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
Debra D.
“Enlightening Temple Tour with an Exceptional Guide”
Our visit to the temple was truly lovely , thanks to our gracious tour guide, David. He is not only knowledgeable but also organized, polite, and kind. The tour was thoughtfully planned, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the temple’s serene atmosphere and rich history. Our guide’s extensive knowledge of the temple’s spiritual, religious, and historical significance brought each detail to life. We learned about centuries-old traditions, the meaning behind various rituals, and the temple’s unique place in Korean culture. David has a genuine passion for sharing the temple’s story. Highly recommended for anyone seeking an insightful and meaningful temple visit in South Korea.
David a. M.
THANKS, Debra! You two were excellent listeners, and so very nice... Please continue to fall in-love with Korea during the rest of your stay! David
Kelioniu A.
“Perfect day in Seoul with David”
David's knowledge and charisma is extraordinary, we all had amazing time, learned a lot. On a separate note, special thanks for effective communication prior to the tour. Highly recommended!
Jeanine B.
“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
$445/ per group
More tours by David a. M.
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!!
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.
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.
Tao Abundance Temple, Seoul's most-important Buddhist Site
Doseon-sa was founded around 1100 years ago just beneath the three main peaks of the Triple-Horns Mtn, Seoul's sacred & prominent guardian (a National Park), by one of Korea's greatest Buddhist masters. It has remained the most religiously important monastery of the Seoul area ever since always crowded with sincere Buddhists. It has several unusual features that will be pointed out and explained to your group. There is a large ancient standing Buddha statue designated as a National Treasure.
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Seoul
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.
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!!
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!
Gangbuk Seoul (Northern district of Hangang River in Seoul) one day tour
This is the highlight to cover the traditional district in Seoul(called "Gangbuk"). You will learn overall Korean history including Seoul, life passages of Koreans(from birth till after death) and Korean democracy evolvement. You will feel the beauty of traditional architecture harmonized with modern buildings in Seoul. This tour covers visiting old palace, folk museum, city stream, old city wall and etcetra. For more description, refer to the itinerary below.
