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Seoul Private Tour - The Korean War Memorial Museum
The Korean War Memorial Museum
Seoul Private Tour - Monument out-front
Monument out-front
Seoul Private Tour - Monument out-front
Monument out-front
Seoul Private Tour - The Grand Lobby
The Grand Lobby
Seoul Private Tour - Exhibits of the 1950-53 War
Exhibits of the 1950-53 War
Seoul Private Tour - The Outdoor Weaponry Lot
The Outdoor Weaponry Lot
Seoul Private Tour - The Outdoor Weaponry Lot
The Outdoor Weaponry Lot
Seoul Private Tour - Huge paintings of War in Korea
Huge paintings of War in Korea

Korean War Museum and Memorial in Central Seoul -- a good alternative to the DMZ

Art, Culture, & Historical
Seoul Tour Guide - David a. M.

Joined 2022

David a. M.
5.00 / 5
(24 reviews)
Identity Verified
Interview-Based Quality Checks
Seoul
English (Native), Korean
3 hrs 40 mins
Private tour (only you and David a. M.)
Up to 12 people

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!

09:30 AM

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.

09:30 AM

Entering Museum

we meet at hotel or elsewhere, get to the museum and walk in past the several large front monuments.

10:00 AM

Korean War Museum

We tour through the Korean War Museum and the spiritual memorial, with my detailed explanations and colorful storytelling.

12:00 PM

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.

01:00 PM

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

What‘s included

guide fee, hotel meet-up, only.

there is no admission fee.

What‘s not included

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
Seoul Tour Guide - David a. M.

Joined 2022

David a. M.
5.00 / 5
(24 reviews)
Identity Verified
Interview-Based Quality Checks

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

“Unforgettable day in Seoul with David Mason”

David's full day walking tour of Seoul was one of the best travel experiences we've ever had. It rained from morning to late afternoon, and we honestly didn't notice. His captivating commentary, insights and stories about living and working in Korea kept us absorbed from start to finish. We're seasoned travellers, yet after a day with someone so knowledgeable, we found ourselves questioning whether we've ever truly experienced any of the other countries we've visited. David goes far beyond the landmarks. He gives you a real feel for the city, its history, its people, the culture and daily life, the kind of understanding you simply can't get from a guidebook. I’m sure a native Korean guide would offer a wonderful perspective of their own, but there was something special about hearing from someone who has spent 45 years living and working here after growing up elsewhere. David knows what surprises and puzzles newcomers, and he answered questions we hadn't even thought to ask. Most importantly, he clearly loves this country and that came across every moment of our time together. If you're heading to Seoul, book David. Your tour with him will be the highlight of your time in Seoul. Pack a raincoat if the forecast looks grim, but the weather won't matter. Highly, highly, highly recommended.

Tino C.

David a. M.

I'm really glad that you enjoyed our tour, and got so much out of it! I really enjoyed you guys as clients, so interested. I hope that you visit Korea again.... David

“Hours well spent”

Our visit to the museum took place on our first day in Seoul. David used the exhibits in the museum to give us a very helpful outline of the history of South Korea and its people. His knowledge of the country, its culture and its history appears to be extensive and informed by his many years of residence in Seoul. Having grown up in the USA his English is fluent and expressive. He was a delightful guide.

Jennifer L.

David a. M.

Thanks, I'm really glad you got so much out of it; it was my pleasure to guide you in the spectacular National Museum. I hope that you return to Korea someday for more insight and beauty! David

“Touring with a Guide of Exceptional Knowledge ”

If you are interested in understanding Korea beyond the basics, I’d definitely recommend spending time with Prof. David Mason. Today I spent 8 hours with Prof. Mason, a tourist professor and scholar and contributor to Lonely Planet’s Korea content. I chose him through Gowithguide because his background matched my interest in Korean history - from early archeological findings to the formation of Korea today. In those 8 hours , he took me through Korea’s past in a way that was richly informative and easy to follow. I could listen to him for hours. At the national museum of Korea , he walked me through the early kingdoms, and around Seoul City Hall ( both old and new buildings ) and he connected that history to modern Korea. I appreciated that he adapted the day to my interests in a thoughtful in depth way and answered all of my questions without hesitation. I’m looking forward to continuing to learn from him by following him on FB and exploring his ebooks.

Candace D.

David a. M.

I really enjoyed guiding you, so interested to learn, and am glad you got so much value out of that tour. I hope you return to Korea for more, someday! David

Want to Personalize?

$345/ per group

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