Private tour in Seoul David M

Exotic Sites in Seoul's NW Corner -- Guided Tour with Expert Professor

5.0

(3) reviews

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Hours icon 6 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-10 people
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1

Tour date
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-
Hours icon 6 hours
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

4 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

This is really "off the beaten path" -- and SO worth-it!! We will visit a few really great yet little-known / untouristed places in a remote beautiful part of Seoul. First we'll visit the spectacular Samcheon-sa Temple deep in a steep mountain-gorge, featuring a 1000-year-old Buddha-carving, the grandest Mountain-spirit Shrine in the Seoul area, and colorful stories of Korea's favorite ancient master-monk will be told! Then we will have the option of a quick haemul-pajeon [seafood-pancake] lunch in an utterly charming old-style restaurant overlooking the gushing stream of a rocky gorge --- followed by a nice walk on the Dulle-gil Forest Trail. Then we will tour the important Jingwan-sa, a very different sort of Buddhist temple. Then exiting via the beautiful Hanok Village with the western Samgak-san peaks soaring above. Your guide is a top expert on all these matters.

Recent Reviews

Melissa P.
June 2025

We love David and everything about this tour! Fantastic Guide for history and culture. If you love stories and learning about the fascinating culture of South Korea, then he is your guide. I felt like I learned so much and saw this Country through his eyes. He was an absolute delight. He makes me want to go back and see more temples and hear more stories. He has written many books and has stories for days! Very much like a college professor and we were his students!

Karin A.
September 2024

We greatly enjoyed and appreciated David's amiable and passionate enthusiasm in sharing his wide and deep historical and cultural knowledge of Seoul and Korea over the three days we were privileged to spend with him, Brian & Karin, Canberra, Australia, Sept '24

Allan D.United States
June 2024

David combines a deep knowledge of Korean history and religion with wonderful storytelling abilities and indefatigable energy, which makes for a memorable experience.

Your Seoul tour itinerary

We will meet at your hotel and then ride to Gupabal Metro Station in far-NW Seoul, or meet up there -- and then tour the spectacular Samcheon-sa Temple deep in a steep mountain-gorge, featuring a 1000-year-old Buddha-carving, the grandest Mountain-spirit Shrine in the Seoul area, and colorful stories will be told! Then we will have the option of a quick haemul-pajeon [seafood-pancake] lunch in a charming old-style restaurant overlooking the gushing stream of a rocky gorge (each pays their own, according to order). This is followed by a nice 20-minute level walk on the Dulle-gil Forest Trail, to the charming & historic Jingwan-sa Temple. Then we will exit thru the beautiful Hanok Village with the western Samgak-san peaks soaring above, back to civilization.

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: Subway

Seoul's excellent public transport -- pretty cheap, very safe. And/or, taxis, or a private-car if you wish (heavy extra cost).

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

Seoul, Seoul, South Korea

Your Hotel, or a Metro Subway Station

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
City Highlights
Day Trip
History
Religious Sites
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
Tour reference number
1313363
Languages
English
Activity level
Moderate
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 are interested in exploring off-the-beaten-path locations and want to experience the cultural and historical richness of Seoul's northwest corner. It's ideal for those who enjoy learning from an expert, as David M. is a top expert on the sites visited. The tour is also suitable for families, as it is kid-friendly.

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?

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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 6 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-10 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 6 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-10 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