Private tour in Seoul Lee C

(3hr) Heart of Seoul highlights - Namsangol Hanok village and Seoul's largest market

5.0

(5) reviews

-
Hours icon 3 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 3 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Lee C.

5.0

Guide rating

120

Reviews

Tours delivered

6 hrs

Avg. response time

Hi, it’s Lee - formerly a big firm analyst, and now a happy tour guide! 😊 I was born and raised in Seoul and have lived in five different countries: Canada, the US, Australia, Russia, and Germany. I also traveled to over 40 countries. I studied Business in Seoul, including a year-long exchange program in the US, and completed my MBA in Sydney. After finishing my MBA, I wanted to pursue a career change to become a professor, leveraging my field experience. I worked as a market researcher, research analyst, and marketer at major companies. It was a highly paid, stable job - what many would call a good life. But I’ve always preferred being in nature over an office. I hiked Kilimanjaro solo, Annapurna Base Camp solo, Olympus solo, Everest Base Camp, Fuji, the Alps solo, Patagonia, and many other mountains worldwide. (By “solo,” I mean literally alone or with a hiking guide, as some countries require one.) I've also led a hiking club for over five years and usually travel overseas more than five times a year to hike mountains. Here are some of my highlights 2017 Japan, Fuji 2 days (3,776m) 2017 Nepal, Annapurna Base Camp 6 days (4,130m) 2018 Tanzania, Kilimanjaro Stella Point 6 days (5,656m) 2019 Nepal, Kala Patthar (5,644m) / Everest Base Camp 9 days (5,364m) 2022 Switzerland, Alps Vues du Mont Blanc 4 days (2,970m) 2022 Greece, Olympus 2 days (2,918m) 2023 Mongolia, Altai Tavan Nogd Base Camp 7 days (3,100m) 2025 Chile, Patagonia W Trek 4 days A few years ago, I started my own travel agency, operating nature and city tours. (Registered agency for foreign visitors in Korea and vice versa). Most of my tours focus on food and hiking. Now I can hike more often, enjoy great food with travelers full of laughter, and practice calligraphy every day, which I also love. I’m definitely happier now. 💕â˜ș If you visit Korea, please contact me! Just as I enjoy my hometown, Seoul, I truly want others to experience its culture and nature as well. Thank you for reading. Hope to see you in Korea! 😊 Cheers, Lee [ International experience ] Born and raised in Seoul / Lived in 5 different countries (USA, Canada, Australia, Russia, Germany) / Traveled mostly solo over 40 countries [ Tourism ] . English language tour guide for foreign guests (KBO, Korea Tourism Organization) [ University education ] . Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Seoul, Korea . MBA (Master's degree in Business Administration), Sydney, Australia [ Language teaching (Korean / English) ] . Korean language teacher certificate (Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism) . International TEFL and TESOL Diploma in teaching English (ITTT) [ Hiking ] . Mountain leader training program (Korean National Park Mountain Safety Institute) . Solo hikes in Kilimanjaro summit, ABC (Annapurna Base Camp), Olympus, Alps, and much more . Group hikes in EBC (Everest Bast Camp), Kala Patthar, Patagonia, Fuji, Altai, and much more . Hiking club leader over 5 years [ Others ] . Calligraphy competition awards (9 times) . Craftsman Cook, Korean Food license (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety) . Deutsch B1 certificate I don't offer driving service or book a car for you. If you rent a car with a driver, I will accompany you in the vehicle. Please let me know in advance. :-) * If you drive yourself, I will not accompany you.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Lee C.

Overview of your Seoul tour

Spend your day exploring the heart of Seoul with the beautiful city views and the largest market in Seoul. Travel back to the Joseon dynasty and stroll in Namsangol Hanok village. Traditional houses are restored here. Take a bus to Namdaemun gate (National treasure) and the largest market in Seoul If you want, enjoy the local food in the market. I'll show you some of my favorites! * This tour is NOT available on Mondays

Recent Reviews

Elizabeth G.
January 2025

My family and I enjoyed this experience with Ms. Lee. From the moment we arrived, Ms. Lee made us feel welcome and ensured we had a personalized experience tailored to our interests. Ms. Lee is very knowledgeable about Korean history and culture. She told us little known facts about the village we went to. The gem of the tour was Namdaemun Market! My mom and I wanted to buy certain goods and souvenirs. Ms. Lee took us to the best spots and we got souvenirs and items we needed for a low price! Ms. Lee is very accommodating, I 💯 recommend her to anyone. She is a great tour guide for all different age groups!

Jodie C.
October 2024

My parents & I took this tour as we had a spare day before our official group tour started. We wanted something a little bit different & we had a great time! Lee is fun & has a wonderful sense of humour. Great communication pre & post tour too! We would definitely recommend. Thank you Lee ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Peter S.
July 2024

Thank you, Lee, for the diverse tour and the insights into Korean history, society, and customs. It's wonderful that with your international experience, you were able to point out the - from our perspective - unique aspects and give us so many tips for our continued stay in Korea.

Mary L.United States
April 2024

We enjoyed our time with Lee very much! During our time together we visited Namsangol Hanok village, a quiet space in the city with traditional Korean houses, Namdaemun market, helping us order dumplings, and Namdaemun gate. She introduced us to Yut nori, a traditional board game and gifted us our own game! Very kind! Lee even helped me make a purchase at Olive Young and showed us how to navigate the subway, not to mention answering our many questions. Lee is wonderful to talk to and highly recommended!

Gardner W.United States
April 2024

Lee was a fantastic tour guide - friendly, well informed and all around a great guide. Highly recommended if visiting Seoul!

Your Seoul tour itinerary

On our tour we will see; - Namsan hanok village (five traditional houses are restored) Take a bus - Namdaemun market (The largest market in Seoul) - Namdaemun Gate (One of the main gates in Hanyangdoseong fortress in the Joseon Dynasty) * The schedule is subject to change * I’m not responsible for any loss, injury, illness, accident or/and damage to persons or/and property incurred during the tour.

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Transport details
Type: Public Transportation / Category: Subway

[ Meeting point ] Chungmuro (ì¶©ëŹŽëĄœ) subway station (line 4), Exit 2 (outside) We meet in front of the subway station, and walk on the tour.We take a bus and subway during the tour to move to other places

What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Food and public transportation Your own travel Insurance And any other personal expenses
Public Transportation
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Seoul, Seoul, South Korea

[ Recommended Meeting point ] Chungmuro (ì¶©ëŹŽëĄœ) subway station (line 4), Exit 4 (outside) Taxes are significantly cheaper in Korea than in many countries. You can ask your hotel to arrange one, or use Uber / KakaoT. If I pick you up, you'll have less time to explore the city. [ Pick-up ] Available in Jongno-gu and Jung-gu. [ Early pick-up ] For an additional 50,000KRW (or 35USD), I pick up 30 minutes before the tour start time, depending on my schedule.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
City Highlights
Off The Beaten Path
Architecture
History
Tour reference number
1305847
Languages
English
Korean
Activity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Seoul best suited for?

This private tour in Seoul is perfect for travellers who want to explore the heart of the city with a local guide. It's especially suitable for those interested in traditional Korean culture and history, as you'll visit Namsangol Hanok Village and Namdaemun Market. The tour is kid-friendly and involves minimal walking, making it accessible for families and those with mobility concerns.

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 3 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 3 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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