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.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point Options: City Hall Metro-Subway Station, your Hotel, or other.
Introduction to the scale, design, functions and feng-shui (geomancy) of old "Hanyang" (historic central downtown); Japanese Colonial period vs. 21st-cen hypermodern Seoul.
very scenic central waterway, with 600 years of dramatic stories.
Statues of two of the greatest national heroes, with context stories about why they're there and what they still mean to Koreans; views of the nation's "Power Center" buildings all around; tales of the massive pro-democracy event that happened on this Plaza.
The most important and scenic of the remaining seven Royal compounds. Detailed explanations of the architecture, kings & queens, lifestyle & politics with be told in an academically insightful and amusing way. It could be possible to see the 'Changing of the Guard Ceremony' if our timing is right and you want to take the time.
We exit via the grounds of the spectacular National Folklore Museum Building, viewing its outdoor displays -- -- a great contrast to the formal palace, to really understand common Korean's lives & beliefs.
We finish the half-day tour here; could be faster or later, depending on how your group moves. You could easily proceed to the Blue House, Samcheong-dong, Bukchon Hanok Village traditional-houses area, or Insa-dong, on-foot; including great lunch-restaurant options. Otherwise, taxi will be called to get you where you want to be next.
As said above.
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Just the guiding, and palace entrance-fee
transportation if-needed, snacks or drinks
We can move faster and see more, or take our time (for photos & viewing) and see a bit fewer sites; it's all up to your personal style. I will be telling colorful stories from academic sources all along the way, about pre-modern kings & heroes, and recent presidents and activists, and socio-cultural issues. You will learn so much, and in context!!
This is a walking-only tour, though use of a short (&cheap) taxi-ride is possible at the end. Metro subway or taxi might be used if we start at your hotel.
Starting time can be any between 8:30am to 3:00pm... 09:30 is just recommended, to be after rush-hour.
Main Palace is closed on Mondays; in that case another palace will be used
I do this full-time now, any day -- but only in Spring & Autumn.
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!
“Amazing day of Korean Buddhism and Shamanism tour”
Went to another tour with David to explore Korean Buddhism and Shamanism. Being a researcher on both subjects for many years, David has a wealth of knowledge and he was able to explain them in layman terms so it is understandable for everyone. As a fellow history/religious buff myself, I was very happy by this and gained a better understanding/appreciation on both Korean Buddhism and Shamanism. We have since become good friends and I look forward to do more tours with him next time I'm in Korea.
David a. M.
(6 reviews)I was so glad to do this tour with you, and glad that you enjoyed it so much! Thanks for the positive review.... I also look forward to our next tours together!! David
“Wonderful exploration of Korean history with David”
I had a wonderful time exploring Korea's historical past with David. We visited several museums, parks, a Catholic Martyr shrine and Deoksugung Palace. I am impressed by his wealth of knowledge about Korean history and he has the ability to explain the subject in a way that it is understandable for everyone. I'll certainly learned a lot from his tour and will definitely use his service again in future.
David a. M.
(6 reviews)I was so glad to do this tour with you, and glad that you enjoyed it so much! Thanks for the positive review.... I also look forward to our next tours together!! David
“Great Tour, highly recommended”
David is knowledgeable about Seoul, Korea and korean culture. We had a private walking tour with our own itinerary and David created an enjoyful experience for all, especially as we were a group of mixed ages (28 to over 65 years).
David a. M.
(6 reviews)It was my pleasure, Daniel... you were a great group, it was fun! Return to visit us again someday.... David
$395/ per group
Reserve