[Expert Historian] Spiritual Journey: Martyrs’ Faith & Temple Wisdom
"How did Korea's 10,000 Catholic martyrs forge the world's most faithful laity? What wisdom shaped Korean Buddhism from India?" Discover Yakhyun Church + Seosomun Martyrs' Park where 44/103 Korean Saints died. Merton's Seven Storey Mountain inspired me (visited his French hometown). University volunteering in slum village with Jesuits + 5years in Muslim Indonesia deepened interfaith insight. Buddhist studies revealed major principles of Buddhism. Private van tour uncovers Korea's spiritual soul.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At the lobby of your Hotel
- At the lobby of your Hotel where the front desk is located.
Yakhyun Church and Seosomun Martyrs
7-Hour Private Spiritual Journey
Hyundai Staria Hybrid Van | Licensed Guide | No Crowds
1. Korean Catholicism: Faith Born from Martyrs' Blood
Yakhyun Church + Seosomun Martyrs' Park
• Yakhyun Church (1892): Seoul's FIRST Western cathedral
• Seosomun Park: from Execution grounds to peace memorial
• 44/103 Korean Saints martyred here
• ~10,000 total martyrs over 100+ years of persecution
World's most faithful Catholic laity - born from sacrifice, not imperial conquest
My Catholic Journey
University volunteering in slum village with Jesuit priests (children's education) + Merton's inspiration
Jogyesa Buddhist temple or Bongeunsa temple
2. Korean Buddhism: 1,500 Years of Timeless Wisdom
Jogyesa Temple (Buddhism HQ) or Bongeunsa (Gangnam serenity)
• India origins: Shakyamuni's life, 4 Noble Truths, 8-Fold Path, acient perspective about universe etc
• 8 Stages of Enlightenment + life murals
• China to Korea: Mahayana as state philosophy
• Main halls where kings sought wisdom
Temple murals: Buddha's 8 major life events vividly depicted
My Buddhist Journey
Years studying texts + temple visits lead to core teachings, architecture, Theravada, Bodhisattva paths
* Optional Experiences
- Catholic Mass or Buddhist service/ceremony (your choice)
Ending Point
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
Private car (Eco-friendly Hyundai Staria Hybrid Van, 2025)
Fuel cost
Parking fee
Toll fee
A bottle of water
* meal & drinks
* Travelers' Insurance
Tour Important Information
Depending on the mass / Buddhist service schedule, the order of the tour could change accordingly.
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 Andy P.
[Expert Historian & Your Knowledgeable Korean Friend]
"To truly understand a country, you need a guide who has lived its history and navigated its modern complexities."
Hi, I’m Andy. I bridge the gap between Korea’s dynamic corporate world and its profound historical roots. While I hold the highest-level Korean History Proficiency Certificate (Level 1), my guests often describe me as a "knowledgeable and humorous Korean friend."
■ Why Choose My Tour?
• Intellectual Depth:
I don't just list dates; I share stories. With an MBA and over 25 years of corporate experience, I provide a nuanced explanation of how Korea’s past has shaped its modern society and economy.
• Global Perspective & Empathy:
With about 10 years of experience as an expatriate in Indonesia and Vietnam, and having explored more than 16 countries (including the UK, USA, and Italy—such as Assisi and Rome), I deeply resonate with the perspectives of international travelers. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a casual explorer, I naturally bridge cultural gaps through engaging storytelling.
• Premium Comfort:
Travel in a brand-new 2025 Hyundai Staria Hybrid Van, ensuring a quiet, eco-friendly, and comfortable journey.
■ My Philosophy
A great tour is a balance of insight, laughter, and genuine connection. I use carefully prepared laminated insight cards to make complex history clear and engaging, but my greatest joy is helping guests experience Korea in a meaningful and memorable way.
Beyond Seoul, I also specialize in multi-day journeys to Gyeongju, Andong, and Busan.
Let’s discover the real Korea together.
Sincerely,
Andy
■ Qualification / License
Official English Interpreting Tourist Guide (Korea Tourism Organization)
Korean History Proficiency Certificate – Level 1 (Highest Level)
Driver’s License (Sedan & Van)
■ Academic Background
MBA (Master of Business Administration)
Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering
Reviews
George M.
“Fascinating visit to the DMZ with Andy ”
Four of us were on a cruise ship docked at Incheon and organised the day trip to the DMZ on gowithguide several months in advance. Andy was waiting in the cruise ship terminal when we disembarked and had his luxurious people carrier parked close by. After a short drive, we arrived at the DMZ, visited tunnel number 3, the observation tower and the Gloucester Regiment memorial. Andy was good company, informative and with a good sense of humour. He got us back to the dock in plenty time for our departure and we would certainly recommend him to anyone planning a visit to the Seoul or Incheon area.
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Andy P.
Thank you very much for your kind review! It was a real pleasure meeting you and your group during your cruise stop in Incheon and sharing the DMZ with you. I’m very glad everything worked smoothly with the ship schedule and that you were able to experience the Third Tunnel, the observatory and the Gloucester Regiment memorial. Your group was wonderful company, and I truly enjoyed our conversations throughout the day. Thank you again for taking the time to write such a thoughtful review. Andy
Jack A.
“A fascinating tour from a great guide!”
We had a wonderful day and half private tour with Andy! He was responsive and easy to plan our custom day and a half tour in Seoul, listening to our interests and making recommendations. We had a half day in the National Museum for a crash course in Korean History, followed by a full day exploring the Palace, Insadong and finishing at the War Memorial Museum. You can tell that Andy is a truly interested and passionate about Korean history, which made for a very engaging tour. He was a gracious and caring host that went the extra mile to help us enjoy our visit - his brand new minivan is also very comfortable to travel between locations. I would certainly recommend Andy. If you are thinking of any sort of tour around Seoul, give him message to discuss your ideas!
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Andy P.
Thank you so much for your wonderful and detailed review! It was truly a rewarding and enjoyable experience for me to spend those two days with you. Your genuine interest and deep understanding of Korean history allowed me to fully immerse myself in our discussions as well. I sincerely hope that the insights you gained into Korean history and culture continue to be a source of inspiration for you. Please feel free to reach out anytime if you have more questions about Korea. It was a pleasure to be your host. Cheers, mate! Best regards, Andy
Kate F.
“Amazing Andy”
Andy P. has excellent knowledge of Korean history and world events. He is a great communicator, answered all our questions, and helped us to better understand Korean culture. The tour was very well organized. Unfortunately due to cold January weather many demonstrations at the Folk Village were not running but Andy was able to give insightful background information.
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Andy P.
Hi Kate, thank you so much for your heartwarming review. To be honest, it was I who felt lucky to meet such a gentle and wonderful family like yours. Your keen interest in Korean culture and our deep conversations made the day truly special for me as well. Even though the weather was cold, your family's warmth made the tour a memorable one. I often reflect on my own life through the great people I meet, and your family gave me much to think about. I sincerely wish you and your family health, peace, and many more beautiful adventures. Please enjoy more Korean cultures. You are always welcome back to Korea!
$580/ per group
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