Seoul Tour Review: Past & Present with Lunch & Pick-Up

Planning a trip to Seoul and trying to soak up everything that this electric city has to give? You know, figuring out where to even begin can feel just a little overwhelming, so that’s very understandable. A organized tour that promises to showcase both the historical beauty and current-day excitement of Seoul, while throwing in lunch and hotel pick-up for convenience might just be the ticket, right? Well, I gave the “Past and Present in Seoul with Lunch and Pick Up Included” tour a whirl, and here’s what you might want to know, to hopefully make your decision easier.

First Impressions: Setting the Stage for Adventure

Getting picked up right from my hotel was, too, definitely a major plus. You see, the morning commute in Seoul can be, like, a real test of patience. So, skipping all that mess and getting ushered right into a comfy tour bus set a great tone for the day. You get that little shot of relief right away. Our guide was, too, pretty friendly and spoke solid English, making it pretty easy to get all the info and ask any burning questions. From the get-go, it felt pretty well organized.

You know, first up was Gyeongbokgung Palace, probably Seoul’s grandest royal residence, really. So, I have visited quite a few palaces, but something about the traditional Korean architecture – all those sweeping roofs and colorful details – just got me, if that makes any sense. The guide shared tons of cool stories about the Joseon dynasty. He really helped paint a vivid picture of what royal life must have been like. I actually loved the contrast of wandering through such an old historical site with the distant skyscrapers reminding you that you’re absolutely still in a vibrant, super-modern city.

Stepping Back in Time at Bukchon Hanok Village

You might enjoy this part! After the palace, we swung by Bukchon Hanok Village. You know, picture this: a charming little neighborhood crammed with traditional Korean houses, all crammed along narrow, winding streets. I tell you, it’s just a super-popular photo spot. But, really, it’s for pretty good reason. The houses, these “hanoks,” are truly lovely, often with tiled roofs and these beautiful wooden details. What is cool, too, is that people still live in many of them, which I find kind of adds this extra layer of authenticity that, too, I very much appreciate.

We actually got some time to just wander around a bit and peek into some of the craft shops and tea houses. In a way, it almost felt like stepping onto a historical film set. If you are like me, you could imagine what life must’ve been like centuries ago. The only heads up I have is, that it is almost always packed with tourists, so, yes, patience is pretty useful when squeezing down the narrow streets and trying to get that amazing photo without fifty other people in the shot. So you have been warned!

A Taste of Korea: The Included Lunch

You know, I am sometimes pretty wary of these “included meals” on tours. Like, will the food actually be any good, right? I can happily tell you, that this lunch was a winner. We stopped at a great, local restaurant, not some super touristy spot, which I really loved, by the way. We tucked into a set meal of bibimbap. Do you know it? That is rice topped with all sorts of sautéed veggies, meat, and a fried egg. Mix it all up with some gochujang (chili paste), and bam! Deliciousness.

You know, what I enjoyed the most was having the opportunity to taste an authentic Korean dish in a setting that felt far removed from your standard tourist traps. I will say, though, that if you might be someone with any dietary restrictions, you might want to let the tour company know ahead of time just to make sure they can make it work for you. Still, I’d rate the food part as fairly exceptional and I certainly appreciated a pause to just sit, cool down, and refuel after all that walking around.

Modern Marvels: N Seoul Tower and Myeongdong

The afternoon then shifts gears big time, with a, like, major dose of modern Seoul. Now, picture a ride up to N Seoul Tower, which sits high atop Namsan Mountain. The views from up there? Spectacular. You could see the whole city sprawling beneath you, which I honestly found mind-blowing. You see the Han River snaking its way through the urban landscape, and this sea of buildings stretching as far as you can see. It’s an absolutely amazing photo op.

The tour includes time up at the tower to take in all the views. There is, too, even the classic “love locks” area where couples affix padlocks as a symbol of their commitment (you know, for that ultra-romantic touch, if you are into that). After descending from the tower, we hit Myeongdong, Seoul’s super-famous shopping district. That is, too, bright lights, crazy street food, shops selling all manner of cosmetics and fashion items, and just this palpable electric energy flowing through the streets. The guide gave us a quick lay of the land and then released us for some free time to shop, explore, and just soak in the general atmosphere. Now, bear in mind, that this place can be, like, intensely crowded, especially later in the day. You know, so steel yourself for a bit of sensory overload.

Wrapping Up: What Could Be a Little Better

The tour’s got a whole lot going for it, to be sure, though just a couple of spots might perhaps need a tiny bit of improvement. You see, the time allotted at Myeongdong, particularly, felt slightly rushed. Like, giving just a little extra time there could be just a bit of an improvement for folks who seriously want to get some shopping done. Plus, you might remember that in crowded areas, keeping track of a large group can be tough. The guide tried his best, though maybe having a clearer meeting point, or like a more distinct signal for when it’s time to leave would probably be helpful.

But overall, those are actually really minor gripes. The hotel pick-up and drop-off was almost really helpful. The itinerary packs in a great balance of historical sites and modern attractions. I think, the guide was pretty knowledgable and super-engaging. And, of course, you might really remember, that bibimbap lunch was an honestly very pleasant surprise! So, should you book the “Past and Present in Seoul with Lunch and Pick Up Included” tour? In that case, if you want an awesome introduction to Seoul’s best sights and don’t want to have to stress all of the logistics yourself, then yes, probably do it. It is, too, especially amazing for first-time visitors to Seoul, or probably anybody who wants to soak in all of the main attractions with minimal hassle.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for all age groups?

Arguably, yes, it might be! There is a fair amount of walking involved, though, so keeping that in mind is fairly essential, particularly if you have any little ones with you or anyone who struggles with mobility.

What should I wear?

That is an easy one! Wear comfy shoes for sure. Also, consider dressing in layers because the weather in Seoul can sometimes be a bit changeable.

Is the tour conducted in English?

The tours are often run in English, though it’s always, too, pretty smart to check directly with the tour provider when you book to just make absolutely certain.

Are the entrance fees to attractions included?

Yes, the tour cost pretty much always includes admission fees for any attractions mentioned on the itinerary. But just make absolutely certain to double-check the specific tour details before booking, just to ensure.