3-Hour Seoul Tasting Tour: Cityhall, Gwanghwamun & Jeongdong Area

Experience Seoul’s Past and Present on a 3-Hour Walking Food Tour

If you’re looking to explore Seoul beyond the usual tourist spots, this 3-hour city walking tour offers a thoughtful blend of history, culture, and food. Designed by food critic and educator Veronica Kang, the experience guides you through a series of iconic landmarks and hidden backstreets, all while savoring some of Korea’s most beloved dishes. With a focus on authentic stories and local flavors, it’s a great way to gain a deeper understanding of Seoul’s evolution from royal capital to modern metropolis.

One of the standout features of this tour is its emphasis on storytelling—you won’t just be ticking off sightseeing boxes, but learning the stories behind each site. From the diplomatic history of Jeongdong to the last days of the Joseon Dynasty at Deoksugung Palace, you’ll come away with insights that enrich your visit. Plus, the included food — a comforting beef gukbap, buckwheat noodles, sandwiches, coffee, and a city’s best macaroon — adds a delicious layer to the experience.

A potential consideration is the walking component. It’s a walking tour with a moderate pace, so if mobility is a concern, you’ll want to plan accordingly. But overall, this experience is perfect for those eager to combine cultural exploration with some authentic Korean tasting, and it’s especially suited for curious travelers who love stories as much as snacks.

Key Points

• Authentic storytelling brings history alive through the eyes of a Korean food expert.
• Cultural sights like City Hall, Gwanghwamun Square, and Deoksugung Palace offer a well-rounded glimpse of Seoul’s past.
• The tour’s food component provides hearty, traditional Korean dishes plus city-famous sweets.
• It’s a small-group experience, capped at 15 travelers, for a more personal feel.
• Free cancellation makes booking flexible and risk-free.
• The price of $35 offers good value considering the location, stories, and included food.

A Deep Dive Into the Itinerary

Starting Point: Seoul City Hall

The tour kicks off at Seoul City Hall, right in the heart of the city’s administrative district. We loved the way the square immediately sets the tone—buzzing yet orderly, with a feel of Seoul’s modern pulse. It’s a practical starting point for travelers arriving via public transit, as it’s near major subway lines. The first hour here offers a chance to soak in the downtown atmosphere, and since admission is free, it’s a no-brainer to include in your plans.

Gwanghwamun Square

Next, we head to Gwanghwamun Square, a symbol of Korea’s democracy. The view of Gyeongbokgung Palace peeking from behind the statues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-sin makes for iconic photos. In about 20 minutes, our guide shared insights about the square’s significance, including its role during Korea’s political history. The proximity to the US Embassy adds a diplomatic air to the area, making it a fascinating spot to understand Seoul’s ongoing history and international relations.

Old Russian Legation and Diplomatic History

One of the more unique stops is the Old Russian Legation on Jeongdong Street, a diplomatic enclave from the late Joseon Dynasty. Here, remnants of the damaged building from the Korean War stand as silent witnesses to Korea’s turbulent history. Veronicas’ storytelling shines here, recounting tales of King Gojong and his interactions with Russian diplomats, including the intriguing story of Sontak, a Russian diplomat from that era. It’s a quiet, contemplative spot that adds a layer of depth to the tour.

Chungdong Church

This was the first Korean church operated by an American priest, Apenzellar, a close friend of the last king Gojong. Our guide explained the church’s significance in Korea’s Christian history and the story of the “Chungdong Club” — a pivotal social group of the time. The stories here help connect Korea’s religious and diplomatic exchanges to its broader social changes. The architecture and history combine to make it a meaningful stop.

Deoksugung Palace

The final stop is Deoksugung, where the last Joseon king, Gojong, attempted to establish a more independent governance amid external pressures. Here, you’ll hear about Korea’s final monarchic days, political struggles, and the palace’s role as a symbol of change. We appreciated the relaxed pace and the chance to stroll around the palace grounds, soaking in the architecture and stories. The guide also shared how Gojong moved here from Gyeonbok Palace, marking a turning point in Korea’s history.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour’s food lineup is well-chosen and satisfying. You’ll enjoy a bowl of gukbap (beef stock soup), buckwheat noodles, and sandwiches paired with coffee. The dessert is a city’s best macaroon, which provides a sweet finish. The food is a nice complement to the sightseeing, offering a taste of Korean comfort foods and well-loved sweets.

What’s notably missing is alcohol—so if you’re hoping for a drink-heavy experience, this tour isn’t designed for that. However, the focus on food and stories makes it a wholesome way to spend an afternoon.

Price and Value

At $35, this tour offers a compelling value considering the quality of storytelling, the inclusions, and the central locations. You’re paying not just for food but also for a curated cultural narrative, making it a worthwhile investment for those keen on understanding Seoul’s history through a culinary lens.

Practical Details

• Meeting Point: 54-3 Taepyeongno 1(il)-ga, Jung District, Seoul
• Duration: About 3 hours
• Group Size: Max 15 travelers, ensuring a personal experience
• When: Tuesday to Saturday, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
• Accessibility: Suitable for most travelers, though walking is involved; wheelchair users should be accompanied by assistance
• Cancelation: Free cancellaton up to 24 hours in advance

Who Should Take This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a balanced mix of history, culture, and food in a compact timeframe. It’s perfect for anyone curious about Korea’s diplomatic past, royal history, and how those stories tie into modern Seoul. Food lovers will appreciate the hearty, authentic dishes, and those interested in storytelling will find the guide’s insights enriching.

It’s particularly suited for small groups, so if you enjoy more intimate tours with personalized attention, this one hits the mark. Since it’s designed for most travelers and doesn’t require physical exertion beyond walking, it’s accessible to a broad audience.

Final Thoughts

This 3-hour Seoul tasting tour offers more than just a walk through city streets—it’s a curated journey through Seoul’s political, diplomatic, and royal history, flavored with delicious local foods. You’ll love the way stories are woven into each site, giving context to the sights and making the experience memorable and meaningful.

While the walking pace and focus on history might not suit those looking for purely leisure or nightlife, it’s a fantastic choice for travelers eager to connect with Seoul’s layers of history in a relaxed setting. The inclusion of authentic dishes and a small-group format means you’ll leave with both stomach and mind satisfied.

This tour provides a well-rounded, authentic taste of Seoul’s cultural heartbeat—perfect for curious explorers and history buffs alike.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
It’s mostly a walking tour with moderate pace, so those with leg problems should plan accordingly. Wheelchair users should be accompanied by help, as some sites may involve uneven terrain.

Does the tour include any alcoholic beverages?
No, alcohol is not included in this tour. The focus is on food, stories, and sightseeing.

What kind of food is served?
You’ll enjoy traditional Korean comfort foods like gukbap (beef stock soup), buckwheat noodles, sandwiches, and a city’s best macaroon for dessert.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled start. Less than that, and the refund isn’t available.

Is it suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the tour’s content and pace suggest it’s best suited for adults or older children interested in history and culture.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 3 hours, making it a manageable and well-paced experience.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 15 travelers, facilitating a more intimate and engaging experience.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at the same meeting point in Jung District, Seoul.

This walk through Seoul combines storytelling, history, and hearty bites — a delightful way to see a city that’s constantly evolving while honoring its past.