Korean War Museum and Memorial in Central Seoul -- a good alternative to the DMZ
Joined 2022
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.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
your hotel, or a metro subway station exit
- It is in southern downtown Seoul, the Yongsan District, near the Samgakji metro subway station.
Entering Museum
we meet at hotel or elsewhere, get to the museum and walk in past the several large front monuments.
Korean War Museum
We tour through the Korean War Museum and the spiritual memorial, with my detailed explanations and colorful storytelling.
The Outdoor Weaponry Lot
We walk all through their amazing collection of tanks, artillery, planes and war-boats that were actually used in that era by all sides, with my commentary.
Extension -- History of Warfare in Korea
If you wish to extend the tour for a small extra cost, perhaps after getting a lunch or snack, we will visit the extensive exhibit-halls of the entire History of Warfare on the Korean Peninsula, from ancient days through the 19th century.
Ending Point
Museum Exit, or back at your hotel, or a lunch/dinner site
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, hotel meet-up, only.
there is no admission fee.
transportation fees, lunch, drinks, or other misc. purchases.
Tour Important Information
It is closed on Mondays.
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
Joined 2022
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
Jeanine B.
“A Full Day and Then Some...”
Dave is a wealth of knowledge about Korea and its history. Also about modern day Seoul. This introduction was well worth the time and money. The day was well organized and even during a difficult weather day, David got us through the city and provided good links between current day and historical.
David a. M.
Thanks Jeanine; I really enjoyed doing this with you! We had a fascinating day, despite the weather... I hope you return someday! David
Jeanine B.
“Wealth of Knowledge”
David has a wealth of knowledge about the events leading up to the Korean War, and the war itself. I learned a great deal about something that's affected my family my entire life.
David a. M.
Thanks Jeanine; I really enjoyed doing this specialized tour with you! It's really important that we understand the Korean War in-detail, including the five key controversial turning-point decisions made by the most powerful actors... We had a fascinating morning, despite the bizarre weather... I hope you return someday! David
Carlos S.
“David is your best option at Seul”
What an extraordinary guy David is You will have an amazing time with him. He is friendly, flexible and know Korea better than the locals he is an encyclopedia David is always attentive to solve, explain and surprise you. it was our highlight in Seul.
David a. M.
Thanks Carlos; I really enjoyed doing this with you! We had a fascinating day... I hope you return! David
$345/ per group
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Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Seoul
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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!!
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