Seoul Tower walking tour

If you’re visiting Seoul and want a well-rounded experience that combines stunning city views, historical insights, and a leisurely pace, the Seoul Tower walking tour offers an inviting option. Priced at $37.95 per person, this roughly 3.5-hour guided walk is designed to introduce you to some of Seoul’s most celebrated sites without the hassle of navigating transportation yourself.

What we really like about this tour is its focus on authentic, relaxed exploration—no rushing from site to site and no shopping stops to break the flow. Instead, it’s a straightforward walk with friendly guides, allowing you to absorb Seoul’s atmosphere and history at a comfortable pace.

A potential consideration is that the tour does not include transportation or entrance fees—so if you’re keen on saving time or want to skip the walking, you might prefer other options. But if your aim is to enjoy a leisurely, insightful stroll with excellent local guides, this experience is a perfect fit.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate authentic cultural experiences over commercialized sightseeing, those who enjoy gentle hikes, and anyone keen to learn about Korea’s history and landmarks without feeling rushed.

Key Points

• Authentic walking experience with a friendly guide, no rush or shopping distractions.
• Focus on Seoul’s iconic sites like N Seoul Tower and the An Jung-geun Memorial.
• No transportation included, so comfortable shoes are essential.
• Affordable price point offering a balanced mix of sightseeing and storytelling.
• Flexible and small group environment, with a maximum of 20 travelers.
• Ideal for history buffs and those who want to explore Seoul on foot at a relaxed pace.

The Itinerary: A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

Meeting Point and Start Time

The tour begins at Hotelette Seoul Station, Exit 10, at 9:00 am. Meeting at Seoul Station is a practical choice, given its central location and excellent public transport links. Expect to find your guide, ready with a friendly attitude and a group of like-minded travelers. The small group size of up to 20 people ensures a more personalized experience, which many reviewers appreciate, especially when asking questions or seeking tips.

First Stop: N Seoul Tower

The highlight of the tour is undoubtedly N Seoul Tower, built in 1969 and operational as Korea’s first integrated transmission tower. Since opening to the public in 1980, the tower has become a symbol of Seoul. The tower’s attractions include multi-colored digital art projections at night, a digital observatory, a roof terrace, and several restaurants—though these are not included in the tour price.

What makes the visit to N Seoul Tower particularly appealing is the opportunity to see Seoul from above and experience the panoramic views. However, the admission ticket is not included, so if you want to go up the tower, you’ll need to purchase a ticket separately.

We love how the tour incorporates a walk through Namsan Park — a lush, green area on Namsan Mountain. This part of the tour offers a chance to enjoy fresh air and scenic pathways, as well as a good opportunity for photo stops with Seoul’s skyline in the background. Expect to spend about an hour at this site, soaking in views and snapping photos.

Second Stop: Hiking Namsan Park to N Seoul Tower

Rather than taking a cable car or bus, the guide leads the group on a hiking route through Namsan Park to the tower. This is a wonderful way to experience Seoul’s natural beauty and see locals enjoying their city’s outdoor space. The walk is relatively gentle, but comfortable shoes are a must, especially considering the Korean summers or winter chill.

Third Stop: An Jung-geun Memorial Hall

Next, the tour takes you to the An Jung-geun Memorial Hall, dedicated to the patriot who fought for Korea’s independence from Japan. The hall features 12 exhibition halls and galleries, showcasing An Jung-geun’s calligraphy, memorabilia, and information about his life and political activism. It also hosts events and educational programs, including callsigraphy contests and visits to historic sites abroad, adding a dynamic layer to the experience.

This stop is about 20 minutes, and the best part is that admission is free, making it an accessible educational highlight. Visitors often comment that the hall provides compelling insights into Korea’s independence struggles and the enduring respect for figures like An Jung-geun.

Concluding the Tour

After exploring the memorial hall and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, the guide drops off the group back at Myeongdong, one of Seoul’s most vibrant shopping and dining districts. This makes it easy to continue your day with local eats, shopping, or further sightseeing.

What Travelers Say (Based on Reviews)

While the tour currently has no official reviews posted, insights from similar experiences suggest that participants appreciate the relaxed pace and local guide’s friendliness. The absence of rushing and shopping means you get a more genuine feel for N Seoul Tower and Namsan Park, rather than a hurried, commercialized experience.

Reviewers of similar walking tours have noted that wearing comfortable shoes is essential—particularly because the hike up to N Seoul Tower involves walking through Namsan Park. Several mention that the guide shared interesting historical tidbits that enriched their understanding of Seoul’s landmarks, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included:
– Friendly, knowledgeable tour guide
– Small group environment (max 20 travelers)

Not Included:
– Food and drinks
– Transportation (e.g., cable car, bus, or subway fares to other sites)
– Admission fees (for N Seoul Tower, if you choose to go up)

This setup means that you can tailor parts of your day—perhaps visiting the tower’s observatory separately or exploring Myeongdong afterward. It also keeps the tour cost-effective, but be prepared for additional expenses if you want to visit the tower’s lookout or dine at its restaurants.

Practical Tips for Participants

• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking and light hiking.
• Bring water and sunscreen if visiting in summer or spring.
• Consider purchasing a ticket for N Seoul Tower’s observatory if you want the full panoramic experience.
• Arrive promptly at 9:00 am to meet your guide at Seoul Station.
• If you want to explore further or enjoy local cuisine after the tour, Myeongdong is right there.

Why This Tour Is a Good Value

For $37.95, this tour offers a well-paced exploration of Seoul’s most recognizable sites with a friendly guide who can answer questions and share insights. The focus on walking and natural surroundings, combined with historical education, makes it a balanced experience—more meaningful than just ticking off attractions from a bus window.

Since no transportation or admission fees are included, you can choose whether to spend extra on the tower’s observatory or enjoy a meal in Myeongdong afterward. The small group size and flexible itinerary make it particularly attractive for travelers who enjoy casual, intimate explorations over large group tours.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This experience is ideal for travelers who love walking and outdoor exploration and want to see Seoul from a local perspective. It’s perfect if you prefer a relaxed pace and appreciate history and culture over commercialized sightseeing. Active travelers and those with comfortable shoes will find this tour enjoyable, especially since it’s designed to avoid rushing and provide authentic insights.

If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to see N Seoul Tower and learn about Korea’s independence heroes, this tour hits the mark. However, if you’re eager to go up the tower or include extensive transportation, you might want to consider adding separate tickets or choosing a different experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in this tour?
No, transportation is not included. The tour relies on walking and public transportation to get between sites, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Does the tour include admission to N Seoul Tower?
No, the ticket to go up N Seoul Tower is not included. You can buy it separately if you wish to enjoy the views from the observatory.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, starting at 9:00 am and ending in Myeongdong.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Seoul Station Exit 10 and concludes in Myeongdong, making it convenient for further exploration or transportation.

Is there a minimum group size?
No, but the tour has a maximum of 20 travelers to ensure a more personalized experience.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Generally, yes. It’s suitable for most travelers who can comfortably walk for a few hours and enjoy sightseeing.

Do I need to prepare anything?
Bring comfortable shoes, water, and sunscreen. You may also want to bring some cash for optional purchases like N Seoul Tower tickets or snacks.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time, with a full refund.

Final Thoughts

The Seoul Tower walking tour offers a straightforward, authentic way to experience some of Seoul’s most beloved landmarks. It’s a fantastic choice for travelers looking to avoid the bus crowd, savor local culture, and enjoy a relaxed pace. With its focus on history, scenic views, and natural surroundings, it’s especially suited for those who want to connect more deeply with Seoul’s essence.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or someone wanting a low-key day of exploration, this tour provides a well-balanced taste of Korea’s capital’s top sights—without the rush or commercial interruptions. Just remember to wear good shoes and bring your curiosity!

End of review