/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/70043/fbff8d33-cbbe-4b9f-afe8-56f03213c110.png)
Joined 2025
Kwan J.
Available Areas
Seoul (Living), Gyeonggi, Incheon
Languages
English, Korean (Native)
Response Time
2 hours on average
Availability Updated
2 days ago
About Tour Guide Kwan J.
Hello, and welcome to Korea!
My name is Kwan, and I have been an authorized tour guide with the Korean Tourism Organization (KTO) since 2019. My tour programs are designed to provide you with authentic and meaningful experiences of Korea, focusing on its rich culture, history, and traditions rather than fleeting trends. If you're looking for a leisurely and relaxed itinerary filled with captivating stories about our heritage and people, I am the guide for you!
Additionally, I bring over 13 years of experience delivering exceptional service to VIP clients during my tenure at Cartier, the world-renowned jewelry brand. With this background, I ensure that your journey will be marked by an unparalleled level of care and attention.
Important
Basically available all days! However, as I have multiple job, please let me know in advance and I can flexibly schedule it!
Also, let me know your preferences! I will help you customize your own itinerary!
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Categories
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/18332/571b377b-89bf-47ff-938e-0e8b83017402.jpg)
Private DMZ tour + Korean Street Food Experience at Mangwon market
Explore the historic DMZ, where North and South Korea meet, and learn about the peninsula’s divided past. After the tour, dive into local life at Mangwon Market, tasting authentic Korean street foods like tteokbokki, hotteok, and crispy fried snacks. A perfect mix of history, culture, and delicious flavors.
Private DMZ tour + Korean Street Food Experience at Mangwon market
Heritage and Flavors of Andong
Embark on a cultural and culinary adventure to Andong, the heart of Korean heritage. Travel effortlessly by KTX from Seoul to discover Andong's rich traditions. Visit iconic landmarks like Hahoe Folk Village and Bongjeongsa Temple, and indulge in the region's famous salted mackerel. Immerse yourself in the charm of ancient Korea, its art, history, and flavors, all tailored for a seamless, unforgettable journey. Perfect for culture and food enthusiasts!
Heritage and Flavors of Andong
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/18274/daf1d2c4-09eb-4503-b712-96e1fc5b6f54.jpg)
K-Food Trip Version 1: Black-bean noodle & Marinated blue-crab in Incheon
Korean cuisine, much like its rich culture and long history, showcases remarkable diversity, reflecting the country's daily life and environment. To truly explore Korea, I recommend experiencing local foods at their place of origin. Discover how these dishes have evolved over time and the unique stories behind the regions you visit. K-Food Trip Version 1 takes you to Incheon's Chinatown and fish market, offering a immersive journey into the area's culinary traditions and vibrant food culture.
K-Food Trip Version 1: Black-bean noodle & Marinated blue-crab in Incheon
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/18407/6985b1ec-b827-4425-a3f1-fe3a21487813.jpg)
K Food Trip Version 2: Namdaemun & Hanyang Fortress Walk - A journey Through Time and Flavor
Start at Namdaemun Gate, a historic landmark, then ascend to the Hanyang Fortress remains, where ancient stone walls and scenic park offer a peaceful retreat. Wander through hidden alleys, uncovering old Seoul's charm, before arriving at Namdaemun Market, loved by locals for its ling-standing family-run shops, authentic flavors, and rich history.
K Food Trip Version 2: Namdaemun & Hanyang Fortress Walk - A journey Through Time and Flavor
East Coast Bliss: Discover the Calm of Gangneung
Embark on a serene journey to Gangneung aboard the KTX, witnessing Korea's iconic mountainous landscapes. Explore Gangneung's rich traditional heritage, visit a tranquil cabbage field set over 1,000 meters high, and savor the region’s authentic local dishes. With private vehicle convenience, this immersive tour blends natural beauty, cultural depth, and culinary delights, offering a unique East Coast experience.
East Coast Bliss: Discover the Calm of Gangneung
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/20836/480c6e71-63fb-437d-a2fe-df40e99934cb.jpg)
DMZ Views from Starbucks (DMZ Aegibong at Kimpo) + Korean Street Food Experience at Mangwon market
Aegibong offers one of the closest civilian-accessible views of North Korea, with a clear look at a nearby farming village just 1.4 km across the border. At the observatory, visitors can enjoy coffee at the world’s closest Starbucks to North Korea—an unexpected blend of global culture and geopolitical tension. Compared to busier DMZ sites, Aegibong remains quiet and uncrowded, making it ideal for peaceful reflection and unique photo opportunities.
DMZ Views from Starbucks (DMZ Aegibong at Kimpo) + Korean Street Food Experience at Mangwon market
Reviews
Kristin F.
“A Memorable and Worthwhile DMZ Tour with Kwan”
We had such a fun and meaningful day visiting the DMZ with Kwan. He was very personable and shared detailed information about the DMZ area, which made the experience much more interesting and memorable. His car was also very clean and comfortable, which made the long day feel easy. After the DMZ tour, he helped us find one of the best restaurants for lunch, and it ended up being a great meal. He also took us to Mangwon Market, which had far fewer tourists, and we enjoyed walking around the neighborhood and seeing a more local side of Seoul. It was a long day, but definitely worth it. Kwan made the whole experience smooth, informative, and enjoyable. Highly recommend him!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/70043/fbff8d33-cbbe-4b9f-afe8-56f03213c110.png)
Kwan J.
Hi Kieryn, Thank you so much for your thoughtful review. It truly meant a lot to me. It was also a wonderful experience guiding such a delightful and adorable family like yours. I especially appreciated the warm, positive energy you brought throughout the entire day — it made the tour even more enjoyable. I hope you’ll have another chance to visit Korea again in the near future. It would be my pleasure to guide you once more. Warm regards, Kwan
Jeffrey L.
“Private DMZ Tour with Kwan”
My wife and I had a superb day with Kwan, he really couldn't have done anymore. Great communication, he picked us on time is his new Santa Fe EV, which was very spacious and comfortable. The tour was mostly as expected, I'd missed the fact that we had to transfer to a coach in order to reach the tunnel site. Its worth noting that although the tunnels are larger than those you find in Vietnam, the route down is quite steep so not for everyone and also the tunnel long, so its a good workout, for me anyway. Kwan fitted in an additional viewpoint and we stopped for street food at the market for dinner on the way back. Would highly recommend Kwan.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/70043/fbff8d33-cbbe-4b9f-afe8-56f03213c110.png)
Kwan J.
Thank you so much, Jeffrey! It was truly my pleasure guiding you and your wife through the DMZ and the local market. I’m really glad to hear the steep tunnel turned into a good workout rather than a shock — it’s definitely more intense than people expect. I’m happy you enjoyed the extra viewpoint and the street‑food stop as well. Your kind words mean a lot, and I’m delighted the day felt worthwhile and comfortable for both of you. Wishing you many more great travels ahead!
Soda S.
“Extremely comfortable, easy and informative.”
Kwan was an excellent host and guide. He was prompt, professional and extremely friendly. Our day was seamless and easy. A day tour to DMV is a big day but Kwan made it as comfortable and as informative as possible. His car is super luxurious and Kwan took care of us very well. Kwan has perfect English and shares lots of information throughout the day. He also gave me excellent tips for Seoul, restaurant recommendations and Korean skincare shopping. I would recommend Kwan as a guide for anyone visiting Seoul.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/70043/fbff8d33-cbbe-4b9f-afe8-56f03213c110.png)
Kwan J.
Thank you so much, Kathleen and Graham, for your wonderful review. I’m truly glad to hear that you enjoyed the DMZ tour and felt comfortable throughout the day. It was a pleasure preparing everything for you, and I’m happy the tips and recommendations were helpful during your time in Seoul. I hope the rest of your trip in Korea is filled with great food, memorable experiences, and smooth adventures. Wishing you both many more amazing journeys ahead. Kwan
Other Popular Tour Guides in Seoul
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/76161/37be3455-4b9a-4384-b29a-d3ce8193a3be.png)
Peter P.
Hello! My name is Peter, and I’m a licensed tour guide based in South Korea. I specialize in sharing Korea’s rich history, culture, and hidden gems with travelers from all around the world. With a mix of storytelling, humor, and local insight, I aim to make each tour not just informative, but truly memorable. Whether you're visiting royal palaces, scenic hiking trails, foodie spots, or modern neighborhoods, I’ll help you see Korea through the eyes of a local. Let’s explore together and have some fun along the way!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/32992/84f196d0-65c7-456d-98a2-98c0a4c9b597.png)
Thomas K.
Hi, I’m Thomas — a licensed tour guide based in Seoul since 2016. With nearly 30 years of experience as a personnel manager at a major company, I’ve learned how to understand people and provide thoughtful service. Now, as your private tour guide, I’m here to help you discover Korea your way — at your own pace and based on your interests. Whether you're into history, culture, food, or hidden local gems, I’ll tailor your tour just for you. Simply let me know what you’d like to see, do, or eat, and I’ll take care of the rest. ㅁ What I offer: - Fully customized private tours -Free transportation (van service included) - Free professional photo service (with high-quality camera) - Comfortable, safe, and memorable experiences Let’s make your time in Korea unforgettable — and I’ll be there to capture it through photos you’ll treasure. Thank you, and I look forward to meeting you!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/35297/ef724b05-f5b5-4a0a-9a36-50e0c84646aa.png)
Kevin L.
I received a license in 2016 from the Korea Tourism Organization as a qualified professional tour guide. I have guided a variety of tours for people and tourists from all over the world and have been doing so for over 9 years. Before being a tour guide I spent most of my career working in the banking industry for almost 30 years, starting with Korea First Bank which later became a US based Newbridge Capital and UK based Standard Chartered Bank until I retired in 2016. My experience in the banking industry was very much customer-first and dealing with the public which laid the cornerstone and passion to becoming a tour guide. After retiring from the bank, I worked as a lecturer for a volunteering organization run by the local public office and taught students about the environment and disabilities. With various experiences and personal management skills, these challenges have provided a real life, hands on cultural nuances which will promote friendship and expand life experiences between different cultures. I'm based in Seoul but will be happily arrange the tours to Busan, Gyeongju, Sokcho, Jeonju etc. as a customized tour. Feel free to drop me a request message.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/46990/67d2727a-239b-425f-b24e-e1ec23e7e526.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/70043/bf7ead10-3e95-41e1-a52b-0906efe312c6.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/70043/44dc47d6-1402-4d4d-a37d-f974d2430030.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/70043/f495461e-eea0-481b-898d-d15f69f92913.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/70043/84efa6e5-c3bd-4a86-afd3-13036a5d1b20.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/70043/06edfeec-42f6-4276-a362-9702629a07ae.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/70043/94a60501-6e72-4ebe-89f2-3eec32dd7b1a.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/70043/23b05c41-fc90-42ef-b99c-2700b0041435.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/70043/2f6df74c-8afb-47ad-8b85-acd5c4b2ad63.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/70043/4ba396b0-0948-4886-89f2-5069ce69fabe.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/70043/70c59314-db5f-46b3-b6c9-2a51f4455057.jpeg)