Seoul

Experience the pulse of Seoul's cultural scene at Insadong

Traditions & Heritage • 3 hours 5.0 (6)

Experience the pulse of Seoul's cultural scene at Insadong

Explore Seoul's most exciting neighborhood! Stroll through winding streets discovering traditional crafts, charming boutiques and beautiful temples

Get yourself one of these to use on public transport, taxis but also as a method of payment at affiliated shopping centers and convenience stores

What makes this experience special

Key highlights

  • Join your host and explore the most creative neighbourhood in Seoul!
  • Visit a traditional teahouse where you’ll be transported back in time by the ancient ritual and traditional architecture
  • Browse antique stores and workshops where artisans still make traditional stationery and porcelain to this day
  • Visit one of the hundreds of galleries (really, there are more than 100!) in the area, like the Museum of Fine Art
  • Shop in a modern take on the traditional outdoor market selling arts and crafts
  • Try the local street food if you get hungry - even if you’re not hungry, we’re certain you’ll still want to try it
  • Visit historic landmarks and temples as you amble around

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

At a glance What’s included Things to know
Get yourself one of these to use on public transport, taxis but also as a method of payment at affiliated shopping centers and convenience stores
3 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested

What’s included

Private and personalised experience
3 hours with a host
Walking experience
Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)

What’s not included

Food and drink
Tickets to any attractions
Transportation costs
Gratuities (optional)

Meeting point

Your hotel/apartment or any other central location

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

  • We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
  • Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

What you’ll do

Welcome to Insadong - a neighborhood permeated with everything artistic, eclectic and creative.

You’ll explore with one of our Seoul hosts, flitting between traditional tea houses and even more traditional porcelain and stationery shops - Insadong is actually known across Korea as the spiritual home of traditional crafts and antiques.

It’s been an artist’s neighborhood for centuries, actually. Stroll along its largest street, Insadong-gil, with your host and see street vendors throwing together mind-boggling dishes like ‘dragon's beard candy - you’ll want to try it!

Pop into a stationary store and discover ancient writing techniques; stop by Jogyesa Temple and try to choose which of the 100 art galleries you’d like to visit.

We’d recommend a stop by Ssamziegil, a market/mall hybrid - quirky, right? - where you’ll find 70 independent shops selling the works of Korean artists and craftspeople.

After all of that, you might need a break, and a traditional tea ceremony sounds like just the thing.

1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?
Per person incl.
taxes & fees $85 for
Adults (Aged 13+)
Children (Up to 12 years old)
$85
per person
including taxes & fees
Select a date and start time
Tailor your experience
Flexible start times
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

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What travelers think of this experience

Joseph, Dec 2024

Our recent trip to Seoul South Korea was made extra special by booking a private tour with City Unscripted. Because we had a limited time to see the highlights of Seoul, we chose to do a tour focusing on Art and Food. We were fortunate enough to be paired with our guide Andrew. It is always refreshing to be paired with a guide who is both knowledgeable and engaging. Andrew had a keen sense of what we wanted to see and exactly how best to navigate the city with the tight schedule we had to keep. With Andrew as our guide and mentor, we learned many important details about how to get around the city, where to see the best Art, and best of all, where to find the best food in the marketplaces. I highly recommend the Private tour of Seoul and I strongly advise you to ask for Andrew as your guide, you won't be disappointed. Andrew speaks multiple languages fluently and made everything a breeze. We hope to return to Seoul again soon and we look forward to seeing our friend Andrew for another adventure in the city. Joseph

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Katherine, May 2023

Paul is an excellent tour guide. He was already in the lobby when we came down to meet him. We wanted to take pictures in the traditional dress so he brought us to a very nice hanbok rental. We then walked over to the palace and had several pictures taken.. Afterwords we went to the Namendem Market for a short while.

Show more
Harry, Mar 2025

This half-day tour that my family went on with Thomas of City Unscripted in Seoul was such a gem. We're blessed to have him showing us around with amazing photography shots and culture and history. It's like professional tour guide and photographer all in one. We took away with us not only beautiful memories of Seoul but also phenomenal pictures to relish. Highly recommended.

Show more
Kijuana, Mar 2025

Had a blast on a layover in Seoul with a solo tour with Jesseon. She kept the pace moving and really prioritized the things I wanted to see. I highly recommend City Unscripted and can’t wait to go back to Seoul when I have more time.

Show more
Leigh, Mar 2025

Hans Kim did a great job showing myself and my 18 year old son around Seoul. He reached out early to confirm, arrived right on time and helped us make the most of a few hours. He did a good job sharing his cultural and historical knowledge while keeping us moving and entertained.

Show more
Kijuana, Mar 2025

Jesseon was very kind and easy to talk to. She made sure I got to see the highlights of Seoul and truly made the experience memorable. I’d recommend City Unscripted for an organized and fun-filled tour. Can’t wait to go back to Seoul when I have more time!

Show more
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5.0 (6 reviews)
Joseph, Dec 2024

Our recent trip to Seoul South Korea was made extra special by booking a private tour with City Unscripted. Because we had a limited time to see the highlights of Seoul, we chose to do a tour focusing on Art and Food. We were fortunate enough to be paired with our guide Andrew. It is always refreshing to be paired with a guide who is both knowledgeable and engaging. Andrew had a keen sense of what we wanted to see and exactly how best to navigate the city with the tight schedule we had to keep. With Andrew as our guide and mentor, we learned many important details about how to get around the city, where to see the best Art, and best of all, where to find the best food in the marketplaces. I highly recommend the Private tour of Seoul and I strongly advise you to ask for Andrew as your guide, you won't be disappointed. Andrew speaks multiple languages fluently and made everything a breeze. We hope to return to Seoul again soon and we look forward to seeing our friend Andrew for another adventure in the city. Joseph

Katherine, May 2023

Paul is an excellent tour guide. He was already in the lobby when we came down to meet him. We wanted to take pictures in the traditional dress so he brought us to a very nice hanbok rental. We then walked over to the palace and had several pictures taken.. Afterwords we went to the Namendem Market for a short while.

Harry, Mar 2025

This half-day tour that my family went on with Thomas of City Unscripted in Seoul was such a gem. We're blessed to have him showing us around with amazing photography shots and culture and history. It's like professional tour guide and photographer all in one. We took away with us not only beautiful memories of Seoul but also phenomenal pictures to relish. Highly recommended.

Kijuana, Mar 2025

Had a blast on a layover in Seoul with a solo tour with Jesseon. She kept the pace moving and really prioritized the things I wanted to see. I highly recommend City Unscripted and can’t wait to go back to Seoul when I have more time.

Leigh, Mar 2025

Hans Kim did a great job showing myself and my 18 year old son around Seoul. He reached out early to confirm, arrived right on time and helped us make the most of a few hours. He did a good job sharing his cultural and historical knowledge while keeping us moving and entertained.

Kijuana, Mar 2025

Jesseon was very kind and easy to talk to. She made sure I got to see the highlights of Seoul and truly made the experience memorable. I’d recommend City Unscripted for an organized and fun-filled tour. Can’t wait to go back to Seoul when I have more time!