Royal & Shamanic Shrines of Benevolent King Mountain
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?
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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
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
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
Tino C.
“Unforgettable day in Seoul with David Mason”
David's full day walking tour of Seoul was one of the best travel experiences we've ever had. It rained from morning to late afternoon, and we honestly didn't notice. His captivating commentary, insights and stories about living and working in Korea kept us absorbed from start to finish. We're seasoned travellers, yet after a day with someone so knowledgeable, we found ourselves questioning whether we've ever truly experienced any of the other countries we've visited. David goes far beyond the landmarks. He gives you a real feel for the city, its history, its people, the culture and daily life, the kind of understanding you simply can't get from a guidebook. I’m sure a native Korean guide would offer a wonderful perspective of their own, but there was something special about hearing from someone who has spent 45 years living and working here after growing up elsewhere. David knows what surprises and puzzles newcomers, and he answered questions we hadn't even thought to ask. Most importantly, he clearly loves this country and that came across every moment of our time together. If you're heading to Seoul, book David. Your tour with him will be the highlight of your time in Seoul. Pack a raincoat if the forecast looks grim, but the weather won't matter. Highly, highly, highly recommended.
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David a. M.
I'm really glad that you enjoyed our tour, and got so much out of it! I really enjoyed you guys as clients, so interested. I hope that you visit Korea again.... David
Jennifer L.
“Hours well spent”
Our visit to the museum took place on our first day in Seoul. David used the exhibits in the museum to give us a very helpful outline of the history of South Korea and its people. His knowledge of the country, its culture and its history appears to be extensive and informed by his many years of residence in Seoul. Having grown up in the USA his English is fluent and expressive. He was a delightful guide.
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David a. M.
Thanks, I'm really glad you got so much out of it; it was my pleasure to guide you in the spectacular National Museum. I hope that you return to Korea someday for more insight and beauty! David
Candace D.
“Touring with a Guide of Exceptional Knowledge ”
If you are interested in understanding Korea beyond the basics, I’d definitely recommend spending time with Prof. David Mason. Today I spent 8 hours with Prof. Mason, a tourist professor and scholar and contributor to Lonely Planet’s Korea content. I chose him through Gowithguide because his background matched my interest in Korean history - from early archeological findings to the formation of Korea today. In those 8 hours , he took me through Korea’s past in a way that was richly informative and easy to follow. I could listen to him for hours. At the national museum of Korea , he walked me through the early kingdoms, and around Seoul City Hall ( both old and new buildings ) and he connected that history to modern Korea. I appreciated that he adapted the day to my interests in a thoughtful in depth way and answered all of my questions without hesitation. I’m looking forward to continuing to learn from him by following him on FB and exploring his ebooks.
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David a. M.
I really enjoyed guiding you, so interested to learn, and am glad you got so much value out of that tour. I hope you return to Korea for more, someday! David
$445/ per group
More tours by David a. M.
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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
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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
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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
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Half-day Traditional Seoul Walking-Tour
This tour is a fascinating orientation & overview of the older, more traditional parts of central downtown Seoul, with further/deeper introduction to who the Koreans are, and the key points of their history and religions/customs. There is a standard itinerary for this tour, but it is completely flexible on the number and nature of the sites visited. It is essentially the 2nd-half of my Full-day Intro Tour. We can move faster or slower, as you wish. I will be telling colorful stories!
Half-day Traditional Seoul Walking-Tour
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Seoul
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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
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Seoul Downtown Walking Tour - the past and the present
From the serene atmosphere of palaces and old traditional villages to the bustling traditional markets and streets, you will see and experience real life in Seoul. I will help you explore the hidden gems and stories!
Seoul Downtown Walking Tour - the past and the present
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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.
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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
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