Seoul tours

Things to do in Seoul

Seoul welcomes you with a unique blend of time-honoured tradition and modern innovation, creating a city that never truly rests. As you wander through its bustling streets with a local guide, you'll find that Seoul's appeal extends beyond its impressive skyline. Lose yourself in Myeongdong's energetic markets, experience the tranquil beauty of Gyeongbokgung Palace, and explore the charming hanok villages. On a walking tour, the whispers of ancient stories echo through centuries-old walls, while a food and wine tour allows you to indulge in everything from sizzling street food to sophisticated Korean barbecue. Your guide will help you bypass the lines and unlock the city's hidden treasures, revealing the cultural nuances that make each discovery personal. See Seoul through a lens that captures every detail, turning each moment into an integral part of your own narrative. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Seoul. Explore Seoul your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Seoul tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Seoul for every interest, including: History tours: Visit Gyeongbokgung for the changing of the guard and palace stories, then continue to Bukchon Hanok Village to see preserved wooden homes and learn about Confucian-era life. For deeper context, your history tours can include Seodaemun Prison History Hall to understand Korea’s independence movement. Architecture tours: Compare the clean lines of traditional hanok lanes in Ikseon‑dong with the curves of Dongdaemun Design Plaza by Zaha Hadid, discussing materials and urban design along the way. Architecture tours can finish at Lotte World Tower’s observation deck for a city-scale view. Art and Culture tours: Browse the MMCA Seoul galleries beside the palace, then head to Hongdae to spot murals and catch a street performance or a short K-pop dance class at a local studio. Your art and culture tours can also include the Leeum Museum of Art for a mix of contemporary pieces and ceramics. Neighbourhoods are walkable and the subway is reliable for crossing the city. If you want fewer transfers or a compact schedule, you can book chauffeured tours or ask your guide about private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Seoul inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Take a private walking tour of Seoul and uncover its fascinating neighborhoods with the help of a local guide who knows the city inside out. - Insadong: Perfect for cultural tourists, this area is filled with traditional tea houses, galleries, and antique shops. It’s a delightful neighborhood to explore Korean culture and history. - Hongdae: Known for its youthful energy, this neighborhood is great for families and groups looking for music, art, and vibrant nightlife. The lively streets are full of cafes and street performers. - Gangnam: Famous for its upscale vibe, this area caters to those interested in modern architecture and luxury shopping. Experience the trendy side of Seoul with its chic boutiques and stylish cafes. - Bukchon Hanok Village: Offering a glimpse into the past, this neighborhood is perfect for history buffs. Walk through the narrow alleys lined with traditional hanok houses and enjoy the serene atmosphere. Day trip ideas from Seoul Base yourself in Seoul and use easy day trips to reach fortresses, border viewpoints, islands, and modern waterfront districts, keeping the comfort of private tours without moving hotels. - DMZ and Imjingak: Learn recent history at Imjingak Park, look toward North Korea from observatories, and, with the right permits, add sites like the Third Tunnel; this works for curious travellers who want context, light walking, and strong photo spots, and you can focus your time on the areas that interest you most. - Suwon Hwaseong Fortress: Circle the UNESCO-listed walls, step into the Haenggung Palace, and sample Suwon’s famous grilled galbi nearby; architecture buffs, urban walkers, and food lovers get a full day that mixes culture and streetside eats, and tours from Seoul keep timing straightforward. - Ganghwa Island: Visit ancient dolmen sites, coastal forts, and quiet temples, then look over tidal flats that change with the hour; it fits archaeology fans and anyone who wants low-key scenery with short drives between stops and a calm pace that feels different from the city. - Incheon Chinatown and Songdo: Try hand-pulled noodles and street snacks in Chinatown, ride the monorail or stroll mural-lined lanes, then jump to Songdo for striking skyline views and waterfront paths; design watchers, families, and food-focused travellers can shape the day around markets, architecture, or green spaces, and day trips from Seoul keep it simple. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Seoul most travellers miss.