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Royal & Shamanic Shrines of Benevolent King Mountain
Joined 2022
Would you like to see some scenic sites that are "truly Korean" and yet quite unusual? This tour is really "off the beaten path" but is also right above downtown Seoul, on Mt. Inwang-san, Seoul's center of Shamanic practices, and a park with relics of the Joseon Dynasty's royal & spiritual-nationalist heritage. These are rarely-seen yet fascinating sites overlooking the busy modern power-centers. This unique walking-tour climbs a few steep slopes on paved paths, but it's worth it!
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Gyeongbok-gung Metro Subway Station, your Hotel lobby, or other.
Sajik Royal Park
I will show you around Sajik Park, including the Joseon-Dynasty Royal Altars to the Earth and Harvest, and give orientation-intro to this highly sacred mountain.
Founding-King Dangun Shrine
Then we will visit the large modern shrine for Korea's ethnic-founder King Dangun just up behind the Park, and learn about his myth and its continuing modern significance for uniting the spirits of all Koreans.
Seoul's City Wall, with great views
Then we will proceed to stroll for about 30 minutes up along the old city fortress wall to the Shamanic complex of Inwang-san, the very rocky mountain just west of the main Palace -- stopping three times to enjoy the photogenic views.
Inwang-sa the
We tour the "Benevolent King" temple/shrine complex of Inwang-san, the very rocky mountain just west of the Palace, which has been the most active site of Korean shamanism for thousands of years. We will see the mystic Seon-bawi rocks, the Guksa-dang National Spirit Shrine, several examples of active outdoor shamanic shrines, and stand on top of a giant boulder for one of the best views of Seoul there is. I will fully explain all, and tell several great stories from long-ago. We just might see some live-action Shamanism happening right in front of us - or we may not - you never know!
Back Down to Dongnip-mun Metro Subway Station
At 3 hours 40 minutes in, we will start descending the west side of the mountain, finishing at 4 hours by the major highway there. I will get a taxi for you to your hotel or next destination, as you please.
Ending Point
Dongnip-mun Metro Subway Station, your Hotel lobby, or other.
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
guiding fee only
transport to/from if-needed, snacks and drinks (there is a small supermarket halfway!)
Tour Important Information
I am a well-known expert on both Korean Buddhism, Shamanism and Korea's folk-religion traditions, and will give a fascinating tour! You will learn a lot about both Confucian & Shamanic beliefs & practices, and see some amazing photo-perfect sights!
Our walking-tour will conveniently meet and finish at Metro subway stations. As the shrines are built on a very steep slope, some uphill walking is necessary on cement stairways, roads and paths; but it's worth it! This tour can meet on any day at any time at the Station, or I can pick you up at your hotel.
Cannot be done on rainy days
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
“Amazing day of Korean Buddhism and Shamanism tour”
Went to another tour with David to explore Korean Buddhism and Shamanism. Being a researcher on both subjects for many years, David has a wealth of knowledge and he was able to explain them in layman terms so it is understandable for everyone. As a fellow history/religious buff myself, I was very happy by this and gained a better understanding/appreciation on both Korean Buddhism and Shamanism. We have since become good friends and I look forward to do more tours with him next time I'm in Korea.
David a. M.
(6 reviews)I was so glad to do this tour with you, and glad that you enjoyed it so much! Thanks for the positive review.... I also look forward to our next tours together!! David
“Wonderful exploration of Korean history with David”
I had a wonderful time exploring Korea's historical past with David. We visited several museums, parks, a Catholic Martyr shrine and Deoksugung Palace. I am impressed by his wealth of knowledge about Korean history and he has the ability to explain the subject in a way that it is understandable for everyone. I'll certainly learned a lot from his tour and will definitely use his service again in future.
David a. M.
(6 reviews)I was so glad to do this tour with you, and glad that you enjoyed it so much! Thanks for the positive review.... I also look forward to our next tours together!! David
“Great Tour, highly recommended”
David is knowledgeable about Seoul, Korea and korean culture. We had a private walking tour with our own itinerary and David created an enjoyful experience for all, especially as we were a group of mixed ages (28 to over 65 years).
David a. M.
(6 reviews)It was my pleasure, Daniel... you were a great group, it was fun! Return to visit us again someday.... David
$445/ per group
Reserve
