Suwon Hwaseong Castle and More, all-day by bullet-train
This tour covers the best sights of historic Suwon City: the Hwaseong Castle (a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site!) with its towers & mini-palace, walking along the great wall. We will then have an option on what to visit in the remaining time (after a lunch?): either the very charming and authentic Korean Folk Village, *or* the Royal Tombs of that castle's builders (another UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site!) and the Dragon-Pearl Temple that has a few great & interesting artworks.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
your hotel lobby, or Seoul Train Station lobby
Seoul KTX Train
Depart from your hotel in Seoul, take KTX bullet-train to Suwon Station (takes 30 minutes; I will buy the tickets in-advance).
Hwaseong Castle
Arrive in Suwon City, begin seeing the Hwaseong Castle at its North Gate.
Hwaseong Castle Wall
Walk down the great wall past towers with views & stories, to the Palace.
Hwaseong Castle Palace
Tour the Palace with expert guidance.
Lunch, or keep going to next
Option of great Korean Lunch in nearby restaurant (each pays for their own), or we just keep going on snacks, if you wish. We then take a taxi to the nearby Korean Folk Village, OR to the Royal Tombs and associated Buddhist Temple.
Korean Folk Village, OR the Royal Tombs and associated Buddhist Temple.
We tour the Korean Folk Village, OR the Royal Tombs and associated Buddhist Temple -- it's your choice.
Suwon KTX Station
We return via taxi to the Suwon KTX Train Station, take 30-minute ride back to Seoul.
Ending Point
Seoul Train Station, or your hotel (in Seoul)
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
KTX bullet-train tickets, round-trip
Entrance tickets to the Palace
Taxi fares (estimate $40 or 60,000 KRW)
Lunch, snacks, drinks
Tour Important Information
If train-tickets are sold-out, we can't do this -- so I need as much advance notice as possible, to secure tickets for us (especially on weekends) (they go on-sale a month in-advance). KTX train-tickets are included in the price.
This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes. It cannot be done for those with serious mobility problems.
We can move faster and see more, or go slower, taking it easy to enjoy (including a lunch of great K-food) --- it's your option, according to your own travel style; I am very flexible. Whole tour could be longer or shorter, as suits you.
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
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!
Kerry B.
“Packed with information ”
What a wonderful time we had with David. The tour was packed with information about the foundations of South Korea and what has lead it to being what it is today. We saw the normal tourist stuff but it was with a personal twist. Thanks so much David see you next time
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David a. M.
Thanks, Kerry! I really enjoyed showing your group around; such interested learners. I do hope you come back someday soon, for more & deeper! David
Alfonso S.
“An American professor with enormous experience ”
David has been an incredible guide for our three days we stay in Seoul, where he took us through deep experiences and teachings about this incredible nation and resilience. His vast knowledge and decades residing in Korea, has given him such acknowledge that made him become a professor and writer of several books about Korean people. Don't tho k twice to hire him as your guide in Korea.
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David a. M.
Thanks for the kind words, Alfonso -- I really enjoyed showing your family around! I hope that you all return to Korea someday.... :-) David
$395/ per group
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Six-Hour Intro to Seoul and Korean History
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Central Seoul Walking Tour ; From Gwanghwamun Square to Ikseon-dong Hanok Alley.
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Seoul Fortress Walk: From Hidden Walls to Street Food Wonders
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Seoul: A Journey Through History
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