Private tour in Seoul David M
Includes all fees
Book with a 20% deposit
up to 10 people
12 hours
Public transportation
1
David M.
I am an American citizen who has lived in South Korea since 1982, exploring it myself, leading...
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This is a unique opportunity to visit Korean Shamanic Shrines and witness their practices; no other guide offers such tours in English. Starting early in the morning from a Seoul train station, we'll ride the bullet-train south for an hour to historic Gongju city, and a scared mountain that was one of the nation's first national parks, with the highest of reputations as a spiritual center. We will visit about ten Shamanic Shrines, old & new, in the foothills of Gyeryong-san National Park, one of Korea's most sacred areas. As the shadows grow long we'll be taken back to the train to get back to Seoul at 18:30 with our hundreds of rare photos. Our guide is a renowned expert on these matters, and will explain all we see. We might encounter some shamans at work, and witness their amazing rituals -- you never know, it's up to chance (as willed by the spirits?)
We will begin with two old shrines in a dramatically-sited deep, narrow stream-gorge, featuring a large waterfall gushing between boulders upon which a half-dozen Shamanic altars stand. The waterfall is believed to be home to the "Golden Dragon Spirit", and there is a Daoist hall in front of it enshrining that theme, and a great Mountain-spirit Shrine across from that. 2nd will be the 250-year-old Royal Mountain-spirit Shrine that still venerates the "Central Peak of the Kingdom", remarkably authentic and the only remaining one. It's just behind the grand historic Spirit Garden Temple, and we'll be guided through its best features; then we'll get a great country-style lunch nearby. Then we'll stroll thru superb views of the holy mountain, and on up the road. The modern Shamanic Shrines are very dense there, and we will just walk from one to the next, our guide showing the best ones, with unique arrangements according to the natural landscapes and an incredible variety of colorful artworks of all the deities!
Contact your local guide to know more!!
KTX high-speed train, and taxis to the initial site; walking after that.
Seoul, South Korea
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: Best to meet is Yongsan Train Station at 06:20, but it can be 6am at your hotel...
(2)
Includes all fees
Book with a 20% deposit
Size:
up to 10 people
Duration:
12 hours
Transportation:
Public transportation
1
Includes all fees
Book with a 20% deposit
Size:
up to 10 people
Duration:
12 hours
Transportation:
Public transportation
1
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