This full-day cultural experience introduces Seoul’s heritage through a well-paced journey combining traditional music and local artistic life. Travel by public transport and explore the historic heart of the city, from temple grounds to an intimate traditional music performance and Insadong’s cultural alleyways.
After breakfast at the hotel, meet the guide to set off for a full day exploring Seoul by public transport.
Begin the experience with a visit to Jogyesa Temple, the spiritual heart of Korean Buddhism. Known for its vibrant lanterns and century-old trees, the temple offers a peaceful pause and insight into Korea’s Buddhist traditions amid the urban landscape.
Following the temple visit, continue on foot to the nearby Insadong district, where traditional culture and everyday city life blend seamlessly. After a short walk through the historic streets, arrive at an intimate performance venue for the cultural highlight of the day.
Step into the performance hall for the 60-minute Jinyeon join-in programme. The session opens with Gilje, a demonstration of a traditional Korean ceremonial rite historically performed before royal court events. This is followed by Jinyeon, presenting Joseon-era royal court music, highlighted by gayageum byeongchang, a classical performance style combining voice expression with gayageum instrument accompaniment. The performance concludes with Harmony, featuring contemporary music from around the world interpreted through Korean traditional instruments.
A short hands-on instrument experience may be offered to 2-3 participants upon request.
After the performance, lunch will be served at a local restaurant in the Insadong area.
Enjoy a guided stroll through Insadong’s narrow alleyways lined with antique shops, galleries, craft boutiques and calligraphy studios.
Make a relaxing stop at a traditional hanok tea house tucked away from the main street, where guests can enjoy Korean jujube, omija or plum tea.
Before returning to the hotel, take part in a join-in seal engraving class. Design and carve a personal dojang, a traditional Korean stamp historically used as a signature. Crafted from stone and engraved by hand, it makes for a meaningful and lasting keepsake from the day.
Transfer back to the hotel. (L)
Inclusions:
🥘 Lunch
Notes:
- Minimum: 1 pax / Maximum: 15 pax per session.
- This tour should be booked 30 days in advance.
- The tour utilises Seoul's public transport system (Metro/Bus).
- The Jinyeon performance is closed on public holidays.
- This performance is non-assigned seating. Seats are allocated freely on a first-come, first-served basis.
- For a smooth viewing experience, audience members are kindly requested to be seated at least 10 minutes before the performance begins.
- Entry is not permitted once the performance has started in order to avoid disturbing other audience members. Re-entry may also be restricted if leaving during the performance.
- Photography and video recording are permitted, but guests are kindly asked to do so without sound.
- Food and drinks are not allowed inside the performance venue.
- This performance is open to all ages. (Infants aged 12–35 months may attend free of charge when seated on a guardian’s lap. Children aged three years and above require a ticket.)
- We encourage travellers to travel with their own refillable/reusable water container in order to minimise plastic bottle usage and water waste, as more and more refilling stations are now available in destinations.
- If you wish to book this program after the 30-day cut-off date, feel free to contact us with your request. While we cannot guarantee availability, we will do our best to accommodate your booking.
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