What is the best walking tour Seoul has for photographers?

This Jongno-gu route is highly recommended for photographers because it captures the contrast between the historic hanoks of Bukchon and the modern skyline of Seoul.

Is Gyeongbokgung Palace worth visiting?

Yes, it is the most iconic of Seoul's Five Grand Palaces and features the most impressive throne hall and water pavilions.

Can I see hanok houses for free?

Walking through the Bukchon Hanok Village is free, although some specific museum houses or cultural centers may have a small admission fee.

Where does the walking route start?

The route begins at the National Folk Museum of Korea, which is located on the eastern side of the Gyeongbokgung Palace complex.

Is the route accessible for strollers?

The palaces are stroller-friendly, but the alleys of Bukchon Hanok Village are very steep and can be difficult to navigate with a stroller.

What is the best time to visit Bukchon Hanok Village?

Early morning (before 10 AM) is best to avoid the largest crowds and to ensure you are respecting the quiet hours for local residents.

Do I need to buy tickets for the palaces?

Yes, both Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung require small entry fees, which can be paid at the gate or with a Discover Seoul Pass.

How far is Changdeokgung from Gyeongbokgung?

They are about 1 kilometer apart, a roughly 15-minute walk through the charming streets of Bukchon or along Yulguk-ro.

While many look for a guided tour Seoul provides, can I do this alone?

Yes, this route is designed for independent exploration, allowing you to move at your own pace through the historical sites and neighborhood alleys.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

3 hr

Duration

5

Stops

Moderate

Difficulty

About This Tour

Seoul is a city where the past doesn't just sit in a museum; it lives in the streets. This self-guided walking route through Jongno-gu invites you to step back into the Joseon Dynasty, a period of 500 years that shaped the Korean identity. You'll begin at the National Folk Museum of Korea, where the daily rhythms of ancient life come into focus, before stepping onto the grand grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace. As the primary royal residence, its symmetry and scale are a testament to Confucian ideals. But the journey doesn't end with royalty. This neighborhood stroll leads you into the hilly, winding alleys of Bukchon Hanok Village. Here, hundreds of traditional houses, or hanoks, create a living museum of architecture. You'll discover the House of Baek Inje, a rare example of a modernizing aristocratic home, before concluding at Changdeokgung. Known as the most favored palace of many kings, Changdeokgung is celebrated for its seamless integration with the natural landscape. This walking tour Seoul offers provides a perfect blend of grand monuments and intimate residential charm. It is an ideal route for photography enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone looking to explore the soul of the city independently. Whether you are admiring the vibrant dancheong paintwork on a palace eaves or finding a quiet corner in a secret alley, this route captures the timeless elegance of Seoul. The contrast between the towering skyscrapers of modern Seoul and the low-slung tile roofs of the hanoks is a visual reminder of the city's rapid evolution. This self-guided adventure ensures you have the time to linger at the details that matter most to you.

Highlights

The Changing of the Guard ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace
Intricate Joseon-era architecture and colorful dancheong patterns
The panoramic hilltop views from Bukchon Hanok Village
The unique early 20th-century design of the House of Baek Inje
The UNESCO-listed Secret Garden landscape at Changdeokgung

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour

Tour Stops (5)

1

The National Folk Museum of Korea

Located on the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Folk Museum of Korea offers a deep dive into the everyday lives of the Korean people. While the palaces showcase the lives of kings, this museum focuses on the seasonal cycles, agricultural traditions, and family rites of commoners. Look for the outdoor exhibition area, which features traditional stone statues and replicas of historic village structures. The architecture of the museum building itself is symbolic, incorporating design elements from several iconic Korean pagodas and halls. It serves as an essential primer for understanding the cultural context of the Joseon Dynasty before you explore the grand architectural feats of the royals.

2

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung is the largest and most significant of the Five Grand Palaces. Its name translates to Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven. As you wander through the massive Geunjeongjeon, or the Throne Hall, notice the intricate ceiling carvings and the rank stones where officials once stood. The Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, which appears to float on a man-made lake, was used for royal banquets and is one of the most photographed spots in the city. Despite being destroyed during the Japanese invasions and later reconstructed, the palace remains the heart of Seoul’s royal heritage. Take a moment to admire the vibrant geometric patterns under the eaves, known as dancheong, which serve both aesthetic and protective purposes.

3

House of Baek Inje

The House of Baek Inje offers a fascinating look at how traditional Korean architecture adapted to the early 20th century. Unlike the older hanoks in the village, this estate features two-story sections and extensive use of glass, reflecting the influence of the modern era. It was built for a high-ranking official and later owned by Dr. Baek Inje. The house is notable for its spacious gardens and the way it connects the inner and outer quarters, which was unusual for the time. It provides an intimate, domestic contrast to the massive scale of the royal palaces you've seen earlier on this route. It is one of the few large-scale hanoks open to the public that allows you to see the interior lifestyle of the upper class.

4

Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon Hanok Village is a preserved residential neighborhood that dates back 600 years. During the Joseon Dynasty, this area was home to high-ranking government officials and nobility. Today, it remains a living neighborhood where residents still reside in traditional timber-framed houses. As you navigate the steep, narrow alleys, you'll find the Bukchon 8 Views, specific spots designated for their architectural beauty or scenic vistas of the modern city skyline contrasting with tiled roofs. Please remember to keep your voice down, as these are private homes. The neighborhood is a masterclass in traditional urban planning and wood-and-stone craftsmanship, offering endless opportunities for photography.

5

Changdeokgung

Changdeokgung is often cited as the most beautiful of Seoul's palaces because of the way it respects the topography of the land. While Gyeongbokgung follows a strict, symmetrical layout, Changdeokgung’s buildings are arranged to harmonize with the surrounding hills and forests. It served as the primary royal residence for many centuries. The highlight for many is the Huwon, or Secret Garden, a massive woodland area filled with pavilions and ponds designed for the royal family's relaxation. The palace was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its exceptional example of Far Eastern palace architecture and garden design. It is the perfect place to conclude your walk, surrounded by the same nature that inspired Joseon kings.

Frequently Asked Questions

The full route typically takes between 2 to 3 hours. This depends on how long you spend exploring the palace grounds and whether you include a visit to the Secret Garden at Changdeokgung.