World Cultural Heritage 1Day Seoul and Suwon City Tour – From Seoul (Everyday)

Overview

1. Changdeokgung Palace (Closed on Mondays, change to Gyeongbokgung Palace)

Changdeokgung means ‘to brighten virtue,’ and is the name of Korea’s most successfully preserved palace. Changdeokgung was designated as UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage in February 1997. It is one of the historic attractions that represent the beauty of Korea. It has a secret garden and a greenhouse facility in addition to a fish pond with colored fishes.

2. Jongmyo Shrine (Closed on Tuesdays, change to Insadong)

Jongmyo is a Confucian shrine dedicated to the perpetuation of memorial services for the deceased kings and queens of the Korean Joseon Dynasty. The Jongmyo Shrine was added to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list in 1995 for its well-preserved ancient customs such as memorial services and traditional music.

3. Insadong Antique Gallery (Tuesdays)

Insadong is the place to experience the traditional culture of Korea while remaining the heart of the city. With art galleries, traditional craft stores, antique art dealers, traditional tea houses and restaurants, it is simply the place in Seoul for visitors want to experience traditional aspect of Korea.

4. Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon Hanok Village is home to hundreds of traditional houses called ‘hanok’ that dates back to the Joseon Dynasty. The name, ‘Bukchon,’ which literally translates to ‘northern village,’ came about as the neighborhoods that the village covers lie to the north of the two significant Seoul landmarks, Cheonggyecheon stream.

5. Bukchon Cultural Center

Buckchon Cultural Center provides information about Bukchon Hanok Village. The center shows exhibits and films relating to the history of Bukchon. It is a perfect starting place for visitors to get a real cultural experience of Bukchon where a traditional Korean atmosphere is created.

6. Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress is an impressive structure from the latter part of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) and the official fortress of Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do. The fortress (constructed from 1794 to 1796) was built as a show of the King’s filial piety towards his father Jangheonseja and to build a new pioneer city with its own economic power. The fortress was designated as Historical Monument No. 3 in January 1963, and in December 1997, it was designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

7. Suwon Hwaseong Trolley

Hwasung Trolley is a tourist train that travels between Mt. Paldalsan and Yeon-mu-dae. The front of the train is shaped like a powerful dragon that signifies King Jeongjo, and the guest cars resemble palanquins that once carried the king during his excursions.
**Trolley course could be canceled due to the bad weather or unpredictable situation on the day of the tour.

8. Suwon Hwaseong Haenggung Palace

Hwasung Haenggung Palace is the biggest one of these shelters; Kings used them since the Jeongjo King period. This is the temporary palace where King Jeongjo stayed at the time of Wonhaeng (long journey) and also where he held a splendid feast on Hyegyeonggung Hong, his mother’s 60th birthday and more other events.