Seoul City Tour

Tuesday (July 25th), 13:00 - 19:00

Secret Garden of Changdeokgung Palace    ⁝Guide book⁝

Changdeokgung Palace, built by King Taejong in 1405, is the best-preserved palace among all the royal palaces from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It served as the central location for the kings and their ministers to discuss state affairs and govern the people, as well as the primary residence for the royal family for about 270 years, making it a significant historical site.

The palace boasts a beautiful rear garden, famously known as the Secret Garden, which served as a forbidden recreational and retreat area for the royal family. The garden features stunning ponds such as Buyongji, Aeryeonji, and Gwallamji, and a small but lovely Ongnyucheon Stream flows through its northern part. The western part of the garden houses New Seonwonjeon, a sacred place with facilities for ancestral rites. The Secret Garden was used for various purposes such as composing poetry, contemplation, banquets, and archery. The royal family enjoyed fishing and boating on the pond, and sometimes displayed fireworks in this secluded rear garden of the palace. 

Although the palace has stood for centuries, access to the Secret Garden for sightseeing remains limited to a daily quota, giving only a fortunate few the chance to experience the enchantment of this magnificent site. 

Discover the vibrant world of craft art at the Seoul Museum of Craft Art (SeMoCA), the first public museum of its kind in Korea! Opened in July 2021, SeMoCA is a dynamic platform for experiencing the technical, practical, artistic, and cultural values of craft. With over 20,000 pieces of craft art and materials from various eras and fields, SeMoCA offers an impressive collection of exhibitions, programs, and resources, including the Craft History Exhibition, Modern Craft Exhibition, Local Craft Exhibition, etc.

Explore the deep historical roots of SeMoCA's location, which was once a royal palace constructed for King Sejong's son Prince Yeongeung and served as a venue for royal celebrations. SeMoCA strives to become a "craft hub" that connects tradition with the modern, Seoul with the world, and art with life through the medium of craft. 

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to discover the rich heritage and contemporary vitality of Korean craft art at SeMoCA!

Option 1.. Makgeolli (Korean Rice Wine) Experience 

Come join us for a unique and interactive experience as we dive into the world of traditional Korean makgeolli-making! Our event provides the perfect opportunity for foreigners to learn about the history and culture behind this beloved drink, and even make their own batch of makgeolli.

During the event, you'll be guided through the process of mixing rice and yeast to create your very own makgeolli. You'll also get to design your own custom label to put on your bottle of makgeolli, making it a unique and personalized souvenir.

Of course, no makgeolli-making experience is complete without tasting the delicious drink itself! We'll provide you with a pre-made makgeolli to try.

And don't worry if you're new to makgeolli or Korean culture - our event is open to people of all ages and backgrounds, and our friendly staff will be there to guide you every step of the way.

*We will divide the participants into two teams for the activities of making makgeolli and creating stamps.

Option 2. Dojang (Korean Hand-made Stamps) Experience

Experience the art of Korean hand-made stamps and create your own unique design! Korean hand-made stamps, known as "dojang," have been used for centuries as an important tool for official documents, as well as personal seals for artists and calligraphers. These beautiful stamps are made from natural materials such as wood, stone, and ivory, and are engraved with intricate designs using traditional techniques.

By experiencing the process of making a dojang yourself, you can discover the beauty of Korean traditional art. Not only that, but you will also have a personalized souvenir to take home with you. A dojang-making experience is a must-try activity during your visit to Korea.

*We will divide the participants into two teams for the activities of making makgeolli and creating stamps.

Gwangjang Market

As one of the most vibrant traditional markets in Seoul, Gwangjang Market is based in the center of the city so it can easily be located by even first-time visitors. This historic market opened in the early 20th century and is home to a number of clothing and food stalls, offering tourists a taste of traditional Korean cuisine. Starting with "addictive gimbap," one of Koreans’ all-time favorite snacks, and nokdujeon (mung bean pancake), visitors can sample a range of Korean delicacies. Other traditional treats such as tteok-bokki (stir-fried rice cake) and eomuk (fish cake) are also available. 

It is worth visiting the food stalls since most dishes are reasonably priced. If you have a keen interest in clothing, we recommend that you visit the hanbok stores and vintage clothing shops on the 2nd floor.

Following the tour, we'll drop you off at the Gwangjang Market, where you can experience local culture and cuisine at your own pace. However, please be aware that transportation back to the hotel from the market is not included in the tour. The market is conveniently located just one stop away from the hotel on public transportation, or you can easily hail a taxi. 

If you prefer not to visit Gwangjang Market, the bus will take you directly back to the hotel.

Please note that dinner will NOT be provided as part of the tour on July 25th. However, you will find many excellent dining options in the Gwangjang market and nearby areas. If you would like recommendations for restaurants or cafes where you can enjoy a delicious meal on your own, please feel free to ask us (mpa2023@skku.edu). We hope you fully enjoy your private time in Seoul that evening.