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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
“A Full Day and Then Some...”
Dave is a wealth of knowledge about Korea and its history. Also about modern day Seoul. This introduction was well worth the time and money. The day was well organized and even during a difficult weather day, David got us through the city and provided good links between current day and historical.
David a. M.
Thanks Jeanine; I really enjoyed doing this with you! We had a fascinating day, despite the weather... I hope you return someday! David
Jeanine B.
Korean War Museum and Memorial in Central Seoul -- a good alternative to the DMZ
“Wealth of Knowledge”
David has a wealth of knowledge about the events leading up to the Korean War, and the war itself. I learned a great deal about something that's affected my family my entire life.
David a. M.
Thanks Jeanine; I really enjoyed doing this specialized tour with you! It's really important that we understand the Korean War in-detail, including the five key controversial turning-point decisions made by the most powerful actors... We had a fascinating morning, despite the bizarre weather... I hope you return someday! David
“David is your best option at Seul”
What an extraordinary guy David is You will have an amazing time with him. He is friendly, flexible and know Korea better than the locals he is an encyclopedia David is always attentive to solve, explain and surprise you. it was our highlight in Seul.
David a. M.
Thanks Carlos; I really enjoyed doing this with you! We had a fascinating day... I hope you return! David
$445/ per group
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