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Gyeongju, Spectacular Ancient Capital Relics, 1-day
You will see the best of the amazing relics of the ancient Shilla Kingdom in Gyeongju, the primary tourist destination in Korea. Some of the world's best Buddhist art is on display, including many National and UNESCO Treasures, and we will experience them directly! I lived there for 3 years and have visited frequently; an expert on all of its attractions and I know the old folktales of each by-heart. Great Korean meals can be included. Tours can be custom-designed and priced to suit you.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Seoul Train Station Lobby
- We will meet here, or in your hotel lobby if you wish; we will board the KTX bullet-train on tickets bought in-advance, and get to Gyeongju in just over two hours, very comfortable. Eating breakfast on the train with food brought-along is recommended. The cost of my RT tickets are included in this tour-price, yours will be bought at extra cost, depending on how many of you there are, and 1st-class vs. ordinary class seats.
Bulguk-sa and Seokgul-am Temples, to start
The usual way to start a Gyeongju tour-day is at the very famous Bulguk-sa the Buddha-Nation Temple, the two "superstar" attractions next to each-other out on the SE end of the city; they are a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in themselves, the first such site Korea ever proposed and registered. They take about 4 hours to see properly. I am the expert guide for them, can explain all the fascinating details, the history and the colorful legend of their construction.
Optional Lunch
A great Korean lunch is very possible, at extra cost, nearby Bulguk-sa. Or, some people just like to get coffee/tea and a snack, and keep-going. We will get around by public bus or taxi (extra charge), as you wish.
Old Downtown Sites, for the Afternoon
We can spend the afternoon touring the old downtown sites of the Shilla Kingdom -- the Royal Tombs Park, Cheomseongdae Astronomy Tower, Gyo-dong Confucian Neighborhood, Gyerim Sacred Forest, the Half-Moon Palace site, Bunhwang-sa amazing temple and Anapji Pavilion-Pond (Donggung). Other options are possible...
Finishing the Tour, starting back to Seoul
We will finish as the sun gets low, and go back to the Gyeongju KTX Station by public bus or taxi (extra charge). We will have a comfortable ride of just over two hours, back to where we started.
Ending Point
Seoul Train Station, or your Hotel
Want to personalize this tour?
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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 and Guide's RT KTX tickets; site entrance fees.
Public bus & taxi fees; meals, snacks & drinks, Guest's KTX train tickets.
Tour Important Information
The total costs depend on how many of you there are, what you want to eat and drink, and the local transportation costs; the basic tour cost covers my guiding fee and my own KTX tickets. If you are already in Gyeongju I can meet you there; basic cost is the same.
* This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
* This tour is not recommended for those with mobility disability problems; it is wheelchair accessible only for basic downtown sites and the museum.
* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
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
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
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!
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
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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.
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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
$595/ per group
More tours by David a. M.
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Full-day Intro to Seoul and Korean History
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Full-day Intro to Seoul and Korean History
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Half-day Intro to Seoul and Korean History
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Half-day Intro to Seoul and Korean History
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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
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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
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Seoul
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Seoul Downtown Walking Tour - the past and the present
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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
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Seoul Walking Tour: Korea’s Path to Modernity (1876–1910)
This is the Seoul Walking Tour: Korea’s Path to Modernity (1876–1910), which focuses on Seoul’s transformation from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. It was a critical period when Korea faced modernization, imperial pressure, and eventually the loss of sovereignty. Rather than rushing through many spots, this tour focuses on historical flow and context. Visitors will not only learn what happened, but also why it happened and how it changed Seoul.
Seoul Walking Tour: Korea’s Path to Modernity (1876–1910)
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Seoul Fortress Walk: From Hidden Walls to Street Food Wonders
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