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Old Seoul, My Seoul — Historic Highlights & Local Stories | 4-Hour Private Walking Tour

Old Seoul, My Seoul — Historic Highlights & Local Stories | 4-Hour Private Walking Tour

Highlights

Joined 2026

Steve L.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Seoul

English, Korean (Native)

4 hours

Private tour (only you and Steve L.)

Up to 4 people

A Walk Through Korea's Heritage & Culture (4HRS)

Seoul is a huge modern city, but many of its most important historic and cultural sites are clustered in the heart of the city. That makes walking one of the best ways to discover Seoul.

On foot, we can slow down, notice the details, step into small streets, and experience how old and new Seoul exist side by side.

Let's walk through the heart of Seoul—and discover the heart of Korea.

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

09:00 AM

Meeting Point

Your Hotel

- Any accommodations in City Center

09:30 AM

Gwanghwamun Square

We begin in the historic heart of Seoul, with a brief introduction to the city and the Joseon Dynasty before entering the royal district.

10:00 AM

Changing of Guard Ceremony (Gyeongbokgung Palace)

Explore Korea's main royal palace and discover how Confucian ideas shaped royal life, architecture, social order, and many of the values that influenced Korean society for centuries.

11:00 AM

Bukchon Hanok Village & Traditional Tea

Walk through one of Seoul's best-known traditional neighborhoods and discover the philosophy behind the hanok. We'll look at how Korean homes were designed around family life, Confucian customs, and harmony with nature.We'll have a relaxing cup of traditional Korean tea.

11:30 AM

Insadong

This part of Seoul is especially personal to me. I went to high school and university in this area and have been walking these streets since the 1970s. I've watched the neighborhood—and Seoul itself—change for more than half a century.

Ending Point

Insadong Antique Alley

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

* Admission Ticket to The Palace

* Traditional Tea

What‘s not included

* Public Transportation Fee (Approximately US$1.5/one way/ per person)

Tour Important Information

* Walking distance: approximately 3 km

* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.

Important message from the supplier

• I can guide you anywhere in South Korea; you would just need to cover my transportation expenses.

• Customized multi-day tours are also available, tailored to your interests and starting from either Seoul or Incheon Airport.

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 2026

Steve L.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Steve L.

Hi, I'm Steve, a licensed private tour guide and storyteller, born and raised in Seoul.

I grew up during Korea's postwar recovery and have watched the country transform into the vibrant, modern Korea you see today. I enjoy sharing not just historical facts, but personal stories about how Korean life has changed.

Before becoming a guide, I worked as a TV producer. My work took me across Korea, from major cities to small towns, where I discovered the history, food, traditions, and everyday lives of local people. I later served as CEO of a local government cultural agency, deepening my understanding of regional culture.

I've traveled to more than 15 countries and spent a year in Los Angeles as a Visiting Scholar at UCLA. These experiences help me understand the interests and perspectives of international visitors.

I offer private tours in Seoul as well as customized multi-day journeys throughout Korea, including places such as Gyeongju, Andong, Jeonju, Gangneung, and Sokcho. Whether you love UNESCO heritage sites, traditional villages, Buddhist temples, regional food, or beautiful countryside, I'll help plan a trip that fits your interests and pace.

I believe a private tour should feel like a conversation, not a lecture. We can take our time, stop at a local market or café, and explore the stories behind the places we visit.

My goal is simple: to help you understand Korea, not just see it. I'd love to share my Korea with you.

*Credentials & Background

- Licensed Korean Tour Guide (English)

- Former TV Producer

- Former CEO of a Local Government Cultural Agency

- Former Visiting Scholar at UCLA

- Certified Educator in Korean Buddhist Temple Culture