Private tour in Seoul David M

DMZ History & Views - 7-hour Tour from Seoul

5.0

(3) reviews

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Hours icon 7 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
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Hours icon 7 hours
Private 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

David M.

4.8

Guide rating

141

Reviews

Tours delivered

6 hrs

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I am an American citizen who has lived in South Korea since 1982, exploring it myself, leading tours, working in its tourism field and writing about its history & culture. For jobs, I have mostly served as a Professor of Korean Cultural Tourism at leading universities in Seoul. 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 700 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), or a full day, or several days. 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 was an adviser to the authorities on cultural tourism for the 2002 Korea/Japan World Cup and the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. 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-onward. I have published ten books on Korean culture and tourism, including the 1996 edition of the Lonely Planet KOREA guidebook. The most-famous of my books was "Spirit of the Mountains" (1999) about Korea's deep and varied traditions of veneration of mountains. My 9th in 2014 was the 600-page English Encyclopedia of Korean Buddhism, and my 10th in 2016 was a biography of Korea's greatest ancient Sage. Tour Guide in Korea for 25 years, for many organizations and individuals, up to VIP-level. 17 years as a Professor of Korean Cultural Tourism at two of the nation's top university Tourism departments. Have written 10 books and many academic & popular-media articles about Korea's traditional spiritual culture, sites, 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. I do not have a car in Korea, do not drive. I can arrange for a mini-bus or taxi if you wish, at extra expense. Otherwise we will use the cheap taxis that are easy to catch, and Korea's excellent and fast system of subway trains, and buses, together.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message David M.

Overview of your Seoul tour

As of now the most famous area called "Panmunjom JSA" remains closed ever since the Covid Crisis started, but we will visit the extensive Imjin-gak Peace Park in Paju City with many monuments, exhibits and a good view to the North; you can look that up to see its myriad offerings. There is no good public transportation option, and so we will do this by hiring a touring-van with driver for us all. The driving-time is just barely less than an hour each-way on the roads, so we will have just over 2 hours on the site, enough to see all the best parts. I am an expert on the history and can explain everything about why the nation got divided, why the war happened, the dramatic course of the war and its result, and why there has never been a peace treaty and the problem persists to this day (I am not a military expert that can explain specific battles or the difference between one type of tank and another). This will be a 6-hour tour by stopping for lunch, and visiting a great Buddhist temple there too.

Your Seoul tour itinerary

0:00 Meet in Seoul, board our van. 2:00 Visit a great little Buddhist temple, the lovely Yongam-sa Buddhist Temple of Paju, featuring a gigantic double-headed medieval carved-cliff statue of Maitreya the Future Buddha, which has a fascinating legend attached! {this might also be at the end} 3:00 Arrive at Imjin-gak Peace Park in Paju City, begin experiencing the many monuments, exhibits and good views to the North, including the famous Freedom Bridge. There is an optional Gondala Ride over the Imjin River ($30 per-person extra cost). having snacks or a lunch at a good Korean restaurant is possible (extra cost), if-desired. 6:00 We get back in our van. 7:00 We arrive back in Seoul. I will be telling colorful stories from academic sources all along the way, about the Division of Korea, the tragic War, the presidents, generals and heroes involved, and the political issues that have prevented re-unification. You will learn so much, and in context!!

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Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Minivan

This is a car- or van-with-pro-driver tour.

What's included
Other: Parking fee included.
Private Guide
Private Transportation
Tickets: Entrance Fees
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses.
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Seoul, Seoul, South Korea

Your Hotel, or some prominent place anywhere in the city

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
History
Tour reference number
1069405
Languages
English
Activity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
5.0

Traveller reviews for this private tour in Seoul

3 reviews

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Seoul best suited for?

This private tour is ideal for travellers interested in the history and culture of Korea, particularly those who want to learn about the Korean War and the division of Korea from an expert. It's also suitable for families, as it is kid-friendly, and for those who prefer a light activity level. With private transportation included, it's perfect for anyone looking to explore the DMZ area comfortably and with insightful commentary from David M., an American-resident professor.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Seoul be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

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

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 7 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
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 7 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
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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