Private tour in Seoul David M

Seoul (Incheon port) Shore Excursion Tour by Express-Train & Walking

4.9

(8) reviews

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Hours icon 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
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Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 8 hours
Private 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

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

During this amazing full-day tour you will see some of the best sights of Seoul City and learn many fascinating things about Korean history & culture. We will use public express-trains from Sinpo Market near Incheon Port to central Seoul and back, which is faster, safer & cheaper. Your choice of a great Korean lunch will be enjoyed. I am a 35-year resident, as Professor of Korean Cultural Tourism. My specialty is the variety of traditional religions here, including Buddhism, Shamanism, Daoism, Neo-Confucianism and Christianity and I will give you an in-depth explanation of everything time allows us to see, with colorful stories and tales of Korea's dramatic 20th Century historical events and current situation. I can show you the special places that make Seoul really interesting. My price is higher because I'm a well-known expert on these things, have written many books and articles -- my clients are those who want the best descriptions, broadest viewpoint & deepest insights.

Recent Reviews

Barbara K.United States
April 2019

Had a great day with David. He is very knowledgeable. He made our tour interesting and fun!

John D.United States
October 2018

David is an excellent tour guide and probably one of the most knowledgeable people on the history and culture of Korea. It was an enlightening day that was enjoyed by all 8 in our group. David is very engaging and personable with lots of personal stories which makes the tour even more interesting. We have done lots of tours and can honestly say this is probably the best one because of his expertise on Korea. Thanks David for a GREAT day and wonderful insight into Korea.

John H.United States
October 2018

David is extremely knowledgeable about Seoul, its history religions etc. Learned more in one day than attending a semester at college He handled our group of 10 extremely well. Thanks again, Jack and Donna

Donald K.Canada
April 2017

David is incredibly knowledgeable on Korea and its relationships past and present to China and Japan. Highly recommended.

Jackie G.United States
March 2017

David is such a knowledgeable man! He brought Seoul and their ancestors alive. If you are a history buff he's your guy! We really enjoyed our day with him! His antidotes and stories were wonderful. There wasn't a question he couldn't answer. Delightful man and tour. He deserves his 5 stars!

Cristina G.Mexico
June 2016

Very detailed tour. Highly recommended

Your Seoul tour itinerary

Usually, we cover the Seoul Plaza historical monument sights, Gyeongbok-gung Main Royal Palace, a great Korean Meal, the Bukchon traditional-houses alleyways, Jogye-sa Buddhist Temple (national headquarters), shopping down Insa-dong traditional-culture street, and Tap-gol Park (20th-cen Independence Movement shrines, and pagoda). There are several great options for late afternoon, if we have remaining time. We will choose the sites by your specific interests; obviously your shore-leave time is very limited, and we will make the most of it -- focusing on what you most want to see. My main specialty is the variety of traditional culture and religions here, and I will give you an in-depth explanation of everything we visit, with colorful stories. I can also show and tell tales of Korea's dramatic 20th Century historical events and situation. I can show you the special places that make Seoul really interesting, and I know a lot of great restaurants that can fit your food-preferences and budget.

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: Private Transportation / Category: Suv

We will take Korea's excellent public transportation, especially urban trains (fast, clean, safe, cheap) and also do some walking around the sites. This shore tour with my guiding is also available with renting a mini-bus with driver; see my list.

What's included
Other: - Transportation from and back to where in Incheon your cruise ship brings you by shuttle-bus (usually, Sinpo Market) and around Seoul city -- assuming that we will use public trains and then maybe a bus, w/ a few short taxi-rides, which is faster, safer and cheaper and allows experiencing the real local people & sites. If you want to rent a vehicle and professional driver for your tour, that will cost extra (see my other tour for that), along with meals. Also if we visit any site with admission fees (usually just the Palace, w3000 / US$2.60 per-person), you should pay that.
Private Guide
Public Transportation
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. - admission fees to a palace or etc (cheap) and any long-distance taxi fares that are not a standard part of the tour (in case of some emergency or your change of plans, for example), if any.
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Incheon, Incheon, South Korea

Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: I will meet you at the Shinpo International Market, or other place, where your ship's shuttle-bus drops you off.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
City Highlights
Religious Sites
Art And Culture
History
Tour reference number
99497
Languages
English
Activity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Traveller reviews

4.9

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Seoul best suited for?

This private tour in Seoul is ideal for travellers who are interested in exploring traditional Korean culture and history with an expert guide. It's perfect for those who want to learn about the variety of traditional religions such as Buddhism, Shamanism, Daoism, Neo-Confucianism, and Christianity. With David M., a 35-year resident and Professor of Korean Cultural Tourism, you'll gain deep insights and enjoy colourful stories about Korea's dramatic 20th-century events. This tour is also suitable for cruise ship passengers looking for a shore excursion.

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 8 hours
Private 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 8 hours
Private 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
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