Visiting popular Seoul attractions such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, N Seoul Tower, Myeongdong, Insadong, and Dongdaemun Design Plaza in one day can require careful planning. The subway is fast, but it does not provide many opportunities to enjoy the city scenery while traveling. Driving can also be inconvenient because of traffic congestion and limited parking.
The Seoul City Tour Bus is a convenient alternative. With one ticket, passengers can travel along a circular route, get off at selected attractions, and board a later bus. This hop-on, hop-off system is helpful for first-time visitors, families with children, and travelers accompanying elderly family members.
Seoul has two major sightseeing bus services: the red Seoul City Tour Bus and the yellow Yellow Balloon City Bus. Each operator has different departure points, stops, fares, and schedules. Rather than choosing a bus based only on its color, it is better to compare the routes and decide which attractions you want to visit.
Routes and operating hours may change because of festivals, demonstrations, road restrictions, weather, or traffic conditions. Check the operator’s official website on the day of your trip before departing.

1.Types of Seoul City Tour Buses

The sightseeing buses operating in central Seoul can generally be divided into two services. Their tickets are not interchangeable, and their departure points and routes are different.

Red Seoul City Tour Bus

The red Seoul City Tour Bus operates mainly from Gwanghwamun. Its most popular route is the Downtown Palace and Namsan Course.

Main features include:

Circular sightseeing route departing from Gwanghwamun
Stops near Myeongdong, Namsangol Hanok Village, N Seoul Tower, Dongdaemun, Changgyeonggung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Insadong, Cheong Wa Dae, and Gyeongbokgung Palace
Unlimited hop-on and hop-off access at designated stops during ticket validity
First departure at approximately 9:20 a.m. and final departure at approximately 4:50 p.m.
Buses generally operate at intervals of about 30 minutes
A complete loop without getting off takes approximately 90 minutes
Usually closed on Mondays, although service may operate when Monday is a public holiday
Multilingual audio guides may be available depending on the vehicle

The official website may display both regular fares and discounted online booking fares. Prices and promotions can change, so confirm the final amount shown on the payment page before completing your reservation.

Yellow Balloon City Bus

The yellow Yellow Balloon City Bus operates mainly from a ticket office near Dongdaemun Design Plaza. Its Traditional Culture Course travels through historic neighborhoods, traditional markets, and older commercial districts in central Seoul.

Main features include:

Circular sightseeing route departing from Dongdaemun Design Plaza
Stops near Bangsan Market, Euljiro, Cheong Wa Dae, Tongin Market, Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul Station, Namdaemun Market, Myeongdong, Insadong, Jongmyo Shrine, and Gwangjang Market
Hop-on and hop-off access at designated stops
Generally operates from approximately 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Buses generally operate at intervals of about 30 to 40 minutes
A complete loop takes approximately 90 minutes
Separate adult and child fares apply
Children under 48 months may ride free, but a separate seat may not be provided

The Yellow Balloon City Bus is suitable for travelers interested in traditional markets, Seochon, Euljiro, Jongmyo Shrine, and the atmosphere of old Seoul. The red Downtown Palace and Namsan Course is more convenient for travelers who want to visit major landmarks such as N Seoul Tower and the royal palaces.

🔗 View the Official Seoul City Tour Bus Guide

2. Recommended Routes and Stops

The city tour bus is most useful when you select two or three attractions, get off to explore them, and then board a later bus. Trying to visit every stop can result in long waiting times and leave too little time for sightseeing.

Recommended Stops on the Downtown Palace and Namsan Course

This circular route begins at Gwanghwamun, passes major attractions in central Seoul, and eventually returns to Gwanghwamun.

Gyeongbokgung Palace and the National Folk Museum of Korea

This is one of the best stops for first-time visitors. You can explore Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Palace Museum of Korea, and the National Folk Museum of Korea. Gwanghwamun Square and Cheong Wa Dae are also nearby, making the area suitable for a half-day itinerary.

A detailed visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace can take several hours. Instead of visiting multiple royal palaces on the same day, consider focusing on one palace and exploring it at a relaxed pace.

Insadong and Bukchon

This area is known for traditional craft shops, tea houses, galleries, and hanok alleys. You can have lunch in Insadong and continue toward Bukchon Hanok Village or Changdeokgung Palace.

Bukchon is a residential neighborhood where local people live. Visitors should avoid making excessive noise, entering private property, or photographing the inside of homes.

N Seoul Tower

This stop is especially useful for travelers who find it difficult to reach the top of Namsan Mountain. The bus travels through areas where access by private vehicles may be restricted, making it convenient for families with children and elderly travelers.

Admission to the N Seoul Tower observatory is generally not included in the city tour bus fare. Check the next bus time and the final departure before entering the observatory.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Dongdaemun Design Plaza combines exhibitions, shopping, architecture, and evening lighting. The building and surrounding area become especially attractive after sunset, making it a good place to end a daytime sightseeing route.

Recommended Stops on the Traditional Culture Course

The Traditional Culture Course departs from Dongdaemun Design Plaza and travels through areas such as Cheong Wa Dae, Tongin Market, Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul Station, Namdaemun Market, Myeongdong, Insadong, Jongmyo Shrine, and Gwangjang Market.

Tongin Market

Tongin Market is a good stop for exploring Seochon and its narrow neighborhood streets. Travelers interested in local food and small independent shops can visit the market before walking toward Gyeongbokgung Palace or Gwanghwamun.

Namdaemun Market

Namdaemun Market offers clothing, children’s products, household goods, souvenirs, and a wide variety of local food. Sungnyemun Gate, Seoul Station, and Myeongdong can also be reached on foot from the market area.

Insadong, Jongmyo Shrine, and Gwangjang Market

This section highlights the traditional character of the route. A practical itinerary is to explore Insadong, walk around Jongmyo Shrine, and finish with a meal at Gwangjang Market.

Getting off at every stop is not realistic within one day. For a more comfortable trip, choose one palace or historical district in the morning and one market or shopping district in the afternoon.

3. Fares, Reservations, and Boarding

When Online Reservations Are Recommended

Advance reservations are recommended for weekends, public holidays, school vacation periods, and night tours. Open-top seats are popular, but a specific seat or vehicle type may not be guaranteed during the booking process.

Passengers who reserve the red Downtown Palace and Namsan Course online may need to exchange the reservation for a physical ticket at the Gwanghwamun ticket office. Seating is generally unassigned and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Where to Board the Red Bus

The main departure point is Gwanghwamun. Passengers should visit the ticket office near Gwanghwamun Station, confirm their reservation, and receive a physical ticket before boarding.

Because the daytime route is circular, passengers may be able to use another departure during operating hours. During busy travel periods, arrive approximately 20 to 30 minutes before your preferred departure.

🔗 Book the Red Seoul City Tour Bus

Where to Board the Yellow Bus

The main ticket office is located near Dongdaemun Design Plaza. From Exit 1 of Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station, walk approximately 200 meters uphill to find the roadside ticket office. Online reservations should be exchanged for boarding tickets before departure.

Tickets for the daytime Traditional Culture Course may also be purchased at selected stops or directly on the bus when seats are available. If the vehicle is full, passengers may need to wait for the next bus.

Onboard ticket sales may end before the final service of the day. Travelers boarding late in the afternoon should purchase tickets in advance at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza ticket office.

🔗 Check Yellow Balloon City Bus Routes and Reservations

Important Ticket Information

Keep your ticket, wristband, or boarding pass until the end of the tour.
Admission fees for attractions and meal expenses are generally not included.
The listed final departure time usually refers to the main departure point, not every stop.
Traffic congestion, demonstrations, or road closures may cause delays or route changes.
Standing passengers are generally not permitted on open-top upper decks.
Food and drinks may be restricted inside the bus.
Tickets for the red and yellow buses cannot be used interchangeably.

4. Night Tours and Seasonal Travel Tips

Seoul City Tour Bus night routes operate differently from daytime hop-on, hop-off services. Night tours usually depart once per evening and follow a fixed route without allowing passengers to get off and reboard at each attraction.

Red Bus Night Tour

The red night tour generally departs from Gwanghwamun and passes locations such as the Han River, major bridges, N Seoul Tower, Namdaemun Market, and Cheonggye Plaza. Departure times may vary according to the season.

The official website may show both regular and online discounted fares. The tour may be canceled when the minimum number of passengers is not reached, so check your reservation confirmation and messages before traveling to the departure point.

Yellow Balloon Night Tour

The Yellow Balloon night tour generally departs from Dongdaemun Design Plaza and operates as a nonstop sightseeing trip lasting approximately one hour. Passengers normally cannot board at other stops.

Unlike the daytime route, the night tour does not allow passengers to get off and board another bus later. Use the restroom and prepare any necessary personal items before departure.

Seasonal Clothing and Seat Selection

Open-top double-decker buses provide wide views and excellent photo opportunities, but passengers are directly affected by the weather.

Spring and autumn: Bring a light jacket because temperatures can fall quickly after sunset.
Summer: Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Strong wind may be noticeable while the bus is moving.
Winter: Gloves, a scarf, a warm blanket, or hand warmers can make the ride more comfortable.
Rainy weather: The operator may close the roof or use a glass-roof or partially covered vehicle.
Photography: Do not extend your phone or camera outside the vehicle. A wrist strap is recommended.

Vehicle types may change because of reservations, weather, maintenance, or traffic conditions. An open-top double-decker, glass-roof bus, or partially open vehicle may be used, and a specific vehicle is not always guaranteed.

5. Suggested Itineraries and Frequently Asked Questions

Suggested Route for First-Time Visitors

Travelers who want to see Seoul’s most famous landmarks can follow this itinerary:

Board the red bus at Gwanghwamun in the morning
Get off at Gyeongbokgung Palace and explore the palace
Continue to Insadong or Bukchon for lunch
Board another bus to N Seoul Tower
Finish the day with shopping and dinner in Myeongdong

Boarding near the first departure provides more time at each attraction. If you plan to visit both Gyeongbokgung Palace and the N Seoul Tower observatory, add only one additional major stop.

Suggested Traditional Market Route

Board the yellow bus at Dongdaemun Design Plaza
Get off at Tongin Market and explore Seochon
Continue to Gwanghwamun Square or Insadong
Explore the Jongmyo Shrine area
Get off at Gwangjang Market for a meal
Return toward Dongdaemun

Traditional markets can become crowded during lunch and dinner hours. Instead of waiting a long time at one popular restaurant, consider trying several smaller dishes from different vendors.

Q&A

Q1. Can I board the Seoul City Tour Bus without a reservation?

Daytime tickets may be available for purchase on-site when seats remain. However, advance online booking is recommended on weekends and public holidays. Night tours have limited departures and seating, so making a reservation is strongly advised.

Q2. Does the city tour bus operate when it rains?

The buses generally operate during light rain. The roof may be closed, or a glass-roof vehicle may be used. Service can be canceled or changed during heavy rain, snow, strong winds, or other unsafe conditions, so check the official notice before departure.

Q3. How many times can I get on and off during the day?

Daytime hop-on, hop-off tickets generally allow passengers to use designated stops freely during operating hours. Night tours are fixed nonstop tours and do not allow repeated boarding. If a daytime bus is full, you may need to wait for the next vehicle.

Conclusion

The Seoul City Tour Bus is more than a way to travel between attractions. From the elevated seats, passengers can enjoy views of Seoul’s streets, architecture, royal palaces, traditional neighborhoods, and Namsan Mountain.

The red Downtown Palace and Namsan Course is suitable for visitors interested in Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Bukchon, and N Seoul Tower. The yellow Traditional Culture Course is a better choice for travelers who want to explore markets, Seochon, Euljiro, Jongmyo Shrine, and older districts of Seoul.

Before choosing a departure time, check the opening hours and closing days of the attractions you plan to visit. Limiting your itinerary to two or three major stops and allowing enough time between buses will make the journey more relaxing.

Fares, stops, schedules, and route conditions may change because of events, traffic restrictions, or weather. Always review the operator’s official announcements and current service information on the day of your trip.

행:Hang

Korea Seoul City Tour Bus Routes, Fares, Booking and Night Tour Guide