Private Tour with a Local: A Unique Way to Explore Seoul

Planning a trip to Seoul and wondering how to make the most out of it? One of the most common challenges that travelers face is finding a way to experience the local culture and traditions of the place they are visiting. What better way to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Seoul than through the eyes of a local guide? In this blog post, we introduce you to a unique way of exploring Seoul—through a private tour with a local.

What is a Private Tour with a Local?

A private tour with a local is a personalized tour of Seoul, led by a local guide who is passionate about sharing their knowledge of the city with you. Rather than just following a fixed itinerary, a local guide crafts a customized tour specifically tailored to your interests and preferences.

Everything from the sights you see to the restaurants you visit can be personalized based on your preferences, making it a truly unique and exclusive experience. You will get to learn about Seoul from a local’s perspective, sharing stories and tips that are not found in guidebooks.

Highlights of Private Tour with a Local

Experiencing Seoul through the eyes of a local guide has several unique highlights, including:

Get to know Seoul through the eyes of passionate locals

Private tours with locals provide a unique platform to experience a new place through the eyes of passionate locals. Apart from exploring the city’s hidden gems, a local guide on this tour helps you to gain insight into Seoul’s local culture, food, customs, and traditions, making your travel experience more authentic.

Make travel about friendly people, not just places

The best part of traveling is not just visiting attractive destinations but also connecting with people. A private tour with a local helps you to connect with new people, allowing you to make new friends around the world. You can easily create fond memories of Seoul visiting popular attractions and hidden gems accompanied by friendly locals.

Learn about the city’s best-kept secrets

A local guide knows about the city more than others since they live there. Moreover, if you choose to go on a private tour with GetYourGuide partners you can be sure you will get access to an experienced local with more than just a couple of local recommendations. You will get to ask any questions that you may have and see parts of the city that you wouldn’t have probably gotten to as a foreigner.

Full Description of Private Tour with a Local

On this tour, you get to transform the way you travel, making it more about the people you meet than merely visiting some places. You can meet your guide at your accommodation and get familiar with the neighborhood, all the while learning insider tips, such as Seoul’s best places to eat, shop, and unwind. The tour is flexible, allowing you to choose the sights, itinerary and activities that suit you best.

You also have the option to customize how long you spend at different sights. Since the tour is private, you can personalize it to your interests and schedule. Want to visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace during sunrise or the Namsan Tower during sunset? Your local guide can help you make it happen.

Booking Information

Booking a Private Tour with a Local in Seoul is simple and can be done through GetYourGuide partners. The tour includes a local guide, hotel pick-up and drop-off, and a personalized itinerary crafted specifically for you. This tour is highly recommended to those seeking to get a unique perspective of Seoul and make the most of their trip.

Are you ready to experience Seoul like a local? Book your private tour with a local guide today (Link)!

An Insider’s Guide to Exploring Seoul

Seoul is a bustling and captivating city, offering a blend of tradition and modernity. As a local, I’m excited to share with you some of the hidden gems and unique experiences that only insiders know about. From food to culture, to off-the-beaten-path suggestions, this guide will introduce you to Seoul’s lesser-known aspects that will make your visit a memorable one.

Local Attractions

While Gyeongbokgung Palace and Namsan Tower are the most popular tourist spots, there are several lesser-known attractions that deserve a visit. One such place is Ihwa Mural Village, a neighborhood adorned with vibrant and colorful murals painted on walls and staircases. It’s a picturesque place for a stroll and also an excellent spot for some Instagram-worthy pictures. Another off-the-beaten-path attraction is the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, an architectural masterpiece with unusual curvy lines that hosts events, exhibitions, and shopping.

If you’re in Seoul during cherry blossom season, head to Yeouido Park, a popular hangout spot for locals. The park offers a spectacular view of cherry blossoms. For those interested in history, a visit to the Seodaemun Prison History Museum is a must. It’s a place where you’ll learn about Korea’s struggle for independence during the Japanese occupation.

Dining Spots

Seoul is a paradise for food lovers with countless options to choose from. When in Seoul, you cannot miss trying Korean BBQ, a popular and customary dish. Galmaegisal, thin slices of pork neck meat, is a relatively new addition to the Korean BBQ scene. A great place to try it is at Palsaek Samgyeopsal, which offers eight different marinades for the meat.

Korean street food is also a must-try. For traditional street food, head to Gwangjang Market, the oldest traditional market in Seoul. Try bindaetteok, a savory pancake made from ground mung beans, and tteokbokki, spicy rice cakes.

Lastly, end your day with a cup of tea at a traditional teahouse in Insadong. It’s a place where you can escape the busy city streets and relax in a serene atmosphere.

Cultural Experiences

If you want to experience Seoul’s cultural richness, attend a traditional cultural performance at the National Theater of Korea or Namsan Traditional Theater. The performances showcase traditional Korean arts, including dance, music, and theater.

For a unique cultural experience, visit a jjimjilbang, a traditional Korean spa. Spa treatments include saunas, hot tubs filled with traditional herbal remedies, and massages.

If you’re in Seoul during May, visit the Seoul Lantern Festival, a celebration of traditional Korean lanterns lighting up the streets of the downtown area.

Local History

A lesser-known fact about Seoul is that it was once surrounded by four ancient gates, and one of them, Namdaemun, burned down in 2008 due to arson. The gate has since been reconstructed, and you can visit the newly built Namdaemun Market, a popular shopping area.

Another historical place is Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional Korean village with over 900 hanok (traditional Korean houses) still intact. The village offers a glimpse of Seoul’s past while still being a bustling modern neighborhood.

If you’re interested in the Korean War, visit the War Memorial of Korea. The memorial houses exhibits, displays, and galleries dedicated to telling the story of the Korean War.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For a unique and unforgettable experience, book a trip to Nami Island, located 63 km away from Seoul. It’s a place where you can escape the busy city life and immerse yourself in nature’s beauty.

If you’re into architecture, visit the quirky Common Ground, a unique shopping center made out of shipping containers.

Lastly, take a break from the city and visit the countryside. Head to Jeongneung Arboretum, a botanical garden and experimental forest that cultivates different plant species.

In conclusion, Seoul has many hidden gems and experiences that are often overlooked by tourists. By following this insider’s guide, you’ll have a chance to explore Seoul like a local and make unforgettable memories.