Seoul Modern History Tour: Tracing K-Democracy Discount Tickets

Your full day tour starts with a pick-up from your hotel in Seoul at 12pm or 12:30pm with the following itinerary: Gwangjang Market (Lunch) The Gwangjang Market is the nation’s first market with over 110 years of history as well as one of the largest traditional market in Korea. It was built in the purpose of reclaiming Korean sovereignty during the period of Japanese occupation. Today, it continues to prosper as a popular tourist spot and is famous for its street food. You will savor an included lunch. Royal Guard Changing Ceremony (Changdeokgung Palace on Tuesday) During the Joseon Dynasty, the royal guards performed the given task by guarding the Gwanghwamun Gate, the entrance of Gyeongbokgung Palace where the king ruled the country. Since 1469, the ceremony has taken place and its record has been consulted for the present reenactment ceremony. Gyeongbokgung Palace (Changdeokgung Palace on Tuesday) Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is also commonly referred to as the “Northern Palace” because its location is furthest north compared to the neighboring palaces of Changdeokgung (Eastern Palace) and Gyeongheegung (Western Palace). Gyeongbokgung is arguably the most beautiful and remains the largest of all five palaces, with beautiful buildings  and pavilions. Presidential Blue House The signature markings of the Presidential Residence of Cheong Wa Dae are its blue tiles. It is the first thing that catches one’s attention upon entering the premises. The blue tiles and the smooth roof blend beautifully with Mt. Bugaksan in the backdrop. Bukchon Hanok Village Bukchon Hanok Village sits between the two palaces of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, as well as the Jongmyo Shrine. Unlike other Hanok villages, Bukchon was not created for tourists but is actually a living village inhabited by Seoulites. The village is home to hundreds of traditional houses called ‘Hanok’ that date back to the Joseon dynasty. Today, many of these hanoks operate as cultural centers, guesthouses, restaurants and tea houses, providing an opportunity to experience, learn and immerse in Korean traditional culture. Nanta Performance Nanta performances, which are based on the rhythm of the samulnori (traditional Korean percussion quartet) and are comic non-verbal plays set in a kitchen. This shows have been so successful that they now run at three exclusive theaters in Seoul which are equipped with special lighting and sound systems to create maximum audience impact. Around 380,000 international tourists visit Nanta Theater every year.