Museum of Korean Contemporary History - 1880s thru 1980s, explained by an American Professor
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?
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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
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
Susan N.
“The only way to visit the National Museum of Korea!”
We recently arranged for a private tour of the spectacular National Museum of Korea in Seoul. Having visited the museum a yea I knew that there was so much to see and take in. Our guide David arrived and we discussed our areas of interest to narrow down where we would go in the Museum. The next 3 or so hours were spent with the engaging and incredibly knowledgeable David, an accomplished Professor of Korean Cultural Tourism, who has lived in Korea for decades. We were completely engaged and fascinated by the history and stories he shared with us. There’s no better way to understand such an enormous Museum collection. We loved touring the museum with David. We spent days after referring to him and his narrative. Couldn’t recommend him more highly!
Kerry B.
“Packed with information ”
What a wonderful time we had with David. The tour was packed with information about the foundations of South Korea and what has lead it to being what it is today. We saw the normal tourist stuff but it was with a personal twist. Thanks so much David see you next time
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David a. M.
Thanks, Kerry! I really enjoyed showing your group around; such interested learners. I do hope you come back someday soon, for more & deeper! David
Alfonso S.
“An American professor with enormous experience ”
David has been an incredible guide for our three days we stay in Seoul, where he took us through deep experiences and teachings about this incredible nation and resilience. His vast knowledge and decades residing in Korea, has given him such acknowledge that made him become a professor and writer of several books about Korean people. Don't tho k twice to hire him as your guide in Korea.
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David a. M.
Thanks for the kind words, Alfonso -- I really enjoyed showing your family around! I hope that you all return to Korea someday.... :-) David
$315/ per group
More tours by David a. M.
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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
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Six-Hour Intro to Seoul and Korean History
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Six-Hour Intro to Seoul and Korean History
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Buam-dong, Seoul’s Hidden Charming North Park-neighborhood
This is a lovely neighborhood of “Gangbuk” Seoul behind famous Mt. Bugak, with a wide variety of offerings, scenic and fascinating, but only a few “insiders” know about its very charming character. We will visit the “Sword-Washing Pavilion”, then a beautiful waterfall with a colorful Buddhist temple right next to it! We will proceed into a hidden quiet peaceful area with late-Joseon-era ruins-relics amidst great trees. Then along a high ridge with great views, and some unique cafes & others.
Buam-dong, Seoul’s Hidden Charming North Park-neighborhood
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Suwon Hwaseong Castle and More, all-day by bullet-train
This tour covers the best sights of historic Suwon City: the Hwaseong Castle (a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site!) with its towers & mini-palace, walking along the great wall. We will then have an option on what to visit in the remaining time (after a lunch?): either the very charming and authentic Korean Folk Village, *or* the Royal Tombs of that castle's builders (another UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site!) and the Dragon-Pearl Temple that has a few great & interesting artworks.
Suwon Hwaseong Castle and More, all-day by bullet-train
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Seoul
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Seoul Downtown Walking Tour - the past and the present
From the serene atmosphere of palaces and old traditional villages to the bustling traditional markets and streets, you will see and experience real life in Seoul. I will help you explore the hidden gems and stories!
Seoul Downtown Walking Tour - the past and the present
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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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Seoul Fortress Walk: From Hidden Walls to Street Food Wonders
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Seoul: A Journey Through History
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Seoul: A Journey Through History
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