
• Price: US$ 25 per person
• Age limit: 19-45
• Availability: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday

Secret Food Tour

The "Secret Food Tour Seoul" is a 3-hour guided walking tour that lets you savor the city's culinary delights. 

This tour takes you through one of Seoul's oldest and largest food markets, where you can sample a variety of dishes, including Mung Bean Pancakes, Korean Dumplings, Ttteokkbokki, and a special secret dish. 

The tour also includes a stroll around a traditional Hanok village and ends with a serene tea experience in a hidden teahouse.

• Duration: 3 hours
• Starting time: 10:00 A.M.
• US$ 93 for Adults (Aged 14-99)
• US$ 80.26 for Children (Aged 3-13)
• US$ 0 for Infants (Aged 2 and younger)

Namdaemun Market Street Food Tour

The "Namdaemun Market Street Food Tour" is a 2.5-hour culinary adventure through Seoul's largest traditional market. 

This tour allows you to taste four types of street food: Noodle Soup, Dumplings, twisted bread sticks, and Skewered fish cake.

Walking through the bustling market, you'll learn about the importance of food in Korean culture and explore the market's famous Food Alley and Accessory Alley.

The tour begins at Haehyeon Station's exit 5 and does not include transportation or hotel pickup and drop-off.

• Starting time: 2:00 PM
• Availability: Daily except Sundays
• Price: US$ 51.62 per person 

Seoul Evening and Ghost Tours

Seoul's evening and ghost tours offer a unique perspective on the city, revealing its hidden stories and lesser-known aspects after sunset.

These tours are perfect for those seeking a thrilling exploration of Seoul's mysterious side, with ghost tours delving into eerie tales and legends that linger in the city's ancient alleys. 

On the other hand, evening tours showcase Seoul's lively nightlife and stunning illuminated landmarks, offering a different kind of beauty and charm that can only be experienced after dark. NOTE: At the moment, there are not any free evening or ghost tours offered in Seoul.

Nighttime Hidden Gems

The "Nighttime Hidden Gems Walking Tour" is a 2-hour guided exploration of Seoul's vibrant streets under the moonlight. 

A local historian leads this tour, taking you to unique spots like Seoul National University, Naksan Park, and the Hanyang City Wall. 

The tour offers a unique perspective on Korean society and culture. It ends with an optional Korean food and drink session (not included in the tour price). 

Note: This tour involves walking up a hill, so it may not suit those with mobility problems.

• Availability: Not available on Saturdays and Sundays 
• Price: US$ 23.82 per person

Palace, Temple, and Market Night Tour

This is a 3-hour exploration of Seoul's iconic landmarks under the starry sky.

It takes you to the illuminated Changgyeonggung Palace, the tranquil Jogyesa Temple adorned with enchanting lanterns, and the bustling Gwangjang Market, where you can savor traditional Korean food and Makgeolli (rice liquor). 

The tour also includes visits to the vibrant arts and culture hub of Daehangno and the picturesque Ikseon-dong Hanok Street. The meeting point is at Hyehwa Station Exit 4.

• Price: US$ 35.74 per person
• Availability: Daily except Mondays

Seoul Ghost Stories Tour

This tour is a 1.5 to 2.5-hour journey into the eerie side of Seoul.

It takes you through dark alleys and iconic landmarks, where you'll hear paranormal experiences, true crime stories, and dark tales from South Korea's history. 

A historian leads the tour and includes encounters with places where bloody massacres occurred and a bridge with a sinister secret.

Please note that participants must be at least 16 years old due to the violent and sexual content of some stories.

The meeting point may differ based on the option booked.

• Duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
• Price: US$ 39 per person
• Availability: Not available on Mondays and Thursdays

And much, much more

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7 Totally Free Walking Tours In Seoul

Kelly Hayes-Raitt

• Budget Travel
• Destinations
• South Korea
• Types of Travel

Nothing beats walking to find the soul of a city. So, when I visited Seoul, South Korea, in December 2019 while I was housesitting, I signed up for several walking tours — all of which were offered free of charge!

Some tours of the more traditional tourist sites are organized by the Seoul tourism offices, while some off-the-beaten-path tours are guided by Korean university students who want to practice their English, show off their favorite “hidden gems,” and earn a few won in tips.

There are actually about 60 free walking tours offered (29 are offered by the city of Seoul alone!), but here are seven to get you started. So, break out your sneakers and get ready to walk, stroll, climb, and savor Seoul!

Here are my favorite free walking tours:

1. Sky Park, Seafood Market, And Street Food Tour

Guided by 24-year-old art major Rim Jeonghye, this tour found me and fellow tourist Pierre, an American vacationing from teaching English in China, panting up 292 steps to Haneul Sky Park and its fabulous views of the Han River and Seoul’s towering skyline. A reclaimed landfill, the park is best known for its silver grass, which is celebrated during a festival every fall.

After working up an appetite, we headed to the extensive Mapo Agricultural and Marine Market. Pierre had heard that eating live octopus (called sannakji ) is a special Korean delicacy, so Rim led us to an octopus vendor who chopped up a small octopus and doused it with sesame oil. Since the dismembered tentacles were still wiggling on the plate, I passed.

Next up was a stroll through Mangwon Market, a local, non-touristy food market with raw and prepared foods. Rim knew every stall that offered free samples, so we had our own private — and free — street food tour!

Tip: Wear layers to shed as you hike up the stairs. And come hungry!

Additional Tour Info

Other free tours offered by TodaysFriend include guided walks around Dongdaemun Culture Park , the Ikseon-dong neighborhood , and Deoksu Palace and Seoul’s City Hall .

TodaysFriend.com | Sky Park Tour | [email protected]

2. Seochon Tour: Where Old Alleys Meet New Galleries

The City of Seoul offers 29 free walking tours conducted by trained volunteer guides featuring subjects from the healing arts to architecture. Visit palaces, gardens, traditional villages, royal tombs and more during these free two-hours tours.

I walked around Seochon , one of Seoul’s art-oriented neighborhoods, on a City of Seoul walking tour. Dotted with art galleries and trendy coffee shops, this hilly area features the Sangchonjae Hanok House, a refurbished traditional home with 19-century underfloor heating (called ondol , a feature still used today). My guide and I took a break at the base of the Suseongdong Valley before window-shopping along a boutique-lined alley.

Tip: Since these volunteer guides do not accept tips, treat them at a coffee shop. We stopped at an en-route cafe for the most sumptuous dark hot chocolate drinks!

Reservations must be made online at least three days in advance.

VisitSeoul.net | Seochon Tour | [email protected]

3. Gyeongbokgung Palace Tour

Built in 1395, the Gyeongbokgung Palace, whose name means “The Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven,” is nestled between Mount Bugaksan and Mount Namsan. Today, surrounded by high-rise office buildings, it stands as a monument to fortitude: The Palace has been destroyed and rebuilt three times.

There are many local tour companies that charge for their guided tours, but free English tours are offered at the palace three times each day at 11 a.m, 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. No reservations are necessary.

Tip: Deck yourself in hanbok (traditional Korean attire) from one of the nearby clothing rental shops and enter the palace grounds for free. Otherwise, the cost is 3,000 won (about $2.50).

See the Gyeongbokgung Palace Management Office’s official site .

4. Bukchon Tour: Where History Lives

Bukchon is a well-preserved neighborhood of hanok — traditional Korean homes — that are now a network of private residences, traditional craft workshops, guesthouses, cafes, tea houses, and boutiques. The Soul Free Walking Tour starts at the Bukchon Traditional Cultural Center , which is an actual hanok with rice paper doors and underfloor heating.

As we wandered the narrow streets, my three guides stopped for a street food treat and for photo ops at spectacular views over the gracefully up-turned arched roofs. We went on to Chung-Ang University , a former kindergarten that served as a secret meeting spot for Korean dissidents during the Japanese occupation.

Finally, we stopped at the Dong-Lim Knot Workshop , where I had the option for 7,000 won ($6) to create my own bracelet using traditional garakji knots. (It’s a lot harder than it looks!)

My guides — three smart, personable students studying microbiology, international relations, and fashion design — and I were having so much fun, we lunched at a traditional Korean restaurant.

Tip: Bukchon is hilly, so be prepared to climb. Also, these guides do not accept tips, so a coffee or street treat is appreciated!

Other free tours offered by Seoul Free Walking Tours include a political tour of the Gwanghwamun area to explore Korea under the Japanese occupation and a tour of Bongeunsa Temple to explore Korean Buddhism.

SeoulFreeWalkingTour.wixsite.com | Bukchon Tour | [email protected]

5. President’s Garden Tour

With at least three weeks’ notice, foreigners can schedule a tour of the Republic of South Korea’s President’s gardens outside Cheong Wa Dae, the official residency and administrative compound of the president and first lady.

Colloquially called the Blue House because of the shiny blue tiles that make up its roof, this is where cabinet meetings, receptions for state guests and diplomatic events take place. The one-hour tour covers Nokjiwon (the Green Grass Garden, which features a 170-year-old pine tree and is where public events are held), the site of the original Cheong Wa Dae building, and Yeong Bin Gwan (the State Guest House).

You must apply online and provide your passport information. Once approved, you will receive a confirmation email and code.

Tips: Remember to take your passport; you will be asked for it several times. But leave behind large bags and political leaflets. Also, read up on the Blue House before you go, as there are no live bilingual guides, although a brief English-language recorded audio guide is provided (free). I recommend listening to the audio guide before your tour (there are several minutes waiting in an auditorium before the tour starts).

Cheong Wa Dae, President’s Residence Official Web Page | [email protected]

6. Seodaemun Prison Tour

During a sobering tour offered by the university students volunteering with Seoul-Mate Tours, you can visit Seodaemun Prison. The prison was built by the Japanese during their occupation of Korea from 1910 to 1945 and was where 3,000 Korean freedom activists were tortured, imprisoned, and executed.

Four students led my tour, each explaining one section of the prison — and of Korea’s dark history under the occupation. Korean men were conscripted to serve in the Japanese Army and Korea’s women were conscripted to serve as sex slaves (or what the Japanese called “comfort women”). One of the students spoke about the experiences of her grandmother, who was forbidden from speaking Korean during the occupation and was forced to adopt a Japanese name.

Hangeul , the Korean alphabet, was outlawed, and highly educated Koreans wrote in Chinese; some of the prisoners’ Chinese-language correspondence is on display. In fact, some of the prisoners were poets who were arrested for writing in hangeul .

The tour is extensive, allowing visitors to go into isolation cells, to stand in coffin-like sensory deprivation boxes, and to enter into an execution chamber where prisoners were hung. The prison grounds also included factories where prisoners made their own uniforms and, later, supplies to support the Japanese war efforts.

Seoul-Mate offers 14 other walking tours — all less intense than this one — including walks through and around the National Hangeul Museum and the Seoul City Wall .

Tip: Again, these students do not accept tips, so treating them to coffee is not only appreciated, but a further opportunity for them to practice speaking English and for you to interact with these smart, well-traveled students.

Seoul-Mate.com | [email protected]

7. Gwangmyeong Cave Tour

Go underground at the Gwangmyeong Cave, a former gold mine, during one of Korean Transit Tours six walking tours for short-term visitors passing through Seoul. With a layover of up to 24 hours, you could walk off jet lag at Jeondeungsa Temple, the hip area of Insa-dong, the Triple Shopping Street, the World Cup Stadium, or one of Seoul’s food markets.

Tip: Be sure to be on time at your meeting spot, or risk paying a hefty fee for a taxi back to the airport to catch your flight!

Airport.kr | [email protected]

General Tips To Enhance Your Seoul Walking Tour

• Be on time. Other visitors may be taking the tour, too, and the guide might not be able to wait.
• Check your travel time on Rome2Rio . Seoul is deceptively huge and it can take an hour or longer to reach a meeting point, which is usually the specific exit of a metro stop. Be sure to head to the correct exit number, or risk being several blocks out of your way.
• Get the guide’s What’s App number ahead of time so you can text if you get lost — or to contact them the morning of if the weather looks dicey.
• Tip the guide at the end … or at least treat them to coffee or a street food treat.
• Be patient. Some of the guides are not professionally trained; they are students practicing their English. Help them out! Chat them up!
• Plan ahead. Some tours require two or three days’ notice, others a few weeks. Some tours run only on certain weekends.
• Contact the tour group if you need to cancel so the volunteer guide isn’t stuck waiting for a no-show.
• Be sure to respond if you are sent a reconfirmation email, or your reservation might get canceled.
• Finally, these tours really are walking tours, so limit your carrying load and wear comfy shoes and weather-appropriate clothes.

What a way to walk off all that fabulous Korean barbecue and street food!

Visiting South Korea? Read up on 7 beautiful places in Seoul , plus 13 things I wish I knew before visiting the city.

Kelly Hayes-Raitt jokes she sleeps around – usually with animals. As an international petsitter, she’s been traveling full-time for more than a decade. She coaches authors and has written the book How to Become a Housesitter: Insider Tips from the HouseSit Diva , available in soft cover or Kindle at Amazon or as an ebook from her web site, HouseSitDiva .

• Places / Travel

Seoul Walking Tour – Insadong Course | Free Things To Do In Seoul

by Majid Mushtaq · September 30, 2020

Who doesn’t love free stuff? We all do, right? But when it comes to FREE travel experiences, no other city can beat Seoul. The Seoul Tourism Organization has launched various programs for foreigners to experience for free in order to boost tourism and provide an unforgettable experience to the tourists. Among such programs, Seoul Walking Tour is my favorite.

Credits: Majid Mushtaq (Instagram: @ranamajid007)

What is Seoul Walking Tour

Courses available on Seoul Walking Tour

What is Insadong?

Insadong Course – Seoul Walking Tour

Let me know if you like this Seoul Walking Tour and if you decide to go, which course you’d like to take?

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SEOUL FREE WALKING TOUR: 7 Reasons to Book With SeoulMate

If you’re looking for a Seoul Free Walking Tour with enthusiastic local guides who take you out for lunch , chat with you excitingly like a long-lost friend and eagerly help you take photos while ensuring you’ve got the best pose, READ ON! 😋

What is SeoulMate?

SeoulMate consists of college students in Seoul who take visitors on well-designed tours for free. “We offer international tourists the opportunities to not only experience Seoul and its culture but also befriend Korean youngsters”, wrote SeoulMate on their website .

During my trip to Seoul last year, I booked a tour with SeoulMate to explore the lesser-known Jongno area. The tour went so well that I felt determined to recommend them to anyone looking for authentic experiences in Seoul.

Below are 7 reasons why you should book a Seoul Free Walking Tour with SeoulMate next time you visit this bustling city 😀.

7 reasons to book a Seoul Free Walking Tour with SeoulMate

Just google “Seoul free walking tour” and you’ll find dozens of options from established tour companies as well as volunteer local groups. While many of them provide great tours, there are 7 reasons why a Seoul free walking tour with SeoulMate is your perfect choice.

1. SeoulMate offers cool & offbeat tours you can find nowhere else

Most Seoul free walking tours take you to as many major attractions as possible with little time spent at each place. There can be 15+ attractions squeezed into a 3-hour walking tour, in which you simply walk by some and then hurriedly catch up with the group before even remembering what they are about.

Unlike most free tours out there, SeoulMate tours allow you to explore fewer attractions so that you get to know more deeply about each place. In addition, SeoulMate designs each tour with a specific theme , making it easy for people with different interests to select the most suitable one .

Take a look at some of their offbeat Seoul tours below. Aren’t you thrilled to book immediately?

Old Memories in Seoul – Jeong-dong Tour

Date at Seoul, Now and Then -Jamsil Tour

Sacrifice For the Independence – Seodaemun Prison Tour

Modern alley, where souls of old artists remain – Seochon Tour

2. If you want to know the best local places to eat, ask SeoulMate

There’s no better way to discover culinary hidden gems in a foreign city than asking a local.

During my Seoul free walking tour with SeoulMate, the guides took us to the Gwangjang market in Jongno – one of the best alternative Seoul attractions for curious travellers . We then had lunch at an eatery right inside the market as the guides recommended.

From the outside, the place looked like any other eatery you might find anywhere else in Seoul. When we came inside, however, I realized the place was nowhere near as touristy as those I had found on the main streets. Had it not been for SeoulMate’s recommendation, foreign travelers like me would never have known of such a place.

When it came to ordering food, the menu was in English but the staff mostly spoke Korean. The tour guides then showed us how to call for attention from the waiters in Korean and how to properly pronounce the names of Korean food. So interesting!

We ordered a bottle of rice wine and some other traditional Korean dishes such as kimbap (one of the best I’d ever had), kimchi, raw beef with egg yolk, and Korean pancakes with half seafood and half beef toppings. A good meal does not necessarily cost an arm and a leg, as each of us only had to pay 8000 won (around US$ 6.5).

3. SeoulMate guides love taking photos for and with you!

Much as I love solo traveling, I often end up with very few photos of myself during the trip. Of course, I can always ask passers-by for help, but not all of those photos look the way I want them to be.

SeoulMate helped me solve this problem as their guides all LOVE taking photos. We also took many group photos, as the guides wanted us to preserve good memories of Seoul even after we left.

4. More tour guides for fewer tourists

How other free walking tours are like.

I’ve joined dozens of free tours around the world before. For most of them, one tour guide can be in charge of up to 30 tourists. It’s therefore impossible for the guide to make adjustments to the tour or stop midway to answer specific questions about certain attractions.

During one such free tour in Europe, the tour guide talked non-stop while hurrying tourists to the next destination on the list. At each attraction, he briefly introduced some general information before continuing the tour by politely asking “Any more questions?”. That left an awkward silence because people only remembered 50% of what he’d said 🙁

What was worse, many people including myself still left a 5-star review on TripAdvisor for the tour, because we thought it was fair to reciprocate after benefiting from a free service.

How a Seoul free walking tour with SeoulMate is different

That was a long story, but it made my point. Now you’ll understand how great a Seoul free walking tour with Seoul-Mate is.

On the tour I took with SeoulMate, there were 5 guides and 3 tourists! Needless to say, we all had plenty of chances to talk about lots of things. I believe not only do the tourists learn from the tour guides but the opposite is also true. It was mutual communication at its best, rather than us tourists passively listening and following suit.

5. No pushing to book paid tours afterward

Typically, most free tours are organized by travel companies with the aim of introducing their paid tours.

I have been on one such free tour before in which the tour guide constantly advertised how great their pub crawl was and tried to sign people up. While it’s normally not mandatory to proceed with a paid tour afterward, such irrelevant and repetitive persuasion could be quite annoying.

Since all of SeoulMate’s tours are free of charge, there is zero pressure to book a paid tour after taking their free tour.

6. Discover fascinating local insights you won’t find in typical guidebooks

During my tour with SeoulMate, we visited the Jongmyo Shrine – a UNESCO World Heritage – and learned about Korean history and rituals at that time.

The tour guides not only told us various stories behind these sacred rituals but also discussed matters such as how young people nowadays perceived history and why traditional customs had gradually disappeared in modern Korean society.

To be honest, I would never find such stimulating insights like these in typical travel guidebooks. Even if I did, I still would not have the chance to ask questions, discuss further or put forward counterarguments as when I joined a Seoul free walking tour with SeoulMate.

Jongmyo is the oldest and most authentic of the Confucian royal shrines to have been preserved… Ritual ceremonies linking music, song and dance still take place there, perpetuating a tradition that goes back to the 14th century. According to UNESCO

7. SeoulMate’s tour guides are young, passionate, energetic & super FUN

If you like fun (who doesn’t?!), free walking tours with SeoulMate are perfect for you.

Their tour guides were all good-natured and open-minded college students, so it was easy for me to chat with them about our personal lives. They willingly shared with me what major they were taking at university, what they wanted to do after graduation, and why they wanted to work in those fields.

One guide told me how she’d met her boyfriend and explained to me the dating culture in Korea. We then laughed our heads off as another guide told us about his funny incidents when he first moved to Seoul. It was lots of FUN!

Seoul Free Walking Tour with SeoulMate

Are you persuaded to book a Seoul free walking tour with SeoulMate right now?

Next time you visit Seoul, don’t forget to check out the tour schedule from SeoulMate’s website. Taking a Seoul free walking tour with them is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture. You’ll be able to discover hidden gems not found in travel guidebooks, as well as enjoy mouth-watering Korean food the way locals do.

Pin this for future reference!

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19 thoughts on “ SEOUL FREE WALKING TOUR: 7 Reasons to Book With SeoulMate ”

What a great idea! I love this idea for solo travelers. It’s so nice to tour with others and with locals.

My God, this sound like an amazing tour! The photo part hit me hard, as a fellow solo traveler I know the struggle is real😂. I am a big fan of free walking tours, so now I can not wait to go to Seoul and try this.

That’s such an amazing program to have! Especially in large cities that are usually crowded with tours that don’t offer much local flare! I am signing up for this the next time I am in Seoul!

What a great idea from a group of young people! I have taken many free tours around the world and I throughly enjoy them!

This is such a great idea, especially if you are travelling by yourself! Great post, very informative! 🙂

Great idea walking tours definitely allow you to see parts of a city you may miss if you go in your own.

I love this Fiona, thanks for sharing. It looks a great opportunity for a very authentic experience around Seoul. I have been once and I loved it and cannot wait to go back and explore more. I am saving your post and I will for sure contact you next time. Thank you!

I want to visit Seoul so much! I can’t wait to visit when the quarantine is over.

I hope you’re doing well during this quarantine, and that its treating you relatively okay!

Thank you Amy! I’m doing ok. Let’s hope this epidemic will go away soon so that we can hit the road again!

SeoulMate sounds like a great choice for doing a walking tour of Seoul. I like the idea of less places so you can enjoy each one more. And that the local guides offer fascinating insights into places you visit. A great recommendation for a free tour in Seoul.

Taking a guide on an adventure like this is a great idea- so many insider suggestions and recommendations.

Seoul Mate sure sounds like the perfect way to look around Seoul. I like that they are good with taking pictures of you too! Is it only for college kids or for older people too? Seoul is definitely in my bucket list and I will look into taking this Seoul Mate for the walking tour. 🙂

Hi Jan, the tours are led by college students but they welcome visitors of all ages and nationalities to join. I’ve seen photos of happy families who join their Seoul free walking tours while visiting this city. Don’t forget to book a tour with them on your next visit!

This is seriously so cool! I wonder if more cities have options like this! It is perfect for solo travelers, but also for anyone who just wants a local perspective and a small group. Thanks for sharing! This was very well-written and loved all the pictures.

That is awesome to have such a great free tour from seoulmate. It sounds amazing!

I really love the sound of this tour. I also love the name. It’s great that they don’t try to only show you all the top attractions and you can really get to know the area and the people. Thanks for sharing.

SeoulMate sounds like a great choice for doing a walking tour of Seoul. I like the idea of local guides offering interesting facts about places you visit and making connections as solo traveller to others on the tour. Great recommendation for a free tour in Seoul.

This sounds like a great idea for people arriving to Seoll. Especially people who are solo travellers. This is a great way to learn about the local area

I wish to visit Seul when I was in ”the neighborhood” and know about this tour! It sounds such a fun way to explore.

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Seoul Festa 2024: Dates, Performers’ Lineup ft Zerobaseone & How to Book Tickets

By Arpita Adhya

Seoul Festa 2024 has recently revealed its initial lineup of K-pop artists. Interestingly, The Boyz and Zerobaseone are among the festival’s star performers.

Amidst several spring and summer music festivals, Seoul Festa offers a more immersive experience to visitors. The spring festival takes place for over a week and features a variety of experiences that will elevate visiting Seoul. For this year’s festival, Seoul Festa has announced six days of events, including an opening party, Blossom Party, Seoul Road Show, Seoul Style Road, and more.

Seoul Festa 2024 reveals lineup & date

The 2024 edition of Seoul Festa will kick off with an opening party on May 1 and end on May 6, 2024 . Some of the festival’s locations include Seoul Plaza, Gwanghwamun Square, and Noeul Park.

The initial K-pop lineup of Seoul Festa 2024 features:

• Zerobaseone

Tickets for Seoul Festa 2024 are available on the official website. Visitors can book tickets for different venues through separate ticket reservations.

2024 Seoul Festa Opening Party, #THEBOYZ #더보이즈 will be appearing again this year in this event. ? May 1st, 2024 ?️ Seoul Plaza ? https://t.co/0IWeABXv5A pic.twitter.com/pehrU1qClu — ??? ????’? ?ᯓ (@tbzs_archive) April 10, 2024

After the grand success of Seoul Festa 2023, expectations are high for this year’s festival. Last year, OH MY GIRL, iKON, STAYC, P1Harmony, NATURE, IVE, Enhypen, Kep1er, and BE’O performed at the opening party. Lee YoungJi, ATEEZ, and The Boyz also participated in the festival.

The Boyz will also perform at this year’s festival and go on a world tour next. The K-pop group will start their 2024 world tour on July 12 in Seoul. The boy band will have three shows in their home country. Later, they will travel to the U.S. for five shows. The K-pop icons are also performing in Paris on September 13 and London on September 15.

The K-pop act is raising anticipation for their upcoming concerts after making a March comeback with the studio album Phantasy, Pt. 3: Love Letter. The album reportedly sold over  394,417 copies  in South Korea. Moreover, they ranked number 1 on the  Circle Album Chart  in South Korea.

Arpita covers K-pop, K-drama and Asian Entertainment scoops for ComingSoon.Net. From in-depth coverage of Asian Entertainment gems to the latest fan obsession, she is dedicated to bring out the best of Asian pop culture to the world one story at a time.

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