South Korea · PRIVATE

15 Private Tours in South Korea to Build a Day Around

72 tours  ·  from $57

The 15 best private tours you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.

Busan Private Tour with licensed tour guide + private vehicle - Haedong Yonggungsa and Busan’s eastern coast
Busan Tours, Guided, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours

Busan Private Tour with licensed tour guide + private vehicle

1.Busan Private Tour with licensed tour guide + private vehicle

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,143 reviews · from $169Our pick

Build a 4 to 8-hour Busan day around your own interests, with pickup at your hotel, airport, or cruise port. An English or Chinese-speaking licensed guide and private vehicle connect major sights such as Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Gamcheon Culture Village, markets, beaches, temples, and the Songdo cable car. Guides including Jino, Mimi, Jade, and CK are praised for flexible planning and local food advice.

“Very easy to arrange to see the sites you want to prioritize from a long possible list. Ellie was a great guide and driver, did her best to make our day a full one. Well worth booking with a local expert to save precious time when on a cruise stopover.”

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Private DMZ Tour (No Shopping): 3rd Tunnel & Suspension Bridge - The Third Infiltration Tunnel: the most physical stop
DMZ Tours, Private, Shopping Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Private DMZ Tour (No Shopping): 3rd Tunnel & Suspension Bridge

2.Private DMZ Tour (No Shopping): 3rd Tunnel & Suspension Bridge

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 607 reviews · from $198

Spend 8 to 9 hours exploring the DMZ from Seoul in a private air-conditioned vehicle with guides such as Tiger, Marie, Alfonso, or Won. See Imjingak Park, the Third Tunnel, Dora Observatory, and choose Gamaksan Chulleong Bridge or Majang Lake. The DMZ entry itself may involve joining a larger official bus.

“This is a wonderful tour of the DMZ and surrounding areas. Marie was our guide and she was excellent! She met us at our hotel and drove around in her pristine SUV. To get to the DMZ we had to join a larger groom up but Marie was by our side the entire time. We got personalized attention and she made sure to explain everything we were seeing. After the DMZ, due to the heat and humidity we decided to skip the mountain bridge destination and instead went to Odusan Observatory where we were able to get a closer look of North Korea. Unfortunately we weren’t able to see the…”

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Jeju Island English Private & Flexible Tour any number anywhere - Picking the right side of the island
Jeju Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours

Jeju Island English Private & Flexible Tour any number anywhere

3.Jeju Island English Private & Flexible Tour any number anywhere

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 561 reviews

Build your own eight-hour Jeju day with a private driver-guide, choosing east, west, or south coast sights. Guides such as John, Ken, Steve, Harrison, and Mr. Cho can adjust the plan for weather, walking ability, photos, and food. Expect fuel, parking, and insurance to be covered, while meals and entry fees cost extra.

“John was really knowledgeable & took us exactly where we wanted to go. We toured the east side of the island. Highly recommend.”

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Private Busan Tour -Explore Cultural Landmarks with a Local Guide - Bridges, beaches, and wide city views
Busan Tours, Guided, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours

Private Busan Tour -Explore Cultural Landmarks with a Local Guide

4.Private Busan Tour -Explore Cultural Landmarks with a Local Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 552 reviews · from $169

Explore Busan in a private air-conditioned vehicle with a local guide such as Jason, Dylan, or Jake. Build your day around temples, markets, coast, seafood, and Gamcheon Culture Village. Choose four to eight hours, but allow a full day if you want the Blue Line Capsule and several major sights without rushing.

“When traveling to Busan I highly recommend Viator and Jake Lee. He picked up us from our cruise terminal (he was early) and from that point the half day tour could not have been any better. His vehicle was clean, his driving was safe and his narration was clear and educational. He also provided my wife and I with water, a map, and snacks. Jake took his time and he was very knowledgeable. Do not go to Busan without Jake!”

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Seoul City Private Full-Day Tour Including Lunch - Bukchon Hanok Village and the cost of a good view
City Tours, Full-Day, Private, Seoul Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Seoul City Private Full-Day Tour Including Lunch

5.Seoul City Private Full-Day Tour Including Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 469 reviews · from $220

See Seoul’s Joseon-era sights and modern city views in one private eight-hour day. Your English-speaking driver-guide takes you to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Insadong, Jogyesa Temple, and N Seoul Tower, with Korean lunch included. Guides such as Brian, Janet, Suni, Alfonso, and Joe are noted for flexible pacing and strong local insight.

“Full-day private tour is the way to go if this is your first visit. The tour hits the major sites which you can adjust when coordinating with your tour guide/driver. It is a very full day so I suggest you wear comfortable shoes. If you include Namsan Tower in your tour, don’t forget to buy a love lock that you can lock on the fence that aligns the tower. Our driver, Suni, was awesome - knowledgeable and friendly.”

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Private DMZ the 3rd Tunnel Tour from Seoul (optional Red Bridge) - The ride from Seoul and the first border approach
DMZ Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours

Private DMZ the 3rd Tunnel Tour from Seoul (optional Red Bridge)

6.Private DMZ the 3rd Tunnel Tour from Seoul (optional Red Bridge)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 429 reviews

Spend about eight hours with a private guide and driver visiting Seoul’s DMZ highlights, including the Third Tunnel, Dora Observatory, Imjingak Park, Freedom Bridge, and Jangdan locomotive. Hotel pickup is offered for groups of up to six. The Gamaksan Chulleong Red Bridge is an optional add-on, and you must bring your passport.

“Sua was such a sweet and informative tour guide ! I loved it and it made me appreciate Seoul more knowing the history .”

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Jeju Island Popular Sightseeing Private Car Charter Tour 5/9hours - A west Jeju route with tea, cliffs, and cafes
Jeju Tours, Private, Private Car with Driver, Private Drivers, Tour Reviews, Tours

Jeju Island Popular Sightseeing Private Car Charter Tour 5/9hours

7.Jeju Island Popular Sightseeing Private Car Charter Tour 5/9hours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 382 reviews

Spend five or nine hours exploring Jeju with a private car and licensed guide-driver for up to six people. Choose east, west, or custom routes with stops such as Seongsan Ilchulbong, Seopjikoji, Hallim Park, markets, K-drama sites, tangerine farms, and coastal roads. Guides including Miles, Sam, Sunny, Charlie, Peter, and Steven are praised for flexibility, local insight, and safe driving.

“Our driver/guide was not informative at all! She basically just asked me where we wanted to go, drove us to 3 places, and had zero explanation for any of it. Maybe we were just unlucky with who we got? She was nice, but not very talktativRead more”

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Seoul Highlights & Hidden Gems Tours by Locals: Private + Custom - Gyeongbokgung Palace and Gwanghwamun Plaza
Private, Seoul Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Seoul Highlights & Hidden Gems Tours by Locals: Private + Custom

8.Seoul Highlights & Hidden Gems Tours by Locals: Private + Custom

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 359 reviews · from $76

This private Seoul walking tour matches you with a local host such as GJ, Jeeseon, Young, Hans, or Steve. Choose a 2 to 6-hour route around palaces, markets, museums, hanok neighborhoods, food stops, or lesser-known streets. Your host contacts you before the tour to shape the plan, while public transport or taxis can connect distant areas at extra cost.

“We had some last minute change of plans and I could not go anymore, but our guide was able to accommodate everything and still make it a great experience for my friend. Thank you!”

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Premium Private DMZ Tour & (Suspension Bridge or N-Tower) include lunch - The Third Tunnel is the day’s hardest walk
DMZ Tours, Observation Decks in the DMZ, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Towers & Observatories

Premium Private DMZ Tour & (Suspension Bridge or N-Tower) include lunch

9.Premium Private DMZ Tour & (Suspension Bridge or N-Tower) include lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 348 reviews · from $198

Spend 9 to 10 hours with a private English-speaking driving guide, visiting Imjingak, the DMZ, the Third Tunnel, and Dora Observatory. Lunch is included at a traditional Korean restaurant. Choose Gamaksan or Majang Lake Suspension Bridge, or N Seoul Tower with extra admission costs. Guides include Andy, Benny, Jimmy, BJ, Sebastian, and Chance Kim.

“Jimmy was very helpful and knew where to go to navigate through the crowds. It is a lot of walking (hike up to suspension bridge and hike into/out of the tunnel) but moderate activity level. Jimmy’s vehicle was clean and spacious. He even let us stop for coffee in the morning. Would recommend this tour to anyone.”

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Private Airport Transfer : Incheon to/from Seoul (up to 7 pax) - The 90-minute airport wait gives you breathing room
Airport Transfers, Private, Seoul Tours, Tour Reviews

Private Airport Transfer : Incheon to/from Seoul (up to 7 pax)

10.Private Airport Transfer : Incheon to/from Seoul (up to 7 pax)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 344 reviews

Book a private, one-way ride between Incheon Airport, Seoul, a cruise terminal, or your address. Your driver waits up to 90 minutes after landing, helps with luggage, and takes you directly to your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle. Drivers such as Moon, Li, and Kris communicate by WhatsApp, though English ability can vary.

“The operator is helpful, friendly and professional. We had a last minute change in pickup time. They went above and beyond to make arrangement to help.”

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Flexible Private Guided Tour in Seoul (Optional Incheon Layover) - Insadong, Korean tea, and time to slow down
Guided, Layover Tours, Layover Tours in Seoul, Private, Seoul Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Flexible Private Guided Tour in Seoul (Optional Incheon Layover)

11.Flexible Private Guided Tour in Seoul (Optional Incheon Layover)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 323 reviews · from $225

Spend about 9 to 10 hours exploring Seoul in a private van or SUV with a guide such as Soo, Hun, Sophia, or Taylor. Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, Insadong, Bongeunsa Temple, Starfield Library, Gwangjang Market, and N Seoul Tower, or adjust the route to suit your interests. Incheon airport pickup is available for layovers.

“We booked with Awesome Tour for the tour of Seoul. We travelled with our parents who are in their 70s so we opted for private tour, instead of group tour. Our tour guide was Soo, he was attentive and patient with our parent's needs. During the tour, he provided details and interesting facts that made us appreciate the history of the sights we visited. Soo was easy to communicate with and it is okay to mention specific spots that you would like to visit. They are flexible with the itinerary, which is one of the advantages of private tour despite price difference compared to group tour. The tour was fun…”

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8 hours Private Tour in Seoul for the VIP - Palaces, Temples, and Seoul’s Older Side
Private, Seoul Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, VIP

8 hours Private Tour in Seoul for the VIP

12.8 hours Private Tour in Seoul for the VIP

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 319 reviews

Spend about eight hours exploring Seoul with a private guide and air-conditioned vehicle for your group of up to six. Guides such as Sua, Jenny, Sunny, Emily, Kelly, and Diane have helped guests shape days around palaces, markets, K-pop, Korean food, Namsan Tower, and the Han River. Pickup is available within Seoul.

“My husband and I had a lovely day with Yuna seeing and learning about Seoul. Yuna did an excellent job of choosing sights for first-time visitors to South Korea like us. Her communication skills are superb. An excellent day from beginning to end! Would easily recommend this tour. Thank you, Yuna. You are a rock star!”

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Full-day Customizable Private Seoul Highlight Tour - Starting at the Blue House
Full-Day, Private, Seoul Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Full-day Customizable Private Seoul Highlight Tour

13.Full-day Customizable Private Seoul Highlight Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 301 reviews · from $230

Spend 8 to 9 hours exploring Seoul with a private English-speaking guide and driver. Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon, markets, Insadong, and N Seoul Tower, or adjust the route to suit your interests. Guides such as Jiwon, Joey, Jake, and Yujin have been praised for clear explanations, good food stops, flexible pacing, and thoughtful help with photos and mobility.

“Christine & Young gave us such a great tour around Seoul. The experience could only scratch the surface of how large this city is but we got to experience plenty of culture and history. The personalized trip from a private tour is absolutely the way to go. She took so many pictures of us in front of city icons & views that we never would have done & it's nice to have those photo memories. We certainly recommend Christine & Young! Thank you for a great time.”

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Gyeongju UNESCO sites Private tour with licensed tour guide - Bulguksa Temple: the essential first stop
Guided, Gyeongju Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, UNESCO Sites in Gyeongju, UNESCO World Heritage Tours

Gyeongju UNESCO sites Private tour with licensed tour guide

14.Gyeongju UNESCO sites Private tour with licensed tour guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 275 reviews · from $186

Spend 4 to 9 hours exploring Gyeongju with a private air-conditioned vehicle and English or Chinese speaking licensed guide. Visit Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, royal tombs, the National Museum, Cheomseongdae, Gyochon Village, and Woljeonggyo Bridge. Flexible pickup, pacing, and one-way drop-off make this useful for Busan day trips.

“We had an amazing day touring the UNESCO sites in Gyeongju with Sang. Pickup was seamless, he met us right at our hotel with our luggage, which was incredibly convenient. We spent the whole day sightseeing before he drove us straight to our next hotel in Busan that evening. Sang was a fantastic guide. He was great at reading our interests and tailoring the day to fit what we’d most enjoy, which made everything feel more personal and less like a checklist. His English is excellent, and he is friendly, knowledgeable and easy to talk to throughout the day. Highly recommend touring with Sang!”

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Private Gyeongju Tour - Explore Gyeongju UNESCO Sites - Bulguksa Temple: Silla stonework in a living setting
Gyeongju Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, UNESCO Sites in Gyeongju, UNESCO World Heritage Tours

Private Gyeongju Tour – Explore Gyeongju UNESCO Sites

15.Private Gyeongju Tour – Explore Gyeongju UNESCO Sites

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 272 reviews · from $186

Spend 8 to 9 hours exploring Gyeongju with a private English-speaking guide, air-conditioned vehicle, and hotel pickup and drop-off. Visit Bulguksa, Seokguram, Daereungwon, Cheomseongdae, Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, and the National Museum. Guides such as Jason, Lily, Joy, Finn, Cynthia, and Daisy tailor the day to your group.

“We had such a wonderful experience with Arthur! He was incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and patient throughout our tour. He knew all the most efficient routes and timing, which made a huge difference in navigating the busy holiday crowds. He truly went above and beyond— adjusting plans on the fly to fit our schedule, and making everything smooth and stress-free. He’s also very personable and engaging; we learned not only about the rich history of the places we visited but also about everyday modern life in Korea, which made the experience even more special. He exceeded all our expectations, and we could not be happier. Highly recommend him to anyone visiting…”

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Out into the country

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