Excursion Seoul heritage walking tour: changdeok palace and the fortress wall of seoul tour at Seoul

Experience the local landmarks and culture of Seoul during a memorable, full-day sightseeing excursion.

Changdeok Palace & Korean Lunch

Start your day by visiting Changdeok Palace after approximately 60-minute drive. The palace was the second royal villa built following the construction of Gyeongbukgung Palace in 1405. It was the principal palace for many kings of the Joseon dynasty, and is the most well-preserved of the five remaining royal Joseon palaces. The palace grounds are comprised of a public palace area, a royal family residence building, and the rear garden. Known as a place of rest for the kings, the rear garden boasts a gigantic tree that is over 300 years old, a small pond and a pavilion. The palace gained importance starting from the time of Seongjong, the 9th king of Joseon, when a number of kings began using it as a place of residence. Unfortunately, the palace was burned down by angry citizens in 1592 when the royal family fled their abode during the Japanese invasion of Korea. Thanks to Gwanghaegun, the palace was restored in 1611. Even today, it houses a number of cultural treasures, such as Injeongjeon Hall, Daejojeon Hall, Seonjeongjeon Hall, and Nakseonjae. Though it has been treasured by Koreans for centuries, Changdeokgung Palace was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Committee in December of 1997 during the committee meeting in Naples, Italy.

The Fortress Wall of Seoul and Korean Lunch

After enjoying a Korean meal for lunch, walk on the Fortress Wall of Seoul, or literally the Seoul City Wall for approx. 2 and a half hours.

The Fortress Wall of Seoul has been reconstructed and repaired several times since its initial construction in 1396. It served as a city wall to safeguard the capital for over 500 years throughout Joseon Dynasty. The wall preserves a succession of building techniques and structure developed by Korean people from ancient times. Mt. Naskan Trail runs through Naksan (124m), the lowest mountain of Seoul's four inner mountains.

The tour ends with approximately 60-minute driver back to the ship in Incheon port.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Seoul, Changdeok Palace, Fortress Wall of Seoul, Korean lunch

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately five miles (about 8 kilometres), at times over uneven and cobblestone surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and about 20 steps at the sites visited. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. The tour sequence may vary.