
Hidden Seoul: Shamanism, Myths & Sacred Mountains
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 125 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Hidden Seoul: Shamanism, Myths & Sacred Mountains worth booking?
Hidden Seoul: Shamanism, Myths & Sacred Mountains is a 2-hour experience in Seoul, South Korea, from $35 per person. It scores 80 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 125 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 80 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (125)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $35 per person
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.
What you get
About this experience
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.
What's included
Included
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Public transportation (bus, subway, cable car, etc.)
- Bottled water
What you'll see and do
Inwangsan Mountain
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!
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Seoul
Just out of exit 3-1, in front of lotte castle apartment and "would you like coffee" I will pick you up
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Ahyeon Station
Options you can book
Shaman Reading Session Only
The Divination Session Only: A 30mins of intense, fully focused 1:1 shamanic fortune-telling session with full English interpretation.
Extended ver. (+Divination)
Private divination with shaman: Designed for participants who wish to receive a small divination session after the regular hiking tour
Spiritual adventure(Regular)
No shaman reading included: This is for people who would like to experience korean culture through a shamanic village on the sacred mountain.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 5 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Seoul Spiritual Experience
Know before you go
- 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
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 122 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
122 verified traveler reviews for Hidden Seoul: Shamanism, Myths & Sacred Mountains. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
We were the worst guests, and Ethan worked with us!
Ethan deserves a people’s choice award. There was a mistake in booking through Klook, and he reached out to reschedule immediately. I was trying to arrange a tour and a reading for a larger group of people, all of whom were challenging to get clear information from) and Ethan remained patient and flexible. He did his very best to accommodate us, changing dates repeatedly, and trying to schedule and navigate to get us the tour experience we desired. After two months of trying to schedule finally the day of several people canceled what we had arranged and then those of us who could make it got caught in Seoul traffic and were quite late to the tour. Ethan remained in close contact, enabling us to find the tour after it had begun and then ensuring afterwards that we had a very memorable experience with our shamanic reading. Also, the Shaman herself is lovely. Ethan deserves 5 stars.
via Tripadvisor
Otherworldly outing
We had a spooky and fun time with Ethan learning a lot about the importance and culture of shanammnism and mountain spirits in Korea. Recommend for anyone into anything mystical and spiritual.
via Tripadvisor
Informative, interesting, unique experience!
What a special tour! It was a great combination of information on Korean history, culture, shamanism, and spirituality. A very unique experience I haven't seen elsewhere. You can also opt to receive a divination from a shaman! Absolutely recommend.
via Tripadvisor
Best Seoul Shamanism & Myths Tour
I had the chance to meet Ethan, who warmly introduced us to Seoul’s hidden side. We walked up Inwangsan Mountain and heard fascinating legends and myths about shamanism and the city. I really enjoyed the tour! Ethan was engaging, and I was captivated by everything he shared. He also had great energy and was very polite. I’d definitely recommend this tour to everyone!
via Tripadvisor
An insight into Korean Shamanism
The tour was amazing and very interesting for someone like me who's into spiritualism and culture! Our guide had so many cool insights on shamanism in Korea and its connection to everyday life, and while hiking up the mountain was admittedly challenging, the breaks Ethan took to tell us something and a patient group really helped. The length was also perfectly timed so I didn't feel stressed or rushed at all, and Ethan was always available for any questions that came up. Plus, the views were stunning!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $35 to $180,000
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 44
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 80
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Hidden Seoul: Shamanism, Myths & Sacred Mountains: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Seoul.
How much does Hidden Seoul: Shamanism, Myths & Sacred Mountains cost?
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Prices start at $35 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Seoul usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Hidden Seoul: Shamanism, Myths & Sacred Mountains take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Seoul is not rushed.
Is Hidden Seoul: Shamanism, Myths & Sacred Mountains worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 80 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 125 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Seoul, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Hidden Seoul: Shamanism, Myths & Sacred Mountains?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Hidden Seoul: Shamanism, Myths & Sacred Mountains suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Hidden Seoul: Shamanism, Myths & Sacred Mountains?
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Around 44 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Seoul can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Seoul and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Hidden Seoul: Shamanism, Myths & Sacred Mountains start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Seoul within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Seoul?
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On Outty we rank every Seoul experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Best DMZ Tour Seoul: Defector Q&A, 3rd Tunnel & Suspension Bridge, DMZ Tour: Defector Q&A, Tunnel & Suspension Bridge /Hotel pick up, 2026 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best: DMZ Tour from Seoul. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Seoul?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Seoul?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Hidden Seoul: Shamanism, Myths & Sacred Mountains?
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Included: In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Public transportation (bus, subway, cable car, etc.); and Bottled water. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Hidden Seoul: Shamanism, Myths & Sacred Mountains?
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Just out of exit 3-1, in front of lotte castle apartment and "would you like coffee" I will pick you up Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Hidden Seoul: Shamanism, Myths & Sacred Mountains offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Hidden Seoul: Shamanism, Myths & Sacred Mountains?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Hidden Seoul: Shamanism, Myths & Sacred Mountains wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Hidden Seoul: Shamanism, Myths & Sacred Mountains if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Hidden Seoul: Shamanism, Myths & Sacred Mountains?
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Across 125 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
What booking options are available for Hidden Seoul: Shamanism, Myths & Sacred Mountains?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including Shaman Reading Session Only, Extended ver. (+Divination), Spiritual adventure(Regular). Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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