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I am an American citizen who has lived for 29 years in South Korea, exploring it myself, leading tours, working in its Tourism field and writing about its history & culture.
My main passion remains continuous discovery of the beautiful Korean mountains, and the spirituality going on in them -- and showing and explaining the best of Korea's assets to others!
I truly enjoy living here, and people respond that the enthusiasm shows and is infectious.
Having guided more than 200 tours in Seoul and the rest of Korea, for an astonishing variety of people, I think that I know pretty well how to create excellent memorable experiences for whatever your particular interests are. Especially if you're looking for deep learning-experience of cultural, spiritual, religious and historical sites/events, I'm your guy!
I'd be glad to show you around for a half-day (3-4 hrs, as most of my tours are designed), or a full day by combining two of those. Anything you need is possible, from just 1 hour at a nearby temple to overnight expeditions in wonderful areas outside of Seoul. Meals at great Korean restaurants can be included before or after the walk, or a visit to a charming traditional tea-house. I can pick you up at your hotel or meet you at an easy designated place, and we'll go from there, until you're satisfied and safely back. . .
From 2001 I worked for the national Ministry of Culture and Tourism in various positions as a Tourism Marketing and New Programs Consultant for five years, gaining a lot of valuable knowledge and experience.
I helped to design and launch the famous "Buddhist TempleStay" program. We can do one of those together if you like -- half-day, 24 hrs or 48 hrs. Or simply visit one of the best temples to see and learn about its artworks, views and history.
I earned a Masters' Degree in the History of Korean Religions from Yonsei University in 1997. This led to my career as a teacher, speaker, writer and guide on the religious character of Korea's mountains, which goes ever-onwards.
I have published nine books on Korean culture and tourism, the most-famous of which is Spirit of the Mountains (1999) about Korea's traditions of spiritual mountain-worship. I am now writing my 10th, an Encyclopedia of Korean Buddhism, to be published in May 2013.
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| Name: David M. |
| Tour Guide #6239 |
| Lives in: Seoul, Seoul, South Korea |
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| Guide Requirements for South Korea |
| Restrictions: |
I am not a driver. I can accompany you in your vehicle or I can easily arrange for a separate car and driver. Otherwise we will use the cheap taxis, and Korea's excellent and fast public transport system, together. |
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| Tours Given: 3 (first tour on Dec 31, 2012) |
Credentials: Tour Guide in Korea for 20 years, for many organizations and individuals.
7 years as a Professor of Korean Cultural Tourism at the nation's biggest Tourism College.
Have written 9 books and many articles about Korea's traditional spiritual culture, siites, mountains and tourism.
Master's Degree in the History of Korean Religions.
National Honorary Ambassador of Korea's main mountain-system.
Consultant to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
popular public speaker on all these matters. |
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Seoul's Greatest Hits
the best sights of historic dow,... |
Tour #67276
Rating: unrated
Price*: 333 USD
Duration: 4 hours
Activity Level: Light
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Gyeongju, Korea's Ancient Capital
Amazing relics of the Shilla Ki,... |
Tour #67915
Rating: unrated
Price*: 595 USD
Duration: 7 hours
Activity Level: Moderate
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Bongeun-sa, one of Seoul's Great Temples
"Offering Mercy Temple", so eas,... |
Tour #54319
Rating: unrated
Price*: 300 USD
Duration: 3 hours 30 min.
Activity Level: Light
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Bukchon Traditional Houses Area
great walking tour through a do,... |
Tour #54168
Rating: unrated
Price*: 375 USD
Duration: 3 hours 30 min.
Activity Level: Light
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Shrines of Benevolent King Mountain
Exploring Korean Shamanism in d,... |
Tour #54151
Rating: unrated
Price*: 375 USD
Duration: 3 hours 30 min.
Activity Level: Moderate
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Shining Fortune Palace
Seoul's Gyeongbok-gung, the mai,... |
Tour #54162
Rating: unrated
Price*: 300 USD
Duration: 3 hours 30 min.
Activity Level: Light
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Tao Abundance Monastery at Triple-Horns Mountain
Doseon-sa, the greatest ancient,... |
Tour #54269
Rating:
Price*: 395 USD
Duration: 3 hours 30 min.
Activity Level: Moderate
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Jeong-dong, Seoul's Legation District with Churches,...
the charming "Heart of the Daeh,... |
Tour #54710
Rating: unrated
Price*: 375 USD
Duration: 3 hours 30 min.
Activity Level: Light
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Treasures of Myeong-dong Area
A Historic Stroll through Downt,... |
Tour #54712
Rating: unrated
Price*: 375 USD
Duration: 3 hours 30 min.
Activity Level: Light
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Hiking-Tour of Seungga-sa Temple
lovely jaunt in Bukhan-san Nati,... |
Tour #55076
Rating: unrated
Price*: 375 USD
Duration: 4 hours
Activity Level: High
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| * Note: |
Guide services are priced PER TOUR, not PER PERSON. However, there may be a 'per person' price component if the tour involves external costs such as admission tickets, etc. |
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- You choose the ACTUAL PERSON who will give your tour. See their photo, bio, credentials and communicate with them in advance via our website. They are locals, living in the same area as the tour.
- ONLY THE BEST GUIDES. Guides can't buy their way onto our system - each is chosen by ToursByLocals.
- All Tours are PRIVATE, only you and people you choose.
- Guide services are priced PER TOUR, not PER PERSON. However, there may be a 'per person' price component if the tour involves external costs such as admission tickets, etc.
- Tours shown on website can be purchased directly - or the guide can customize them at your request.
- Full contact information provided after booking. Plus, you'll have access to ToursByLocals 24 hour emergency contact number.
- Looked through the site but still need advice? You can call ToursByLocals and talk to a REAL HUMAN!
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