Seoul City Tour Bus 2026: Updated Routes, Prices & Booking

Seoul is a city where ancient palaces sit right next to towering skyscrapers, and navigating this massive sprawl can be a challenge even for seasoned travelers. If you are looking for the most efficient way to see the city’s highlights without the stress of the subway, the Seoul City Tour Bus 2026 Guide is exactly what you need. As a local living in Korea, I have seen these bright buses gliding through the streets, and they truly are the ultimate “hack” for hitting all the major landmarks in a single day. With updated routes, pricing for 2026, and a seamless online booking system, this service is the best way to unpack the “real” Seoul.

1. Overview of Seoul City Tour Bus Courses in 2025
2. TOUR 01: Downtown Palace Namsan Course (The Classic)
3. TOUR 04: Night View, Han River & Namsan Course
4. Special Edition: Glow Up Holiday Course
5. Updated 2026 Pricing and Booking Information
6. Insider Tips for a Smooth Ride

Overview of Seoul City Tour Bus Courses in 2025

In 2025, the Seoul City Tour Bus has streamlined its offerings into three main experiences. Whether you want to hop on and off at your own pace during the day, witness the city’s neon lights at night, or enjoy a special seasonal aesthetic, there is a route designed for you. The buses are famous for their open-top views, which provide a perspective of Seoul you simply cannot get from a taxi or a subway train.

The most important thing to remember is the difference between the “Hop-on, Hop-off” style and the “Non-stop” tours. The daytime course allows you total freedom, while the night courses are curated journeys meant for sitting back and soaking in the skyline.

TOUR 01: Downtown Palace Namsan Course (The Classic)

This is the definitive Seoul experience. It is a circular route that hits 15 major stops throughout the historic and modern center of the city. You buy one ticket and can spend the entire day getting off at one palace, exploring, and catching the next bus to a shopping district.

The Full Stop List:

• Gwanghwamun Station: The main departure point.
• Myeongdong: The K-beauty and street food mecca.
• Namsangol Hanok Village: Traditional Korean houses.
• Ambassador Seoul Pullman Hotel: A luxury hub.
• Shilla Hotel & Jangchungdan Park: Near iconic hiking trails.
• N Seoul Tower: The bus takes you right up the mountain!
• Hyatt Hotel: Scenic views of the city.
• Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) & Market: Futuristic architecture.
• Daehak-ro: The vibrant university theater district.
• Changgyeonggung Palace: Known for its beautiful botanical garden.
• Changdeokgung Palace: A UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Insadong & Bukchon: Traditional arts and the hilltop Hanok village.
• Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House): The former presidential residence.
• Gyeongbokgung Palace & Museums: The largest and grandest palace.
• Sejong Center & Gwanghwamun Square: The heart of Seoul’s history.

TOUR 04: Night View, Han River & Namsan Course

If you want to see Seoul sparkle, this is your course. Unlike the daytime loop, this is a non-stop tour designed to showcase the city’s lights. It is incredibly popular for couples and photographers who want to see the Han River bridges illuminated in various colors.

This route takes you along the Gangbyeonbuk-ro (the northern riverside expressway) and crosses the famous Banpo, Seongsu, and Hannam bridges. The highlight is a designated photo stop at N Seoul Tower, allowing you to capture the sprawling night vista of the capital. It ends with a cruise past Namdaemun Market and the beautifully lit Cheonggye Plaza.

Special Edition: Glow Up Holiday Course

New for the 2026 season, the Glow Up Holiday course combines the classic Downtown Palace Namsan route with special holiday-themed upgrades. This is perfect for those visiting during the festive seasons who want a little extra magic added to their sightseeing. It follows the same 15 stops as the standard daytime route but often includes seasonal decorations that make your journey even more memorable.

Updated 2026 Pricing and Booking Information

Pricing has been adjusted for the 2026 season to reflect the enhanced services. One of the best ways to ensure your seat, especially for the popular Night View and Glow Up courses, is to book in advance through the official website.

Course Name	Adult Price	Child/Youth Price
TOUR 01: Downtown Palace Namsan	KRW 34,000	KRW 21,000
TOUR 04: Night View & Han River	KRW 29,000	KRW 18,000
Glow Up Holiday (Course + Special)	KRW 36,000	KRW 26,000

Official Booking Website: https://www.seoulcitybus.com

📌Age Policy: Child/Youth tickets apply to anyone born before 2021 up to high school students. Infant Policy: One child born on or after January 1, 2021, can ride for free per accompanying adult, provided they do not occupy a separate seat.

Insider Tips for a Smooth Ride

Before you head to the ticket booth at Gwanghwamun (Exit 6), here are a few “pro tips” from someone living in Korea:

• Book Online First: While you can buy tickets at the Gwanghwamun ticket box, the Night View Course often sells out during weekends and holidays. Secure your spot at seoulcitybus.com.
• The Monday Rule: Most courses do NOT operate on Mondays. If Monday is a public holiday, they usually run then but close on Tuesday instead. Always check the live calendar on the website.
• Weather Preparedness: Even in summer, the wind on the open-top deck can be strong. In winter, it is very cold. Bring a light jacket or a scarf to stay comfortable while taking photos.
• Strategic Timing: If you are doing the Downtown Palace Namsan Course, try to start early (around 9:30 AM) so you can spend enough time at major stops like Gyeongbokgung and N Seoul Tower without feeling rushed.

The Seoul City Tour Bus remains the most convenient and picturesque way to digest the city’s vast history and vibrant modern life. For the price of a few taxi rides, you get a full day of guided exploration and the best views in town.

Korean Culture portal KCulture.com

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