Private tour in Seoul David M

Suwon Hwaseong Castle and Korean Folk Village or Tombs/Temple Tour, all-day with van & driver

3.0

(2) reviews

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Hours icon 7 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
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-
Hours icon 7 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-8 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

6 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 tour covers the best sights of historic Suwon City: the Hwaseong Castle (a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site!) with its towers & palace, walking along the great wall; and the very charming and authentic Korean Folk Village, broken by a nice Korean lunch. Your guide will be an expert American-resident Professor, who will explain all in detail. NOTE that rather than the Folk Village, we could *instead* visit the Royal Tombs of that castle's builders (another UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site!) and the Dragon-Pearl Temple right behind them (designated to care for them), that has a few great & interesting artworks. . . Just let me know if you favor this option -- price stays the same.

Your Seoul tour itinerary

09:30 Depart from your hotel in Seoul 10:30 Arrive in Suwon City, begin seeing Hwaseong Castle at its Northeast Gate. 11:00 Walk down the great wall past towers with views & stories, to the Palace. 12:00 Tour the Palace with expert guidance, then re-board the van. 12:45 drive to the nearby Royal Tombs OR the Korean Folk Village. 13:00 Korean Lunch in a Village restaurant (optional; each pays for their own). 14:00 Tour the Royal Tombs & Yongju-sa Temple OR the Korean Folk Village, with expert guidance on Joseon Culture. 15:30 re-board the van, drive back to Seoul. 16:30 Arrive back at your hotel.

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Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Minivan

with van & pro driver, price includes all.

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

Seoul, Seoul, South Korea

Your Hotel Lobby, or other place.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
History
Architecture
Day Trip
City Highlights
Tour reference number
1144927
Languages
English
Activity level
Moderate
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
3.0

Traveller reviews for this private tour in Seoul

2 reviews

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Seoul best suited for?

This private tour is ideal for travellers who are interested in exploring the historic sights of Suwon City with an expert guide. It's perfect for those who appreciate cultural heritage sites, as it includes visits to UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites like Hwaseong Castle and the option to visit either the Korean Folk Village or the Royal Tombs and Dragon-Pearl Temple. The tour is also suitable for families, as it is kid-friendly.

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?

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 7 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
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 7 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
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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