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[Expert Historian] Seoul Highlights: The Old Soul & Modern Heart

Gyeongbokgung palace

Hyundai Staria(2025)

Hyundai Staria (2025)

[Expert Historian] Seoul Highlights: The Old Soul & Modern Heart

Car Tour (driving guide)

Joined 2025

Andy P.

5.00 / 5

(4 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Seoul

English, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean (Native), Vietnamese

8 hours

Private tour (only you and Andy P.)

Up to 6 people

Discover the past, present, and future of Seoul through the eyes of an expert.

Seoul is a city where 600-year-old palaces coexist with futuristic skyscrapers. As a Seoul native with a Master's degree and decades of professional experience, I don't just show you landmarks;

I tell you the story of the "Miracle on the Han River." This tour is designed for those who want to see both the Old Soul (Gangbuk) and the Modern Heart (Gangnam) in the most efficient and luxurious way.

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

09:30 AM

Meeting Point

Your Hotel

- where the front desk is located. • Start your day comfortably in a premium 2025 Hyundai Staria Hybrid Van. • In case you like to rental Hanbok, we better meet at 09:00

10:00 AM

Joseon Royal Guards Changing ceremony & Gyeongbokgung Palace

Experience the grand dignity of the Joseon Dynasty. (Hanbok rental optional).

12:20 AM

Gangnam Insight (History & Pop Culture):

• Bongeunsa Temple: A thousand-year-old Buddhist sanctuary amidst Gangnam's skyscrapers.

• Starfield Library & Gangnam Style Statue: Visit the world-famous Instagrammable library and the iconic 'Psy' statue.

02:00 PM

Lotte world Tower (Seoul sky)

The tallest tower in Korea(555m).

You will experience the amazing view of high rise buildings and Hangang river under your foot.

04:00 PM

Myeongdong shopping district

• Myeongdong is a bustling shopping district, home to a diverse range of stores, including fashion, cosmetics, facial massage, beauty shops, food, accessories, clothing, and shoes.

• Experience the peak energy of Seoul’s street life as the famous food stalls begin to open.

05:30 PM

Hotel Drop-off

Return to your hotel after a full, insightful day.

Ending Point

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

What‘s included

• Private Professional Guiding (Expert Historian & Business Strategist)

• Private Eco-friendly Transportation (2025 Hyundai Staria Hybrid Van)

• All vehicle logistics (Fuel, Toll, Parking)

• Full Guide Admission: I will provide my own tickets to accompany you throughout the sites.

• A bottle of water for each traveler.

• Photo-taking at Andy’s curated

scenic spots (not professional

editing/album)

What‘s not included

• Admission Tickets (Pay on-site):

- Gyeongbokgung Palace: 3,000 KRW

- Lotte World Tower (Seoul Sky):

Official Price: 31,000 KRW (But as

your expert guide, I will help you find

the best available discounts on the

day, potentially reducing it to

23,000 ~ 27,000 KRW)

• Food, Drinks, and Snacks

• Traveler's Insurance

Tour Important Information

• Passport: Please bring your passport for potential identification needs.

• Comfortable Shoes: Some walking is involved at the palace and temple.

• Palace Closures: Gyeongbokgung is closed every Tuesday (substituted by Deoksugung).

• Flexibility: This private tour can be customized to your pace and interests.

Gyeongbokgung palace closes on every Tuesday. In this case, we go to other palace such as Changdeokgung or Deoksugung

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 2025

Andy P.

5.00 / 5

(4 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Andy P.

[Expert Historian & Your Knowledgeable Korean Friend]

"To truly understand a country, you need a guide who has lived its history and navigated its modern complexities."

Hi, I am Andy. I bridge the gap between Korea’s dynamic corporate world and its profound historical roots. While I am a Certified History Expert (1st Grade), my guests often describe me as a "knowledgeable and humorous Korean friend."

■ Why Choose My Tour?

• Intellectual Depth: I don't just list dates; I share stories. With a Master's degree and 20+ years of corporate experience, I provide a nuanced analysis of how Korea’s past shaped its present.

• Versatile & Flexible: My global experience allows me to connect with everyone—from history buffs to fashion lovers. I’m just as happy explaining DMZ geopolitics as I am finding the perfect gift in a hidden alley.

• Premium Comfort: Travel in a brand-new 2025 Hyundai Staria Hybrid Van, ensuring a quiet, eco-friendly, and smooth journey.

■ My Philosophy

A great tour is a balance of insight, laughter, and personal connection. I use curated laminated cards for clarity, but my passion is making your trip unforgettable.

Beyond Seoul, I specialize in multi-day journeys to Gyeongju, Andong, and Busan. Let’s discover the real Korea together!

Sincerely,

Andy

[Qualification/License]:

Official English interpreting tourist guide (Korea Tourism Organization)

Korean History Evaluation Test 1st Grade certificate. (The highest level)

Driver's license(Sedan and Van)

[Academic background]:

Master degree (Business & Administration)

Bachelor's degree (engineering chemical dept.)

Reviews

Jeanette A.

5 / 5

Nov 20, 2025

7 days tour of The Greater Seoul

Nov 20, 2025

Seoul

7 days

Customized

“My tour with Andy P.”

Having done many overseas trips with different guides I found my best experience was with Andy. His attention to you always was kind, caring attentive & made you feel safe. his knowledge on the history, navigation etc about Sth. Korea was amazing. So with confidence when planning a trip to Sth. Korea & you need a Private guide I highly recommend him. Many thanks Andy for all your help & making my trip to Sth. Korea a great one, it will always be a good memory. Jeanette.

Andy P.

I'm so grateful for your compliments and for telling me it was a wonderful trip. I truly enjoyed the time with you too. Thank you again for your kindness and consideration. I wish you good health and peace. I will remain the same for the future. Cheers!! ^^

Nicola G.

5 / 5

Oct 26, 2025

Deep insight of Korea

Oct 26, 2025

Seoul

7 hours 30 mins

Customized

“Wonderful day with Andy”

We booked a last-minute tour with Andy, and he went above and beyond to make it an unforgettable experience. After we mentioned a few areas we were interested in, Andy promptly met us at our hotel—right on time—and took care of everything from there. He began by giving us a small booklet with the history of Korea and guided us through an incredible journey into the country’s past. We spent many hours together visiting historical sites, including the palace, and throughout the day he shared fascinating insights about Korean history, culture, and religion. His deep knowledge, combined with his experiences around the world, allowed him to draw thoughtful comparisons across different religions and cultures, which we found truly valuable. Andy was kind, diligent, and personable. He gave us great local tips, helped us buy ginseng, joined us for a casual meal at a convenience store, and even took many great photos of us along the way. We had a lot of fun and learned so much. We highly recommend Andy to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, engaging, and caring guide in Korea!

Andy P.

I also had a truly wonderful time with you all. I could catch your passion to learn about Korean history, culture, and religion, and I am truly grateful for that. I hope you experience Korea more deeply and create wonderful memories during the remainder of your trip. And wish you guys happiness! Cheers!

Howard P.

5 / 5

Mar 17, 2025

Shore Excursion from Incheon

Mar 17, 2025

Incheon

7 hours

“Seoul Guided Tour”

Andy was incredibly knowledgeable & accommodated what we wanted to see & do perfectly, but more importantly his enthusiasm energy & care he took to make sure we had a great time was second to none. I can’t recommend him highly enough, he’s a great guide & great guy. Thanks Andy for a great day in Seoul & Incheon. Howard & Heather

Andy P.

Thank you for the time sharing with me. I really enjoyed the timw with you. I Hope that you will have wonderful and unforgetable memories from your cruise trip! And, cheers all the best including your good health and happiness. Andy