This 3.5-hour English-guided tour follows the dark and defining chapters of Korea's modern history in chronological order, from Deoksugung Palace to Seodaemun Prison History Hall and Independence Gate. You will hear one connected story covering the founding of the Korean Empire, the loss of national sovereignty, the independence movement, and life under Japanese colonial rule. Watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony at Deoksugung and explore the preserved cells and exhibits at Seodaemun Prison History Hall. Admission to Deoksugung and Seodaemun Prison History Hall and vehicle transfer from Jeongdong-gil to Seodaemun Prison are included.

Hear the story of the Korean Empire at Deoksugung
and watch the guard changing ceremony

Meet your certified English-speaking guide at City Hall Station Exit 2 and begin the tour at Deoksugung Palace. Explore the traditional halls and Western-style buildings of Emperor Gojong's former imperial palace and learn about Korea's efforts to modernize amid growing international pressure. After touring the palace, watch the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony held near the palace entrance at 14:00.

Walk Jeongdong-gil and look back on the struggle to protect sovereignty

Stroll along Jeongdong-gil, once Seoul's diplomatic center lined with foreign legations, churches, and modern schools. At Chungdong First Methodist Church, one of the oldest Protestant churches in Korea, hear about its connection to the March 1st Independence Movement and the story of independence activist Yu Gwan-sun, who attended the church before being imprisoned at Seodaemun Prison.

Next, visit Jungmyeongjeon at Deoksugung, where the Eulsa Treaty was forced upon Korea in 1905 and the country lost control of its diplomacy.

Face the history of resistance and sacrifice at Seodaemun Prison

Travel by vehicle to Seodaemun Prison History Hall, where many Korean independence activists were imprisoned during the Japanese colonial period, and explore it for about 80 minutes. As you walk through the preserved cells and exhibition spaces, you will hear real stories of resistance, sacrifice, and survival.

End the journey at Independence Gate

Hear the final story at Independence Gate, built to declare Korea's aspiration to become a fully sovereign nation free from foreign influence. After the tour, you will return to City Hall Station by vehicle.

※ The guard changing ceremony is scheduled for 14:00, so you may miss it if you arrive late.
※ The tour runs rain or snow.

• Please check your mobile voucher via email or the WAUG app.
• Meet your English-speaking guide at City Hall Station Exit 2 at your booked time.
• Valid only on the selected date and time.

Meeting point :
City Hall Station Exit 2
City Hall Station, Seoul, South Korea

Meeting point information:
Meet at Exit 2 of City Hall Station on the Seoul subway. After the tour, you will return to City Hall Station by vehicle.

Cancellation & Refund

• Cancel up to 24 hours before the activity date for a full refund.

Restrictions

• Not suitable for wheelchair users.
• The route includes stairs and uneven ground, so it may not be suitable for people with limited mobility.

What to Bring

• Please wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.

On-site Information

• The tour is conducted in English with a maximum of 15 participants.
• The guard changing ceremony at Deoksugung is scheduled for 14:00, so the tour starts on time. If you are late, you may miss the ceremony, and the tour cannot be delayed for late arrivals.
• A vehicle is provided only for transfers between tour sites and the return to City Hall Station. Depending on group size and operating conditions, a taxi may be used instead.
• Deoksugung, Jeongdong-gil, and the inside of Seodaemun Prison History Hall are toured on foot.
• The tour runs rain or snow.

Other

• Seodaemun Prison History Hall contains sensitive exhibits related to imprisonment, torture, colonial oppression, and death.