/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/9377/137934.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/9377/137936.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/9377/137937.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/9377/137938.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/9377/137944.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/9377/137939.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/9377/137941.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/9377/137940.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/9377/137943.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/9377/137942.jpg)
Royal & Shamanic Shrines of Benevolent King Mountain
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/37927/134837.jpeg)
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
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/82350/2519a7a0-b9e2-4584-83ac-eb4f13527cd8.png)
Steven W.
“Two full days exploring modern and ancient Seoul with a terrific guide.”
David knows ancient and modern Korea and Seoul. We learned about the political history of Korea, its relations with the US and neighboring Asia countries and North Korea. He told us about the economy, birth rates, social customs, religion, palaces, emperors and kings, geography and lots of practical aspects of modern Korean life. We have toured in many countries and David’s was probably the best. Strong recommendation for those interested in an incredibly well rounded and intelligent scholar, historian and raconteur.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/37927/134837.jpeg)
David a. M.
I'm very glad that you enjoyed our days so much Steve; thanks for the high compliment! I hope that you will be inspired to return to Korea someday, and tell your friends to come... David
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/96423/1359ab69-a2f5-4345-b0e6-7dbfd994ff9b.png)
Bryan S.
“Walking around Seoul”
David was excellent - very knowledgeable, easy to talk to and kept us moving and on schedule. We had a great time and highly recommend this tour! Seoul is a lot of fun!
David a. M.
I'm really glad that you enjoyed our tour, and got so much out of it! I hope that you visit Korea again.... David
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!
David a. M.
I'm really glad that you enjoyed our tour, and got so much out of it! I hope that you visit Korea again.... David
$445/ per group
More tours by David a. M.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/9353/137539.jpg)
Full-day Intro to Seoul and Korean History
This is my standard and very popular Itinerary for this ~8 hour tour: it can be adjusted for individual preferences. Its intention is to be a fascinating orientation & overview of Seoul "old & new", with introduction to who the Koreans are, and the key points of their history and customs. We can move faster and see more, or take our time and see a bit fewer sites; it's all up to your personal style. I will be telling colorful stories all along the way. You will learn so much, and in context!!
Full-day Intro to Seoul and Korean History
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/9347/137445.jpg)
Half-day Intro to Seoul and Korean History
This is my most popular standard tour, perfect for any visiting Korea for a serious first look. It walks us through the best sights of Seoul's historic central downtown area, very close to each-other, while I tell the relevant colorful stories at each brief stop. It is completely flexible on the timing and number / nature of the sites visited; all depends on where I pick you up and drop you off, and just what you want to see and do. On this system I also offer a full-day version of this tour.
Half-day Intro to Seoul and Korean History
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/20638/7d1b0d84-8af0-43fd-bfb5-0a106aad3ca4.jpg)
Six-Hour Intro to Seoul and Korean History
This is my standard and very popular Itinerary for this ~6 hour tour: it can be adjusted for individual preferences. Its intention is to be a fascinating orientation & overview of Seoul "old & new", with introduction to who the Koreans are, and the key points of their history and customs. We can move faster and see more, or take our time and see a bit fewer sites; it's all up to your personal style. I will be telling colorful stories all along the way. You will learn so much, and in context!!
Six-Hour Intro to Seoul and Korean History
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/13690/97215cd3-f5dd-4c1f-b576-3fbeb3e59697.jpeg)
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
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Seoul
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19142/7cda2aa0-a960-4c8b-a52b-4aceb4a12515.jpg)
Seoul: A Journey Through History
Seoul has been the capital city of Korea since 1392. You will explore cultural heritage sites, including a royal palace, a Buddhist temple, the old streets, and a traditional market in the northern part of the city, all in one full day.
Seoul: A Journey Through History
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/75169/b7955194-10e5-4fc8-aaea-353ba661a4c6.png)
Full-day Intro to Seoul and Korean History
This is my standard and very popular Itinerary for this ~8 hour tour: it can be adjusted for individual preferences. Its intention is to be a fascinating orientation & overview of Seoul "old & new", with introduction to who the Koreans are, and the key points of their history and customs. We can move faster and see more, or take our time and see a bit fewer sites; it's all up to your personal style. I will be telling colorful stories all along the way. You will learn so much, and in context!!
Full-day Intro to Seoul and Korean History
![[Expert Historian] Seoul Deep Dive: The Soul of Old Seoul](https://images.gowithguide.com/filters:format(avif)/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/17457/c71154a7-079b-4f5d-9ceb-6b847340b938.jpg)
[Expert Historian] Seoul Deep Dive: The Soul of Old Seoul
Not a typical tour—understand Korea, not just see it. See how Korea’s history, culture, and daily life connect through the structure of old Seoul. Rather than simply visiting landmarks, this tour follows a clear narrative—from everyday life in Bukchon and local markets to the royal order of Gyeongbokgung—showing how different layers of society were organized. Whether traveling solo or as a couple, this experience offers a deeper and more meaningful way to understand the spirit of old Seoul.
[Expert Historian] Seoul Deep Dive: The Soul of Old Seoul
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/66005/256759bf-e0dc-4d2a-a953-15d48bea709c.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/16830/ddaa0221-5bbc-4014-ab9a-ac4eefb7046c.jpg)
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.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/63573/27605598-37fd-4a45-b8b8-15af92ab49bf.png)