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South Korea Private Tours & Local Tour Guides
Plan a Trip to South Korea with Local Tour Guides, and Seoul, Busan, Incheon and More.
Popular South Korea Tour Guides
Dylan K.
I am the managing director and a guide at one of Busan's leading tour operators. Our company prides itself on a team of exceptional guides, all of whom hold national certifications as licensed tour guides. This expertise allows us to offer an in-depth exploration of Korea's rich culture, history, and stunning landscapes. Our unwavering commitment to quality has established us as a frontrunner in Busan's tourism industry, providing top-tier private tours. This dedication was recognized when our tours were honored with the 2024 Travelers' Choice Best of the Best award on a major travel site—an achievement that speaks to the passion and excellence we bring to every experience. We go beyond ordinary sightseeing, striving to create deep and lasting memories for our clients. I invite you to join us in exploring Busan's hidden gems and crafting unforgettable moments together. Would that spark your interest?
David a. M.
I have been a Professor of Korean Cultural Tourism in Seoul, and a Tour-guide, Lecturer and Author on Traditional Cultural Sites, especially religious ones, on the high-end, for 25 years. Wrote the 1996-7 edition of Lonely Planet's KOREA guidebook!
Kane K.
Hi there~ My name is Kane and I am a licensed tour guide here in Korea. I've got the license in 2016 and started working as a tour guide for many years and previously with having a career in oversea sales for over 15years. Now I really love this job and I think it's a calling. Whenever I meet a group of new people, I become an energetic man and enjoy sharing all information that I have on my country, history and living with visitors. Please be my guest and you will miss me when you get back home after the tour with me.
Kelly O.
Hey! I'm Kelly :) I have 2 years of experience as a tour guide. I started by showing Korea to my foreign friends and students as a Korean teacher. I can help you make the most of your stay in Korea, as I know many hidden gems and can adjust to your needs and interests. for example history tours, K-pop tours, food&cafe tours, local experience tours, etc. We can also learn some basic Korean if you want, so you can connect with locals! Let's go!
New South Korea Tour Guides
Cooper H.
Hello, dear. This is Cooper writing from Busan, S.Korea. My hometown, Busan is known to the world not as an industrial city, but also as city of holidays because of it's stunning sceneries and dynamic cultures. To introduce my hometown and my homeland to the world citizens, I have acted as tour guide since 2014. So far, I have implemeted more than 1,500 times tour with tourists who come from all of the world. I am specilized tour guide at Southen part of S.Korea from Andong, Gyeongju, Geoje, TongYoung, Namhae, Suncheon, Yeosu, Gwangju, Jeonju to Busan. I am familiar with every corner of S.Korea, though. Are you looking for regional specialist? Then, Reach to Cooper Hong and get to Know S.Korea.
Don L.
Hello, l am Don, one of Seoul's most exceptional tourist guides. I love my occupation and my customers tell me that's obvious. I give entertaining, engaging, educational, and enlightening tours for the visitors in Seoul from all corners of globe. I present the beauty of Seoul and hidden gems in Korea. I can customize your tour according to your interest, so just tell me what excites you and all the rest will be my task. Your tour with me would be a once in a lifetime experience.
Alice K.
Hello! I am Alice. I live in Incheon, South Korea. It's very close to Seoul. I want to guide my clients through the charming city of Seoul. Especially when introducing the five grand palaces of Seoul, I would like to invite a professional photographer to capture beautiful moments. I can help them dress in hanbok and create stunning life shots. I also want to guide them through Kyeongju, a city that breathes with a long history. I lived in Kyeongju until my teenage years. I want to introduce UNESCO-listed Kyeongju, a city of culture and history. I have traveled to Jeju Island more than several ten times. I also want to introduce Jeju Island. My clients can go anywhere they want in South Korea. There are many well-preserved cultural heritage sites with a long history in Korea, and they can also experience the convenience of fast-developing Seoul. Come and visit Korea. Let's explore Seoul and travel together anywhere. Traveling in Korea will be a memorable and cherished experience. Best regards. Alice.
Ari K.
Hello! I am Ari, a freelance guide based in South Korea with a rich and diverse background in English guiding, interpretation, and medical coordination over the past decade. I'm delighted to welcome you to Korea. Having spent my entire life in Korea, I've been a licensed guide since 2014, accumulating a decade of experience in showcasing the wonders of my homeland. My academic journey led me to major in English Literature, and armed with a TESOL certification, I also ventured into the realm of English teaching. However, it was a transformative trip to Europe that ignited a new dream within me. I found joy in sharing the stories, memories, and unique charm of Korea with people from around the world. Over the years, my role expanded beyond guiding to handling diplomatic protocols for distinguished guests, including ministers, vice ministers, members of parliament, kings, and queens. If you're seeking an authentic tour that unveils the true essence of Korea, I invite you to reach out. I'm eager to promptly respond and create memorable experiences together. Feel free to drop me a message – let's embark on a journey to discover the genuine beauty of Korea!
Popular South Korea Private Tours
Full-day Intro to Seoul and Korean History
This is my standard and very popular Itinerary for this ~8 hour tour: it can be adjusted for individual preferences. 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. We can move faster and see more, or take our time and see a bit fewer sites; it's all up to your personal style. I will be telling colorful stories all along the way. You will learn so much, and in context!!
Exploring the ancient side of Seoul
Hop on the metro to Gyeongbokgung Palace where you’ll experience the elegant royal culture and history of the Joseon Dynasty. After, make your way to the Blue House which was the official residence of South Korean Presidents. Then walk around the historical Bukchon Hanok (Korean traditional house) Village and find a beautiful and charming cafe or restaurant at Ikseondong alleys to quench your thirst. Lastly head to Myeongdong area for various Korean street foods and restaurants offerings.
Full Day Best Seller Tour With Me!
We will experience all the most famous place in Seoul together! Let's explore all of the popular tourist spots, you will enjoy this! During the full day tour with me, you will be able to see ; - N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower) or Lotte World Tower - Gyeongbokgung Palace - Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) or National Museum of Korea - Starfield Coex Mall - Namdaemun Market or Gwangjang Market
Gyeongbokgung,Bukchon,Gwangjang,N-SeoulTower,Hongdae
Exploring for Korea’s unique cultural identity! Tour features Gyeongbokgung palace - the most beautiful place and best architecture, Bukchon Hanok Village, Gwangjang market, N Seoul Tower, Hongdae street. Guide share information of Korean culture that helps guest fully appreciate beauty and value of Gyeongbokgung but entire Korean traditional culture. Gyeongbokgung is the most beautiful place and must-see architecuture that represent Korea's traditional culture.
New South Korea Private Tours
Lotte World Amusement Park - Full of fun, Attractions, and Parade!
Lotte World is a Theme park / Amusement park in Seoul! We can enjoy many things like rides and parade. If we take a half day here, it would be 6 hours. If we have more time, I would like to go to 'Seokchon Lake' together, it's near Lotte World and we can walk alongside the lake!
Private Trendy Hotspots and Tours in Seoul
You will take a lot of pictures from this tour! This is a trendy hotspots tour. So you'll able to go check all the famous and popular places in Seoul these days! This trip is super modern and there are a lot of instagrammable places!
Off the Beaten Path behind touristy on foot
Seoul have "Old and New", just around the corner. But lots of tourist just go through the tourristy area. Kevin will bring your every nook cranny, on foot.
Unique Local Experience With Me!
I've received many requests like, 'Can you recommend some hidden gems and real local places where you hang out with your friends?' So, I organized these and created a tour package! Don't worry, I've already tested it with my foreign friends, and I chose only the best options :) We are going to experience everything from history to culture!
Popular South Korea Private Cars
Busan Private Tour : Tailored Experiences for Your Group Only!
Experience Busan, where post-Korean War history meets modern skyscrapers. Begin at the tranquil Haedong Yonggungsa Temple by the sea. Relish leisure moments in a picturesque Hanok cafe, then plunge into the buzz of Jagalchi Fish Market. Gaze at breathtaking views from Songdo Marine Cable Car and wander the vibrant Gamcheon Cultural Village. Shop antiques to delicacies at BIFF Square and Gukje Market. Dive into Busan's rich tapestry.
Amazing Busan Tour
Busan is not industrial city, but also city of commercial, movie, festivals and holidays. We roughly divide busan into two, East Busan and West Busan. In the east of Busan, we have beaches, mountains, hot spring and ocean. After the sky-capsule, we may try authentic food of Busan and S. Korea. Nampodong area, the origin of Busan is located in the west part of Busan. Nampo is the 1st downtown of Busan. Nearby Nampodong there is Gamcheon cultural village. It's a must-see place.
Seoul Layover Private Incheon tour from Airport
Will you go straight to the hotel upon arrival at Incheon Airport? By applying for this product, we will safely take you from Incheon airport to your destination hotel. Before heading to the hotel, stop by Incheon to experience Korea's development story. Lastly, don't miss Songdo Triple Street, a favorite spot for young people. [If you request. the itinerary can be changed.] * This itinerary is subject to change at the request of the client.
DMZ tour to 3rd tunnel, Imjingkak, Gamaksan Suspension Bridge
DMZ tour offers your exploring of the dark side of Seoul, featuring intense tensions, violent confrontations and the constant risk of war between North and South Korea. During DMZ tour, you will visit the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel to see the reality of North's threatening provocation and Imjingak to see the scars & sorrowful memories of the Korean War. On your way back to Seoul, you will visit Gamaksan to enjoy beautiful natural scenery.
South Korea Tour Reviews
“Best Personal Tour”
I sent Kelly a list of interests and she customised a tour plan for me. She speaks fluent English and is super friendly and warm. Highly recommend booking a tour with her - can’t find a better local companion and guide!!!
Daniele L.
Busan Private Tour : Tailored Experiences for Your Group Only!
“A fun tour with Dylan”
We disembarked early, we immediately informed Dylan who came to pick us up at the exit of the cruise terminal. Dylan has been a solar and fun guide who with his excellent drive skills has guided us through everything that was planned. He also found time to let us taste some local dishes, very good. Visiting Busan with Dylan was fantastic, he took us to the planned places at the right time without the crowds of tourists and competently explained the history by answering all our questions. He took us to the most suggestive places to take fantastic photographs. Dylan has been very kind and suggested us how to take the best photos with amazing view. If you want to discover Busan with a different perspective. Dylan si the perfect person, hes is funny, special and very competent. If we would return to Busan he told us he will be our guide again. Thank you for what you gave us Dylan!!!
Andrew N.
BBQ at the largest meat market in Korea - Private tour
“Amazing Korean Beef”
Absolutely fantastic tour, amazing food. Lee was also great at answering lots of non-tour related questions, some of which saved us lots of time. Five stars.
Lee C.
(13 reviews)Thank you very much for the kind review. It was really nice to meet you, and I'm very glad you enjoyed the tour and food. On the day we met, I also got the same ice cream you had in the convenient store. Hahaha. I hope you enjoyed your stay in Seoul, and also hope next time you can stay longer here. :-) Have a wonderful day!
South Korea Private Tour Guide
From Suncheon Bay Wetland to Andong, South Korea’s rich past and vibrant future comes alive with a local private tour guide. Unlock the South’s beauty today.
Beyond Seoul and Busan lies a side to South Korea that few get to explore. With your private guide and personalized itinerary, you can travel as far as Jinan County where Tapsa temple awaits, or as close as Tongyeong where emerald waters cradle this small sea town. Opening yourself up to intimate experiences and new stories just got easier.
Worried about the language barrier? Perhaps you’re eager to learn from a local? Our dedicated guides offer both conveniences, maximizing your South Korea tour with insights from far reaching destinations such as Ganghwa island, to food suggestions within the bustling Gwangjang Market.
South Korea Frequently Asked Questions
Is it good to hire tour guides in South Korea?
Yes! South Korea is built for daily interaction and exposure through a local guide. With a local’s perspective, you can;
- Understand the layers of cultural nuance as a local resident translates that significance for you.
Unravel hidden gems and lesser toured areas that most “must-see” lists miss. There’s a lot more to South Korea than the DMZ or the fascinating Joseon Palaces.
- Avoid transportation hassles and confusion while commuting from one location to another, which saves you time.
- Interact with a local who can further explain what daily life is like for South Koreans, with ups, downs and everything in between. It opens you up to know more than what we see on the surface.
- Gain additional venues to visit as your guide combines your interests with what South Korea has to offer.
More Information: Hiring A Guide In South Korea: Pros & Cons
Yes! South Korea is built for daily interaction and exposure through a local guide. With a local’s perspective, you can;
- Understand the layers of cultural nuance as a local resident translates that significance for you.
Unravel hidden gems and lesser toured areas that most “must-see” lists miss. There’s a lot more to South Korea than the DMZ or the fascinating Joseon Palaces. - Avoid transportation hassles and confusion while commuting from one location to another, which saves you time.
- Interact with a local who can further explain what daily life is like for South Koreans, with ups, downs and everything in between. It opens you up to know more than what we see on the surface.
- Gain additional venues to visit as your guide combines your interests with what South Korea has to offer.
More Information: Hiring A Guide In South Korea: Pros & Cons
How do I get a Korean guide?
Head to our South Korea Tour Guides Page and click on one or more guides. Once you find a profile that you like, check the guide’s availability to see if it matches with your travel time.
If everything looks good, go ahead and reach out to the guide with a detailed message of the type of Korean tour you and your loved ones are looking for. From there, you and your guide will create your dream itinerary!
Head to our South Korea Tour Guides Page and click on one or more guides. Once you find a profile that you like, check the guide’s availability to see if it matches with your travel time.
If everything looks good, go ahead and reach out to the guide with a detailed message of the type of Korean tour you and your loved ones are looking for. From there, you and your guide will create your dream itinerary!
How much do you tip a guide in Korea?
Don’t tip guides or service workers in Korea. Why? Because it can be seen as insulting. In Korean culture, it’s perceived negatively. It’s as if you consider them as poor. So what can you do instead? Leave a glowing review for your guide, refer them to others traveling to South Korea and use their services again when the time comes.
Don’t tip guides or service workers in Korea. Why? Because it can be seen as insulting. In Korean culture, it’s perceived negatively. It’s as if you consider them as poor. So what can you do instead? Leave a glowing review for your guide, refer them to others traveling to South Korea and use their services again when the time comes.
How many days is enough for a South Korea tour?
7-14 days is ideal as South Korea is HUGE when it comes to things to do and places to see. From the beaches of Busan to the skyscrapers of Seoul and the history across the Han River, everyday is sure to be jam packed with activity. If you want to exhaust your South Korea bucket ist and have time to relax, partner up with an expert guide who will help you plan your days out.
7-14 days is ideal as South Korea is HUGE when it comes to things to do and places to see. From the beaches of Busan to the skyscrapers of Seoul and the history across the Han River, everyday is sure to be jam packed with activity. If you want to exhaust your South Korea bucket ist and have time to relax, partner up with an expert guide who will help you plan your days out.
Which month is best to visit South Korea?
May to June & September to November are often considered the best months to visit South Korea as the weather is warm, crisp and breezy. Springtime brings cherry blossoms while fall brings colorful leaves and warm waters.
Want to learn more about South Korea? Check out our South Korea Tourism Statistics 2023.
May to June & September to November are often considered the best months to visit South Korea as the weather is warm, crisp and breezy. Springtime brings cherry blossoms while fall brings colorful leaves and warm waters.
Want to learn more about South Korea? Check out our South Korea Tourism Statistics 2023.
Is English spoken in South Korea?
Yes, but not as frequently as English speaking nations in Europe or North America. South Korea has an English proficiency rating of 537 which is moderate, meaning a lot of people understand it, but are not as confident in fluently speaking it with English speakers.
Yes, but not as frequently as English speaking nations in Europe or North America. South Korea has an English proficiency rating of 537 which is moderate, meaning a lot of people understand it, but are not as confident in fluently speaking it with English speakers.
Latest South Korea Articles
Why Hiring A Private Tour Guide In South Korea Is Worth Every Won
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We all know the feeling that traveling to a new place can bring. There's a mix of excitement and wonder, and if we’re honest, a little bit of nervous energy, especially when you’re at the planning stage. Comfort, convenience, safety and quality are consta...
Hiring A Guide In Busan: Pros & Cons
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If you’d rather get in a wrestling match with a giant Nomura’s jellyfish than try to sort out your Busan itinerary any longer, you’ve encountered what I’d like to call “tour planning fatigue”. Should you get a Busan tour guide? Should you go it alone? ...
Hiring A Guide In Seoul: The Pros & Cons
Seoul, South Korea
Whenever I’m traveling, there are two things on my mind. How will I get there, and what will I do once I land? If you’re like me, then your mind’s racing with the possibilities of what a Seoul trip could look like. If you’re also like me, you're freaking...
Tourism In Busan Statistics 2023: The Ultimate Guide
Busan, South Korea
Did you know that Busan has the world’s largest department store? Seriously, Shinsegae Department Store in Centum City has a monstrous floor space of 126,612 square meters. Now, if looking for the tour information you need is starting to feel like a spe...
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