My wife and I loved this tour. Steve is an absolute great representative of Korea. Extremely professional and knowledgeable. You are able to learn history while taking in great sights, food, and visiting spots that only locals know about. The tour was able to be adjusted and taylored based on what we requested. The Korean snacks and local food we tried in local markets were unforgettable and can only be found in Korea. Another highlight that my wife especially was excited about was Steves great skills in taking pictures! He knows the angles at the best moments to take the pictures. Its awesome. Definitely makes the tour worth it as it captures the experience. I'll surely be back for another tour with Steve during the next trip. Wife and I will be requesting a tour of the inner countryside or small towns to get more of the local living vibe. Big thanks again to Steve from Joshua and Jay!
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Private tour in Seoul Sang Gil L
Elegant Seoul — Royal Palaces, Scholars & Korean Tea
4.9
(19) reviews
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8 hours
1
Tour date
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8 hours
1
Sang Gil L.
4.9
Guide rating
100
Reviews
Tours delivered
9 hrs
Avg. response time
Hi, I’m Steve (Sang Gil Lee), a licensed private guide and storyteller in Korea. I was born in the late 1950s, when South Korea was still recovering from the Korean War. I grew up watching the country transform from a struggling postwar society into the dynamic, modern Korea you see today. Later, as a young military officer, I served near the DMZ—the border that still symbolizes Korea’s division. So when I talk about modern Korean history, I’m not simply explaining something I learned from books. I lived through much of that transformation myself. My career has also given me a unique window into Korea’s cultural development. I worked as a television producer and later served as the CEO of a local government cultural agency. I also spent time in Los Angeles as a Visiting Scholar at UCLA and worked with international media professionals through NATPE. These experiences helped me understand both Korean and Western perspectives—and how differently visitors sometimes see Korea. But Korea is much more than its modern success story. As a graduate of Sungkyunkwan University, a university deeply rooted in Korea’s Confucian tradition, and a certified educator in Korean Buddhist temple culture, I enjoy explaining the ideas behind what you see: why Korean palaces were designed the way they were, how Confucianism shaped family and society, why Buddhism became such an important part of Korean culture, and how food, fermentation, markets, and everyday customs tell their own stories about Korean life. Most importantly, I believe a private tour should feel like a conversation, not a lecture. We can slow down, change our plans, stop for coffee or local food, and spend more time on the subjects that interest you. Whether we are standing at the DMZ, walking through a royal palace, visiting a Buddhist temple, or exploring a traditional market, I want you to leave with something more valuable than photographs. I want you to understand the Korea behind what you see. If that sounds like the kind of journey you are looking for, I would be delighted to explore Korea with you. Credentials & Background Licensed National Tour Guide (English) Former Television Producer Former CEO of a Local Government Cultural Agency Former Visiting Scholar at UCLA Certified Educator in Korean Buddhist Temple Culture Former Military Officer with DMZ Service
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Sang Gil L.
Explore Seoul at a comfortable, relaxed pace.
Overview of your Seoul tour
Discover the elegant side of Seoul through its royal heritage, traditional architecture, and timeless way of life. This private tour takes you beyond simply seeing historic sites. As we explore a royal palace and its beautiful surroundings, I'll introduce you to the world of Korean kings, Confucian scholars, and the traditions that shaped Korean society for centuries. We'll stroll through historic neighborhoods, admire traditional Korean architecture, and enjoy a relaxing tea break while talking about Korean customs, family values, and everyday life—both past and present. The tour is designed at a comfortable pace, with plenty of time for conversation, photos, and spontaneous discoveries along the way. Rather than simply visiting old Seoul, you'll discover the ideas and traditions behind it.
Recent Reviews
Steve was a very caring thoughtful guide . Being 4 older ladies (3 over 79yrs) he made sure that we were able to navigate easily the places we were taken to visit . The driver wherever possible dropped us off & picked us up close to the venues. The gifts Steve presented to us all as we were returned back to the hotel were a lovely thought (I’m sure we all look years younger after using the cosmetics) Thank you Steve for a wonderful tour
We had an outstanding tour, and we walked over 7 miles, which was our preference over taking a car for my family of four. Mr. Sang even took us to his favorite restaurant near where he went to high school, which was highly recommended and delicious. He also provided great communication and some surprises along the way. We truly appreciate everything and highly recommend
The tour was fantastic. Mr. Sang customized the tour for us so that we would see the locations and experiences that we have not seen in our earlier tours. He also orgnaized a tea ceremony which was super interesting. Great guide.
Steve is great. Very knowledgable and passionate. Very professional and considerate. Took us to some great sights and provided a great cultural experience. Highly recommended. Thanks for the day Steve.
This tour was a history, architecture, and cultural experience all combined into one! Steve was very knowledgeable about all the places I wanted to visit and even took me to a few bonus places in the area to enrich the experience even more. The tour was well worth the time and money. Would highly recommend to anyone who wants to visit Seoul but doesn't know where to start or if you just want to make sure your time in Seoul is memorable.
Your Seoul tour itinerary
Morning: the Secret Garden of Changdeokgung Palace. Once a private retreat for royalty, this UNESCO site is a masterclass in "living in harmony with nature." *Please note that Secret Garden tickets are limited and not guaranteed. In the event that tickets are sold out, the tour will instead visit the hidden rear gardens of Gyeongbokgung Palace. t These areas offer a quieter and more open perspective on royal life, featuring spacious grounds, refined architecture, and a different interpretation of harmony between nature and design. Lunch: A Nourishing Tradition Food Afternoon: Artisan Workshop: Visit a traditional Hanok house in Bukchon to create your own masterpiece using Nature dying , Mother-of-Pearl or Handmade Paper (Hanji). End the day with a meditative Tea Time. Learn the graceful etiquette of a traditional tea and find a moment of peace in a quiet, historic teahouse. * The itinerary is flexible and can be customized according to your interests, walking preferences, weather, and opening hours.
Want to customize this tour?
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Sedan
5 Seater Sedan (Kia K7 - Cadenza- Hybrid)
What's included
What's not included
Meeting location
Seoul, Seoul, South Korea
hotel/accommodation or agreed point in the city
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
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Korean
EnglishActivity level
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8 hours
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8 hours
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If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- 30 days before your tour date, the remaining balance is automatically charged.