/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/13655/930c743d-5ce6-4c93-a038-d9effc718344.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/13655/f555823f-e2c8-401c-a68a-fe0f6292a7c6.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/13655/32f82876-300b-4134-968d-ebba14a53702.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/13655/5eb30c4a-9bed-426d-a76b-f37d79c01289.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/13655/a384309d-f9b1-4243-895f-997d0c3480f6.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/13655/f8c78796-9909-4f44-8d96-6bd8abd5fa9c.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/13655/c62d23e4-dc41-4408-a981-ca32e60c2ae5.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/13655/e194fba9-b4ad-4e95-bfa1-34ca130b5545.jpg)
Central National Museum of Korea -- with an expert professor
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/37927/134837.jpeg)
Joined 2022
This opened in 2005, and sustains blatant a ambition to become one of the top dozen greatest museums in the world -- and maybe it is! It covers every aspect of Korea's history. There are also some great outdoor displays, such as a garden of historic stone pagodas. I have been a guide in it 100 times, and am an expert on its displays. I can guide you around the best parts, according to your interests, offering deep commentary so that you understand everything you're looking at thoroughly.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Any hotel or prominent place.
- We can move faster or slower, as you wish. There are good cafes and restaurants inside, and a Children's Museum. This tour is set at 3 hours, but it could be anywhere from 1 to 6 hours, with prices adjusted accordingly -- just let me know if you want a custom tour with special timing.
Museum Halls
The Grand Entrance Hall and then many galleries.
Ending Point
Museum grounds -- subway & taxis available; or 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
Guide fee, meet-up to start (hotel, etc)
There is no admission fee.
Local transport
Food
Tour Important Information
We can move faster or slower, as you wish. There are good cafes and restaurants inside, and a Children's Museum. This tour is set at 3 hours, but it could be anywhere from 1 to 6 hours, with prices adjusted accordingly -- just let me know if you want a custom tour with special timing.
Important message from the supplier
I do this full-time now, any day -- but only in Spring & Autumn.
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 2022
About Tour Guide 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!
Reviews
Kerry B.
“Packed with information ”
What a wonderful time we had with David. The tour was packed with information about the foundations of South Korea and what has lead it to being what it is today. We saw the normal tourist stuff but it was with a personal twist. Thanks so much David see you next time
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/37927/134837.jpeg)
David a. M.
Thanks, Kerry! I really enjoyed showing your group around; such interested learners. I do hope you come back someday soon, for more & deeper! David
Alfonso S.
“An American professor with enormous experience ”
David has been an incredible guide for our three days we stay in Seoul, where he took us through deep experiences and teachings about this incredible nation and resilience. His vast knowledge and decades residing in Korea, has given him such acknowledge that made him become a professor and writer of several books about Korean people. Don't tho k twice to hire him as your guide in Korea.
David a. M.
Thanks for the kind words, Alfonso -- I really enjoyed showing your family around! I hope that you all return to Korea someday.... :-) David
Rocío B.
“All you need to know about Seul”
David was a perfect guide that answered all our questions about Seul. Took us to the nicest places and show us really special ones. We are glad Elle could be our guide! Thanks David.
David a. M.
I really enjoyed guiding your group, and am glad you got so much value out of these tours. I hope you return to Korea for more, someday! David
$345/ per group
More tours by David a. M.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/9353/137539.jpg)
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!!
Full-day Intro to Seoul and Korean History
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/9347/137445.jpg)
Half-day Intro to Seoul and Korean History
This is my most popular standard tour, perfect for any visiting Korea for a serious first look. It walks us through the best sights of Seoul's historic central downtown area, very close to each-other, while I tell the relevant colorful stories at each brief stop. It is completely flexible on the timing and number / nature of the sites visited; all depends on where I pick you up and drop you off, and just what you want to see and do. On this system I also offer a full-day version of this tour.
Half-day Intro to Seoul and Korean History
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/13690/97215cd3-f5dd-4c1f-b576-3fbeb3e59697.jpeg)
Korean War Museum and Memorial in Central Seoul -- a good alternative to the DMZ
I don't recommend day-trips to the DMZ -- the JSA remains off-limits due to North Korean policy, and anyway most of what you see is just barbed-wire fences and various monuments; a trip there does not give insight into North Korea nor about the 1950-53 war. The long trip driving up there & back is not worth your precious time. There is a very good alternative, which is this gigantic compound in the middle of Seoul -- a large museum of the Korean war & outdoor display of weaponry from that era.
Korean War Museum and Memorial in Central Seoul -- a good alternative to the DMZ
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/9371/137880.jpg)
Half-day Traditional Seoul Walking-Tour
This tour is a fascinating orientation & overview of the older, more traditional parts of central downtown Seoul, with further/deeper introduction to who the Koreans are, and the key points of their history and religions/customs. There is a standard itinerary for this tour, but it is completely flexible on the number and nature of the sites visited. It is essentially the 2nd-half of my Full-day Intro Tour. We can move faster or slower, as you wish. I will be telling colorful stories!
Half-day Traditional Seoul Walking-Tour
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Seoul
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!!
Full-day Intro to Seoul and Korean History
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/16830/ddaa0221-5bbc-4014-ab9a-ac4eefb7046c.jpg)
Central Seoul Walking Tour ; From Gwanghwamun Square to Ikseon-dong Hanok Alley.
Gwanghwamun Square connects the Joseon Dynasty and modern times. The view of Bukaksan Mountain and Gyeongbokgung Palace from Gwanghwamun Square is just like a landscape. Let's go on a journey back to the past at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. We can tour antique shops and galleries along the Insadong Cultural Street. Jogyesa Temple is worth visiting. Lastly, Ikseon-dong Hanok Alley has pretty cafes, restaurants, and stores while maintaing traditional Korea houses.
Central Seoul Walking Tour ; From Gwanghwamun Square to Ikseon-dong Hanok Alley.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/63573/27605598-37fd-4a45-b8b8-15af92ab49bf.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/17879/90e78f7e-5e6e-4b7d-b323-84a49dcaacdb.jpg)
Seoul Downtown Walking Tour - the past and the present
From the serene atmosphere of palaces and old traditional villages to the bustling traditional markets and streets, you will see and experience real life in Seoul. I will help you explore the hidden gems and stories!
Seoul Downtown Walking Tour - the past and the present
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/68406/759b193c-ce99-45f8-95c7-3a9e940f15ad.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19349/6cd0c5d7-2e7a-4163-81b8-5f17c7ca0501.jpg)
Seoul Fortress Walk: From Hidden Walls to Street Food Wonders
From the peaceful views at Naksan Park to the lively tastes of Gwangjang Market, this route blends history, culture, and local flavor. Walk along the ancient Seoul City Wall and explore hidden gems most travelers miss, including a scenic spot seen in "K-Pop Demon Hunters." Visit iconic sites like Dongdaemun Gate, DDP, and Cheonggyecheon Stream. Perfect for first-time visitors or anyone wanting to experience Seoul from a fresh perspective. Want to join me and explore the best of Seoul together?
Seoul Fortress Walk: From Hidden Walls to Street Food Wonders
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/76161/37be3455-4b9a-4384-b29a-d3ce8193a3be.png)