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.
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)
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
KTX bullet-train tickets, round-trip
Entrance tickets to the Palace
Taxi fares (estimate $40 or 60,000 KRW)
Lunch, snacks, drinks
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.
I do this full-time now, any day -- but only in Spring & Autumn.
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!
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.
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
Rocío B.
“All you need to know about Seul”
David was a perfect guide that answered all our questions about Seul. Took us to the nicest places and show us really special ones. We are glad Elle could be our guide! Thanks David.
David a. M.
I really enjoyed guiding your group, and am glad you got so much value out of these tours. I hope you return to Korea for more, someday! David
Alfonso S.
“A real American profesor in Korean culture ”
It was so incredible to find out the decades on experience and studies that David has cultivated and even published about Korea history, customs and culture, that we have had the best three days in Seoul in company of this loving living Profesor. We had such a magnificent experience and learned so many aspects of this wonderful people and their history that we are going back home with so much information and loving experiences that made this trip memorable thanks to David. You are a great guide and even more an incredible unique human being. Thank you for being who you are with us.
David a. M.
I really enjoyed guiding your group, and am glad you got so much value out of these tours. I hope you return to Korea for more, someday! David
$395/ per group