I still remember my first time trying to navigate Seoul’s sprawling districts on my own. I spent more time staring at subway maps than actually looking at the beautiful scenery. That was until I discovered the Seoul City Tour Bus.
In this guide, I’m pouring out everything I’ve learned—from the best seats to catch the breeze to the confusing differences between the “Tiger” and “Yellow” buses. Let’s make sure your Seoul adventure is about the views, not the stress! 😊
Seoul is a city that never stops, and honestly, it can be overwhelming. As someone who lives here and welcomes friends from abroad constantly, the number one question I get is: “How do I see the ‘real’ Seoul without walking 20,000 steps a day?”
The answer is almost always the City Tour Bus. It’s a literal life-saver for those who want to see the grand palaces, the N Seoul Tower, and the vibrant markets of Dongdaemun all in one go. But here is the catch—there isn’t just one bus. There are two major players, and choosing the wrong one might land you on the opposite side of the city from your hotel.
The Great Debate: Tiger Bus vs. Yellow Balloon 📊
Most travelers don’t realize that the “Tiger Bus” and the “Yellow Balloon Bus” are run by different companies and start from completely different locations. I made the mistake of going to Gwanghwamun for a bus that actually departed from Dongdaemun once—don’t be like me!
| Feature | Tiger Bus (Seoul City Tour) | Yellow Balloon City Bus |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Hub | Gwanghwamun (Exit 6) | DDP (Exit 1) |
| Main Day Course | Downtown Palace Namsan | Traditional Culture Course |
| Adult Price (Day) | 24,000 KRW | 25,000 KRW |
| Night Tour Price | 20,000 KRW | 20,000 KRW |
| Interval | 30-40 Minutes | 30-40 Minutes |
Currently, several popular routes like the Panorama Course, Around Gangnam Course, and Hangang Jamsil Course are temporarily suspended. Always check the official website before heading out to avoid disappointment!
Features of Each Seoul Bus Tour Route
The Seoul City Tour Bus operates a variety of routes depending on the theme. I took the Tiger Bus Night Tour and it was absolutely stunning—I really got to soak in Seoul’s beautiful night views.
In winter, it’s honestly too cold to sit outside on the open-top bus, so I recommend going in spring, summer, or autumn.
There are several other routes as well, so I’ll introduce them briefly here. I’ll share more detailed reviews of each course in my next post.
1. Downtown & Palace Course
This tour loops through 22 stops, taking you not only to Seoul’s royal palaces but also to popular attractions such as N Seoul Tower, Myeongdong, Itaewon, Namdaemun Market, and the National Museum of Korea.
2. Panorama Course
This route loops through 16 stops and is designed for scenic views of Seoul. It includes spots like Namsan, Cheonggyecheon Stream, the Han River, and other scenic landmarks.
3. Night Course
Enjoy a romantic evening sightseeing around Seoul by bus. This course lets you admire Seoul’s sparkling nightscape—both up high (N Seoul Tower area) and down below (along the Han River).
4. Around Gangnam Course
Take a comfortable trolley bus and experience the stylish charm of Gangnam. This route guides you to popular attractions like Seolleung & Jeongneung Royal Tombs, COEX, Lotte World Tower, Sebitseom (Some Sevit), and Seorae Village.
5. Traditional Culture Course
Ride an open-top double-decker bus to visit vibrant traditional markets like Gwangjang Market and Tongin Market. You can try on hanbok, enjoy delicious Korean food, and visit major heritage sites such as Jongmyo Shrine and Deoksugung Palace.
6. Han River–Jamsil Course
This course offers views of the Han River, which runs through the heart of Seoul, along with the Lotte World Tower (Korea’s tallest building) and the modern cityscape of the Gangnam area.
7. Night Operation Course
A double-decker bus route that lets you enjoy Seoul’s beautiful night scenery.
My Experience with the Tiger Bus (Gwanghwamun Hub) 🐯
The Tiger Bus is the “original” and probably the most famous. Their Downtown Palace Namsan Course is a beast. It hits 15+ major stops including Gyeongbokgung, Myeongdong, and even the Hyatt Hotel.
What I love most is the flexibility. You exchange your voucher for a physical ticket at the Gwanghwamun booth (near Exit 6, Koreana Hotel), and then you’re free! I usually hop off at N Seoul Tower to catch the panoramic views, then grab the next bus 40 minutes later to head toward the Blue House (Cheongwadae).
If you have the Discover Seoul Pass, you can ride the Tiger Bus for FREE! It’s one of the best ways to maximize the value of that pass. Just present it at the Gwanghwamun ticket box.
The Night Tour: A Romantic (and Chilly) Adventure
I’ve taken the Night Tour three times now. It’s 20,000 KRW for adults and it is a non-stop journey (mostly). The Tiger Bus departs once a day at 19:30 (though this shifts to 19:00 in winter).
One thing that surprised me the first time: You don’t hop on and off during the night tour. It’s a 1.5-hour drive through the Han River bridges, with only one 30-minute break at N Seoul Tower for photos. If you go in winter, please, I beg you, wear a heavy coat! The open-top deck is beautiful but freezing.
Why You Might Prefer the Yellow Balloon Bus (DDP Hub) 🎈
If you are staying in the Dongdaemun area, the Yellow Balloon City Bus is your best friend. Their Traditional Culture Course is fantastic for foodies because it stops directly at Gwangjang Market and Tongin Market.
I personally find their buses a bit more modern. They use high-decker open-top buses that are rain-proof, and they provide fresh, individual headphones for the audio guide. There’s something so satisfying about plugging in and hearing the history of the Dongdaemun Gate as you drive past it.
The departure point is right in front of the DDP (Dongdaemun Design Plaza) A3 entrance. It’s much easier to find than the Gwanghwamun booth if you are coming by subway Line 2, 4, or 5.
Cost Comparison: Let’s Do the Math 🧮
Is it cheaper than a taxi? Absolutely. Is it cheaper than the subway? No. But you aren’t paying for transit; you’re paying for the 2nd-floor view. Let’s look at a typical family scenario.
Scenario: Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Teenager)
1) Tiger Bus (Day Course): 24,000 x 2 + 15,000 = 63,000 KRW
2) Yellow Balloon (Day Course): 25,000 x 2 + 18,000 = 68,000 KRW
Verdict: If you are on a strict budget, Tiger Bus is slightly cheaper for families. However, kids under 4 or 48 months are free (but no seat is provided)!
The Seoul City Tour Bus uses a day pass rather than a one-time ticket, so you can ride as many loops as you want. You can also get off at any stop, explore the area, and then hop back on the next bus from the same spot.
It’s a great option when you want to choose a route and focus on exploring Seoul’s top attractions.
What I Wish I Knew (Avoid These Mistakes) 👩💼
1. The “Monday” Trap: Most of these buses do NOT run on Mondays. If Monday is a public holiday, they usually run and then close on Tuesday instead. I’ve seen so many sad tourists standing at empty bus stops on Mondays.
2. Food & Drinks: You cannot bring coffee, soda, or food onto the bus. They are very strict about this to keep the seats clean. Finish your iced americano before you board!
3. Seating Strategy: Everyone wants the 2nd floor, front row. To get it, arrive at the starting hub (Gwanghwamun or DDP) at least 20 minutes before the first bus (09:30). If you board at a middle stop like Myeongdong, the top deck will likely be full.
Seoul City Tour Essentials
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
Seoul is best seen from a height, and these buses give you exactly that. Whether you choose the Tiger or the Yellow Balloon, you’re in for a treat. Just remember to check those Monday schedules!
Have you tried the night tour yet? Or did you find a secret spot along the route? Drop a comment below and let me know! Happy traveling! 😊
🇰🇷 Essential Official Websites for Traveling to Korea
Apply for Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA)
and check official notices before entering Korea.
Official Korail website for international travelers.
Book KTX and other train tickets online.
Guide to KTX reservations, refunds, ticketing rules, and boarding procedures.
View Ticket GuideTicket types, eligibility, and terms for unlimited train travel in Korea.
Check Korail Pass
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