Hidden Seoul: Shamanism, Myths & Sacred Mountains
Description
FEATURED ON NATIONAL TELEVISION NEWS ▶️ https://youtu.be/I5g_ga98Gyg?si=g5IRL2gKNDqix_F3 -------------------------------- Unlike typical Seoul tours focused on palaces, food, or modern attractions, this experience explores one of the most hidden and least understood aspects of Korean culture: Korean shamanism. On the sacred slopes of Inwangsan Mountain, you'll visit active shrines, hear ancient myths and legends, and discover how shamanic traditions continue to coexist with modern life in Seoul. This is not a museum exhibition or a staged cultural performance, but a journey into living spiritual practices that remain part of Korean society today. Along the way, you'll learn about mountain worship, guardian spirits, folk beliefs, and the role of shamans in Korean culture. For those interested in a deeper experience, there may also be an opportunity to meet a practicing Korean shaman and gain firsthand insight into one of Korea's oldest living traditions.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Join this unique Korean shamanism experience at Inwangsan, one of Seoul’s most mystical sites. You’ll explore the roots of Korean shamanism, its history, and its role in modern life. Visit sacred sites like Guksadang, meet a real Korean shaman, and receive a personal fortune-telling session. During the tour, your guide will explain the meaning behind rituals, deities, and talismans. You’ll witness authentic ceremonies with candles, chants, and offerings, giving you rare insight into this ancient tradition. You can ask personal questions about love, health, or career and even purchase or request a custom talisman. The experience also includes time for photos and a Q&A session, making it both educational and unforgettable. This small-group tour is perfect for travelers seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path cultural experience in Seoul. Discover the spiritual heart of Korea and connect with its fascinating folk beliefs!
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(70)
It was really meaningful tour and reading with the shaman. I went in a skeptic, and it opened up my mind in ways I didn’t expect. I would highly recommend this. Ethan is a very thoughtful guide, and I appreciate all that he has put into making this the best experience possible for every one of us. 감사합니다.
Definitely the best tour I experienced. Guide is very knowledgeable and knows the place by heart. He definitely gave a perspective of Seoul uncommon to foreigners. Great tour guide!
Really great experience, Ethan was a knowledgeable guide. Aa you head into the mountain area there is a lot of stairs but Ethan breaks each part down with a stop to share his knowledgeable. The views are amazing. I did the sharman reading and he was fantastic. Anyone who is interested in Sharman and the history of Korean this is a trip to do. I would do this trip again and recommend to anyone thinking a out it.
Amazing tour hosted by Ethan, learnt a lot about Korean culture that is related to shamanism and Korea's history. Despite coming to Korea many times, this tour took us to a side of Korea that I have never seen before. Thank you so much for the interesting evening!
Amazing tour! Ethan was a wonderful tour guide. His knowledge of the history, culture and stories keep you engaged. He was so passionate about the subject matter. The tour provides you a great understanding of what underpins the life and world of this wonderful country. Wear your walking shoes, bring water and enjoy this evening event that takes you from the city streets up the mountain to visit the spirit and prayer side of this country. Highly recommend.
Very interesting and informative tour! Ethan conducts the tour with passion and planned the walk such that there are sufficient breaks at the right parts of the tour. Definitely will recommend him to my friends if they are interested to find out more about shamanism! I booked the tour with the shaman reading which was an eye-opener and interesting experience! The shaman was also very friendly! :)
Ethan was an excellent and organized tour guide. He took a small group (8 of us) up Inwangsan and made it a unique and enriching experience. He spoke about Korean history, folklore, and was attentive to our group's questions. Expect to go on a short hike, so bring comfortable footwear, water, and a light (phone will work). I did not take part in the Shaman reading, but that seemed like an interesting option as well.
Do you want to do a tour with a difference? Then this excellent tour is for you. Many steps to climb, but you learn about the folklore of Korea. Ethan was very knowledgeable and he was very considerate of everyone that took this tour up the mountain. We had fabulous views over that part of the city, and we visited a beautiful shrine. We also received a reading from a Shaman at the end. Well worth doing.
A magnificently guided tour by Ethan Min, who accompanied us on a climb, even a spiritual one, on the imposing guardian mountain of Seoul. Ethan was well-prepared and very attentive to the needs of the participants, truly a splendid experience.
Ethan is a pleasant guide who seeks to connect the past with the present through his stories. if you sign up for the reading, do note that it’s not a private session.
