Private tour in Seoul David M
4.8
(5) reviews
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David M.
4.8
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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.
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Take this guided visit to Seoul's largest and most important ancient Buddhist temple for spectacular scenery and observing some interesting traditional artworks. Doseon-sa was founded around 1100 years ago just beneath the three main peaks of Samgak-san, Seoul's sacred & prominent guardian mountain (a National Park), by one of Korea's greatest Buddhist masters. It has remained the most religiously important monastery of the Seoul area ever since; it is almost always crowded with sincere Buddhists. It has several unusual features that will be pointed out and explained to your group. There is a large ancient standing Buddha statue designated as a national Treasure, being worshiped around the clock. There are several unique shrines for great heroes of Buddhism and Korea's modern development, and a huge complex stone memorial for a great 20th-Century master. I will thoroughly explain the history of this temple and its various buildings, shrines and monuments -- and tell many colorful stories along the way!
I can pick you up at your hotel, or we can meet at the Sinseol-dong Metro Subway Station (Dark Blue Line #1) or anywhere else convenient. We will take the temple's shuttle-bus or a taxi up the steep road to the temple. I will show you around and explain everything! Fantastic views out over the NE city past magnificent red pine trees will be seen. If you wish to experience it, we can eat a basic vegetarian Korean lunch at the temple cafeteria at lunchtime, or eat other Korean meals at one of the good restaurants in the neighborhood below. You should be prepared for any likely weather conditions, and should wear good walking-shoes. As this temple is built on a steep slope, halfway up craggy mountain -- there are two elevators to help us up, or else some brief climbing can be done on gradual stairways; almost anyone can do it.
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we'll take taxis, the Metro Subway system or buses as appropriate; it's fairly easy.
Seoul, Seoul, South Korea
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