What are the seasonal operating hours for the Downtown & Palace Course?

The first bus departs seasonally at 09:20 and the last bus departs seasonally at 16:50. However, the specific departure times and intervals vary seasonally. The service is closed on Mondays. (Source: https://www.seoulcitybus.com/en/tours/1?code=1)

How often do buses run on this route seasonally?

From January 1 to August 31, buses depart every 30 minutes. From September 1 to December 31, buses depart every 25 minutes. Please refer to the full seasonal timetable for specific departure times. (Source: https://www.seoulcitybus.com/en/tours/1?code=1)

What is the ticket price for the Downtown & Palace Course?

Adult tickets are officially shown at 27,000 KRW (from 36,000 KRW) and child tickets at 19,000 KRW (from 22,000 KRW). Prices are subject to change, so it's advisable to check current fares. (Source: https://www.seoulcitybus.com/en/tours/1?code=1)

Can I hop on and off the bus?

Yes, the Downtown & Palace Course operates as a hop-on hop-off service, allowing you to explore the 15 key stops at your own pace. (Source: https://www.seoulcitybus.com/en/tours/1?code=1)

Seoul City Tour Bus Downtown Route

Discover Seoul's Heart: The Downtown & Palace Bus Tour

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Seoul's most iconic destinations with the Downtown & Palace Course. This Seoul City Tour Bus route provides a flexible hop-on hop-off service, circulating through 15 key stops. You can effortlessly visit historical sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace, experience the bustling energy of Myeongdong, or ascend to the N Seoul Tower for breathtaking city views. This tour is designed for you to explore at your leisure, allowing ample time at each location that captures your interest.

What You'll See: Major Stops on the Route

This comprehensive route showcases a diverse array of Seoul's most significant sites, seamlessly blending historical grandeur with contemporary culture. From ancient palaces to vibrant markets and iconic towers, there's something to captivate every visitor. While the full loop takes approximately 90 minutes if you remain on the bus, the true advantage lies in disembarking to immerse yourself in the unique character of each stop. You'll find yourself surrounded by centuries of history at the palaces and the dynamic pulse of modern Seoul in its shopping and entertainment districts.

Gwanghwamun Station: A central starting point, offering access to grand plazas and historical landmarks. (Source: https://www.seoulcitybus.com/en/tours/1?code=1)
Myeongdong: A bustling district renowned for its shopping, street food, and vibrant atmosphere. (Source: https://www.seoulcitybus.com/en/tours/1?code=1)
Namsangol Hanok Village: A serene traditional Korean village, perfect for experiencing historical architecture and cultural insights. (Source: https://www.seoulcitybus.com/en/tours/1?code=1)
Ambassador Seoul Pullman Hotel: A convenient stop for those staying in the area. (Source: https://www.seoulcitybus.com/en/tours/1?code=1)
The Shilla Seoul & Jangchungdan Park: Combines luxury accommodation with a historic park, offering scenic beauty. (Source: https://www.seoulcitybus.com/en/tours/1?code=1)
N Seoul Tower: An iconic landmark providing panoramic vistas of the entire city. (Source: https://www.seoulcitybus.com/en/tours/1?code=1)
Grand Hyatt Seoul: Another key hotel stop, offering excellent views and amenities. (Source: https://www.seoulcitybus.com/en/tours/1?code=1)
DDP (Dongdaemun Design Plaza) & Market: A futuristic architectural marvel and a lively market hub for fashion and goods. (Source: https://www.seoulcitybus.com/en/tours/1?code=1)
Daehakro: Known as the 'Street of Youth,' this area is vibrant with theaters, cafes, and artistic energy. (Source: https://www.seoulcitybus.com/en/tours/1?code=1)
Changgyeonggung Palace: A historical palace offering insights into royal life. (Source: https://www.seoulcitybus.com/en/tours/1?code=1)
Changdeokgung Palace
Insadong & Bukchon Hanok Village
Blue House (Cheong Wa Dae)
Gyeongbokgung, Folk Museum & MMCA
Sejong Center & Gwanghwamun Square

Planning Your Journey: Seasonal Schedule and Frequency

The Downtown & Palace Course operates with buses departing at regular intervals, providing flexibility for your sightseeing plans. The service is closed on Mondays. The first and last bus departure times of 09:20 and 16:50, respectively, are consistent across seasons, but the intervals between these times vary. From January 1 to August 31, buses depart every 30 minutes. For the period from September 1 to December 31, the frequency increases, with buses departing every 25 minutes. This allows you to plan your stops effectively, ensuring you have ample time to explore your chosen attractions. (Source: https://www.seoulcitybus.com/en/tours/1?code=1)

Tickets and Pricing

The official display for the Downtown & Palace Course shows adult tickets at 27,000 KRW (from an original 36,000 KRW) and child tickets at 19,000 KRW (from an original 22,000 KRW). Please note that these prices are subject to change, so it is always recommended to verify the latest fares before your trip. For more general ticket information, you can refer to our guide on ticket fares. (Source: https://www.seoulcitybus.com/en/tours/1?code=1)

How to Ride the Downtown & Palace Course

The hop-on hop-off nature of this tour means you can begin your journey at any of the 15 designated stops. Popular starting points include Gwanghwamun Station, a central hub with convenient subway access, or Myeongdong, if you're already exploring the vibrant shopping district. Simply purchase your ticket and board the bus. When you wish to explore an attraction, disembark and reboard a later bus when you're ready to continue. Look for the Seoul City Tour Bus signage at designated stops to easily find your way. This flexibility allows you to tailor your sightseeing experience to your interests and pace, ensuring a personalized adventure through Seoul.

Frequently asked questions

What are the seasonal operating hours for the Downtown & Palace Course?: The first bus departs seasonally at 09:20 and the last bus departs seasonally at 16:50. However, the specific departure times and intervals vary seasonally. The service is closed on Mondays. (Source: https://www.seoulcitybus.com/en/tours/1?code=1)
How often do buses run on this route seasonally?: From January 1 to August 31, buses depart every 30 minutes. From September 1 to December 31, buses depart every 25 minutes. Please refer to the full seasonal timetable for specific departure times. (Source: https://www.seoulcitybus.com/en/tours/1?code=1)
What is the ticket price for the Downtown & Palace Course?: Adult tickets are officially shown at 27,000 KRW (from 36,000 KRW) and child tickets at 19,000 KRW (from 22,000 KRW). Prices are subject to change, so it's advisable to check current fares. (Source: https://www.seoulcitybus.com/en/tours/1?code=1)
Can I hop on and off the bus?: Yes, the Downtown & Palace Course operates as a hop-on hop-off service, allowing you to explore the 15 key stops at your own pace. (Source: https://www.seoulcitybus.com/en/tours/1?code=1)
How long does the full loop take?: The full loop of the Downtown & Palace Course takes approximately 90 minutes if you remain on the bus. (Source: https://www.seoulcitybus.com/en/tours/1?code=1)