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Museum of Korean Contemporary History - 1880s thru 1980s, explained by an American Professor
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Joined 2022
This is a relatively new and medium-sized museum, opened in 2013 after much controversy about its potential contents. There is little agreement on what happened in the 20th century, and it was very difficult to create this museum. There is not much English on the displays, so you really need an expert familiar with the truths to take you through it and point out the important details, and explain what is distorted in presentation and what has been entirely left out due to sensitivity.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
any hotel or public place
- The museum is in the NE corner of the Gwanhwamun Plaza, central downtown Seoul, easy to get to.
Museum main Gallery
Main Gallery of the Museum, one long series.
Ending Point
Museum Exit, or your 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, meet-up to start (hotel, etc)
There is no admission fee.
Transportation
Food
Tour Important Information
I have been a guide in it many times, and am an expert on its displays. I can guide you all through the main exhibit hall, focusing according to your particular interests, offering deep commentary so that you understand everything you're looking at quite thoroughly -- and telling colorful stories from each decade. We can move faster or slower, as you wish. There is a good café inside, and a Children's Room; with great restaurants nearby. This tour is set at 2:30 hours, but it could be anywhere from 1 to 4 hours, with prices adjusted accordingly -- just let me know if you want a custom tour with special timing.
It is closed on most 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
Jennifer L.
“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.
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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
Candace D.
“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.
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
Richard F.
“Encyclopedic Knowledge”
David was by far the most seasoned guide we have worked with. His life experience and vast knowledge of the subject made the tour an unforgettable stop in Seoul.
David a. M.
I really enjoyed guiding your couple, and am glad you got so much value out of these tours. I hope you return to Korea for more, someday! David
$315/ per group
More tours by David a. M.
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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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Half-day Intro to Seoul and Korean History
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.
Half-day Intro to Seoul and Korean History
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Six-Hour Intro to Seoul and Korean History
This is my standard and very popular Itinerary for this ~6 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!!
Six-Hour Intro to Seoul and Korean History
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Korean War Museum and Memorial in Central Seoul -- a good alternative to the DMZ
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.
Korean War Museum and Memorial in Central Seoul -- a good alternative to the DMZ
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Seoul
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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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Central Seoul Walking Tour ; From Gwanghwamun Square to Ikseon-dong Hanok Alley.
Gwanghwamun Square connects the Joseon Dynasty and modern times. The view of Bukaksan Mountain and Gyeongbokgung Palace from Gwanghwamun Square is just like a landscape. Let's go on a journey back to the past at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. We can tour antique shops and galleries along the Insadong Cultural Street. Jogyesa Temple is worth visiting. Lastly, Ikseon-dong Hanok Alley has pretty cafes, restaurants, and stores while maintaing traditional Korea houses.
Central Seoul Walking Tour ; From Gwanghwamun Square to Ikseon-dong Hanok Alley.
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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