What It Is
The Seoul City Tour Bus is a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing service that runs fixed loop routes around central Seoul. It connects major attractions — including historic palaces, downtown districts, scenic viewpoints, and evening skyline stops — with multilingual audio commentary designed for international visitors.
- Hop-on / hop-off system: One ticket lets you board and disembark at stops throughout the day.
- Multilingual audio guides: Each seat has a personal audio guide system with explanations in about 12 languages.
- Different bus types: Open-top double-decked, glass-top double-decked, or semi-open single-decked depending on season and traffic.
- Free Wi-Fi and USB charging: Comfort features are included for riders.
Editor’s Comment
Tour 02 and Tour 03 previously covered the Gangnam area, but due to low demand, both routes were discontinued in 2025.
As a Seoul resident, I personally believe the Downtown–Palace–Namsan Course (Tour 01) best represents what most visitors are hoping to experience. It allows tourists to see royal palaces, iconic landmarks, modern skyscrapers, and symbolic architecture—all within a single route. The contrast between historic heritage and contemporary cityscape, between traditional Korea and modern Seoul, makes this course the most aligned with the true spirit of sightseeing in the city.
How to Use It
- Book a ticket
- You can buy tickets online in advance or at the ticket office near Gwanghwamun Station .
- On-site ticket sales usually stop mid-afternoon for some tours, so plan ahead.
- Pick up your ticket
- If booked online, You can board after exchanging the physical ticket at the ticket office of the Gwanghwamun Stop.
- Board any bus along the route
- Once you have your ticket, you can board at any stop on your chosen tour. Seats are unassigned and first-come, first-served.
*It is recommended to arrive early during peak seasons such as weekends, holidays, or vacations.
- Once you have your ticket, you can board at any stop on your chosen tour. Seats are unassigned and first-come, first-served.
- Hop on and off all day
- For daytime courses (Tour 01/04), your ticket lets you explore at your leisure. You can get off at a spot, walk around, and catch the next bus back.
Bus Features & Rules
- Coffee, beverages, and food are not allowed in the bus.
- Standing is not allowed on the 2nd floor of the open-top double-decker bus.
- The roof of any open-top bus can be opened and closed, so we can operate normally even on rainy or snowy days.
- In Spring/Summer, UV rays are strong, so it is recommended to prepare a hat, sunscreen, or sunglasses.
- In Fall/Winter, it’s good to prepare a hat, outerwear, blanket, or hand warmers.
Editor’s Tip
The open-top double-decker and even the single-decker buses can be challenging in extreme weather.
Seoul’s summers and winters are notoriously intense.
In winter, it can feel colder and windier than parts of Russia. In summer, it’s often hotter and more humid than Bangkok.
For the most comfortable experience, consider riding from late March through April, May, and June, and into early July.
September through late November is also ideal.
If possible, avoid July and August during peak summer, as well as December through February in the middle of winter.
Because your life is precious.
Bus Type
The course may operate with an open double-decker bus, a glass-top double-decker bus, or a semi-open single-decker bus, depending on reservations, traffic, and vehicle availability
●Open-top double-decker bus
Features: Seats for the disabled, retractable 2nd floor allowing operation under snow or rain, multilingual guide system(12 languages) for each seat which transmits tourist information via recorded voice
Seats : 10 seats on the 1st floor(excluding wheelchair seats), 61 seats on the 2nd floor, total 71 seats
● Glass-top double-decker bus
Features: Heating and cooling available, operates in snow and rain, multilingual guide system(12 languages) for each seat which transmits tourist information via recorded voice
Seats : 10 seats on the 1st floor, 61 seats on the 2nd floor, total 71 seats
● Open-top single-decker bus
Features : Multilingual guide system(12 languages) for each seat which transmits tourist information via recorded voice
Seats : 45 seats in total
Tour Routes & Costs
Seoul City Tour Bus offers several popular tour options, each showing a different side of Seoul.
1. Tour 01 : Downtown, Palaces & Namsan (Hop On, Hop Off)
- First Bus 9:20
- Last Bus 16:00
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes
- CLOSED EVERY MONDAY
- Audio Guide in 12 languages
- Duration: About 90 minutes per loop.
- Cost: Around 34,000 KRW (32 USD) for adults / 21,000 KRW (23 USD) for children (subject to seasonal pricing).
Overview
Downtown, Palaces & Namsan Course is a course that circulates through major tourist attractions in Seoul, such as N Seoul Tower, Myeong-dong, Namsangol Hanok Village, Changdeokgung Palace, Insa-dong, Blue House, and Gyeongbokgung Palace, and allows you to see the beautiful city of Seoul in harmony with the downtown, ancient palaces, and Namsan Mountain. You can get off at the desired stop and take the next bus after your tour.
Highlights
- If you take Downtown, Palaces & Namsan Course and return to the Gwanghwamun Stop without getting off at any stop, it will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Downtown, Palaces & Namsan Course(TOUR01) is a circulating course, so you can use it freely at your convenience.
- Please check the service notice before your visit, as operating hours may be adjusted due to rallies, events, or traffic conditions.
Schedules
Map
2. Tour 04 : Han River & Namsan Night Tour (Non-Stop Course)
- Departure Time 19:00 / 19:30 (From May to August)
- Departure: Once per evening, boarding about 40 minutes before departure.
- CLOSED EVERY MONDAY
- Audio Guide in 12 languages
- Duration: About 90 minutes.
- Cost: Around 29,000 KRW (26 USD) for adults / 18,000 KRW (16 USD) for children.
Overview
Han River Namsan Night Tour is a romantic night course where you can enjoy the sparkling cityscape along the Han River and capture the unforgettable night view from N Seoul Tower. Create unforgettable memories of Seoul’s enchanting nightscape with Seoul City Tour Bus.
Highlights
- The Night View Course departs once a day, and boarding is available 40 minutes before departure.
- You will have 20 to 30 minutes at N Seoul Tower to freely enjoy the night view and relax.
Map
3. Glow Up Holiday : Downtown Palace Namsan + Glow Up Holiday (Hop On, Hop Off)
Editor’s Comment
It follows essentially the same schedule and route as Tour 01, but includes the “Glow Up Holiday” promotional package at DDP. Participants appear to receive a small souvenir as part of the package.
This is a limited-time event, and it is expected to end in March or be replaced with a different promotional program.
- Limited-time operation : 2025.12.29 – 2026.02.28
- Special Welcome Travel Kit Included
- Glow Up Operation Time 12:00 – 20:00
- First Bus 09:20
- Last Bus 16:50
- CLOSED EVERY MONDAY
- Place : Near Tiger Bus DDP Stop
- Audio Guide in 12 languages
- For more details, visit official site
Overview
The Downtown Palace Namsan Course is a course that circulates through major tourist attractions in Seoul. These attractions include N Seoul Tower, Myeong-dong, Namsangol Hanok Village, Changdeokgung Palace, Insa-dong, Blue House, and Gyeongbokgung Palace. This course allows you to see the beautiful city of Seoul in harmony with the downtown, ancient palaces, and Namsan Mountain. You can get off at the desired stop and take the next bus after your tour.
Highlights
- If you take Downtown Palaces Namsan Course and return to the Gwanghwamun Stop without getting off at any stop, it will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- The Downtown Palaces Namsan course(TOUR01) is a circulating course, so you can use it freely at your convenience.
- Please check the service notice before your visit, as operating hours may be adjusted due to rallies, events, or traffic conditions.
Why It’s Worth It
- Easy sightseeing for first-timers: Navigate Seoul without learning buses or subways.
- Flexible touring: Hop off to explore at major stops and catch the next bus when ready.
- Great views: Open-top buses and night tours offer excellent views of the skyline.
- Informative: The audio guide gives context to Seoul’s history and landmarks.
Tips for Visitors
- CLOSED EVERY MONDAY
- Bus operations may vary on weekends or holidays, so check schedules before you go.
- Arrive early in peak seasons if you want better seats, especially on double-deckers.
- Food and drinks are generally not allowed on board.
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