/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
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/82350/2519a7a0-b9e2-4584-83ac-eb4f13527cd8.png)
Steven W.
“Two full days exploring modern and ancient Seoul with a terrific guide.”
David knows ancient and modern Korea and Seoul. We learned about the political history of Korea, its relations with the US and neighboring Asia countries and North Korea. He told us about the economy, birth rates, social customs, religion, palaces, emperors and kings, geography and lots of practical aspects of modern Korean life. We have toured in many countries and David’s was probably the best. Strong recommendation for those interested in an incredibly well rounded and intelligent scholar, historian and raconteur.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/37927/134837.jpeg)
David a. M.
I'm very glad that you enjoyed our days so much Steve; thanks for the high compliment! I hope that you will be inspired to return to Korea someday, and tell your friends to come... David
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/96423/1359ab69-a2f5-4345-b0e6-7dbfd994ff9b.png)
Bryan S.
“Walking around Seoul”
David was excellent - very knowledgeable, easy to talk to and kept us moving and on schedule. We had a great time and highly recommend this tour! Seoul is a lot of fun!
David a. M.
I'm really glad that you enjoyed our tour, and got so much out of it! I hope that you visit Korea again.... David
Susan N.
“The only way to visit the National Museum of Korea!”
We recently arranged for a private tour of the spectacular National Museum of Korea in Seoul. Having visited the museum a yea I knew that there was so much to see and take in. Our guide David arrived and we discussed our areas of interest to narrow down where we would go in the Museum. The next 3 or so hours were spent with the engaging and incredibly knowledgeable David, an accomplished Professor of Korean Cultural Tourism, who has lived in Korea for decades. We were completely engaged and fascinated by the history and stories he shared with us. There’s no better way to understand such an enormous Museum collection. We loved touring the museum with David. We spent days after referring to him and his narrative. Couldn’t recommend him more highly!
David a. M.
I'm really glad that you enjoyed our tour, and got so much out of it! I hope that you visit Korea again.... 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/20638/7d1b0d84-8af0-43fd-bfb5-0a106aad3ca4.jpg)
Six-Hour Intro to Seoul and Korean History
This is my standard and very popular Itinerary for this ~6 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!!
Six-Hour 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
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Seoul
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19142/7cda2aa0-a960-4c8b-a52b-4aceb4a12515.jpg)
Seoul: A Journey Through History
Seoul has been the capital city of Korea since 1392. You will explore cultural heritage sites, including a royal palace, a Buddhist temple, the old streets, and a traditional market in the northern part of the city, all in one full day.
Seoul: A Journey Through History
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/75169/b7955194-10e5-4fc8-aaea-353ba661a4c6.png)
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
![[Expert Historian] Seoul Deep Dive: The Soul of Old Seoul](https://images.gowithguide.com/filters:format(avif)/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/17457/c71154a7-079b-4f5d-9ceb-6b847340b938.jpg)
[Expert Historian] Seoul Deep Dive: The Soul of Old Seoul
Not a typical tour—understand Korea, not just see it. See how Korea’s history, culture, and daily life connect through the structure of old Seoul. Rather than simply visiting landmarks, this tour follows a clear narrative—from everyday life in Bukchon and local markets to the royal order of Gyeongbokgung—showing how different layers of society were organized. Whether traveling solo or as a couple, this experience offers a deeper and more meaningful way to understand the spirit of old Seoul.
[Expert Historian] Seoul Deep Dive: The Soul of Old Seoul
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/66005/256759bf-e0dc-4d2a-a953-15d48bea709c.png)
/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)