South Korea · HISTORICAL TOURS

The 15 Best History Tours in South Korea

39 tours  ·  from $20

Joseon palaces, Silla tombs, the colonial period and the war that made the border. These 15 are led by guides who take the long view, priced, with the walking distances stated up front.

From Busan: Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage Guided Day Tour - Choosing between Packages A, B, and C
Busan Tours, Guided, Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, UNESCO World Heritage Tours, UNESCO World Heritage Tours in Busan

From Busan: Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage Guided Day Tour

1.Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage Guided Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,250 reviews · 8 - 12 hours · from $52Our pick

Travel from Busan to Gyeongju by comfortable coach and explore Silla-era treasures with English, Chinese, or Korean-speaking guides. Choose Yangdong Village, Gyochon Village, or the National Museum, then enjoy royal tombs, Hwangridan Street, and evening sights at Woljeong Bridge and Donggung Palace.

“It's always important to book a tour guide to explore deeply the culture of a place. Thanks to our experienced guides, Victoria, Jason, Kevin & Sunny we had an amazing time, made friends and all our questions were answered!!”

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Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage Guided Day Tour from Busan - Picking between the UNESCO and Museum tours
Busan Tours, Guided, Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, UNESCO World Heritage Tours, UNESCO World Heritage Tours in Busan

Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage Guided Day Tour from Busan

2.Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage Guided Day Tour from Busan

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 660 reviews · from $57Top rated

Travel from central Busan to Gyeongju by air-conditioned coach with an English, Chinese, or Korean-speaking guide. Choose UNESCO sites including Yangdong Village and Wolji Pond, or swap in the Gyeongju National Museum. Guides such as Vincent, Sol, Irene, and Bobby are praised for clear history and smooth organization.

“Good historical tour of highlights. Our guide, Bobby Kim, was knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. He answered all of our questions and helped take pictures. Traffic was a bit unexpected and added to the day.”

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Seoul: Evening Dark History, Folklore & Ghost Story Walking Tour - Gyeonghuigung Palace and Seoul’s uneasy royal past
Evening Experiences, Historical Tours, Seoul Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Seoul: Evening Dark History, Folklore & Ghost Story Walking Tour

3.Evening Dark History, Folklore & Ghost Story Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 593 reviews · from $42Best value

Join guides such as Shawn or Joe at 8 p.m. for a 2 to 3 hour walk through Seoul’s darker corners. Hear Korean ghost stories and folklore at Gyeonghuigung Palace, Pimatgol Alley, Tapgol Park, and other unusual sites. Choose the extended edition for more stops and extra spooky tales.

“If you into history, spooky stuff and dad humor then its for you. The guide did a good job mixing all those components. Also was kinda the official first date with my girlfriend and she liked it. XD”

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Old Korea Thousand History Tour of Gyeongju from Busan - From Busan Station to Bulguksa Temple
Busan Tours, Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Old Korea Thousand History Tour of Gyeongju from Busan

4.Old Korea Thousand History Tour of Gyeongju from Busan

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 518 reviews · from $64

Spend about 12 hours tracing Gyeongju’s Silla-era past from Busan. Visit Bulguksa Temple, royal tombs, Gyochon Village, Hwangridan-gil, Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, then see Woljeonggyo Bridge lit at night. Guides such as Bada, Erica, Kayla, and Katrina add history, humor, and photo help.

“Excellent details, brilliant guides. Very thorough. Honest and no product pushing. Comfortable bus. Great time management.”

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Hanbok Photoshoot and History Tour at Gyeongbokgung Palace - Meeting near Gyeongbokgung Station
Gyeongbokgung Palace Tours, Hanbok Rentals and Photoshoots, Historical Tours, Photography Sessions, Seoul Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Hanbok Photoshoot and History Tour at Gyeongbokgung Palace

5.Hanbok Photoshoot and History Tour at Gyeongbokgung Palace

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 276 reviews · from $60

Dress in a traditional hanbok, have your hair styled, then explore Gyeongbokgung Palace with guide James and photographer Jacob. You’ll hear lively Joseon stories, pose at royal gates and pavilions, and receive more than 100 edited photos. On Tuesdays, the route changes to Changdeokgung and Ikseondong.

“Such a fun experience. James was wonderful with the tour and communication leading up to the tour (conveying information and plans). So much fun getting dressed up for the palace- they really do make you feel like royalty! Our guides had a wonderful sense of humour, were very knowledgeable and the photos are a nice souvenir too. Highly recommend!”

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From Seoul: Dae Jang Geum Park Historic K-Drama Set Tour - Finding famous K-drama filming locations
Historical Tours, Seoul Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

From Seoul: Dae Jang Geum Park Historic K-Drama Set Tour

6.Dae Jang Geum Park Historic K-Drama Set Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 143 reviews · 5 - 11 hours · from $55

Travel from Seoul to MBC Dae Jang Geum Park in Yongin with an English or Japanese-speaking guide such as Rachel, Leo, Sophie, or Stella. See palace and village sets from famous historical dramas, look for live filming, and take photos at Suga’s Daechwita locations. Optional pickup and small-group tours are available.

“👍👍👍 but time was to short. Could only see 3 areas. That whole place is worth more time.”

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Gyeongju: UNESCO Heritage Tour Including Bulguksa Temple - Gyochon Village and the old Choi family home
Gyeongju Tours, Historical Tours, Korean Temple Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, UNESCO World Heritage Tours, UNESCO World Heritage Tours in Gyeongju

Gyeongju: UNESCO Heritage Tour Including Bulguksa Temple

7.UNESCO Heritage Tour Including Bulguksa Temple

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 104 reviews · 8 hours · from $189

Travel by air-conditioned van with an English-speaking guide such as Sue or Steve, visiting Bulguksa, Seokguram, Daereungwon, Cheomseongdae, Gyochon Village, and Wolji Pond. Lunch, entrance fees, hotel pickup, and drop-off are included.

“100% recommended. The tour was super nice and Sue was a really great tour guide, very clear in her explanations. A truly memorable experience”

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Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage Sites and History Full-Day Tour with Lunch - Cheomseongdae, a small monument with a large role
Full-Day, Gyeongju Tours, Historical Tours, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours, UNESCO World Heritage Tours, UNESCO World Heritage Tours in Gyeongju

Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage Sites and History Full-Day Tour with Lunch

8.Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage Sites and History Full-Day Tour with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 104 reviews · from $189

Travel by air-conditioned minivan from Busan to Gyeongju with a guide such as Steve, Sue, Chris, or Jina. See Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, Daereungwon Tomb Complex, Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, Cheomseongdae, and Gyochon Village. Lunch, entrance fees, pickup, and drop-off are included.

“Booked all group tour, but ended up with private tour with Steve Kim. Excellent guide, spoke fluent English. Had great conversation and learned much about the history of Gyeongju. Enjoyed the included lunch. Drive passed quickly. Pickup and drop off was seamless. Would recommend for someone looking for a tour.”

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Seoul: City Highlights and Historical Experience No Shopping - The National Palace Museum area and what to expect
City Tours, Historical Tours, Seoul Tours, Shopping Tours, Tour Reviews

Seoul: City Highlights and Historical Experience No Shopping

9.City Highlights and Historical Experience No Shopping

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 74 reviews · from $49

Spend four hours exploring Seoul’s palace quarter with a small group of up to 15 people. Try optional hanbok rental, enter Gyeongbokgung Palace, visit the National Palace Museum area, walk through Bukchon Hanok Village, and finish in Insadong. Guides such as Gina, Jade, Pearl, and Sheen are praised for clear explanations and helpful photos.

“Great tour! Jade was very knowledgeable and helpful. It’s nice to understand what your seeing when visiting other countries. Dressing up in the traditional clothes was a lot of fun.”

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Street photoshoot and Seoul Hidden gem History Walking Tour - Starting near Jongno 3-ga at 5:30 pm
Historical Tours, Photography Sessions, Seoul Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Street photoshoot and Seoul Hidden gem History Walking Tour

10.Street photoshoot and Seoul Hidden gem History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 68 reviews · from $45

Join historian guides James and Jacob at 5:30 pm for a 2 to 3 hour Seoul walk from Jongmyo Shrine to Cheonggyecheon and Ikseon-dong. You’ll hear Joseon-era stories, visit tucked-away lanes, and receive 50 or more edited photos per person.

“This tour was incredible- filled with hidden gems and insightful modern history.. you will learn so much from the local guides James and Jacob! The tour took us through many secret passageways and locations. They took high quality photos of us and were so fun to engage with. I cannot recommend this tour enough - you will truly enjoy it!”

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Full day Private Gyeongju UNESCO Heritage Tour : a glimpse into Silla - Seokguram Grotto and the Buddhist heart of the tour
Full-Day, Gyeongju Tours, Historical Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, UNESCO World Heritage Tours, UNESCO World Heritage Tours in Gyeongju

Full day Private Gyeongju UNESCO Heritage Tour : a glimpse into Silla

11.Full day Private Gyeongju UNESCO Heritage Tour : a glimpse into Silla

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 60 reviews · from $256

Spend about 11 hours tracing Silla-era Korea with a private guide such as Mimi, Wookie, or John. Visit Bulguksa, Seokguram, royal tombs, Gyochon Village, the National Museum, and Wolji Pond. Hotel pickup is available from Busan or Gyeongju, with a KTX upgrade from Seoul.

“John was an incredibly knowledgeable guide who took us to every major site in Gyeongju. We especially loved the temples and grotto he took us to and the history he told us about the sites. We also went to a delicious lunch and dinner based on John’s recommendation. Overall, John’s passion for Gyeongju’s history is palpable and we really enjoyed our day with him!”

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Busan history and market food tour with local chef - BIFF Square and the hotteok stop
Busan Tours, Food, Food & Drink, Historical Tours, Markets, Shopping Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Busan history and market food tour with local chef

12.Busan history and market food tour with local chef

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 58 reviews · from $50

Join local chef Heeyoung for a two-hour walking tour through Jagalchi Seafood Market, BIFF Square, and Bupyeong Kkangtong Market. You’ll taste Busan favorites such as ssiat hotteok, fish cakes, tteokbokki, and pajeon while getting practical food and restaurant advice for the rest of your stay.

“This was such a lovely experience!! As non-Koreans who love cooking and eating, it was perfect set up for us to have a Korean chef walk us trough these huge, amazing markets and not just educate us but give us samples of things to try — Read more”

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From Busan: Echoes of Silla Gyeongju Historical Day Tour - Bulguksa Temple begins the historical tour
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From Busan: Echoes of Silla Gyeongju Historical Day Tour

13.Echoes of Silla Gyeongju Historical Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 55 reviews · 12 hours · from $64

Travel from Busan to Gyeongju with an English, Chinese, or Korean-speaking guide. Visit Bulguksa, Gyochon Village, Daereungwon, Hwangnidan-gil, Wolji Pond, and Woljeonggyo Bridge. Guides such as Lucy, Rico, Bobby, and Yoona help with history, timing, photos, and local tips.

“Very nice tour, Lucy and Ko are very helpful and gave us all the information, leaving us also free time in all locations. We really enjoyed the tour and we recommend it!”

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Jeju Island UNESCO Heritage Bus Tour - South and western Jeju: market food, waterfalls, and easy countryside walks
Historical Tours, Jeju Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, UNESCO World Heritage Tours, UNESCO World Heritage Tours in Jeju

Jeju Island UNESCO Heritage Bus Tour

14.Jeju Island UNESCO Heritage Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 54 reviews · from $56

See Jeju’s best-known natural and cultural sights across eastern, western, and southern routes. Ride an air-conditioned vehicle with a licensed guide or English-speaking driver, visit Seongsan’s women divers, walk forest trails, and enjoy tea fields, markets, beaches, and waterfalls.

“We had two guides for our two day trip tour in Jeju Island. Mr. Lee and Andy were excellent! Attentive, connected with us and they made our experience very personal. Lovely experience!”

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Discover Seoul: Local Life and History - Seoul City Hall and the first 30 minutes
Historical Tours, Seoul Tours, Tour Reviews

Discover Seoul: Local Life and History

15.Discover Seoul: Local Life and History

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 53 reviews · from $96

Walk from Seoul Plaza through Gwanghwamun, Gyeongbokgung, Insadong, and Bukchon Hanok Village with guides such as Moises or Gemma. Expect Joseon-era stories, the palace guard change, traditional tea houses, craft shops, food advice, and a group of up to 20.

“We have a layover in Incheon airport and decided to take advantage of it. We were so impressed with Seoul and our tour guide that we will come back and make a trip just to there. The tea house he took us to was the best experience.”

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