Tour of 4 hours to explore essence and highlight of traditional Korean culture from best of best palace, traditional Korean house village, traditional Korean folk culture. Tour features Gyeongbokgung palace - main palace of Joseon Dynasty & the most beautiful place and best architecture of Korea, Bukchon Hanok Village. Guide share brief cultural information that help guest figure out and fully appreciate the authentic beauty and value of traditional Korean culture as well as palace architecture.
Gwanghwamun Square
Meetings and greetings at Gwanghwamun
Sharing of cultural context about history, culture and Confucianism, that Gyeongbokgung reflects.
Tour to Gyeongbokgung Palace
Tour to Bukchong Hanok Village
Tour to Ikseondong hanok street
Tour ends.
Jogyesa temple
guide fee
meal, drinks, entrance fee, transportation cost.
Entrance ticket will be bought at site. It is 3000Kor.Won/person.
My primary tourist destination is Seoul and metropolitan area, consisting of 5 palaces, Royal Ancestral Shrine, Bukchon Hanok Village, National Museum of Korea, War Memorial of Korea and other museums & galleries and contemporary architectures, and Namsan Mt. with N-Seoul Tower, traditional & trendy market places such as Gwangjang market & Hondae street, and also Korean Folk Village & DMZ tour.
Architectural style represents spirit of times. Confucianism was the spirit of Joseon Dynasty. Confucianism culture of Joseon Dynasty is unique characteristic of Korean culture, compared to Chinese, Japanese and European culture.
Tourist information is based on Confucianism. Guide is the only tour guide in Korea, who introduce Korean culture based on Confucianism.
Through the information of Confucianism, you can fully appreciate authentic beauty & value of Korean culture and architecture.
==Gyeongbokgung is highlight & essence of traditional Korean palace. Gyeongbokgung is 1st, largest & grandest palace of Joseon Dynasty, built in 1395 as main palace. Gyeongbokgung is the most beautiful architecture and place in whole Korea.
==Bukchon Hanok Village is a Korean traditional village in Seoul with a long history. Bukchon Hanok Village is unique and attractive destination that shows traditional landscape in the middle of highly urbanized metropolitan environment. Bukchon is one of the most beautiful places in Seoul that well blend traditional landscape with modern landscape.
==Ikseondong Hanok Village, unlike Bukchon Hanok Village, which is very touristy, Ikseondong is very quaint area, with traditional houses(hanoks) that have been converted into boutique shops, trendy cafes and restaurants.
==Jogyesa temple is the headquarter of entire Korean Buddhism, and the only temple in downtown of Seoul.
Paul is an amazing tour guide! We can't believe how much we were able to see and do on a short layout tour. Pauls knowledge of Seoul and Korean history is excellent. Can't wait to come back and spend more time in Korea. Thanks Paul.
Greatly grateful for Sam's good review! Center of culture and tour is architecture. Architectural style represents spirit of times. We can see as much as we know about spirit of times. Confucianism was the spirit of Joseon Dynasty. Gyeongbokgung represents Confucianism. Confucianism culture of Joseon Dynasty is unique characteristic of Korean culture, compared to Chinese, Japanese and European culture. Hence, my tourist information is based on Confucianism. I am the only tour guide in Korea, who introduce Korean culture based on Confucianism, the spirit of Joseon Dynasty.
Paul did a great job brining me to the DMZ and explaining the history of the Korean War. He was very diligent in making sure we got ahead of all the other tour groups, which was a big benefit. His background in Korean philosophy was extremely complementary when discussing the history of Korea. Thanks for a great tour!
Despite of peaceful and vibrant atmosphere of Seoul on the surface, Korea has been under volatile state of armistice over last 70 years. In other words, Korean War has never officially ended. It means Korea technically remains at war. Through tour, guest explored the dark side of Seoul; intense tensions, violent confrontations and the constant risk of war between two Koreas. At Imjingak, we also can see the scars and hear the sorrowful memories of the Korean War.
I recently had the pleasure of touring Seoul with an exceptional guide (Paul K), and the experience was nothing short of fantastic. Paul brought the city to life with his deep knowledge of Seoul's history, culture, and hidden gems. Paul was incredibly friendly and approachable, always ready to go the extra mile (including taking a lot of pics) to ensure that both my brother and me had our interests catered to. Paul offered in depth architectural history behind the serene beauty of Gyeongbokgung Palace making the tour both educational and entertaining. One of the highlights was our visit to Gwangjang market, where Paul introduced us to traditional Korean foods. Ending the tour was a visit to Seoul Tower, which seats on the top of Namsan mountain and provided panoramic views of Seoul. Overall, Paul’s expertise, enthusiasm, and personal touch made our Seoul tour unforgettable. If you're planning a trip to Seoul, I highly recommend booking a private tour with him. You won't be disappointed!
Greatly grateful for good review! Center of culture and tour is architecture. Architectural style represents spirit of times. We can see as much as we know about spirit of times. Confucianism was the spirit of Joseon Dynasty. Gyeongbokgung represents Confucianism. Confucianism culture of Joseon Dynasty is unique characteristic of Korean culture, compared to Chinese, Japanese and European culture. Hence, my tourist information is based on Confucianism. I am the only tour guide in Korea, who introduce Korean culture based on Confucianism, the spirit of Joseon Dynasty.
Exploring Seoul/DMZ with Paul was very educational. His knowledge of history and culture is enormous. I learned a lot. But even with the best will in the world, I couldn't remember everything. Paul is very careful about keeping to the schedule, which I really appreciate. He knows every hotspot and he captures the experiences in pictures. Thank you very much for accompanying me and for all the input.
Eveytour is pleasure for guide, when guest paid attention and good reaction to guest information. Center of culture and tour is architecture. Architecture represents spirit of times. Confucianism is spirit of Korean culture. Without understanding of Confucianism, people are just fascinated by superficial beauty of architecture. My tour is based on Confucian knowledge, and I am the only guide who share Confuciansm.