Private tour in Seoul David M

Evening Tour of Downtown Seoul

5.0

(3) reviews

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Hours icon 3 hours 30 minutes
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
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Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 3 hours 30 minutes
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-10 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

5 hrs

Avg. response time

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

This tour's intention is to be a fascinating evening orientation & overview of Seoul "old & new", with introduction to who the Koreans are, and the key points of their history and religions/customs. There is not a fully standard itinerary for this tour, but it is completely flexible on the number and nature of the sites visited and the time spent (up to 4 hours). On offer are the best sights of Seoul's historic downtown area, with evening/night views. It all depends on where I pick you up and drop you off, and just what you want to see and do. We can see the great view from Mt. Namsan, colorful lanterns in Cheonggye-cheon Stream, Seoul's headquarters Buddhist temple, the classic old Seoul Train Station, Christian churches, other historic buildings & traditional neighborhoods, restaurants & tea-shops, and so-on -- whatever is open in the evening you are here, and according to the weather. Pick-up from & return to your hotel.

Your Seoul tour itinerary

These are possibilities for what we might see on this 3-4 hour jaunt, depending on which night it is and the weather; it can be adjusted for individual preferences. Pick-up from your hotel. Great view from Mt. Namsan and its Tower Restored Cheonggye-cheon Stream, sometimes with floating-lanterns Jogye-sa Buddhist Temple (national headquarters) Classic Art-deco 1925 Seoul Train Station, and its "Seoullo 7017" elevated-walkway Namdae-mun the Great South Gate Seoul Plaza historical monument sights Old & New City Hall, intro to the scale & feng-shui (geomancy) of old Hanyang Bukchon Hanok Village traditional-houses alleyways Insa-dong traditional-culture street (a bit of souvenir-shopping, eating or tea-drinking if desired) -- neon-lit alleys Old Jonggak Bell-Pavilion A royal palace, lit-up at night I will be telling colorful stories from academic sources all along the way, about pre-modern kings & heroes, and recent presidents and activists, and socio-cultural issues. You will learn so much, and in context!!

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: Public Transportation / Category: Taxi

Metro subway train, taxis, and walking -- depending on the location of your hotel.

What's included
Private Guide
Public Transportation
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Taxi (pretty cheap), rental car (if requested; usually not needed) admission tickets if-needed (mostly not).
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Seoul, Seoul, South Korea

You Hotel, or other place

  • You can request a different meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout process.
Other details
Tour categories
Night
Art And Culture
Architecture
City Highlights
History
Tour reference number
1097769
Languages
English
Activity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
5.0

Traveller reviews for this private tour in Seoul

3 reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who is this private tour in Seoul best suited for?

This private tour in Seoul is perfect for travellers who want a flexible and personalized experience of the city's historic downtown. It's ideal for those interested in learning about Korean history, culture, and religion from an expert guide, David M., who is an American-resident professor. The tour is also suitable for families, as it is kid-friendly and involves light activity.

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?

Is this private tour in Seoul suitable for cruise ship passengers as a shore excursion?

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 3 hours 30 minutes
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-10 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 3 hours 30 minutes
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-10 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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