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[Expert Historian] Spiritual Journey: Martyrs’ Faith & Temple Wisdom

Seosomun shrine history museum

Yakhyeon cathedral

Yakheon cathedral

Martyrs' memorial tower

Private car

[Expert Historian] Spiritual Journey: Martyrs’ Faith & Temple Wisdom

Car Tour (driving guide)

Joined 2025

Andy P.

5.00 / 5

(5 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Seoul

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

7 hours

Private tour (only you and Andy P.)

Up to 5 people

"How did Korea's 10,000 Catholic martyrs forge the world's most faithful laity? What wisdom shaped Korean Buddhism from India?" Discover Yakhyun Church + Seosomun Martyrs' Park where 44/103 Korean Saints died. Merton's Seven Storey Mountain inspired me (visited his French hometown). University volunteering in slum village with Jesuits + 5years in Muslim Indonesia deepened interfaith insight. Buddhist studies revealed major principles of Buddhism. Private van tour uncovers Korea's spiritual soul.

Itinerary

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

09:00 AM

Meeting Point

At the lobby of your Hotel

- At the lobby of your Hotel where the front desk is located.

09:30 AM

Yakhyun Church and Seosomun Martyrs

7-Hour Private Spiritual Journey

Hyundai Staria Hybrid Van | Licensed Guide | No Crowds

1. Korean Catholicism: Faith Born from Martyrs' Blood

Yakhyun Church + Seosomun Martyrs' Park

• Yakhyun Church (1892): Seoul's FIRST Western cathedral

• Seosomun Park: from Execution grounds to peace memorial

• 44/103 Korean Saints martyred here

• ~10,000 total martyrs over 100+ years of persecution

World's most faithful Catholic laity - born from sacrifice, not imperial conquest

My Catholic Journey

University volunteering in slum village with Jesuit priests (children's education) + Merton's inspiration

01:00 PM

Jogyesa Buddhist temple or Bongeunsa temple

2. Korean Buddhism: 1,500 Years of Timeless Wisdom

Jogyesa Temple (Buddhism HQ) or Bongeunsa (Gangnam serenity)

• India origins: Shakyamuni's life, 4 Noble Truths, 8-Fold Path, acient perspective about universe etc

• 8 Stages of Enlightenment + life murals

• China to Korea: Mahayana as state philosophy

• Main halls where kings sought wisdom

Temple murals: Buddha's 8 major life events vividly depicted

My Buddhist Journey

Years studying texts + temple visits lead to core teachings, architecture, Theravada, Bodhisattva paths

* Optional Experiences

- Catholic Mass or Buddhist service/ceremony (your choice)

Ending Point

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

What‘s included

Guide fee

Private car (Eco-friendly Hyundai Staria Hybrid Van, 2025)

Fuel cost

Parking fee

Toll fee

A bottle of water

What‘s not included

* meal & drinks

* Travelers' Insurance

Tour Important Information

Depending on the mass / Buddhist service schedule, the order of the tour could change accordingly.

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

(5 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.

• Global Perspective & Empathy: With about 10 years of experience as an expatriate in Indonesia and Vietnam, and having explored over 16 countries (including the UK, USA, and Italy Assisi/Rome), I deeply resonate with the hearts of travelers. Whether you’re a history buff or a casual explorer, I close cultural gaps with ease and insightful storytelling.

• 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's degree (Business & Administration)

Bachelor's degree (engineering chemical dept.)

Reviews

Kate F.

5 / 5

Jan 19, 2026

[Expert Historian] Suwon Hwaseong (UNESCO) & Folk Village Tour

Jan 19, 2026

Gyeonggi

9 hours

“Amazing Andy”

Andy P. has excellent knowledge of Korean history and world events. He is a great communicator, answered all our questions, and helped us to better understand Korean culture. The tour was very well organized. Unfortunately due to cold January weather many demonstrations at the Folk Village were not running but Andy was able to give insightful background information.

Andy P.

Hi Kate, thank you so much for your heartwarming review. To be honest, it was I who felt lucky to meet such a gentle and wonderful family like yours. Your keen interest in Korean culture and our deep conversations made the day truly special for me as well. Even though the weather was cold, your family's warmth made the tour a memorable one. I often reflect on my own life through the great people I meet, and your family gave me much to think about. I sincerely wish you and your family health, peace, and many more beautiful adventures. Please enjoy more Korean cultures. You are always welcome back to Korea!

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!