[Travel Review] Seoul City Tour Bus – The Easiest Way to Explore the Capital!

If you’re visiting Seoul for the first time or simply want to rediscover the city in a relaxing way, the Seoul City Tour Bus is an excellent option. With various routes covering key landmarks and tourist attractions, it offers a convenient and affordable way to see the city from a unique perspective.

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🚌 What is the Seoul City Tour Bus?

The Seoul City Tour Bus is a hop-on hop-off sightseeing service that operates multiple routes through Seoul. Each route is designed to showcase different aspects of the city, including historical sites, shopping districts, and cultural neighborhoods.

Popular routes include:

Downtown Palace Course – Includes Gyeongbokgung, Deoksugung, and Insadong.
Night Course – A scenic evening tour to admire Seoul’s skyline and bridges.
Gangnam Course – Focuses on modern Seoul, including COEX, Lotte World, and Gangnam Station.

You can hop off at any stop, explore the area, and hop back on when the next bus arrives.

🎟️ Ticket Info

Operating Hours: Usually from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, depending on the route.
Ticket Prices: Vary by course (approx. 15,000–20,000 KRW for adults).
Where to Buy: Tickets can be purchased online, at kiosks near bus stops, or directly from the driver.

🌆 My Experience

I chose the Downtown Palace Course, which was perfect for history lovers. The audio guide was available in multiple languages, and I learned so much about the history of the Joseon Dynasty while relaxing on the upper deck of the bus.

Highlights:

Watching the changing of the guard at Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Shopping for souvenirs at Insadong Street.
Taking photos at the scenic Namsan Seoul Tower stop.

The buses ran on time, were clean, and provided a peaceful way to travel across the city without the stress of navigating public transportation.

👍 Pros

Great for first-time visitors
Comfortable seats and open-air views on double-decker buses
Informative audio guides in various languages
Convenient for solo travelers, couples, and families

📌 Tips for Travelers

Arrive early if you want a good seat on the upper deck.
Bring sunscreen and a hat on sunny days.
Plan your stops in advance so you can manage your time efficiently.
If visiting in winter, bundle up—it gets cold on the open deck!

🧭 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re short on time or just want a hassle-free way to explore Seoul’s highlights, the Seoul City Tour Bus is highly recommended. It’s a fun, informative, and flexible travel option for anyone who wants to experience the city at their own pace.