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Korea Dark History Tour: Seodaemun Prison & War Memorial
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Joined 2025
Korea went through two major historical tragedies: the Japanese occupation (1910–1945) and the Korean War (1950–1953). On this tour, we’ll explore how the country overcame those national crises and transformed into a leading country in today’s world.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At the guest's hotel lobby
Seodaemun Prison History Museum
This prison was built in 1908 by Japan to suppress Korean independence activists. After restoration, it was reopened as a history museum in 1998.
Lunch
The War Memorial of Korea
The War Memorial of Korea was established in 1994 to remember the history of the Korean War and honor those who sacrificed their lives for South Korea.
Hotel
Ending Point
At the guest's 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
Guide fee
Public transportation, entrance fees, meals, drinks, and all other expenses except for the guide fee.
(Estimated cost per person, for you and guide)
- Public transportation : about 3.5 USD
- Entrance fee : about 2.5 USD
- Lunch : about 10 USD
Tour Important Information
1.This tour is not available on Mondays as both museums are closed on that day.
2.We’ll use public transportation during the tour.
3.Since this tour includes lunch, please let me know in advance if there are any foods you can’t eat.
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
About Tour Guide Kean P.
Hi, guys! My name is Kean, and I’m a licensed tour guide. I specialize in Seoul city tours and also lead tours to nearby areas like the DMZ or Nami Island.
I’d love to help you feel like a Seoulite through my timely and up-to-date K-culture tours featuring today’s global trends.
Additionally, let’s discover the origins of today’s global K-culture through the National Museum of Korea art tour.
Feel free to ask me anything, anytime. I’ll be your true friend in Seoul. See you soon, guys.
Reviews
Lloyd S.
“Fantastic Experience with a great guide”
Kean was very responsive when we were setting up our proposed itinerary and met all of our goals. He was super informative and very entertaining. He knew all of the great photo stops along our itinerary and made sure we were comfortable utilizing the Seoul subway system before he departed. I would highly recommend him in the future. I will be recommending him to all of my friends in Canada. We cannot say enough about our experience.
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Kean P.
I’ve never met two couples as lovely as them. They were kind, thoughtful, and had a great sense of humor. When we said goodbye, they even gave me a gift they had brought from Canada, which truly touched me. It was an absolute honor to tour with them.
Gs C.
“Great tour guide!”
I would highly recommend Keane - he was very patient and accommodating, and very caring towards my elderly mother. He also gave a good commentary and background on the palace and history
Kean P.
Many thx, Gail!! I’ve never met such a lovely family like you and your mom. It was a great honor to meet you in Korea. I’m looking forward to going hiking with you on Bukhansan Mountain next time.
$225/ per group
More tours by Kean P.
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Seoul Full-day Highlights: Featured in K-POP Demon Hunters
If you’re looking for a full-day Seoul highlights tour, I’ll guide you with a timely and up-to-date itinerary. The Netflix animation movie, K-Pop Demon Hunters has been creating a worldwide sensation, and many tourists are visiting the locations in Seoul shown in the film. I’ll be guiding you to the places along with traditional food spots.
Seoul Full-day Highlights: Featured in K-POP Demon Hunters
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K-Culture for Eyes and Palate: Museum & Market
At the National Museum of Korea, we’ll focus on the historical significance of the artifacts and how to appreciate them. Then, we’ll visit Noryangjin Fish Market to explore Korean seafood culture and enjoy raw fish.
K-Culture for Eyes and Palate: Museum & Market
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Seongsu-dong: Retro Vibes & K-pop Culture
Seongsu-dong is one of the best places to experience K-culture, now a global sensation. The neighborhood is full of vintage shops, restaurants, and cafés inside renovated old buildings, making it a favorite spot for young people who love retro vibes. Come and dive into various K-culture experiences along with BTS.
Seongsu-dong: Retro Vibes & K-pop Culture
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3-Stop Full-Course Meal: With a Scenic Stop at Mt. Namsan
On this tour, you’ll enjoy a full-course meal across 3 different spots: start with a Korean pancake as your appetizer, move on to Korean pork BBQ for the main course, and finish with Korean shaved ice for dessert. Along the way, we’ll also visit Namsan Mountain, which was featured in the Netflix animation movie K-Pop Demon Hunters.
3-Stop Full-Course Meal: With a Scenic Stop at Mt. Namsan
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Seoul
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Seoul Downtown Walking Tour - the past and the present
From the serene atmosphere of palaces and old traditional villages to the bustling traditional markets and streets, you will see and experience real life in Seoul. I will help you explore the hidden gems and stories!
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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![[Expert Historian] Seoul Deep Dive: The Soul of Old Seoul](https://images.gowithguide.com/filters:format(avif)/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/17457/c71154a7-079b-4f5d-9ceb-6b847340b938.jpg)
[Expert Historian] Seoul Deep Dive: The Soul of Old Seoul
Not a typical tour—understand Korea, not just see it. See how Korea’s history, culture, and daily life connect through the structure of old Seoul. Rather than simply visiting landmarks, this tour follows a clear narrative—from everyday life in Bukchon and local markets to the royal order of Gyeongbokgung—showing how different layers of society were organized. Whether traveling solo or as a couple, this experience offers a deeper and more meaningful way to understand the spirit of old Seoul.
[Expert Historian] Seoul Deep Dive: The Soul of Old Seoul
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Full-day Intro to Seoul and Korean History
This is my standard and very popular Itinerary for this ~8 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!!
Full-day Intro to Seoul and Korean History
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