Private tour in Seoul David M
4.9
(24) reviews
6 hours
1
6 hours
1
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.
There is a standard itinerary for this tour, but it is completely flexible on the number and nature of the sites visited for about 6 hours. Its intention is to be a fascinating orientation & overview of Seoul "old & new", with introduction to who the Koreans are, and the key points of their history and customs. On offer are the best sights of Seoul's historic downtown area, many of which are depicted in my other tours here. It all depends on where I pick you up and drop you off, and just what you want to see and do. Alternate possibilities include Seoul's best palaces, Buddhist temples, Christian churches, Shamanic or Taoist shrines, museums, historic buildings & traditional neighborhoods, the Cheonggye-cheon Stream, the Bukhan-san National Park, restaurants & tea-shops, and so-on. On this system I offer 3or4-hour, 6-hour & 8or9-hour versions of this tour; you can choose (this is the 6-hour one). If you want something other than that, a custom-designed tour could be created to suit your desires.
Wow what a great tour. I learned so much about the history and culture of Seoul and The Korean Peninsula. David was so great at explaining things and helping me understand and gain perspective. Very valuable introduction so I could explore on my own and better appreciate what I was looking at and story behind it
This tour was fantastic! Our guide, David M. Was outstanding! His knowledge of the history of the city (and country) both past and present is phenomenal. You can't go wrong with this tour.
David is a gem! We had a great time meandering Seoul and learning about Korean culture and history.
Very knowledgeable, and flexible as to where to go and what to do. Had a good overview and covered the area well.
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!
David was an amazing guide. Our group was made up of people interested in history and culture, and we could not have picked a better person to guide us. We want to thank him for making our two days in Seoul truly memorable.
This is my standard and very popular Itinerary for this 6-hour tour: it can be adjusted for individual preferences. Old & New City Hall, intro to the scale and feng-shui (geomancy) of old Hanyang Restored Cheonggye-cheon Stream Seoul Plaza historical monument sights Gyeongbok-gung Main Royal Palace Folklore & Shamanism artifacts at palace rear-exit -- a great contrast to palace Jogye-sa Buddhist Temple (national headquarters) and Museum, TempleStay Center Insa-dong traditional-culture street (a bit of souvenir-shopping or tea-drinking if desired) -- a meal, snack or coffee/tea stop can be included if desired We can move faster and see more, or take our time (for photos & viewing) and see a bit fewer sites; it's all up to your personal style. 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!!
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.
Walking; possible local subway trains, buses, taxis (pretty cheap)
Seoul, Seoul, South Korea
Train Station, public place, your hotel lobby....
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6 hours
1
6 hours
1
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a 20% deposit!
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