Private tour in Seoul David M
5.0
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David M.
4.8
Guide rating
141
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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.
This is a Live Virtual Tour using live video-conferencing software, featuring my own great photos and live storytelling of artworks and history. Take this guided lecture to learn all-about the history and unique characteristics of Korea's Shamanism. The best of its contemporary shrines on "Benevolent King Mountain" close to downtown Seoul, with their spectacular scenery and interesting traditional artworks, will be included along with stories about finding them. This is Korea's most ancient form of spirituality, and its most colorful. Remarkably, it is still quite strong and widespread today, all over the cities and deep mountains. Hundreds of spirits are worshipped and supplicated for the benefits they can bring, and psycho-social problems get resolved in all-night ceremonies. This tour will teach you how Siberian Shamanism came to Korea millennia ago, and then was influenced by Chinese culture to become the unique national tradition we now - something "truly "Korean". You will learn so very much about it!!
-> brief 'check in' and our mutual introductions -> Siberian Shamanism and its migration to Korea -> Influence from Chinese Culture -> History and unique characteristics of Korean Shamanism -> Practitioners -- who are the Shamans, and their clients? -> The best of modern shrines, including the main old "National Gods Shrine" and bizarre rocks worshiped on "Benevolent King Mountain", with its spectacular scenery and interesting traditional artworks will be included, along with shots of the shamans in-action. -> Colorful stories of my hunting for them. -> 'Wrap up' with final questions; your interests will be addressed at anytime -- anything from the basics of Shamanism or Korea to any advanced details is fine; as a longtime professor of the history of Korean spiritual culture, I can handle almost any queries. This will use an online video conference system, and a slideshow of my own great photos using PowerPoint on my desktop within that. A good internet connection is required to experience this tour.
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None - Live Virtual Tour
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: The tour will take place via a video conference system. Your unique link will be provided after the booking is confirmed.
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