Yellow Balloon City Bus Guide: Seoul Tour Starting from Dongdaemun (DDP)
When traveling in Seoul, one of the most convenient ways to explore major tourist attractions is by using a city tour bus. Currently, Seoul operates two main services: the Seoul City Tour Bus and the Yellow Balloon City Bus. Since they have different departure points and courses, first-time visitors often get confused. In this guide, we will focus on the Yellow Balloon City Bus, which starts from Dongdaemun, covering its courses, fares, discounts, and tips, while comparing it with the Seoul City Tour Bus that departs from Gwanghwamun.
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| Source: Yellow Balloon City Bus |
Comparison: Yellow Balloon City Bus vs. Seoul City Tour Bus
Although the names are similar, the Yellow Balloon City Bus and the Seoul City Tour Bus differ significantly in their departure locations, courses, and operation methods.
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| Yellow Balloon City Bus vs. Seoul City Tour Bus |
| Category | Yellow Balloon City Bus | Seoul City Tour Bus |
|---|---|---|
| Departure | Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) | Gwanghwamun (Sejong Center) |
| Main Courses | Traditional Culture (Day) / Night Course (Non-stop) | Downtown Palaces, Panorama, Night Course, etc. |
| Operation | Day: Hop-on Hop-off (Loop) Night: Once daily, Non-stop |
Mostly Hop-on Hop-off (Loop) |
| Fares (Adult) | 25,000 KRW (approx. $18 USD) | 30,000 KRW (approx. $21 USD) |
| Recommended For | Travelers staying/shopping in Dongdaemun, Night tours | Travelers starting from Gwanghwamun/Downtown |
As the departure points and courses differ, it is more convenient to use the Yellow Balloon City Bus if your journey starts in Dongdaemun, and the Seoul City Tour Bus if you are based near Gwanghwamun or the city center.
Yellow Balloon City Bus Course Guide
The Yellow Balloon City Bus operates courses designed around Seoul's traditional culture.
It is divided into Day Courses and Night Courses, both departing from Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP).
Traditional Culture Course (Day)
- Operating Hours: 09:30 ~ 17:00
- Interval: Approx. 30~40 minutes
- Duration: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes (for a full loop)
- Type: Hop-on Hop-off (Circulation)
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Route Map
Yellow Balloon City Bus Route Map
Traditional Culture Course (Night / Non-stop)
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Departure Time:
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Mar~Apr / Sep: 19:00
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May~Aug: 19:30
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Nov~Feb: 18:30
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Interval / Stops: Runs once a day, Non-stop course
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Duration: Approx. 1 hour
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Features: Connects Seoul's major night view spots without stopping; focuses on sightseeing with explanations on the move.
Fares & Discount Information
Fares vary depending on whether you choose the Day Course or the Night Course.
Basic Fares
- Day Course (Traditional Culture): Adult 25,000 KRW (approx. $18 USD) / Child 18,000 KRW (approx. $13 USD)
- Night Course (Non-stop): Adult 20,000 KRW (approx. $14 USD) / Child 17,000 KRW (approx. $12 USD)
- Child Criteria: Age 6 to High School Students
- Preschoolers: Free when accompanied by a guardian
Discount Benefits
- Online Booking Discount: 1,500 KRW (approx. $1 USD) discount when booking via the official website.
- Partnership Discounts: Discounts linked with specific credit cards, travel passes, etc. (Refer to the website).
Partnerships < Yellow Balloon City Bus
Seoul City Tour Bus! Experience a new side of Seoul with the Yellow Balloon City Bus double-decker bus.
seoulcitytourbus.co.krRefund Policy
- Full refund if canceled by 17:00 on the day before boarding.
- No refund for cancellations after the deadline (Advance reservation is essential for the Night Course).
Boarding Guide & Ticket Office Location
The departure point for the Yellow Balloon City Bus is Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP).
You must obtain a physical ticket at the ticket office before boarding, even if you made an online reservation.
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Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) Boarding Point |
Ticket Office Location
- Address: 281, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (In front of DDP)
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Subway Access:
- Line 2, 4, 5 Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station Exit 1 (5 min walk)
- Line 2 Dongdaemun Station (Approx. 10 min walk)
- The ticket office is located near the bus parking area across from the DDP building.
Boarding Procedure
- Online Reservation → Verify name at the ticket office and issue a ticket.
- On-site Purchase → Buy directly at the ticket office (may sell out early during peak season).
- After receiving the ticket → Wait at the bus stop for the scheduled time and board.
Important Notes
- It is safe to arrive at the ticket office at least 15~20 minutes before departure.
- Seats are not assigned; they are first-come, first-served.
- Food is restricted; only drinks in sealable bottles are allowed.
Usage Tips & Recommended Itinerary
Travel Tips
- Using the Day Course
- Since hop-on hop-off is allowed, it is efficient to get off at Gyeongbokgung Palace or Deoksugung Palace to look around and then take the bus again.
- Plan your schedule around stops with food and shopping options, such as Tongin Market and Myeongdong.
- Using the Night Course
- Since it runs only once a day, advance reservation is essential.
- As it is a non-stop course, take advantage of photo opportunities while moving.
- Departure times vary by season (earlier in winter, later in summer), so be sure to check the schedule.
- Seat Selection
- Open-top double-decker buses offer great views but are affected by wind and weather, so bring a coat in spring and autumn.
- On rainy or snowy days, a roofed vehicle may be assigned.
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| City Tour Night Course |
Recommended Day Course Itinerary
- Morning~Afternoon: Depart from Dongdaemun (DDP) → Get off at Gyeongbokgung Palace for sightseeing → Lunch at Tongin Market → N Seoul Tower (Cable Car) → Get off at Myeongdong for shopping.
- Evening: Return to Dongdaemun.
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en.gybelife.comSeoul offers two types of city tour buses. If your travel itinerary starts near Dongdaemun, the Yellow Balloon City Bus is the most convenient choice. The day course allows you to freely explore ancient palaces, traditional markets, and shopping streets, while the night course offers a comfortable way to enjoy Seoul's iconic night views.
Conversely, if you are departing from the Gwanghwamun area, the Seoul City Tour Bus is more suitable. Since the departure points and course characteristics differ, choose the one that fits your accommodation location and travel goals for an efficient trip.
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