Private tour in Seoul Lee C

(5hr) Seoul old town highlights with a palace - Gyeongbokgung and Food market

5.0

(24) reviews

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Hours icon 5 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
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Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 5 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Lee C.

5.0

Guide rating

124

Reviews

Tours delivered

7 hrs

Avg. response time

Hi, it’s Lee - formerly a big firm analyst, and now a happy tour guide! 😊 I was born and raised in Seoul and have lived in five different countries: Canada, the US, Australia, Russia, and Germany. I also traveled to over 40 countries. I studied Business in Seoul, including a year-long exchange program in the US, and completed my MBA in Sydney. After finishing my MBA, I wanted to pursue a career change to become a professor, leveraging my field experience. I worked as a market researcher, research analyst, and marketer at major companies. It was a highly paid, stable job - what many would call a good life. But I’ve always preferred being in nature over an office. I hiked Kilimanjaro solo, Annapurna Base Camp solo, Olympus solo, Everest Base Camp, Fuji, the Alps solo, Patagonia, and many other mountains worldwide. (By “solo,” I mean literally alone or with a hiking guide, as some countries require one.) I've also led a hiking club for over five years and usually travel overseas more than five times a year to hike mountains. Here are some of my highlights 2017. 08 Japan, Fuji 2 days (3,776m) 2017. 10 Nepal, Annapurna Base Camp 6 days (4,130m) 2018. 09 Tanzania, Kilimanjaro Stella Point 6 days (5,656m) 2019. 09 Nepal, Kala Patthar (5,644m) / Everest Base Camp 9 days (5,364m) 2022. 08 Switzerland, Alps Vues du Mont Blanc 4 days (2,970m) 2022. 09 Greece, Olympus 2 days (2,918m) 2023. 07 Mongolia, Altai Tavan Nogd Base Camp 7 days (3,100m) 2025. 02 Chile, Patagonia W Trek 4 days 2025. 12 Indonesia, Mt.Aguna 2 days (3,142m) 2026. 07 Spain-Portugal The Camino de Santiago 11days (260km) A few years ago, I started my own travel agency, operating nature and city tours. (Registered agency for foreign visitors in Korea and vice versa). Most of my tours focus on food and hiking. Now I can hike more often, enjoy great food with travelers full of laughter, and practice calligraphy every day, which I also love. I’m definitely happier now. 💕☺️ If you visit Korea, please contact me! Just as I enjoy my hometown, Seoul, I truly want others to experience its culture and nature as well. Thank you for reading. Hope to see you in Korea! 😊 Cheers, Lee [ International experience ] Born and raised in Seoul / Lived in 5 different countries (USA, Canada, Australia, Russia, Germany) / Traveled mostly solo over 40 countries [ Tourism ] . English language tour guide for foreign guests (KBO, Korea Tourism Organization) [ University education ] . Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Seoul, Korea . MBA (Master's degree in Business Administration), Sydney, Australia [ Language teaching (Korean / English) ] . Korean language teacher certificate (Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism) . International TEFL and TESOL Diploma in teaching English (ITTT) [ Hiking ] . Mountain leader training program (Korean National Park Mountain Safety Institute) . Solo hikes in Kilimanjaro summit, ABC (Annapurna Base Camp), Olympus, Alps, and much more . Group hikes in EBC (Everest Bast Camp), Kala Patthar, Patagonia, Fuji, Altai, and much more . Hiking club leader over 5 years [ Others ] . Calligraphy competition awards (11 times) . Craftsman Cook, Korean Food license (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety) . Deutsch B1 certificate I don't offer driving service or book a car for you. If you rent a car with a driver, I will accompany you in the vehicle. Please let me know in advance. :-) * If you drive yourself, I will not accompany you.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Lee C.

Overview of your Seoul tour

Spend your day exploring the highlights of Seoul with the beautiful palace and the best Korean local food! Start with Jogyesa temple in Insa-dong, and continue to Gwanghwamun Square to see the statues of King Sejong the Great and Admiral Yi Sun-sin. Visit Gyeongbokgung palace, the most visited tourist attraction in Seoul. It was first established as the main palace in the Joseon Dynasty in 1395. While learning the history, take some time to look around the palace and admire the architecture. Relax with views of the mountains surrounding it before meeting Bukchon traditional village. After seeing the pretty houses, take the subway to Gwangjang market, the oldest covered market in Korea. And taste popular Korean food. You can choose any food you want. I'll show you some of my favorites! This market also sells Hanbok, traditional Korean clothing. After the meal, walk along Cheonggyecheon stream and see Heunginjimun gate from the dynasty. Enjoy your day with history and the great food! :-D

Recent Reviews

George S.Australia
3 weeks ago

A guides knowledge is important, but equally important is the guides disposition, and Lee excels abundantly in both criteria. We visited and I in sufficient detail and interest learned about some of Seouls historical highlights/vistas - Jogyesa Temple - King Sejong Statue- Gyeongbokgung Palace (most interesting) - Hanok Village. We then had a Korean BBQ lunch where I interrogated Lee about life in modern Korea , very interesting - I learned a lot. Lee thank you for the excellent few hours we spent together - I would freely recommend your tour guiding services to all. Regards George

George J.United States
July 2026

Lee was fantastic. We really appreciated her deep knowledge of history and helping us navigate the metro system. She pointed out important sights that would have easily been overlooked.

Roy G.United States
July 2026

Ms Lee was such an excellent tour guide. Our group of 9 (including five kids) wanted a more walking activated tour, flexible enough to use public transportation as well to get around central Seoul. She was able to provide that- guiding us through Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest Buddhist temple in Seoul nearby, plus a traditional Hanok village area, its building aesthetics unchanged in over 100 years. She provided the cultural and historical explanations that our kids felt comfortable enough able to engage with her and ask questions as well. She went above and beyond, gave us her what’s app contact and encouraged us to ask any further questions about our Seoul logistics - which we did a few times (all her tips were very insightful and spot on). If you’re wanting a more adventurous tour of central Seoul, I highly recommend Ms Lee!

Peter C.Canada
May 2026

Lee is a fantastic guide. We had a wonderful time exploring Seoul with her. We learned so much and she is so kindhearted. Highly highly recommended.

Matt P.United States
March 2026

We had a great time with Lee touring the old town sites. She was very knowledgeable and very fun. Her English is great too! Highly recommend her as a tour guide

Madeia A.United Arab Emirates
November 2025

I had a wonderful day exploring Seoul’s top historical spots. The tour balanced culture and history perfectly. A visit to Gwangjang Market was a highlight—where I enjoyed delicious local dishes like mungbean pancake, gimbap, ddeokbokki, bibimbap, and sweet hoddeok. We ended with a relaxing walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream and a stop at DDP. The tour guide Changhee Lee was very friendly , very professional and very knowledgeable of all the attractions and her food recommendations was the best , she made our visit very pleasant and worthwhile! A great experience overall—highly recommended!

Your Seoul tour itinerary

On our tour we will see; - Insadong (Lots of traditional goods and cafes) - Jogyesa temple (The head temple of Jogye order of Korean Buddhism) - Gwanghwamun squre (A statue of King Sejong the Great, and Admiral Yi Sunshin) - Gyeongbokgung palace (The main palace among five palaces in the Joseon Dynasty ) . Changing of the Royal Palace Guards Ceremony 10:00 / 14:00 . Guard Duty Performance 11:00 / 13:00 * The ceremony doesn't happen under bad weather. - Bukchon village (One of the oldest villages in Seoul with traditional Korean houses (Hanok)) Take the subway - Gwangjang market (Try local popular Korean food) - Chenggyecheon stream (Amazing nature in the city center) - Heunginjimun Gate / Dongdaemun Gate (One of the main gates in Hanyangdoseong fortress in the Joseon Dynasty) * One group is up to 8 people for this tour * The schedule is subject to change * I’m not responsible for any loss, injury, illness, accident or/and damage to persons or/and property incurred during the tour.

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Transport details
Type: Public Transportation / Category: Subway

[ Meeting point ] Anguk (안국) subway station (line 3), Exit 6 (outside) We meet in front of the subway station, and walk on the tour. After the Gyeongbokgung tour we take the subway to move to the food market. Subway tickets can only be purchased with cash.

What's included
Other: Palace ticket
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Food and public transportation Your own travel Insurance And any other personal expenses
Public Transportation
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Seoul, Seoul, 03147, South Korea

[ Recommended Meeting point ] Anguk (안국) subway station (line 3), Exit 6 (outside) Taxes are significantly cheaper in Korea than in many countries. You can ask your hotel to arrange one, or use Uber / KakaoT. If I pick you up, you'll have less time to explore the city. [ Pick-up ] Available for hotels in Jongno-gu and Jung-gu. [ Early pick-up ] For an additional 50,000KRW (or 35USD), I pick up 30 minutes before the tour start time, depending on my schedule.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Architecture
Food And Drink
History
Off The Beaten Path
City Highlights
Tour reference number
1110783
Languages
English
Korean
Activity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Seoul best suited for?

This private tour in Seoul is perfect for travellers who want to explore the historical and cultural highlights of the city with a local guide. It's especially suitable for those interested in Korean history, architecture, and food. The tour is kid-friendly and involves minimal walking, making it accessible for families and those with mobility concerns.

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 5 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 5 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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