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.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
your hotel, or a metro subway station exit
- It is in southern downtown Seoul, the Yongsan District, near the Samgakji metro subway station.
we meet at hotel or elsewhere, get to the museum and walk in past the several large front monuments.
We tour through the Korean War Museum and the spiritual memorial, with my detailed explanations and colorful storytelling.
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.
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.
Museum Exit, or back at your hotel, or a lunch/dinner site
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
guide fee, hotel meet-up, only.
there is no admission fee.
transportation fees, lunch, drinks, or other misc. purchases.
It is closed on Mondays.
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
$345/ per group
Reserve