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Korean Buddhism & Catholicism: Martyrs' Faith and Temple Wisdom
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Joined 2025
"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?
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 for transportation (Hyundai Staria Hybrid Van, March 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
Joined 2025
About Tour Guide Andy P.
I was born and raised in Seoul and completed my graduate studies here. Before becoming a tour guide, I spent many years working in the petrochemical divisions of major Korean conglomerates, developing international business projects and living as an expatriate in Indonesia and Vietnam for nearly a decade.
These experiences taught me how cultures interpret the world differently—and how meaningful communication can bridge those differences.
Over time, my passion for history, people, and storytelling grew stronger. I immersed myself in Korean history, reading extensively and studying how society, belief systems, and human relationships have evolved. This has shaped my guiding philosophy: a memorable journey comes from not only where you go, but who guides you through it.
My aim is to offer travelers an experience that is insightful, balanced, and grounded in real Korean perspectives.
Since obtaining my official tour guide certification in 2018, I’ve received many heartfelt reviews from travelers worldwide. One guest wrote:
> “Our guide Andy was exceptional. His deep knowledge of history and culture, paired with engaging storytelling, brought each site to life. His passion made our trip truly unforgettable.”
With me, you won’t just visit Korea—you’ll understand it. You’ll see the country through the eyes of someone who has lived its history, appreciates its complexities, and can connect it to the wider world with clarity and nuance.
I offer customized multi-day tours to Andong, Gyeongju, Busan, and other regions, tailored to your interests. Please contact me!
Sincerely,
Andy
*Qualification/License :
Official English interpreting tourist guide (Korea Tourism Organization)
Korean History Evaluation Test 1st Grade certificate.
Driver's license(Sedan and Van)
*Academic background :
Master degree (Business & Administration)
Bachelor's degree (engineering chemical dept.)
Reviews
Jeanette A.
“My tour with Andy P.”
Having done many overseas trips with different guides I found my best experience was with Andy. His attention to you always was kind, caring attentive & made you feel safe. his knowledge on the history, navigation etc about Sth. Korea was amazing. So with confidence when planning a trip to Sth. Korea & you need a Private guide I highly recommend him. Many thanks Andy for all your help & making my trip to Sth. Korea a great one, it will always be a good memory. Jeanette.
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Andy P.
I'm so grateful for your compliments and for telling me it was a wonderful trip. I truly enjoyed the time with you too. Thank you again for your kindness and consideration. I wish you good health and peace. I will remain the same for the future. Cheers!! ^^
Nicola G.
“Wonderful day with Andy”
We booked a last-minute tour with Andy, and he went above and beyond to make it an unforgettable experience. After we mentioned a few areas we were interested in, Andy promptly met us at our hotel—right on time—and took care of everything from there. He began by giving us a small booklet with the history of Korea and guided us through an incredible journey into the country’s past. We spent many hours together visiting historical sites, including the palace, and throughout the day he shared fascinating insights about Korean history, culture, and religion. His deep knowledge, combined with his experiences around the world, allowed him to draw thoughtful comparisons across different religions and cultures, which we found truly valuable. Andy was kind, diligent, and personable. He gave us great local tips, helped us buy ginseng, joined us for a casual meal at a convenience store, and even took many great photos of us along the way. We had a lot of fun and learned so much. We highly recommend Andy to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, engaging, and caring guide in Korea!
Andy P.
I also had a truly wonderful time with you all. I could catch your passion to learn about Korean history, culture, and religion, and I am truly grateful for that. I hope you experience Korea more deeply and create wonderful memories during the remainder of your trip. And wish you guys happiness! Cheers!
Howard P.
“Seoul Guided Tour”
Andy was incredibly knowledgeable & accommodated what we wanted to see & do perfectly, but more importantly his enthusiasm energy & care he took to make sure we had a great time was second to none. I can’t recommend him highly enough, he’s a great guide & great guy. Thanks Andy for a great day in Seoul & Incheon. Howard & Heather
Andy P.
Thank you for the time sharing with me. I really enjoyed the timw with you. I Hope that you will have wonderful and unforgetable memories from your cruise trip! And, cheers all the best including your good health and happiness. Andy
$440/ per group
More tours by Andy P.
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Gangbuk Seoul (Northern district of Hangang River in Seoul) one day tour
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Gangbuk Seoul (Northern district of Hangang River in Seoul) one day tour
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UNESCO Hwaseong Fortress & Korean Folk Village
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Shore Excursion from Incheon - DMZ(De-Militarized Zone) Course
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Pilgrimage of K-Pop entertainment companies
If you are K-pop fans, why don't you visit the major 4 K-pop entertainment enterprises buildings! It will remain a good memory for you when you are back home later. The journey to the buildings will give you pleasant times. The major 4 are YG, HYBE, SM and JYP. You can take photos in front of the building and enjoy drinks at cafes in front of the buildings. For BTS's fan, ex-HYBE building, a BTS restaurant so called, and their ex-dormitory house currently being used as a bakery & cafe.
Pilgrimage of K-Pop entertainment companies
Other Popular Car Tour (driving guide) Tours in Seoul
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Private DMZ tour
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Private DMZ tour
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Amazing Western Seoul Tour
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Private One-Day Tour in Seoul – Partially Customizable Itinerary + Free Photography Service
If it’s your first time in Seoul, this full-day private tour is a great way to fall in love with the city — where old traditions and modern life come together beautifully. As you explore and enjoy the day, I’ll capture your special moments with a high-resolution camera and provide professionally edited photos after the tour. The itinerary is flexible and can be customized to match your interests. Just let me know what you’d like to see or do!
Private One-Day Tour in Seoul – Partially Customizable Itinerary + Free Photography Service
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Seoul in a day, private tour
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