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Seoul Private Tour -
Seoul Private Tour -
Seoul Private Tour - Seosomun shrine history museum
Seosomun shrine history museum
Seoul Private Tour -
Seoul Private Tour -
Seoul Private Tour - Yakhyeon cathedral
Yakhyeon cathedral
Seoul Private Tour -
Seoul Private Tour - Yakheon cathedral
Yakheon cathedral
Seoul Private Tour - Martyrs' memorial tower
Martyrs' memorial tower
Seoul Private Tour - Private car
Private car

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

Car Tour (driving guide)
Seoul Tour Guide - Andy P.

Joined 2025

Andy P.
5.00 / 5
(7 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 4 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
Seoul Tour Guide - Andy P.

Joined 2025

Andy P.
5.00 / 5
(7 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’m Andy. I bridge the gap between Korea’s dynamic corporate world and its profound historical roots. While I hold the highest-level Korean History Proficiency Certificate (Level 1), 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 an MBA and over 25 years of corporate experience, I provide a nuanced explanation of how Korea’s past has shaped its modern society and economy.


• Global Perspective & Empathy:

With about 10 years of experience as an expatriate in Indonesia and Vietnam, and having explored more than 16 countries (including the UK, USA, and Italy—such as Assisi and Rome), I deeply resonate with the perspectives of international travelers. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a casual explorer, I naturally bridge cultural gaps through engaging storytelling.


• Premium Comfort:

Travel in a brand-new 2025 Hyundai Staria Hybrid Van, ensuring a quiet, eco-friendly, and comfortable journey.


■ My Philosophy


A great tour is a balance of insight, laughter, and genuine connection. I use carefully prepared laminated insight cards to make complex history clear and engaging, but my greatest joy is helping guests experience Korea in a meaningful and memorable way.


Beyond Seoul, I also 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 Proficiency Certificate – Level 1 (Highest Level)

Driver’s License (Sedan & Van)


■ Academic Background

MBA (Master of Business Administration)

Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering

Reviews

Fascinating visit to the DMZ with Andy

Four of us were on a cruise ship docked at Incheon and organised the day trip to the DMZ on gowithguide several months in advance. Andy was waiting in the cruise ship terminal when we disembarked and had his luxurious people carrier parked close by. After a short drive, we arrived at the DMZ, visited tunnel number 3, the observation tower and the Gloucester Regiment memorial. Andy was good company, informative and with a good sense of humour. He got us back to the dock in plenty time for our departure and we would certainly recommend him to anyone planning a visit to the Seoul or Incheon area.

George M.

Andy P.

Thank you very much for your kind review! It was a real pleasure meeting you and your group during your cruise stop in Incheon and sharing the DMZ with you. I’m very glad everything worked smoothly with the ship schedule and that you were able to experience the Third Tunnel, the observatory and the Gloucester Regiment memorial. Your group was wonderful company, and I truly enjoyed our conversations throughout the day. Thank you again for taking the time to write such a thoughtful review. Andy

A fascinating tour from a great guide!

We had a wonderful day and half private tour with Andy! He was responsive and easy to plan our custom day and a half tour in Seoul, listening to our interests and making recommendations. We had a half day in the National Museum for a crash course in Korean History, followed by a full day exploring the Palace, Insadong and finishing at the War Memorial Museum. You can tell that Andy is a truly interested and passionate about Korean history, which made for a very engaging tour. He was a gracious and caring host that went the extra mile to help us enjoy our visit - his brand new minivan is also very comfortable to travel between locations. I would certainly recommend Andy. If you are thinking of any sort of tour around Seoul, give him message to discuss your ideas!

Jack A.

Andy P.

Thank you so much for your wonderful and detailed review! ​It was truly a rewarding and enjoyable experience for me to spend those two days with you. Your genuine interest and deep understanding of Korean history allowed me to fully immerse myself in our discussions as well. ​I sincerely hope that the insights you gained into Korean history and culture continue to be a source of inspiration for you. Please feel free to reach out anytime if you have more questions about Korea. ​It was a pleasure to be your host. Cheers, mate! ​Best regards, Andy

Want to Personalize?

$580/ per group

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