Korean Cemetery and Folklore Trek

Overview

Available languages

English

4 hours

Mobile ticket

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

Additional Info

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Public bus to and from the meeting point

All Fees and Taxes

Private transportation

What To Expect

Goyang

Take a break from bustling Seoul and see how the real Korea lives

Admission Not Applicable

Your guide will give a respectful tour of the cemetery, sharing Korean folklore and traditions surrounding the dead.

4 hours • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Korean Cemetery and Folklore Trek

Reviews

5.00

37 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Everything I had hoped for and more.
T4820TYtraceyt,
Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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
A Korean cultural experience
Tracey T,
Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
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.
Different side of a mountain
M1600DEsylvias,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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!
Interesting and relaxed atmosphere. Leaned a lot!
Relax562580,
Sep 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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!
Unique experience
138mariannal,
May 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great tour a good number of wow moments. Very well curated and very knowledgeable guide! Loved it and highly recommend it!
Folklore icon!
Dreamer66038144279,
May 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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!
Amazing experience at the cemetery
M8033VMdaved,
May 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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.
A little challenging but definitely worth it
annakN3854TU,
May 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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.
A peaceful walk through history on the sunny side of the hills, in good company
549annemieh,
Mar 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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.
Another amazing tour as usual!
5angj,
Dec 7, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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.