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Private Day Trip: Folk Village & Hwaseong + Starfield – Flexible Itinerary - Free Photo Service
Step into Korea’s past and present on this unforgettable private day tour.
You'll explore the rich traditions of the Korean Folk Village, walk the historic walls of Hwaseong Fortress—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and experience modern Korean culture at the stunning Suwon Starfield Library.
Along the way, enjoy beautiful scenery and insightful commentary tailored to your interests.
Itinerary is flexible and can be adjusted to meet your needs.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel
- I will pick you up directly from your hotel in Seoul. Please be ready at the lobby by 8:30 AM. If you're staying at an Airbnb or guesthouse, let me know the address in advance and I’ll confirm the pickup point.
Hotel Pickup
I will pick you up directly from your hotel in Seoul. Please be ready at the lobby by 8:30 AM. If you're staying at an Airbnb or guesthouse, let me know the address in advance and I’ll confirm the pickup point.
Korean Folk Village
At Korean Folk Village, visitors are taken back into the past, to the days of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). One of the first open-air museums in the country, Korean Folk Village lets visitors experience not only the architecture of traditional Korea but also the traditions of times gone by.
Lunch
We'll enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant in Suwon. You can choose from Korean BBQ, Suwon-style galbi (beef short ribs), or vegetarian-friendly options, based on your preferences.
Suwon Hwaseong Fortress [UNESCO World Heritage]
Visit the impressive Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, built in the late 18th century by King Jeongjo. This massive structure was designed for military defense and as a tribute to his father, Crown Prince Jangheon. You’ll walk along the 5.7 km-long fortress walls, explore gates and pavilions, and learn about Korea’s architectural innovation and royal history.
Suwon Starfield Library
Wrap up the tour with a relaxing visit to Suwon’s Starfield Library—an elegant, modern space known for its soaring bookshelves, stylish interiors, and Instagram-worthy photo spots. It’s a peaceful place to unwind and enjoy the contrast between Korea’s deep history and its sleek, contemporary lifestyle.
Return to Your Hotel
We’ll return to Seoul and drop you off at your hotel by around 6:30 PM, depending on traffic.
Ending Point
At your hotel
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Private guide fee
- Free private transportation (minivan), including fuel, tolls, and parking
- Complimentary professional photo service (taken with high-resolution camera)
- One bottle of mineral water per person
- All admission fees included
- Meals and drinks (except one bottle of mineral water, which is provided)
- Personal expenses (shopping, snacks, etc.)
- Travel insurance
Tour Important Information
* This tour involves moderate walking at outdoor sites, so please wear comfortable shoes.
* Please inform me in advance if you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions for lunch arrangements.
* The itinerary is flexible and can be customized upon request.
* Child seats are available upon request in advance (limited quantity).
* Admission fees are not included and should be paid on-site (cash or card accepted).
* Free photography is included, and edited photos will be delivered after the tour via email or link.
Important message from the supplier
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or special requests. I’m flexible with tour arrangements and happy to customize the itinerary based on your interests. Let’s plan a comfortable and memorable trip together!
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Thomas K.
Hi, I’m Thomas — a licensed tour guide based in Seoul since 2016.
With nearly 30 years of experience as a personnel manager at a major company, I’ve learned how to understand people and provide thoughtful service. Now, as your private tour guide, I’m here to help you discover Korea your way — at your own pace and based on your interests.
Whether you're into history, culture, food, or hidden local gems, I’ll tailor your tour just for you. Simply let me know what you’d like to see, do, or eat, and I’ll take care of the rest.
ㅁ What I offer:
- Fully customized private tours
-Free transportation (van service included)
- Free professional photo service (with high-quality camera)
- Comfortable, safe, and memorable experiences
Let’s make your time in Korea unforgettable — and I’ll be there to capture it through photos you’ll treasure.
Thank you, and I look forward to meeting you!
Reviews
Peter C.
“Trip to our son’s birthplace ”
Our son was born in Korea and expressed a desire to see the city of his birth and so we arranged a two day trip with Thomas. It’s a small city that is not on the common tourist agenda. We saw a great deal and learned even more. Thomas arranged an excellent itinerary that gave us a very good introduction to the city and surrounding countryside. He made a special effort to introduce us to the reality of Korean life there (food, history, markets, etc). The trip was very meaningful to my son, and really, to all of us. Thomas made every effort to tailor the trip to our interests and kept us comfortable regardless of conditions (it was cold!). Thomas took lots of pictures of us in various scenic or interesting locations which we will treasure. We can recommend Thomas without reservation.
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Thomas K.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. I truly appreciate your kind words, and I’m honored that I could be part of such a meaningful trip for your son and your family. It was a real pleasure guiding you, and I hope the photos will help you cherish these memories for a long time. Wishing you all the best, and I hope to see you again in Korea someday.
Biancah S.
“Best tour guide ever!”
We can’t thank Thomas enough. He was absolutely amazing as a tour guide and driver. I wanted a tailored tour and no other company would accommodate. He was very communicative and friendly. When we arrived, he had provided warm transport and water for all passengers. As we drove to the DMZ, he explained all the sights in Seoul. Everything was seamless and he explained a lot about the sight. He handled ticketing and guiding. He brought his professional camera and took photos of us along the way. He was very genuine and even showed us the best places to eat. Don’t worry about any other guide, you have to go with Thomas. He didn’t even ask for a review - that’s how humble he is. 5 stars!!
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Thomas K.
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review. It was truly a pleasure to guide you, and I am very glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour and the DMZ experience. I appreciate your trust and warm words, and I wish you many wonderful memories from your time in Korea. I hope to see you again on your next visit.
Kim fong N.
“Photo Taking and personal Tour guide”
The experience is fantastic. I have hired many private tour guides in various trips and I would say this is the best I have experience so far. Many private tour guide will just bring you to a destination, do some introduction and leave you alone. Thomas goes everywhere you goes and explain every little details. This helps us appreciate korean culture better. He is also jovial, as he always laugh and creates some fun in his sharing. The best, which my two kids love, is his photography. He knows where to takes the best shot, he is patient and he ensures all the good spots are taken with a photograph. on iternary, we all love the korean folk village and the fortress. starfield is light. if you can switch this with Naksan park, which Thomas can help with better photos. The park is beautiful !
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Thomas K.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. It was a real pleasure guiding your family in Korea, and I am truly grateful for your kind words. I am delighted to hear that you enjoyed learning about Korean history and culture throughout the tour. Capturing happy moments for families is one of my favorite parts of this job. I sincerely hope to welcome you and your family back to Korea again.
$520/ per group
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