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Private Day Trip from Seoul: Korean Folk Village, Hwaseong Fortress & Suwon Starfield Library
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Joined 2021
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?
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
Joined 2021
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
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Sofia C.
“A must-do, memorable!”
Visiting the DMZ is a must-do. I wasn't entirely sure about it because I was hesitant to travel alone, but since I was so curious, I opted for the private tour so I wouldn't have to worry about a thing. And it was a great choice. The guide, Thomas, picked me up at the hotel reception on time, and we set off for the border. I highly recommend the private tour, especially for this special visit. And having a local private guide, who knows the history like the back of his hand, is the best, as he's also telling you about his own experiences firsthand. I didn't have to worry about a thing because everything was perfectly organized. Just don't forget your passport, or you won't be able to enter the DMZ. It's an essential requirement. Thomas will escort you safely throughout the entire tour. Well, since I was traveling alone, I felt like I had my own bodyguard, and that made my trip both relaxing and memorable. I had a wonderful time. And Thomas's fabulous photoshoot, which is also a photographer, is proof of that. Thanks again, Thomas, for everything. I had an exceptional day.
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Thomas K.
Thank you for the amazing review! I’m glad the private DMZ tour felt safe, well-organized, and memorable—and that you enjoyed the photos. I hope to guide you again!
Sofia C.
“Perfect first visit to Seoul with a memorable photoshoot”
I highly recommend this tour for a first visit to Seoul. I'm Spanish and was traveling alone. Although I speak English, I didn't feel confident enough to explore the city on my own. Booking a private tour was a great decision. I was delighted with Thomas's organization, who arrived punctually to pick me up from the hotel lobby in his vehicle. He took me to all the places specified in the tour. But as if that weren't enough, he made it very clear at all times that if I wanted to change anything or visit something specific not included in the tour, I should let him know, as it could be adapted without any problem. Thomas was very attentive, helpful, and charming. As the tour progresses, Thomas shares interesting facts about Korean history that only a well-informed local can share with you. I wouldn't have been able to visit everything I discovered in a single day if I had tried it on my own. Also, and this is a plus to keep in mind when booking a private tour, is the fact that Thomas is also a photographer. Therefore, as his description clearly states, it includes a fabulous and memorable photoshoot. Wherever you go, there's always a photo waiting. It came in handy for me, since traveling alone, selfies would have been much worse than his gorgeous photos. So, thank you so much, Thomas, for the exceptional private guided tour of Seoul.
Thomas K.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I’m glad the flexible itinerary and photo shoot made your first visit to Seoul easy and memorable. Hope to welcome you back someday.
Dov G.
“Wonderful experience all around”
Thomas was a pleasure to deal with, from the planning phase all the way through the tour itself. He is knowledgeable and personable, and his commitment to providing a memorable experience for all participants is evident. His vehicle is spacious and comfortable, which was helpful for us as we had our luggage with us on the day we toured with him. Perhaps best of all are the terrific photos he takes, which we will treasure as we look back on our visit to Seoul for years to come. We can certainly recommend Thomas.
Thomas K.
It was a privilege to guide your family’s first visit to Korea, and I’m delighted you enjoyed the tour and made great memories. Enjoy your time in Jeju, and I wish you a safe and comfortable journey home.
$500/ per group
More tours by Thomas K.
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Seoul One-Day Private Tour & Free Photography Service – Capture Your Special Moments!
If it’s your first time in Seoul, this full-day private tour is a great way to fall in love with the city — where old traditions and modern life come together beautifully. As you explore and enjoy the day, I’ll capture your special moments with a high-resolution camera and provide professionally edited photos after the tour. The itinerary is flexible and can be customized to match your interests. Just let me know what you’d like to see or do!
Seoul One-Day Private Tour & Free Photography Service – Capture Your Special Moments!
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Private DMZ Tour + Suspension Bridge or Aegibong Starbucks (with Photo Service)
Discover the reality of Korea as the only divided country in the world. On this private tour to the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone), you’ll visit key sites such as Imjingak, Freedom Bridge, the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, and Dora Observatory—where you can view North Korea. After lunch, choose one scenic stop: a suspension bridge or a unique observatory café. Transportation and professional photo service are included to capture this unforgettable day.
Private DMZ Tour + Suspension Bridge or Aegibong Starbucks (with Photo Service)
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Nami Island, Railbike and Garden of Morning Calm
Nami Island is the place of enjoying a relaxing day in nature and various cultural events, concerts, exhibitions, and more to give children dreams and hopes, couples' love and memories. The Gyeongchun railway, which gave love to someone, memories to someone, farewell to someone and hope to someone… The Garden of Morning Calm has a peaceful atmosphere and well-maintained trails, which is the place to enjoy a leisurely or romantic stroll.
Nami Island, Railbike and Garden of Morning Calm
Other Popular Car Tour (driving guide) Tours in Gyeonggi
Private DMZ Tour + Suspension Bridge or Aegibong Starbucks (with Photo Service)
Discover the reality of Korea as the only divided country in the world. On this private tour to the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone), you’ll visit key sites such as Imjingak, Freedom Bridge, the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, and Dora Observatory—where you can view North Korea. After lunch, choose one scenic stop: a suspension bridge or a unique observatory café. Transportation and professional photo service are included to capture this unforgettable day.
Private DMZ Tour + Suspension Bridge or Aegibong Starbucks (with Photo Service)
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UNESCO Hwaseong Fortress & Korean Folk Village
There are two must-see places in Suwon when visiting Korea. Suwon is about an hour away from Seoul by car. First, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress was built in late 18th century. The fortress is registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. You must see the traditional Korean martial arts performances here, too. At the Korean Folk Village, you can see traditional houses of 600 years ago, local government buildings, blacksmith work shops, watermills, village protecting tree, and handicraft workshops.
UNESCO Hwaseong Fortress & Korean Folk Village
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DMZ(De-Militarized Zone)-North Korea's tbe 3rd infiltration underground tunnel) Tour
Want to learn about North Korea? Want to gain insight into inter-Korean relations? It has been 80 years since Korea was divided, and 75 years since the Korean War broke out. Why was Korea divided into North and South? For the last 80 years, how have the South and the North been⁹? What do the tunnels North Korea built to invade Korea look like, and how were they discovered? I will answer all these questions. Come with me!
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Nami Island, Railbike and Garden of Morning Calm
Nami Island is the place of enjoying a relaxing day in nature and various cultural events, concerts, exhibitions, and more to give children dreams and hopes, couples' love and memories. The Gyeongchun railway, which gave love to someone, memories to someone, farewell to someone and hope to someone… The Garden of Morning Calm has a peaceful atmosphere and well-maintained trails, which is the place to enjoy a leisurely or romantic stroll.
Nami Island, Railbike and Garden of Morning Calm