Published on Apr, 2019
We were picked up at the port in Incheon and driven to Seoul, our first stop being at a Temple where the guards were changing. Normally I'm not a big "guard changing" fan, but this was different and of a much grander scale with more pageantry than I typically am forced to endure..........and I actually liked it! (Of course the Mrs. liked it, she's more normal and enjoys such things typically)
The tour was just for the 2 of us, and we were driven around in a comfortable vehicle. A kind female driver, who understood English very good but was reluctant to speak it, and our tour guide who spoke English, albeit with a pronounced accent. Interesting fellow for sure, glad to have met him and proud that we could keep pace with him, as he is capable of walking at a fast click.
After the ceremony, we toured the Palace itself, and wow oh wow, is this place fascinating. We left here and walked to a lane of old traditional homes nearby that are scenically nestled along an inclined walkway. Very nice.
Next we visited an area of many shops, and had lunch here, as it was included in our tour. From here we went to a HUGE market and meandered around......this place was truly an amazing spectacle.
As we left this area, our guide said his goodbyes to us and the driver escorted us back to the ship.
Be advised that it is over 1 hour to drive from the port to Seoul, so it's wise to take some sort of a tour from the port. No viable public transportation is available.
From start to finish, we were very happy with our entire day with Joy Tours. We never got the feeling that they were just "doing their job".......we felt like the most important customers that they ever had, for the entire day! The day was easily adjusted as we went along to match our interests (mainly in photography) with the itinerary. (I'll include some photos)
Even before we had to call and ask for the driver to return to the ship about 15 minutes after dropping us off because we had forgotten our GoPro in the car, we were thrilled with our experience with these folks. But the ease in which we were able to retrieve our camera still puts a huge smile on my face as I write about it in this review.
We would most highly recommend to our friends (who we like) that they use this tour operator if ever given the chance. I think they are a smaller operator, so I'd suggest booking them as far in advance as you are able.
