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Korean Mountain Cemetery Trek: An Exploration of Funeral Folklore and Culture
5.0
34 Ratings
Goyang-si
Embark on an exclusive hiking tour through a Korean mountain cemetery, uncovering the fascinating folklore and culture of funerals. Limited availability from September to November. Book now!
Embark on an exclusive hiking tour through a Korean mountain cemetery, uncovering the fascinating folklore and culture of funerals. Limited availability from September to November. Book now!
Duration:
4 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Goyang - Take a break from bustling Seoul and see how the real Korea lives
- Yongmi-ri Cemetery 1 - Your guide will give a respectful tour of the cemetery, sharing Korean folklore and traditions surrounding the dead.
- Goyang - Take a break from bustling Seoul and see how the real Korea lives
- Yongmi-ri Cemetery 1 - Your guide will give a respectful tour of the cemetery, sharing Korean folklore and traditions surrounding the dead.
What's Included
- Public bus to and from the meeting point
- All Fees and Taxes
- Public bus to and from the meeting point
- All Fees and Taxes
What's Not Included
- Private transportation
- Private transportation
Additional Information
Few travellers get the chance to explore Korea’s folklore of funerals and tombs, but those who do often speak of its impressive beauty. For this exclusive hiking tour, we will journey through a vast mountain cemetery, unearthing sites and culture seldom seen by tourists. This is a seasonal tour that only runs September through November, so don’t miss…
Few travellers get the chance to explore Korea’s folklore of funerals and tombs, but those who do often speak of its impressive beauty. For this exclusive hiking tour, we will journey through a vast mountain cemetery, unearthing sites and culture seldom seen by tourists. This is a seasonal tour that only runs September through November, so don’t miss out – join us today!
The tour includes the following:
- Respectfully explore an old yet active mountain cemetery
- Hear legends and little-known folklore about Korean burial customs
- Learn local traditions of souls and the afterlife
- Engaging tour led by professional guide
- Personalized small group hiking tour and commentary
Note that the tour includes moderate hiking, so wear appropriate footwear and clothing.
✅ Single traveler-friendly
✅ Female traveler-friendly
✅ LGBTQ+ traveler-friendly
Location
Samsong Station Exit 8
Don't rely on the address. We use subway exits for locations in Seoul.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(34 Ratings)
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Relax562580
Sep 11, 2025
Interesting and relaxed atmosphere. Leaned a lot! - Me and my husband booked a private cemetery tour with guide Shawn. Because of the hot weather Shawn customized the tour to visit a different cemetery. It was a great and interesting experience for us. We learned a lot about Korean traditions. I had some fear it might be awkward with just the 3 of us but Shawn put us both at ease and it felt like being among friends. This is my 4th tour with Zenkimchi, the others were the dark side of Seoul tours, and when we return to Korea we'll definitely book again. Thanks again Shawn for an awesome day!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
138mariannal
May 18, 2025
Unique experience - Great tour a good number of wow moments. Very well curated and very knowledgeable guide! Loved it and highly recommend it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dreamer66038144279
May 11, 2025
Folklore icon! - This is my second tour with Shawn and he truly is an absolutely amazing tour guide. Not only is he knowledgeable about history and folklore, he makes it very interesting to learn and makes the tours fun and enjoyable. He really tries to get to know the tour joiners which makes the experience feel more personal. I'd highly recommend taking one of his tours!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
M8033vmdaved
May 10, 2025
Amazing experience at the cemetery - We had the pleasure of having Shawn as our tour guide for the Korean cemetery trip. This exceptionally knowledgeable folklorist brought ancient folklore and Korean traditions to life, weaving together stories that painted vivid pictures of the past. His passion for the subject was palpable, and his ability to connect history with cultural significance made the experience educational, moving and funny.
Shawn's storytelling was enriched with fascinating details about the rituals, symbolism, and beliefs surrounding Korean burial traditions. He effortlessly answered every question with depth and enthusiasm, ensuring no curiosity went unanswered. I may dare to say that we parted as friends. 10/10 would recommend for anyone eager to learn and connect with history in a meaningful way.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Annakn3854tu
May 6, 2025
A little challenging but definitely worth it - As a person who doesn't hike (or do any other sports) at all, I expected to struggle more on this tour. But the trek up was pleasant and Shawn, the guide, was excellent.
I was the only customer that day and we had a great conversation about the folklore connected to burials and other things as well. And the views from the summit were stunning.
Shawn made sure to adjust his pace to my needs and provided enough opportunities for rest.
If you don't mind a bit of physical activity and want to learn more about folklore and traditions, I definitely recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
549annemieh
Mar 15, 2025
A peaceful walk through history on the sunny side of the hills, in good company - Shaun knows all the hills, the people who live here and the persons that are commemorated on the sunny side of the hills. The way they are buried reflects not only Korean tradition, but it also represent history and the changes in Korean society in recent decades. There are hidden graves, as for the sister of Sejong, the king who invented Hangeul, and there is the public cemetery, that is partly somewhat structured. I was able to offer Belgian chocolate to Shauns father-in-law, who is cremated and had a 'natural burial'. Plus, Shaun is really a nice person, so it’s fun to walk and talk with him! Anne-Mie Havermans, art historian from Antwerp, Belgium.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
5angj
Dec 7, 2024
Another amazing tour as usual! - This is my 2nd tour with Shawn and company (ZenKimchi) just a few days after the 1st. I thought it would be hard to top the 1st tour but the Korean Cemetery and Folklore Trek was truly an adventure and one-of-a-kind.
It was very educational and fun to learn about the folklore, customs, and beliefs of the people and how they changed over the years. It was very nice listening to Shawn’s perspective as well.
The views of the countryside are beautiful. There were sightings of wildlife as well (deers, cats, and cute dogs)
I felt safe at every point of the tour knowing there is a reliable expert bringing us around.
I will definitely come for the tours again next year when I’m back in Korea.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
F5179avkyles
Oct 17, 2024
Unique and fascinating tour - My wife and I went on this tour a few nights ago, and it was one of the most unique and wonderful tours we've ever been on. It was so cool to have a tour that taught us so much about Korean burial traditions and folklore while also satisfying our hiking itch! Shawn is so knowledgeable and does a great job of delivering information in a way that is both educational and very entertaining. He was super accommodating of everyone on our tour group, and was happy to answer all of our questions as we went. We'd recommend this tour to anyone and if we make it back to Korea in the future we will definitely be taking another tour with Shawn!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jeannen732
Oct 16, 2024
Fantastic Tour - Shawn conducts this amazing tour in a respectful way - so don’t worry about that. I can highly recommend this tour for anyone who has an interest in ancestral rites, burial practices, folklore or simply a great hike outside of the city. It’s definitely a Moderate hike with some steep/slippery spots, but Shawn’s there to help out if needed. Just book it- you won’t regret it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jillbamps
Oct 10, 2024
Highly recommended! - I recently took the walk amongst the grave tour with Shawn, and it was fantastic. His storytelling was very interesting, and he made everyone feel comfortable throughout the experience. The stories he shared was fascinating, and the beautiful views added to the tour's charm. Highly recommend!
Thank you Shawn, for yet an other wonderful tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
