Museum of Korean Contemporary History - 1880s thru 1980s, explained by an American Professor
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
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
$315/ 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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