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Korean Mountain Cemetery Trek: An Exploration of Funeral Folklore and Culture
5.0
43 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
(43 Ratings)
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Crystalgn5879up
Dec 27, 2025
Fantastic experience - If you have an interest in learning about Korean culture I strongly encourage you to spend an afternoon on this tour. Not only will you have an opportunity to see some incredible country, but your tour will give you a unique perspective and insights into Korean folklore.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kvitravn
Dec 22, 2025
If you want to experience a different side of Korea, this is for you. - This was my second tour with Shawn, and as before, it was a fantastic experience. Shawn‘s knowledge and his storytelling helps immensly to understand contexts and background to the modern Korean Society.
Looking at how people treat their dead explains a lot about a society, and you can tell from changing burial habits how society is changing. I learned a lot on this tour, while having a wonderful little hike on this impressively big graveyard.
We also had the chance to visit parts that aren’t accessible in other seasons, I recommend taking the tour in Winter. And as a bonus, we left in the dark, which gave the whole experience a little spooky touch ( we even heard someone singing a mourning song on the dark graveyard!) .
Leaving Seoul behind is always a good change of pace - there you will be able to actually hear nature again.
To people interested in looking at different aspects of the Korean Culture I can only say: Do it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review provided by Tripadvisor
959mark_tag
Dec 11, 2025
Best Korean culture experience - I can't recommend this enough! I am a Korean studies researcher interested in ghost lore and folklore, and Shawn, the tour guide, has the best understanding and passion for these topics. Therefore, if you are intersted to actually learn something about Korean culture, you won't find a better, more knowledgeable tour guide. I've learned a lot on this tour myself. So if you want to learn something about Korean culture, even if it seems a little creepy, this is the tour to choose.
The tour is very respectful towards the cemetery and is a nice little hike. On top of that, you'll get the opportunity to venture out of Seoul and into Gyeonggi province, allowing you to see a different side of Korea without venturing far. 1000% recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maps15421284316
Nov 24, 2025
A completely unique experience - Last year I saw that this tour was offered, but it had already closed for the year. After waiting for a year, I finally booked in October and was really looking forward to the tour, but it was rained out. Re-booked for November and finally the stars aligned!. We had a pleasant pre-tour exchange to make sure everything was ready, before we joined Shawn for his tour of Korean graves. He was very knowledgable and provided non-stop information on Korean history and culture during the tour, drawing on his 25 years expeiece living in Korea and 13 years in the area. We especially liked the Choseon princess' grave! I don't think you could find such an experience anywhere else. I strongly recommend this tour for anyone who wants to experience a very different window into Korean culture and society.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
T4820tytraceyt
Nov 19, 2025
Everything I had hoped for and more. - This tour was everything I had hoped it would be and more. Shawn is a wonderful guide who combines his extensive research into Korean folk tales with his own personal experience to give a wonderfully immersive experience. I learnt so much about Korean culture. When I come back I will be signing up for his Ghost walk
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tracey_t
Nov 15, 2025
A Korean cultural experience - Shawn was a fantastic guide. He combined his extensive knowledge and research with his own personal experience to make a deeply intimate tour. This tour provided everything I had hoped for and more.
Review provided by Viator
M1600desylvias
Nov 6, 2025
Different side of a mountain - I've already met Shawn on one of his other tours (The Dark Side of Seoul Ghost Tour) and I am impressed by his knowledge and talent of storytelling. This graveyard tour was combined with a little hike and we saw not only graves but also a lot Korean burying tradition throughout the centuries. And on top of the mountain you get an astonishing view with the sun setting. I loved everything about it and can highly recommend this tour as well!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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
