korea food tour seoul

THE 10 BEST Seoul Food Tours

Seoul food tours.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
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• Chinese (Simplified)
• Likely to Sell Out
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1. Secret Food Tours Seoul w/ Private Tour Option

2. The Award-Winning PRIVATE Food Tour of Seoul: The 10 Tastings

3. Full-Day Customizable Private Tour to Nami Island and surrounding Area

4. Private DMZ Tour and Suspension Bridge + Korean BBQ

5. Street Food Fiesta in Namdaemun Market

6. Private 10 Food Tasting Tour in an Authentic Food Market in Seoul

7. Private DMZ(Demilitarized Zone) Tour with DMZ experts

8. Traditional Brew Master's workshop Visit & Dinner with Magkeolli

9. Traditional Seoul Gourmet Tour in Bukchon

10. 5 sense of Seoul-Palace, Micheline Bibimbab & Tea Ceremony(max.8)

11. Joongrimdong Cultural & Walking Food Tour

12. Night Food Tour in Seoul with Traditional and Modern Cuisine

13. National Art Gallery Tour and Taste of Korean Cuisine in Seoul

14. Private Jeonju Hanok Village - Culinary tour

15. Seoul Private Tour with hidden gem of Seoul

16. Private K-Food Walking Tour Including Visit to Dongdaemun District

17. Private Full-Day Guided Tour in Seoul with Lunch, Tea and Dinner

18. 3-Hour Seoul Tasting Tour: Cityhall, Gwanghwamun & Jeongdong Area

19. Private Andong Hahoe Folk Village Tour

20. Private Transportation with English Speaking Driving Guide

21. Full-Day Culinary Tour of Seoul Including Noryangjin Fish Market and Korean BBQ Dinner

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Secret Food Tours: Seoul

Secret Food Tours Seoul

On our Secret Food Tour: Seoul, we'll show you some of the most loved foods and beautiful landscapes our city has to offer. We' ll take you through hidden alleyways and quaint backstreets home to secret foodie gems, and share little tips and tricks along the way that you'll be able to use on the rest of your trip.

Enjoy freshly made dishes, tasty tteokkbokki(the local kind of gnocchi!), smoky rice cakes and mini rice rolls, interesting snacks, dumplings and much more. And don't forget our delicious Secret Dish!

Quality drinks will be served at some stops, however if you would like more, a thoughtfully curated Upgraded Drinks Package is available.

Menu and food stops could change according to weather, season and availability.

• We'll begin by walking through one of the oldest and biggest food markets in Seoul to sample a little bit of everything. We'll start with the classic Mung Bean Pancakes and our delicious Secret Dish!
• We'll continue feasting with Korean Dumplings, Ttteokkbokki(local slightly spicy gnocchi) and also some minced fish fillets!
• Next, we'll savor a freshly made Gimbap
• You'll get a honey snack which you might have seen in k-dramas or movies
• We'll take a sweet stop and enjoy a refreshing rice drink
• We'll stroll around a traditional Hanok village and taste some incredible local sweet and creamy bread
• We'll finish the tour on a gorgeous street, a local favourite, in a beautiful, serene hidden teahouse to sip tea made with fresh ingredients paired with a rice cake.
• Makgeolli, a rice wine

* Please note: the itinerary and menu is subject to change, based on the locations' availability, weather, and other circumstances.

If a tour is fully booked, or you are looking to book a *Group or Private Tour - please email us about Group & Private Tours options.

*Please note - Group & Private Tours are specifically organised for your group and therefore subject to a premium price.

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• Nukdujan Mung Bean Pancake paired with sweet onions
• Mandu (Korean Dumplings)
• Tteokbokki(slightly spicy)
• Minced fish fillets (paired with a bit of Fish Soup)
• Freshly prepared Kimbap
• Korean Honey Snack
• Sweet/Salty Cream bread
• Grilled Rice cake with a  very rare  traditional tea
• Our delicious SECRET DISH
• Traditional tea
• Fermented rice drink

Due to the nature of creating a well balanced and thoughtful gastronomy experience, many of our tours are unable to accommodate certain dietary restrictions. Please contact us prior to booking your tour to see if we are able to accommodate your dietary needs.

These two areas are some of the most important areas in the history of Seoul. Euljiro is an area that dates back to the 1940s, and helped restructure the houses and landscape of Seoul after the Korean War. There are many amazing places to eat and see in this area that are steeped in Korea's unique culture and history.

The Jongno district is a large neighborhood with palaces, street food, and teahouses. You'll get to walk through a traditional area where you can buy souvenirs and sit in a serene teahouse while drinking some fresh Korean tea. Additionally, there are many free art galleries where you can view historical and modern paintings and sculptures.

Daily: 10:00 a.m.

Jongno 5-ga station

That is very easy! Go to our "Book Now" page, where we detail our tours. Select your tour and the time of your tour and book it! Are you looking for something special or are you organizing an event? Just email us at Group & Private Tours and we will do our best to arrange something that suits you. After your booking is made, we will send you an automatic email confirmation. If you have any questions before booking, feel free to contact us via email.

*Please note if you are using a special promo code then enter it in the "Voucher Code" section before you select the amount of tickets you would like to purchase*

All the delicious food and drinks mentioned above, but if you want more alcohol (and who doesn't?) We offer a upgraded drinks package that gives you a local drink.

You can find the meeting spot here and if it's not clear you can always contact us.

The meeting spot is outside Jongno 5-ga station (dark blue line, line 1) exit 8. I will be standing there with an orange umbrella and a big smile! »»CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS««

The Seoul Tour ends in Insadong at a hidden teahouse. It is about 100 meters away from Anguk Station (subway station line 3, orange line).

Most of our foods are made with pork seafood, however vegetarian options are available. Due to the nature of creating a well balanced and thoughtful gastronomy experience, many of our tours are unable to accommodate certain dietary restrictions. Please contact us prior to booking your tour to see if we are able to accommodate your dietary needs. If you have any doubt or concerns, feel free to email us at [email protected] before booking.

Children are more than welcome on our tour and it's free for any child 2 years or under! We have had many families attend from all over the world and everyone enjoyed the tour.

This is not a problem. Just inform our guide before the tour starts. During the tasting you can select another beverage you like.!

Our tours provide our customers with a lot of food. Trust us, you will not need to eat a meal after our food tour!

Our tours are often sold out very quickly. If the date you requested is not available, please do not hesitate to email us and we can see if there is anything we can do.

To join our food tour, you must wear comfortable shoes. There will be around 1 hour walking but it's not too difficult and there are no hills or stairs. If you walk slowly, then our guide will walk slowly as wel

We take 10 people maximum. If you're more than 11 people, please do not hesitate to email us and will try to see if we can accommodate..

You do not have to print your voucher. A confirmation on your phone will be fine!

All of our vouchers expire one year from the date of purchase.

Our guide will take care of everything. Should you wish to try something special, please inform our guide and they will do their best to make you happy.

The food and drink we buy is top-quality, fresh and local!

Unfortunately, the weather is unpredictable in Seoul. We do not issue refunds as per our terms and conditions. We also inform you that we never cancel a booking even if we have only 2 people! However we do reserve the right to cancel the tour if we feel the weather is extreme, and we cannot run the tour due to this for more info see our Terms and Conditions: https://www.secretfoodtours.com/terms-and-conditions/

You must book directly on our website. We do not accept cash payments. Our online payment is safe, secured and SSL protected.

The booking fee that you have to pay is up to our ticket provider and we can't change it. All our clients need to pay for it upon booking. The booking fee charged contributes to the cost of the ticketing system to provide an excellent service to our customers.

A few banks have charged their customer an extra fee while booking with us (this isn't the booking fee but another fee added by the bank). We think this is unfair, if this happens let us know by showing us in your bank statement and we will refund this fee as a gesture of good will.

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At Secret Food Tours: Seoul, we're all extremely passionate about authentic Korean cuisine and we can't wait to share our love of food and culture with visitors who have made the journey to our amazing city. On our tour, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy high quality food and discover why eating and drinking are a "way of life" here in Seoul. Our city is the perfect balance between old and new, and Seoul's fascinating history will be woven into our tour as you discover why the city is one of the food capitals of the world.

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Secret Food Tours: Seoul

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Food Tour Seoul

Taste authentic and delicious Korean flavors!

Food Tour Seoul takes places in the modern capital of South Korea. The city’s cuisine is influenced by traditional Korean dishes, as well as regional cuisine, resulting in a diverse food scene. In Food Tour Seoul some of our tours include bulgogi, marinated beef grilled to perfection, and bibimbap, a popular rice dish topped with vegetables, egg, and chili paste.

Visitors should also sample the city’s famous street food, such as tteokbokki, spicy stir-fried rice cakes, and odeng, skewered fish cakes in broth. Whether savoring traditional dishes or exploring new flavors, Seoul is the perfect destination for food lovers looking to experience the best of Korean cuisine.

Authentic tours

The food of Seoul is unique, as well as each tour. In each activity, food, learning and good vibes are guaranteed.

Seoul preserves many things from the past and during the tours you will be able to see them and learn about them.

Meet people

Meeting new people is always nice and much better if you are sharing or cooking delicious food.

Food tours in Seoul

Culinary tour in Seoul

Price: 85 USD

This tour will take you through the tiny alleys where you will find the best food in Seoul.

Chicken & beer tour in Seoul

Price: 109 USD

Take your culinary adventure in a modern direction on this all-night chicken and beer tour.

Private street food tour in Seoul

Price: 135 USD

Devour Seoul’s most famous markets and landmarks on a private Korean street food tour.

Cooking class in Korean style house

Price: 80 USD

During this cooking class, you will learn how to prepare a traditional dish with the help of a local.

Korean cooking class in Seoul

Price: 81 USD

Immerse yourself in Korean culture and enjoy a cooking experience with a local chef.

Pub crawl Seoul

Price: 21 USD

Experience the wild side of Seoul on a pub crawl tour that is ideal for partygoers visitors, traveling in a group or solo.

Discover the flavors of Seoul with this culinary guide

Check out these articles for tips about gastronomic places

Food culture of Seoul

Korean cuisine is made up of unique aromas and flavors. In addition to being highly nutritious, it is also low in calories.

Food recommendations

When it comes to food, Seoul is one of the most interesting places, especially for Europeans and all people from America.

Best restaurants

Seoul’s best restaurants demonstrate the diversity of this special culinary landscape, where five Michelin-starred restaurants.

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What you’ll do

Want to taste the authentic food culture of Seoul and not the tourist version? With a local insider to show you how to eat dak hanmari whole chicken soup, take you to two of Seoul’s meokjagolmok - alleys dedicated to a single dish - and the oldest market in Korea, where hundreds of years of culture are distilled into chaotically organized lanes, you’ll discover exactly that.

Try dishes like soondae (blood sausage) and tteokbokki (sticky rice rolls lavishly coated in a spicy sauce). At Euljiro Nogari Alley, join the locals in ice-cold beers and this alley’s signature dish: dried, then grilled pollock. Finally, you’ll go to a generations-old cafe for traditional tea like yum-cha and sweet rice cakes, the Korean symbol of hospitality to guests. 

Where you’ll go

Your host will lead the way on your food adventure in Jongno-gu, one of Seoul’s most central districts. But don’t let its high-profile location fool you - between futuristic edifices like the Dongdaemun Design Plaza are tiny alleyways packed with old-school cafes, and street eat joints.

You’ll explore Gwangjang Market, a cornucopia of fresh seafood, traditional produce, and stacks of mayak gimbap (rice rolls) piled high on almost every street food stall counter. Just a few streets away is Dak Hanmari Alley.

It’s a quick hop on the subway to Euljiro Nogari Alley, a curious street buzzing every night of the week with hipsters, grandparents, office workers, and students all fighting to nab a plastic chair and tiny table. 

Private experience, tailored to you

Matched to your ideal host

Walking tour (may use public transport)

Hosted in English (On request: Arabic, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Russian, Spanish)

Your hotel/apartment or any other central location

Experience outline

• Join a local insider to eat your way around downtown Seoul, discovering the city’s authentic food scene
• Visit the famous Namdaemun Market and immerse yourself in 600 years of Korean food culture
• Try street eats like tteokbokki (sticky rice cakes), mung bean pancakes and mayak kimbap, seaweed-wrapped rolls stuffed with carrot, pickled daikon radish, and rice seasoned with sesame oil
• Visit the food alley dedicated to grilled pollock and ice-cold beer - you won’t spot a tourist in sight!
• Your host will take you to the food alley which specializes in whole chicken soup, and show you how it’s eaten
• At a traditional tea house, sip tea and try sweet rice cakes - the ultimate symbol of Korean hospitality
• Ask your host for their recommendations for where and what to eat during the rest of your trip

Things to know

What’s included.

• Private and personalised experience
• 4 hours with a host
• 2 - 3 samples of typical dishes and snacks at Namdaemun Market
• A sharing dish from a local eatery in a food “town” of your choice
• Walking experience
• Meal (including food and drinks) at a Korean barbecue restaurant
• Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)

What’s not included

• Tickets to any attractions
• Transportation costs
• Gratuities (optional)

Cancellation

• Cancel 14 days before the experience for a full refund
• Worry-free cancellation terms: book with peace of mind knowing that you can cancel for free up to a day before the experience and receive a full refund.

Photos taken by our hosts and guests

Travelers having fun right now!

Ben was perfect! He was engaging and kept us moving. He took us to Gwangjang market and surprised us with an impromptu walk along the stream. Our kids never complained once as he kept them entertained and taught us a lot about Korean culture, customs, and traditional foods. We visited Hongdae and had a very sweet ending with Sul-bing. This was the best tour, a great balance of food and fun! Cannot recommend enough!

We had the pleasure of getting a food tour with Andrew during a long layover in Seoul. Such a great experience! He was very accommodating to having jet lagged kids and food allergies. We were able to get some history on Korea during our drive also. Besides him being knowledgeable, he was great to be around. I highly recommend!

January 2024

We had such a great day with Oki. So much fun and she looked after our big group really well. We learnt a lot from Oki about Korea.

November 2023

Meet our local hosts in Seoul. One of them will tailor this experience to your wishes!

We’ll expertly match you to your best suited host based on your interests, personality and the experience vibe you’re after.

Other experiences you may be interested in

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Ultimate Seoul street food experience Seoul

From kimbap to odeng, tteokbokki to twigm, get ready for a belly-busting, taste-bud tingling adventure through Seoul's street food scene

€156.49 per person

Half day In Seoul with a local Seoul

4 hours tailored to what you want to see and do. So whether it's ticking off main sites or discovering hidden gems, it's up to you and your host!

€131.67 per person

Full day In Seoul with a local Seoul

The Seoul you want to experience in a day! See the main sites, taste the diverse food scene or go off the tourist trail. It's totally up to you!

€241.39 per person

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Food , South Korea

Seoul food tours: the best tours for food travelers to korea.

Seoul is one of the most often overlooked cities in Asia for food travelers. There’s so much great food in the city, but Seoul, South Korea, is a massive and sprawling city. This can make it difficult to track down the best food to eat.

Booking a Seoul day tour or half day tour can help travelers learn more about Korean food culture. In this post, we share our tips on how to book the best Seoul food tours, cooking classes, and drink experiences. 

*This post contains compensated links. Find more info in my  DISCLAIMER . As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Why Book A Seoul Culinary Tour

There are lots of great reasons why booking a Korean food tour could make your visit to Seoul that much more special. First, there is a language barrier in Seoul. We found a good number of people who spoke English.

There are picture menus to help at restaurants. But, to make the most of your experience and to learn about Korean food culture, a food tour can help. 

Second, many food travelers don’t know a lot about Korean food. Perhaps not as much as Japanese food or Thai food, which is easier to find in cities around the world.

Booking a food tour can help introduce travelers to the dishes and ingredients. A local Seoul tour guide can explain everything and answer all your questions about Korean food. 

Last, we love taking food tours at the start of our stay in a new city. It really makes the rest of our trip better. Your guide will give you inside tips on where and what to eat in Seoul too. Over the years, we’ve received great restaurant recommendations from some of our food tour guides.

See our Seoul Food Guide – What To Eat In Seoul South Korea  or learn about  Traditional Korean Fruits

Click Here For The Top Rated Food Tours In Seoul On Viator 

How About An 8 Day South Korea Food Tour?

This post focuses on recommendations for Seoul city tours and experiences that focus on food and drink. These tours are great for a traveler doing a city break in Seoul or just stopping through. If you have more time, and really want to learn more about Korean food, consider booking a South Korea food tour. 

Intrepid Travel  offers an  8 Day So uth Korea Real Food Adventure. This tour is a Korean food trip that explores Seoul as well as Busan and Jeonju. It also includes an overnight temple stay, which is a unique experience.

Other food and drink experiences include a visit to a craft beer brewery, visits to seafood markets, and a more in-depth look at street food markets in Korea. 

We definitely recommend taking one of the Intrepid food tours. We took their tour in  Morocco  and learned so much more than we would have if we traveled independently. 

Book A South Korea Food Tour With Intrepid Here 

Kimchi Making in Seoul

How To See The Best Of Seoul On A Food Tour

A great  food tour  means that you can start to understand Korean food culture while exploring a new city. It is more than just the food that is served.

It means you have the chance to meet locals, ask loads of questions, and learn about the history and culture of a new city. It’s one of our favorite ways to see a city! In this post, we share our recommended food tours and cooking classes in Seoul.

All pricing is provided in US Dollars. With some tours, pricing will adjust based on how many people have already booked, how many people are in your party, the time of year, and any currency fluctuations. 

We recommend using  Viator  for booking food tours and experiences. We like Viator for a few reasons. One, we’ve used them for tours around the world without any problems.

Second, you will receive immediate confirmation of your booking. Last, Viator is a reputable company that is actually owned by TripAdvisor, so if there are any issues with your booking, there is a big company standing behind the booking.

SEOUL FOOD TOURS AND EXPERIENCES

Kimchi Making Class In Seoul

Cultural Experience With Kimchi Making 

Kimchi is a staple of the Korean diet, served at almost every meal. In this four hour Korean cultural experience, guests will roll up their sleeves to learn how to make this quintessential Korean dish.

Hosted in a Korean cultural center in Seoul, the experience begins with a Korean tea ceremony called a ‘ darye .’ Guests will learn about the ceremony and about its re-emergence in Korean culture.

After tea, the cultural experience moves to trying on a traditional Korean ‘ hanbok .’ Dating back centuries, the hanbok is the traditional Korean attire worn today during important celebrations like weddings and festivals.

How To Make Kimchi

Now it’s kimchi making time. Led by your Korean host, guests will dive into a 30-minute kimchi-making class. This hands-on culinary experience will demonstrate the process of preparing kimchi for its fermentation period.

Your host will share insight into kimchi’s popularity in Korean cuisine from traditional to contemporary uses. We loved learning about the popular Korean side dish and would highly recommend this.

Book this tour  here .

Why We Like This Tour

We took this Seoul cooking class and culinary experience during our first trip to Seoul. Although not a typical food tour, it was a great way to learn about Korean culture while learning how to make kimchi. Tour prices begin at $80 and include round-trip hotel transport. 

Book This Kimchi Making Class Here 

Seafood and Seoul local markets

Full Day Private Culinary Tour Of Seoul

Get ready to eat your way around Seoul in the eight hour, private food tour. From freshly caught seafood to locally raised Korean beef, feast on many of Seoul’s traditional dishes. Along the way, visit a local market and taste Seoul street food.

This Seoul private tour includes a visit to a local market and a Korean BBQ lunch. This Seoul one day tour starts at the  Noryangjin fish market , you’ll explore where many of Seoul’s restaurants get their daily catch.

As you explore the market, keep an eye out for your lunch. As part of the tour, you’ll select some of the freshly caught seafood to enjoy for your lunch.

The rest of the day is spent exploring various neighborhoods and sites within Seoul, all with a focus on food. Visit the Corner Cafe in Mount Bukak, a popular cafe with many locals which has been featured in many Korean movies. From here, enjoy breathtaking views of Seoul.

The tour heads over to the Insadong area to explore and sample some local Korean street food. In between tasty bites, pop into some of the market’s many antique shops.

Afterward, guests will head over to a wholesale beef market in Majangdong to explore the locally raised beef and yes, you guessed it, pick out meat for your  Korean barbecue  dinner.

Private Food Tour In Seoul

The pricing for this private tour begins at $200. All meals, tastings, and round-trip transportation from hotels are provided. Guests with any specific dietary requirements should make a note at the time of booking. A minimum of 3 people per booking is required for this private tour. The tour begins at 10 am, and ends at 7 pm. 

By hiring a Seoul private tour guide, you can customize your experience. You can also go at your own pace, ask questions, and really get to know your tour guide.

Because this is an all day tour, it’s a great way to see some areas of the city you might not otherwise visit. Seoul is a massive city, and this Seoul private tour gets you around. 

Throughout the tour, your local guide will explain in detail Korean food, dishes, and culinary traditions. You might not find anything else to eat after this incredible and filling eight hour feeding bonanza across Seoul.

Aside from the delicious sampling of food, this tour does a wonderful job of explaining Korean cuisine thanks to your knowledgeable private guide.  

Book This Private Full Day Tour Of Seoul Here 

Korean street food

Walking Seoul Korean Street Food Tour

This Seoul street food tour begins near Gwanghwamun Gate where guests will receive a brief history of Seoul and its cuisine. From here, head over to Pimatgol Alley and the Zen Buddhist Jogyesa Temple.

Building up an appetite, it’s time to explore the Insadong neighborhood where countless rows of carts selling traditional Korean street food await. 

The Seoul local tour guide will point out the most popular food carts and stands, explaining what the locals love to eat. The tour will head over to Chenggyecheon, where the main dish of Korean-style barbecue ribs is waiting to be eaten. 

After, explore the Bukchang-dong neighborhood and Korean drinking culture with a sample of Korean rice wine. The tour has one last-stop sweet stop in store as you enjoy a taste of Korean dessert. 

This three-hour tour starts at $89. The price includes all tastings and Korean rice wine. Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes because there is a good amount of walking. 

This is a small group tour, limited to no more than 12 guests. This allows you to explore the city on an intimate tour. It’s a great way to explore a wide range of authentic Korean street food while taking in several of the city’s sights.

This tour is loaded with traditional food and drink. If you are still hungry or thirsty, your guide will provide recommendations on where to enjoy more of Seoul’s incredible food scene. 

Book This Korean Street Food Tour In Seoul 

Korean BBQ Lunch

Walking Food Tour With Korean BBQ Lunch And Cooking Demo

Seoul is the centerpiece of Korea’s food scene. With this small group walking tour, you’ll discover the city’s vibrant culinary scene and enjoy one of its signature dishes, Korean BBQ.   

Stopping along the way at several local restaurants and street-food stalls you’ll sample local dishes including delicious fried pork dumplings and fried fish cakes. The food-tasting tour begins with a Korean pancake cooking demonstration led by a professional chef at a culinary school.

While learning about Korean history and its food culture, guests will explore the historic Jongno neighborhood.

Taste a wide range of Korean specialties including rice cakes, fried pork dumplings, silkworm larvae, and Korean-style egg muffins. The highlight of the tour is enjoying a traditional Korean barbecue lunch.

Food Tour Details

Each tour can accommodate a maximum of 10 guests. Pricing for this two-and-a-half-hour tour begins at $60. The combination of cooking demonstrations, food tours, and BBQ lunches makes this one of the most well-rounded culinary tours in Seoul. For guests with any dietary restrictions, please notify the tour operator at the time of booking. 

If you are not familiar with Korean BBQ, it can be an intimidating meal. Between what to order and how to eat it, having an expert guide you is a great way to learn. Book this tour at the start of your visit to Seoul so you know how to order BBQ on your own later on. We also like that this tour includes BBQ, street food, and a cooking demonstration.

Book This Korean Food Tour And BBQ Lunch 

Bukchon Hanok Village

Seoul Food Tour On Bike

Seoul is big. One of the biggest cities in the world. Even with an extensive metro system, it’s a large city to explore. Instead of trying to see it all on foot, why not hop on two wheels and take a leisurely ride around to explore some of the city’s best sights and places to eat?

On this four-hour tour, ride through the streets of Seoul by bike and see a side of this city many visitors miss out on. Ride past many of Seoul’s top attractions including Gwanghwamun Gate, the UNESCO Bukchon Hanok Village, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and Jogyesa Temple, among many others. 

Bike Food Tour Details

The tour operates in all weather conditions. While not overly strenuous, the tour is not recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant travelers or travelers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions. That said, most travelers can participate. This tour can accommodate a maximum of 15 travelers and pricing begins at $78. 

This award-winning Seoul Korea tour company provides insight into Seoul, unlike any other bike tour operator. On the tour, guests will sample a wide range of local street food specialties in between stunning sights and Korean food markets. See a lot more on a bike than you can on foot. 

Book This Seoul Food Tour On Bike Here 

Seoul Gourmet Food Experience

Understanding Korean cuisine is a huge part of understanding Korea. This three-hour gastro tour of Seoul is the perfect introduction to Korean food, especially for first-time visitors.

Exploring parts of Seoul often overlooked by tourists, guests will sample a wide range of delicious Korean dishes and snacks. Lunch is hosted at a gourmet, fine-dining restaurant.

Led by a local, knowledgeable guide, guests will have plenty of opportunities to ask questions about the city, its culinary scene, and where they visit after the tour.

In addition to sampling tasty local food, guests will see various workshops and stores built in traditional ‘hanok’ houses. 

Learn more in our guide to the  Best Korean Snacks To Try  

Gourmet Food Tour Details

Operating in all weather conditions, the pricing for the tour begins at $99. Vegetarian options are available, but must be made at the time of booking.

Unfortunately, the tour is not wheelchair accessible. Guests are recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes and should have a moderate physical fitness level. Public transportation at the beginning and end of the tour is available.  

With a maximum of 12 travelers per tour, guests will receive personalized attention and a detailed explanation of what sets Korean cuisine apart from others. Exploring Seoul’s Bukchon and Insadong areas on foot, allows guests to gain an intimate look at this mega city.

Book This Gourmet Food Tour Of Seoul Here 

Seoul Night Markets

Seoul Night Food Tour

Like many other cities in Asia, Seoul is a city that comes alive at night. During this three-hour, night-tasting tour, learn about Korea’s culinary scene under the bright lights of Seoul. Led by your knowledgeable local guide, wander through the busy streets stopping at local food stalls to sample a variety of food specialties.

From Korean barbecue to delicious Korean-style pancakes, and spicy rice cake stew, guests will experience a range of Korean flavors and tastes. To wash down the tasty treats, guests can enjoy Korean rice wine or soju (distilled spirit). 

This culinary night tour begins in the district of Jongno-gu in central Seoul. A popular area for locals, it’s a quick walk from Anguk metro station. Your local culinary expert will lead the small group to the Nagwon-dong neighborhood to continue enjoying local specialties including kimchi and other mouthwatering local dishes.

Continuing the tour under Seoul’d neon lights, guests will visit a traditional Korean flea market to enjoy additional tasty treats. The nighttime exploration of Seoul concludes in Jongno, one of the most historic areas of the city. 

Seoul Night Tour Details

Limited to 12 guests, the tour features a moderate amount of walking. Wearing comfortable walking shoes is recommended. Pricing for the tour begins at $100 and a minimum of two guests is required for the tour to proceed.

The drinking age in South Korea is 19 years old. Non-alcoholic beverages are available for those under 18 years old or who does not consume alcohol. While located near public transportation, the tour is not wheelchair accessible. Travelers with back, heart, or serious medical conditions are advised not to participate. 

Touring Seoul at night is a great way to explore the city as the locals do. There are loads of Seoul night markets and street-side stalls, but it can be intimidating to find the best eats. This tour makes it all easily accessible. 

Book This Seoul Night Food Tour Here 

SEOUL DRINKING TOURS AND EXPERIENCES

Soju Tasting With A Brewmaster

In Japan it’s sake, in Korea it’s makgeolli and soju. These iconic Korean alcoholic beverages have a long history and hold a special place in the hearts of Koreans.

During this three-hour tour and tasting, guests will meet a 10th-generation artisan distiller and brewmaster. From his workshop, he’ll explain the time-honored tradition of making soju and makgeolli using his family’s secret recipe.  

At the workshop, guests will receive a history of soju and makgeolli making in Korea from their host. While enjoying a taste of both spirits, your host will explain the distillation process for both spirits as well as the main differences between the two.

After the tasting, the group will head to a local Korean restaurant to enjoy a full Korean dinner. The knowledgeable guide will explain the culinary history of the meal and the difference in the Makgeolli. At the end of your experience, walk back to Anguk station with your guide.

Soju Tasting Tour Details

The price for the tour begins at $118. Guests must be 21 years of age to participate. While located near public transportation, comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the tour. The tour is not wheelchair accessible.

The tour begins at Anguk metro station, where the group of 12 and your local guide will depart on foot.

We love soju. It’s one of our favorite things about eating in Seoul. This tour is a great way to learn about Korean food and this important beverage. 

Book This Soju Tasting Experience Here 

Korean fried chicken and beer – perfect pub snack

Seoul Pub Crawl

From Korean beer, rice wine, and soju, there’s a lot to experience in Seoul’s numerous pubs and bars. Explore Seoul’s nightlife from the inside during this three-hour small group pub crawl tour.

Focusing on the Hongdae neighborhood of Seoul, the tour brings guests to several of the neighborhood’s most popular drinking spots including off-the-beaten-path bars and clubs, which tourists often miss out on.

During each stop, guests will sample Korean spirits and cocktails while sampling local pub snacks. At each stop, your local knowledgeable guide will teach the group Korean drinking games as well as Korean drinking etiquette.   

Pricing for the tour begins at $85. The tour only operates with a minimum of 2 guests and can accommodate up to 10. The minimum drinking age in South Korea is 19.

If you are traveling with guests under 19, contact the tour provider ahead of time. For travelers with dietary requirements, requests can be accommodated with prior notification at the time of booking. The tour is not wheelchair accessible. 

One of the things we love about Korea is the drinking culture. It’s a little bit of work hard play hard. But there are also a lot of traditions that come along with drinking in South Korea. The tour is not only a lot of fun but helps to demystify the Korean drinking culture. 

Book This Seoul Pub Tour Here 

SEOUL COOKING CLASSES

Korean Cooking Class And Market Tour

Put on your apron and learn the culinary secrets of Korean cuisine in this cooking class for beginners. Over two hours, guests will tour a local Seoul food market and prepare a variety of tasty Korean dishes under the watchful eyes of a professional chef. 

The culinary experience includes a detailed explanation of Korean food products and how to select the best ones. After the market visit, the group will return to the cooking school where they will receive hands-on instructions from the professional chef. Several Korean specialties will be made by each guest and best of all, enjoyed afterward. 

Seoul Cooking Class Details

The Seoul cooking class takes place in a modern cooking school in the Nagwon-dong neighborhood near Anguk station. The tour and cooking class is wheelchair accessible. Pricing begins at $65. Guests with dietary requirements should make this known at the time of booking. The tour can accept children aged 11 and older. 

The class is enjoyable for cooks of all skill levels but is designed for beginners. It’s a great introduction to Korean food and how to prepare it. Best of all is taking a few new cooking skills home. 

Book This Seoul Cooking Class Here 

FAQs – HOW TO BOOK A SEOUL FOOD TOUR

Comfortable shoes! Many food tours involve a lot of walking and Seoul is a massive city. Also, be prepared for bad weather. Just because it’s rainy doesn’t mean the tour will be canceled. The same goes for the summer when temperatures can soar and winter when it can be super cold. Just be prepared.

Some people look at the cost of the individual items eaten on a food tour to determine whether they’ve gotten their money’s worth. A quality culinary tour, though, is more than the food served. It’s the value of the guide, the history learned, and the overall experience. And, it is almost always worth it!

Seoul is such a big city that there is loads to do and see within the city limits. If I would recommend one day trip from Seoul, it would be to see the DMZ and the surrounding areas.

Compared to other Asian cuisines like Thai or Sichuan, Korean food isn’t spicy. That said, dishes like kimchi have a bit of spicy. Chili is used in Korean cooking but it’s not the main ingredient.

Depending on who you ask, Seoul’s most famous food is either Korean BBQ or kimchi. Both of these just happen to be the most famous food in Korea as well.

Eric Hoffman

Eric Hoffman is the co-founder of Food And Drink Destinations. Eric is a lifelong traveler who is passionate about helping people learn how to travel for food. He lives with his wife, Amber, in Limerick, Ireland, after spending 3 years living in Spain. Over the last 20 years, they've traveled to over 70 countries together, always in search of great food travel experiences. Eric also loves cooking at home, always looking to perfect his Italian recipes.

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• Seoul Food Blog / Seoul Travel Blog

A Complete Guide To The Best Seoul Food Tours

· Updated April 11, 2023 THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS

South Korea and especially Seoul is a paradise for real foodies! You will find an abundance of Seoul night markets, Korean street food stalls and traditional Korean restaurants. But what are the best places to visit? Where can you find famous Korean food? And what is the must eat Korean food? The best way to find out is by taking a Seoul Food Tour of the many vibrant markets in Seoul! Read on to find out more.

The Korean food market scene is a vibrant and rapidly growing industry that has gained immense popularity in recent years. Korean cuisine is known for its unique flavors, vibrant colors, and healthy ingredients. In many parts of the world, Korean restaurants and street food vendors are popping up, and supermarkets are stocking up on Korean food products. Korean food exports have also been steadily increasing, with kimchi being one of the most popular and well-known Korean foods. With the rise of Korean pop culture, known as K-pop, and Korean dramas, known as K-dramas, the interest in Korean food has also increased. The Korean food market scene is expected to continue to grow as people around the world discover and enjoy the delicious and healthy flavors of Korean cuisine.

Things To Know About Seoul

Why should you take a seoul food tour, 1. gwangjang market tasting tour, 2. an in depth food tour with context travel, 3. bukchon traditional korean alcohol tour with gastro tour, 4. noryangjin fish seoul food tour, 5. korean street food and bbq tour, 1. cooking class and market tour, 2. food tours and cooking classes by ome, 3. korean fried chicken market tour and cooking class, frequently asked questions.

• Getting Around Seoul: The Seoul public transport system is great. It is super easy to get from one side of the city to the other in less than an hour. Make sure to get a transportation card to use on the public transport.
• Tap Water: The tap water in Korea is safe to drink and it is one of the cleanest water in Asia. Make sure to bring your reusable bottle as many museums and public spaces have drinking fountains.
• What To Wear: This depends on which season you’ll be visiting Korea. Check this guide on what to wear in Korea for more info.

So why should you go a food tour instead of venturing out by yourself? First of all food tours allow you to taste food risk-free . If you go out on your own you would order one dish, the chances are that you end up not liking it. With a food tour you get to try very small portions of different kind of dishes, even if you don’t like one of the dishes, you still get to sample other yummy food. Second of all your local Seoul food guide will teach you things you can not learn from a guide book. You will learn stories from the local vendors and restaurant owners, which gives your experiences an extra touch. Finally, a tour guide takes you off the beaten path to the more local hidden restaurants . Which is a great way to experience the real local culture.

The Best Seoul Food Tours

There are multiple food tours running in Seoul, each with their own theme and different location. From group Korean night food market tours to alcohol tours. There are so many districts in Seoul with great food and excellent markets. Seoul is really a foodie city!

The best places to book these food tours are through AirBnB experience, Trazy or Klook .

Gwangjang market located in Jongyo is the first permanent market in Korea, and is a very popular street food destination especially for local Koreans. The huge but compact market is still not that popular among foreign tourists. It is almost hard to believe that Gwangjang Market Seoul houses over 5000 shops and has more than 20 000 employees.

On a 3 hour Seoul street food tour, you will have the opportunity to try one main meal, a couple of snacks and a traditional drink.

The Seoul food guide, was born and raised in Korea but is fluent in English. His passion for food and history really reflects in his tours and in his explanation of the background and history of each dish and street vendor. If you’re brave enough the ‘live octopus’ is a must try! This is one of the most authentic food tours I’ve tried so far.

Availability: daily from 9:30 – 12:30 (I know this is quite early, but it’s better to avoid the crowds) Price: Check latest prices here Discount: Click here for a 30 000 won discount coupon

Context travel creates tours all around the world which focus on giving a deeper context to travelers. The tours are with no more than 6 people and the guides are ‘specialists’ in the field.

Context travel has two docents on the Savoring Seoul Food Tour: Beyond Bibimbap, both equally passionate about history and food. The tour starts at 10 AM in front of Gwangjang Market. This tour is for a very small group or even private bookings.

Price: Check latest price here Discount: Use  FRIENDS10 for a 10% discount

We all know that Koreans love to drink! But what exactly is it they like to consume? The most popular alcoholic drinks in Korea are soju, a distilled spirit, and Makeolli, a rice wine. These drinks can be purchased at any convenience store, but are 100 times better when made by a local brewer.

The brew master tour run by Veronica (Korean food tours master) at Gastro Tour Seoul focuses on introducing modern masters who are still brewing and distilling their own traditional Korean alcohol. During the tour you will learn the whole process of turning rice into Soju and Makeolli. On the tour you will have the opportunity to sample different kinds of alcohol which will be served alongside with some pork, seafood and side dishes.

Noryangjin Fish Market opened originally in 1927, just next to Seoul Station but was moved to it’s current location in 1971. Around 300 tons of marine products are traded through the market each day in wholesales and in retails. The market is most lively around 3 AM as then visitors can see a live fish auction.

On this 2,5 hour tour with your local Korean food guide, you will be able to choose your own fish from one of the vendors and take it to the restaurants on the second floor to have it prepared for you. Without a local Korean guide, you will struggle buying the fish at the right price, so this tour is perfect if you like to try a local experience.

Availability: Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday 14:00 – 16:30 Price: 89 000 per person (2 people minimum) Book: here

BBQ is huge in South Korea, you can’t have been to Seoul without trying a proper Korean BBQ with soju or makgeolli . During the tour you’ll have the opportunity to try different street food like Korean style egg muffin, spicy rice cake and fried pork dumplings and finish with a proper barbecue. The tour starts around Anguk station, which is at the entrance of Bukchon traditional hanok village , and ends in Insadong.

Availability: Wednesday/Thursday/Friday 13:00 – 15:30 Price: 59 000 per person Book: here

Food Tour And Cooking Classes

Instead of taking a food tour, why not go for a market tour and cooking class? So you can learn to make all your favourite Korean dishes and show of at your next house dinner party.

Spicen up your food tour by adding a cooking class to it. Learn how to make real Korean food from a professional. Every day there is a different dish on the menu, so if you are looking for a specific dish to cook then make sure to check the calendar.

Dishes include Sundubu-jigae, Haemul-pajeon, Bulgogi, Bibimbap, Doenjang-jjigae, Dakbokkeum-tang and Japchae. These are all traditional Korean dishes. The classes are designed for beginners who want to learn more about the Korean kitchen and the local cuisine.

Availability: Daily Price: 70 000 per person Book: here

OME stands for 5 tastes. This cooking school will take you to the local Korean markets and teach you how to make the best Korean dishes including  Ginseng Chicken Soup , Kimchi, Korean Pancakes, Korean BBQ, Kimbap, Ddeokbokki, Korean Tofu Pot, Boiled Pork, Cabbage Soybean Paste Stew, Nabemono and traditional Korean desserts.

Each day of the week the menu is different and during the class you’ll learn how to make multiple dishes. The cooking class and walking tour take around 4 hours from start to finish.

Availability: Daily Price: 60 000 per person Book: here

Friend chicken in Korea is like an institution. It is one of the most popular things to eat among locals and foreign visitors. Like no other fried chicken in the world. This cooking class specialized just in Korean fried chicken. It starts of by going on a food walking tour in a local market and continues with a cooking class.

Availability: Thursday and Friday Price: 100 000 per person Book: here

Gwangjang Market is by far the best place to take a food tour in Seoul. It is a huge market that isn’t too touristic yet.

Most tours have vegetarian/vegan or gluten free options, but please double check with tour company before booking.

Like This Post On Seoul Food Tours? Why Not  Pin It ?

Have you ever been on a Seoul food tour? Do you have any questions about the tours? Let me know in the comment section below!

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DON’T MISS OUT

Gastro Tour Seoul

The taste of korea, your journey into korean food and gastronomic culture starts here, korean food & cultural walking tours.

Korea is a food lover’s destination, a hidden gastronomic gem with its own distinct flavors and centuries of tasty tradition. With Gastro Tour Seoul as your guide, you can explore the local restaurants, markets, and traditional neighborhoods that form the beating heart of Korea’s food culture. And because food is entwined with life, your Korean food guide will teach you a bit the local history, heritage and landmarks as well.​

K-Dessert Cooking Class (Only available for Private Group)

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Seoullo 7017: Joongrimdong Cultural Walking Food Tour

Newsletter signup, our clients love us​.

The tour with Veronica was very well curated and brought us a deeper understanding in the homebrewing journey of Seoul's brewmasters and great tips of where to eat along the way if you enjoy Korean food as much as me and my girlfriend do. This particular tour was extra special as the first brewmaster was making a new batch of Soju during our tasting tour, and allowed us to taste in a few of his experimental projects. I highly recommend this tour if you are interested in Seoul's gastronomy!

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BEST Food Tour in South Korea 2024: The Ultimate Foodie Guide!

Travelling to South Korea and looking for the best food tour?

Every foodie wants to know: what are the best food tours in South Korea ? The country has become a foodie’s paradise in recent times, so knowing which food spots to hit when visiting is a must.

Seoul, South Korea is an awesome city/country! The people are super friendly, the food is super amazing ( some of the best food I’ve ever had ), and it’s a really modern, forward thinking place. 

Read on to learn about my food tour in Seoul, and all the places you must visit if you’re a foodie!

Short on time? Book tickets to the best food tours in Seoul: ⭐ Drinking and Eating Through The Alleys of Seoul Tour ⭐ Best Night Time Food Tour in Seoul

Best food tour in seoul, south korea.

I was very lucky to be given a food tour of Seoul from an actual local on my very first day in the country. A good English friend of mine knew a local Korean who ran his own bar in Seoul, who agreed to take us on a food tour of Seoul.

And it was epic! Here is a full account of everywhere the three of us visited and all the amazing food we tried, on what turned out to be the best food tour in South Korea!

Gwangjang Market, Seoul

Take my advice, if you ever have the chance to be taken around a city by a local then do it! Our food tour started around midday and our first port of call was Gwangjang Market (formerly known as Dongdaemun Market).

This is one of the biggest and longest running traditional markets in all of South Korea! There are literally several thousand food shops inside the market and it’s a totally overwhelming experience.

We sat by a store and our local tour guide ordered us several vegetable pancakes (otherwise known as mungbean pancakes , or bindaeddeok ). They were quite greasy, filling but very delicious.

He also ordered us some makali or makgeolli , a popular and traditional rice alcohol drink served in big saucers. The drink is quite sweet and bitter and is a bit of an acquired taste. But by the end of my tour in South Korea I couldn’t get enough of it!

Visiting a small pub in Euljiro

After Gwangjang market we had a short walk to our next stop, which was a tiny pub called: ‘ Eulji Ob Bear pub ‘ which was situated down an alleyway, close to Euljiro 3-ga station.

This bar has since moved to another location, but are famous for serving dried pollack known as ‘ Nogari ‘ along with mayo, ketchup and lots of cold draft beer!

Although it was a small place it was very popular with locals and was a great way to experience authentic Korean culture!

Trying a seafood dish and hangover cure drinks!

We then went to another small backstreet bar and had an incredible feast of raw fish. That was possibly one of the greatest dishes of food I’d ever tried! It was at this point that we enjoyed our first taste of soju , more on which later in the post.

At this point in the tour, our guide was concerned about the amount of alcohol we were consuming (even though it was early afternoon!) So he ordered us a Korean drink called: ‘ Morning Care ‘ which is well known to help relieve hangovers.

Masan Seafood Agu Stew Restaurant

Our next stop was was a seafood restaurant that specializes in spicy monkfish dishes ! This place was a short 10 minute metro ride away to Anguk station , and from there just a few minutes walk, very close to Bukchon Hanok Village .

This was a busy restaurant and we went upstairs where you have to sit on the floor in front of really low tables. This was a bit unusual and uncomfortable at first, but travel is all about embracing other cultures and customs!

Our local tour guide ordered us a huge plate of very spicy seafood, along with more soju! To be honest I was already really full at this point but tried my best to eat as much as I could!

Most Koreans are big meat lovers, especially chicken, but as a vegetarian/pescatarian, our local food guide accommodated for my diet which was very kind of him.

Darui Dwitpyeon – traditional Korean pub

Our food tour continued through into the night, and the food kept on arriving! Next we visited ‘ D arui Dwitpyeon ‘, a traditional Korean pub located just a few minutes walk from the Gongpyeong Historic Sites Museum .

This bar had an outdoor seating area and this time round we tried some tofu dishes which were really delicious!

We switched from soju back to makali and by this point I couldn’t believe the amount of food and drink we had consumed! That’s one thing you soon learn about Koreans; their love of food knows no limits!

Food is such an important part of Korean culture . Unlike the UK where people go for a beer in a pub, in South Korea you go for a meal instead, with alcohol playing second place to the great food.  And the amount of food you are served at a restaurant is simply astonishing.

You are given so many small dishes to go along with your main dish, most of the time without an extra cost. It wasn’t unusual for our table to be completely filled with countless dishes; every night was a total feast!

Street Food in Seoul at night

Our food tour continued at what’s known as an outdoor Korean style tent bar . These are very common in Seoul and South Korea and are a great option as the food is really cheap! Street food is a fantastic way to experience culinary delights at a cheap price.

These places are situated away from the typical touristic parts of Seoul such as Itaewon, and are a far more authentic experience! They’re very popular with locals and a great cheaper alternative.

Food Tour continued!

Here’s a quick look at some other places we visited and food we tried:

🥞 Seafood Pancake pub and bar – Pancakes are a real delicacy in South Korea and they are totally different what we think of as pancakes in the west (more fried with vegetables or fish/meat and they can be a bit greasy). Be sure to try some, they’re delicious!

🍻 Four and a Half Bar – It would be wrong of me not to give a special shout out to my tour guide’s bar, so here it is! It’s a lovely little bar which you can reach from subway Noksapyeong Station exit 2 , which is only one stop away from Itaewon .

🎵 LP Music Bar – These kind of bars are very popular in Seoul, you’ll find bars packed with hundreds of vinyl records adorned along the walls, with great music playing. Highly recommend!

Drinking soju in South Korea

The food tour continued into the early hours. More makali was drunk, along with soju which is probably the most popular alcoholic drink in South Korea. Soju is quite similar to vodka and is usually drunk by its own, which is quite strong!

By the end of the night our stomachs were close to bursting! We had drunk way too much, but it was the most incredible day of food and drink!

Our entire week in Seoul was one big food tour to be honest. We ended up eating and drinking with our local guide way into the early hours quite a few more times at random backstreet bars and restaurants.

My British friend and I would never have visited these places if it wasn’t for our local tour guide. Visiting the best places on the best food tour in South Korea which most tourists don’t know about was an absolutely incredible experience!

Best Things To Do & Tourist Attractions In Seoul, South Korea

After recovering from our epic food tour on our first day in Seoul, South Korea, it was time for my travel buddy and me to experience all the typical tourist sights that Seoul has to offer. Here are the best places that we visited:

🏯 Gyeongbokgung Palace

This is the largest and probably most well known palace in all of South Korea . It was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty.

It’s a really amazing sight that takes you back in time. It’s quite common to see Koreans dressed in traditional period costumes when visiting the palace!

🗼 N Seoul Tower, Seoul, South Korea

Whether it’s Berlin , Toronto or Tokyo , every big city should have an observation tower and Seoul is no different!

Located in central Seoul, there is however a two mile hike via Namsan Mountain Park. It takes around thirty minutes if you decide to walk to the base of the tower from central Seoul.

It is worth it though as the views are incredible ! You can see all of Seoul from the observation deck in the tower. You really get an appreciation of the size and scope of this vast city.

⛵ Chilling out by the Han River 

Han River is one of the major rivers in South Korea. It is very popular with local and tourists visiting Seoul. When the weather is good then many people partake in various activities along Han River.

Some of the most popular activities include biking, picnicking, crossing one of the big bridges or taking a ferry cruise. It’s the perfect place to spend a quiet afternoon away from the hustle and bustle of the centre of Seoul.

🌲 Bukhansan National Park

If you really want to spend a day getting out from city of Seoul then you can’t go wrong with a visit to Bukhansan National Park.

Especially if you’re a nature lover and love hiking! Bukhansan translates to: ‘mountains north of the Han River’ and is a huge forest area full of Buddhist temples and numerous trails.

There are three main peaks in the park which have amazing mountainous vistas at the top. Unfortunately my friend and I decided to quit after an hour or so of arduous trekking. Be warned, it’s not an easy climb!

🏛️ War Memorial of Korea

If you want to learn about the history of the Korean War then you simply must visit the War Memorial of Korea when in Seoul.

The memorial features a pretty humbling exhibition that showcases the story of the Korean War that affected the country so much. It’s also surprising to learn just how many soldiers from countries all around the world lost their lives fighting in the war.

🏘️ Bukchon Hanok Village

Located not too far from Gyeongbok Palace is Bukchon Hankok Village, a traditional Korean village based on top of a hill and quite a popular tourist destination.

It’s quite amazing to walk through the village and appreciate the traditional architecture having just come from the modern city of Seoul.

There are plenty of cultural activities, displays and museums on show within the village. It really showcases what life was like during the Joseon dynasty and how it has been preserved to this day.

🍜 Itaewon

One of the most popular areas for nightlife in Seoul with tourists is Itaewon. It is a bustling area with plenty of bars and restaurants and everything else in between. For me, it was a little too touristy for my liking.

I was surprised with just how many English speaking foreigners descend on this area. It’s maybe not a true reflection of Seoul to be honest. But if you want a lively night out in Seoul then this is the place for you!

🎖️ Visit the DMZ border between South and North Korea

Visiting the demilitarized zone border between South and North Korea is a really fascinating experience ! You do have to book up online in advance; such is the demand from visitors.

You get picked up in a bus in central Seoul and the journey takes around an hour or so to reach the border that lies thirty miles north of Seoul.

The DMZ is a no man’s land that was established between South and North Korea in 1953. It’s a fascinating place to visit for sure. You get to see the tunnels that still exist underground which can be a little bit of a cardio work out and quite claustrophobic, but well worth it.

The best part of the tour for me was the Dora Observatory, where you can see North Korean territory through binoculars! To be that close to North Korea was just incredible, and I fully recommend a day trip to the DMZ.

Alternative Food Tour Options In South Korea

Of course, there are a lot of food tour options in South Korea! Here are two of the very best to go on when visiting:

👉 Best Street Food Tour Seoul – Drinking & Eating through the Alleys of Seoul by ItSeoulGood: This tour lasts for 5 hours and promises to take you off the beaten track where you’ll discover hidden culinary gems!

👉 Best Night Food Tour Seoul – Night Food Tour in Seoul with Traditional and Modern Cuisine by OnedayKorea: This 4 hour evening tour is a great introduction to Korean cuisine, including both classic, contemporary and street food cuisine.

Where To Stay In Seoul, South Korea

There are a lot of options when it comes to accommodation in Seoul! Your choice may be limited by your budget as hotels can get quite pricey, so here are a couple of options that I wholly recommend considering:

⭐Budget recommendation: Hotel The Designers Hongdae : I stayed at this hotel during my stay in Seoul and it was very nice! Good location, nice friendly staff with an easy check in.

⭐Mid-range recommendation: Holiday Inn Express Seoul Hongdae : I also stayed at this hotel and it was fantastic! Lovely room, great central location, great view of Hongdae and the breakfast buffet is a must!

FAQs: Food Tours in South Korea

Still got questions when it comes to food tours South Korea? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions:

Is it expensive to eat out in South Korea?

Yes it can be expensive in South Korea, but it all depends where you eat out! If you’re in Seoul and only want to experience fine dining restaurants, then of course it’s going to be very expensive!

But, it’s easy to discover small backstreet restaurants popular with locals and street food is definitely a great choice if you want to keep your budget low! Generally, food in South Korea is considered to be quite cheap compared to Western countries .

What is South Korea famous for?

The food, of course! But apart from great food, South Korea has become very famous in recent years for it’s contribution to world culture.

Whether that be K-Pop , which has dominated Western music charts in recent years, or cinema and TV, with films such as ‘ Parasite ‘ winning several Oscars in 2020, and ‘ Squid Game ‘ being a massive hit worldwide on Netflix.

Which part of South Korea has the best food?

This is a great question as a lot of people may assume that Seoul has the best food in South Korea. But that’s not entirely true! The cuisine is considered better the further south of the country you go.

Here are the best places in South Korea that is renowned for having the best food:

📍 Jeonju : this is the largest city in the southwest of South Korea and is regarded by most Koreans as the food capital of the whole country. It’s where the famous rice dish bibimbap originates from and the city has a fantastic food scene!

📍 Gwangju : the fourth largest city in the country, Gwangju is a culinary city famous mostly for it’s duck stew dish: Ori-tang .

📍 Busan : the southern capital of South Korea is another must visit place for foodies! It’s known for it’s seafood dishes, but also has some great meat soups, such as Dwaeji gukbap , which is a mix of pork, miso, soy and sesame oil.

Conclusion: Best Food Tour in South Korea

Overall, I absolutely loved my time in South Korea. It’s a culturally thriving place, and Seoul is probably the most culturally advanced city I’ve visited in all of Asia.

I’ve talked a lot about how great Korean food is in this blog post and that was certainly the main highlight of my trip. But also the Korean people I met in Seoul were very friendly, warm and open and you have no reason to be concerned about your safety.

In short, South Korea is one of the coolest countries I’ve been to and I can’t recommend it highly enough. And it goes without saying that it’s an absolute must that you try at least one of the best food tours of South Korea when visiting!

You might also find these blog posts interesting: ➡️ 2 Days in Seoul: A Full Itinerary For Visiting South Korea’s Capital City ➡️ Visiting Seoul In June? Everything You Need To Know ➡️ Tokyo’s Scariest Ghost Tour: Experience The Spooky Side of Tokyo In 2024

Planning your trip? Here are my favourite resources: 🛏️ Accommodation – Find the best place to stay with Booking.com 🚗 Rental Car – Use Discover Cars for the best car rental prices ❤️ Travel Insurance – I recommend using Visitors Coverage ✈️ Flights – Use Kiwi.com for the best prices

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Hi! I’m Mark from Wolverhampton in England and I’m a travel blogger! Back in 2013 I decided to quit my boring day job and travel the world solo for nine months. Ever since then I’ve continued my travels whenever possible and so far I’ve visited over 40 countries, mostly as a solo traveller!

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Korean Food Tours

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South Korea Real Food Adventure

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• COVID-19 protected
• Customizable
• Booking Type Instant booking
• duration 8 days
• tour type Small group Request as private
• age requirement 15-99 yrs
• max group size 12
• guiding method Fully guided
• Tour Code BM-5695

• Starts Seoul, South Korea
• Ends Seoul, South Korea
• Enjoy a home-cooked meal of seasonal dishes in a local’s home in Busan, gaining an insight into everyday life and chatting with your friendly host about the big city over a cup of tea.
• Learn how to make everybody’s favourite pickled dish – kimchi, of course – at a cooking class in Jeonju, then try the city’s iconic bibimbap (declared an intangible cultural asset, it’s just that good).
• Meet the local stall holders in the Gwangang market of Netflix fame and try the best street food that Seoul has to offer. Then, wander the Jagalchi market – a huge seafood wonderland by the Busan port.
• Rub shoulders with the locals in a hanok (traditional home) in Jeonju, then learn about the everyday life of monks during a unique temple stay experience in Gyeongju, where you’ll eat plant-based meals and rise with the sun for morning meditation.
• Feast on all the iconic foods of South Korea, including Korean fried chicken, bibimbap, japchae, kimbap, a seafood BBQ and of course, Korean BBQ.
• By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.
• Day 1: Seoul
• Day 2: Jeonju
• Day 3: Jeonju
• Day 4: Temple Stay
• Day 5: Busan
• Day 6: Busan
• Day 7: Seoul
• Day 8: Seoul
• Hotel (5 nights), Temple stay (1 night), Hanok (1 night)
• 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners
• Private Vehicle , Train , Public Bus , Metro , Taxi
• An expert tour leader
• Seoul - Korean Fried Chicken Welcome Dinner
• Jeonju - Kimchi Cooking Class
• Jeonju - Hanok Village Visit
• Sunchang - Gochujang (traditional chilli paste) Cooking Demonstration
• Sunchang - Mount Gangcheon Hike
• Gyeongju - Temple Stay program including meditation
• Gyeongju - Morning meditation and tea with a monk
• Busan - Haeundae Beach
• Busan - Haedong Temple
• Gyeongju - Silla Heritage site
• Busan - Farm Visit
• Busan - Jagalchi Seafood Market Tour
• Busan - Seafood BBQ by the sea
• Busan - Supermarket stop
• Busan - Home-cooked meal
• Seoul - Celebratory Korean BBQ Dinner
• Any international flights to/from Seoul are not included in this price. We always recommend that you arrive 1 day prior to your tour starting date.
• Travel insurance is not included in this South Korea Real Food Adventure tour. Travel insurance is mandatory to buy. World Nomads' travel insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers.
• Gillian Armitage
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• On Jul 26 2019
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• Personal Itinerary can be tweaked and customized.
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No additional cancellation fees apply for this South Korea Real Food Adventure tour. You can cancel the tour up to 58 days prior departure and avoid paying the full amount, but your deposit paid is non-refundable. No refund applies for cancellations within 57 days of departure.

For any tour departures within 09 June 2024, full payment is required. For tours that depart later than 09 June 2024, a deposit is required to confirm this tour, and the remaining balance will be charged 57 days before trip departure.

South Korea Real Food Adventure tour requires that you have adequate and valid travel insurance covering medical and personal accidents, including repatriation costs and emergency evacuation. World Nomads offers travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families.

For this South Korea Real Food Adventure tour getting the required visa(s) is the responsibility for each individual traveller, as visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. We recommend to check with your local embassies representing the countries that you are traveling to, as part of this itinerary.

• The cuisine of South Korea includes a lot of meat and seafood. For vegetarians and vegans we recommend reviewing the itinerary and inclusions to ensure that you will be able to fully participate and enjoy this trip.
• South Korea is best explored on foot. In fact, most travellers are surprised at how much distance they end up covering! Make sure your shoes are comfy and you are fit enough to spend most of each day on your feet.
• We suggest packing smart for this trip, as you'll be required to carry your own luggage between train stations and to hotels, which can include going up and down multiple flights of stairs in crowded areas. Elevators are available in most stations, but the lighter you pack the easier it will be.
• A traditional Korean bed is a futon-like mattress placed on the floor, which may be folded up and placed in the cupboard in the morning. This trip includes two nights' accommodation with Korean-style floor bedding – one night in a hanok (traditional house) in Jeonju, and one night at a monastery in Gyeongju. While floor bedding can be firm compared to standard western mattresses, the floors are heated and you will be comfortable. You can also request extra mattresses for your comfort.
• The monastery stay provides both unique accommodation and an inimitable cultural experience, offering insight into monastic cuisine and rituals. Part of travelling with Intrepid means respecting local cultures and sensibilities, including dress codes. You will be given pants and a tunic to wear during your stay, and socks must be worn in the temple. Rooms at the monastery are multi-share, which means you may have to share a room with up to three people of the same gender. Couples of opposite genders are not able to share a room on this night as it is against monastery rules. Smoking and alcohol consumption are prohibited at the monastery.
• The Jeonju Bibimbap Festival takes place around the third week of October, with games, exhibitions and foods related to this iconic dish. The Seoul Kimchi Festival takes place in the first or second week of November, and you may have an opportunity to make kimchi with thousands of locals. If you’d like to attend one of these festivals, please check our departure dates to ensure your selected date aligns with your preferred festival.
• Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 is no longer mandatory on departures after 1st January 2023. Nonetheless, all travellers are strongly advised to be vaccinated as a safety measure to protect themselves and others on the tour. This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination are required.
• Also, proof of vaccination may still be required at specific entry points or by the airlines. Therefore, please make sure to check all the travel requirements carefully before travelling.

This trip incorporates the following COVID-19 measures:

• This tour has received the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Safe Travels stamp, which provides travellers with assurance that COVID-19 health and hygiene global standardised protocols have been adopted.
• Hygiene and safety guidelines will be followed to ensure your well being is looked after during travels.

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27 Best Korean Street Food in Seoul & Where to Buy Them

Whenever we visit Seoul, South Korea , we never fail to indulge in its wide array of mouthwatering Korean street food. In fact, with so many options, we’re always torn on which ones to eat every time we start our food trip in Myeongdong , Insadong , and Hongdae , which are some of the most popular street food hubs in Seoul.

We’ll save you the headache so we listed down our favorite Korean street food in Seoul — from the must-try main dishes to filling snacks and sweet treats. Meokja! 먹자! (Let’s eat!)

Must-try Korean street food in Seoul

1. tteokbokki.

Tteokbokki (떡볶이) is one of the most popular Korean street food, if not the most popular. You’ve probably seen it featured in many K-dramas where the characters crave for it and buy it from street food stalls. This famous Korean dish is made of chewy cylinder-shaped rice cakes called garaetteok (가래떡) simmered in a slightly sweet yet spicy sauce.

If you’re wondering whether tteokbokki is spicy, we’d say it is spicy to those who aren’t into spicy food like us. Depending on where you buy it, the level of spiciness could range from mild to extra spicy.

Where to buy tteokbokki: Every Korean restaurant would most likely have tteokbokki in their menu, but you can easily find food carts in Myeongdong and Hongdae selling this ever-popular Korean street food.

2. So-tteok so-tteok

We initially thought this was tteokbokki but in sticks. Apparently, our friend who lives in Korea now told us that this one’s a different kind called so-tteok so-tteok (소떡소떡) . The name is a combination of “ so ” from sausage, and “tteok” from garaetteok (가래떡) , which are the same rice cakes used in tteokbokki.

This popular Korean street food is just basically skewered rice cakes with sausages. Despite its seemingly spicy look because of its reddish color, it is not very spicy at all. It surely passed our low spicy tolerance!

Where to buy so-tteok so-tteok: Like tteokbokki, you can order it in most Korean restaurants but you should easily spot it in Myeongdong and Hongdae. We ordered ours from BBQ Chicken & Beer in Myeongdong.

3. Odeng or Eomuk

Odeng (오뎅) , also called eomuk (어묵) , is easily one of our top favorite Korean street food. In fact, we crave for it everytime we visit Korea during the cold seasons because the broth itself satisfyingly warms our bodies.

This Korean fish cake is made up of mashed fish and other ingredients that create the dough, which is then skewered and boiled in a broth. As fans of anything that has soup, we’re giving it a thumbs up!

Where to buy odeng or eomuk: You’ll be surprised to find it almost everywhere in Korea but you should easily buy one from the street food carts in Myeongdong or in any pojangmacha (tent bar) in Seoul.

Mandu (만두) are the Korean version of dumplings like the gyoza of Japan. These Korean dumplings are stuffed with a savory filling called so (소) , which is usually made of minced meat and vegetables like bean sprouts, carrots, and onions. Mandu are also usually dipped in soy sauce with vinegar for added flavor.

We love mandu so much that we tried the different kinds, from steamed to deep fried. Just thinking about our mandu feast makes us drool already.

Where to buy mandu: Like other Korean street food, you can order mandu in most Korean restaurants and food carts in Seoul, but we had ours at Bukchon Son Mandu Sinchon No. 2 , which was highly recommended by our friend.

5. Kimbap or Gimbap

Kimbap or gimbap (김밥) is a Korean seaweed rice roll with different fillings including meat, eggs, carrots, and radish, and often sprinkled with sesame seeds. Kim or gim (김) means seaweeds while bap (밥) means rice. It’s like the Korean version of sushi rolls or California maki.

We’re not really fond of sushi or maki so we didn’t have high expectations when we tried kimbap in Seoul. But we were pleasantly surprised at how filling and delicious they were, especially when our friend brought us to Ssada Gimbab in Hongdae, which specializes in this Korean dish.

Where to buy kimbap or gimbap: Kimbap is a popular to-go food you can easily buy at convenience stores. But if you want to try some best-tasting kimbap, you can go to Ssada Gimbab near Hongdae Station.

6. Samgak kimbap

Samgak kimbap (삼각김밥) is basically called triangle kimbap because of its obvious triangle shape. It is usually filled with rice, meat, and various vegetables wrapped in a dried seaweed. It’s a filling Korean food often featured in Kdramas where the characters just grab it while on the go.

We haven’t personally tried it yet but we’ll surely do when we get back to Korea.

Where to buy samgak kimbap: It is another popular to-go food you can buy at any convenience store in Korea.

7. Dakgangjeong

You don’t have to go to Korea to taste KFC , and we mean Korean fried chicken . In fact, there are many Korean food chains and restaurants serving this popular Korean dish in many parts of the world. Even in our home country, there’s tons of Korean chicken stores springing up, but we made sure to try the best-selling authentic Korean fried chicken on our trip to Korea.

It’s really different — the Korean fried chicken’s freshness, crispiness, and burst of flavor are on a different level here. So, we highly recommend that you try for yourself!

Where to buy Korean fried chicken (KFC): One of the popular Korean food chains selling Korean fried chicken is BBQ Chicken & Beer. It has several branches in Korea but we tried the one in Myeongdong. Tip: Go a little earlier than the usual eating period as the store gets really packed with local and foreign customers alike.

Japchae (잡채) exactly means mixed vegetables, which are the ingredients of this popular Korean street food with glass noodles as the main component. The glass noodles are mixed with several vegetables including sliced carrots, onions, spinach, and mushrooms.

We’d say japchae is more or less similar to bee hoon or bihun in other Asian countries, but it’s a little sweeter in taste.

Where to buy japchae: We bought a bowl of japchae in Myeongdong.

Twigim (튀김) is the Korean term for fried food or snack. It is more like the Korean version of the tempura, in which shrimp and various vegetables like potatoes, onions, and carrots are deep-fried in a light batter.

You may eat twigim right away or dip it in a sauce to complement its flavor and texture. We really like fried food so this one made it to our list of the must-try Korean street food in Seoul.

Where to buy twigim: There are many food carts around Seoul selling a variety of twigim, but we had it together with kimbap at Ssada Gimbab near Hongdae Station.

10. Sundae or soondae

Sundae or soondae (순대) is a Korean blood sausage in which pig or cow’s intestines are stuffed with dangmyeon (당면) or glass noodles, rice, and pig’s blood.

We can compare it to the Filipino dinuguan (pork’s blood stew) but in sausage form. We personally found it a bit odd since we’re used to this taste in soup form. But it’s definitely worth a try for a taste of the local street food in Korea.

Where to buy sundae: Unlike the other popular Korean street food in Seoul, sundae is a bit more specific to find. We tried it in 홍대삭 연희동점 (Hongdaesag Yeonhuidongjeom) , a pojangmacha (tent bar) in Seodaemun-gu in Seoul. You can also go to Sillim-dong Sundae Town, an entire area specializing in this Korean dish.

11. Dakkochi

Dakkochi (닭꼬치) is basically Korean chicken barbecue where the chopped pieces of chicken on a skewer are grilled or cooked with a flame torch.

To be honest, we didn’t find it very special since we can always eat barbecue anywhere anyway. However, this one’s really filling, and we couldn’t resist it after getting famished while exploring Myeongdong.

Where to buy dakkochi: We easily spotted a food cart selling dakkochi in Myeongdong.

Pajeon (파전) is a Korean dish with scallions or green onions called pa (파) as it’s main ingredient. It is commonly known as the green onion pancake made from a batter of egg and flour mixed with scallions and other ingredients such as pork, beef, kimchi, or seafood.

We couldn’t remember where we specifically ate pajeon in Korea but it sure is appetizing like our favorite Filipino egg torta (omelet).

Where to buy pajeon: Go to Pajeon Alley near Hoegi Station, it is a small street where you can buy some of the best pajeon in Seoul.

Korean street food as filling snacks

13. hotteok.

If you love sweet pastries, you should try hotteok (호떡) , a traditional Korean pancake filled with sugary syrup. The yeasted dough makes the bread soft but its way of cooking gives it the crispy texture on the outside.

When we tried it, it made us think like we’re eating piyaya (muscovado-filled flatbread) in the Philippines but with distinct differences.

Where to buy hotteok: We randomly saw this hotteok food cart outside Gyeongbokgung Palace, but we’re pretty sure you can easily find it sold in food alleys or streets across Seoul.

14. Bindaetteok

Another popular Korean street food in Seoul is bindaetteok (빈대떡) , a type of Korean pancake made of ground mung beans mixed with meat and vegetables. It is then pan-fried, forming a crispy round shape.

We haven’t had the chance to try this famous street food in Korea but we’ll definitely come back for it.

Where to buy bindaetteok: The best place to buy bindaetteok is Gwangjang Market, but you can easily find it being sold in streets and markets around Seoul.

15. Gamja hot dog or tokkebi hot dog

Another popular Korean street food that’s been featured in K-dramas is the gamja hot dog or tokkebi hotdog , also known as the Korean corn dog . In its classic form, this satisfying Korean snack is basically just a hot dog wrapped in a thick rice flour batter. There are other versions with fries and ramen noodles as toppings.

We couldn’t resist buying this Korean snack, especially when we’re already feeling a bit peckish.

Where to buy Korean corn dogs: As they’re largely popular, you can find corn dogs in streets and markets around Seoul. We got ours in Myeongdong.

16. Gyeran-ppang

When we were strolling the streets of Seoul, we noticed this appetizing Korean street food. We didn’t know what it was at the time but we bought it anyway because it sure looks delicious. We later found out that it was gyeran-ppang (계란빵) , which was exactly what we thought it was basing on its appearance – an egg bread.

Gyeran (계란) means “egg” while ppang (빵) means “bread”, so yes it’s a small fluffy loaf of bread with a whole egg. It’s truly one of our favorites, and we recommend that you try it when in Korea.

Where to buy gyeran-ppang: We found a food cart selling this near Seoul City Hall, but there’s also plenty in Insadong and other streets in Seoul.

17. Gukhwa-ppang

Just like gyeran-ppang, gukhwa-ppang (국화빵) is another type of ppang (bread) that is named after its chrysanthemum flower shape. It is filled with a sweet red bean paste, which complements the puffy bread.

We can’t get enough of these yummy treats. And yes, we recommend you try them when exploring Seoul.

Where to buy gukhwa-ppang: It’s the same food cart where we bought hotteok, which we found outside Gyeongbokgung Palace. You can also easily find this anywhere since it’s a famous Korean snack.

18. Bungeo-ppang

Bungeo-ppang (붕어빵) is another type of bread or pastry named after its shape, which is obviously a fish. Same with gukhwa-ppang, it has some sweet fillings usually made of red bean paste.

We bought this set of Korean pastries including bungeo-ppang at MEGA Coffee in Hongdae. We paired them with iced Americano. Yum!

Where to buy bungeo-ppang: It’s fairly easy to find this Korean sweet snack from food carts around Seoul, but as mentioned, we got this set from MEGA Coffee in Hongdae.

19. Kkwabaegi

Kkwabaegi (꽈배기) looks very familiar to us since we have a similar pastry in the Philippines called “ siakoy ”. The appearance looks exactly the same so we’re curious if the taste is the same as well.

We didn’t chance upon this popular Korean twisted doughnut so we’re going to hunt this down on our next visit. We’ll update this, of course!

Where to buy kkwabaegi: The best place to sample kkwabaegi is Gwangjang Market, but we reckon you can find this in other food alleys in Seoul just like the other popular Korean street food.

20. Gun-goguma

We’re no stranger to gun-goguma (군고구마) or roasted sweet potato since sweet potatoes are also quite popular in our home country. However, the one in Korea is cooked differently as it’s roasted in a type of drum can. In the Philippines, it’s usually boiled or deep fried with brown sugar.

We also didn’t find gun-goguma while in Korea but we’ll surely try it when we’re back.

Where to buy gun-goguma: As this Korean street food is popular, especially during winter, you can find them in various streets in Seoul.

Gunbam (군밤) or roasted chestnut is another well-loved street food in Korea, especially during the cold season, from late autumn to winter. We’re sure you’ve also seen these Korean snacks in K-dramas.

Unfortunately, we cannot describe its taste because we haven’t tried it yet, but we’ll do next time, we promise!

Where to buy gunbam: When you stroll the streets of Seoul during the cold season, you’ll randomly chance upon vendors selling these popular winter treats. They’re most likely sold in markets, too.

22. Tornado potatoes

Tornado potatoes are not really unique for us since we also saw these in the night markets of Taiwan. However, this Korean snack still deserves a spot on this list simply because it’s really tempting to buy one once you lay your eyes on it. Who can resist fried potatoes with a twist? We sure can’t!

Where to buy tornado potatoes: There’s plenty of food carts in Myeongdong selling these flavorful spiral cut potatoes.

Korean street food as sweet desserts

Yakgwa (약과) is a Korean honey biscuit made even more popular by the K-drama Alchemy of Souls (2022). The main character Jang-Uk loves this traditional Korean snack, which is a wheat-based confection coated with honey-ginger syrup.

Initially, we thought the taste was a little peculiar, but the more we bit into it, the taste got better, especially when paired with hot coffee.

Where to buy yakgwa: It can be bought anywhere, especially from convenience stores. We got ours from a random cafe named From Coffee Bar just across the old KBS building in Seoul’s Digital Media City.

24. Kkul-tarae

Kkul-tarae (꿀타래) , also known as dragon’s beard candy, is a popular Korean traditional dessert made with honey, which is repeatedly stretched and pulled into thin strands while being mixed with glutinous flour. After which, the strands are rolled and filled with ground peanuts.

Our Airbnb host took us to Insadong so we can witness the unique process of creating this Korean candy. The peanut filling complemented well with the candy’s sweetness.

Where to buy kkul-tarae: We bought ours from Insadong but we also saw food carts selling these sweet treats in Myeongdong.

25. Tanghulu

Tanghulu (탕후루) or candied fruit skewer is quite popular in Seoul. In fact, it has become a craze and a lot of young adults line up to buy this sweet treat. The candy coating, which is made of hardened sugar syrup, is sweet, but the fruits inside, usually strawberries, are a bit sour, balancing out the overall sweetness.

For us, it was just okay, but it is something that you should try at least once to satisfy your curiosity.

Where to buy tanghulu: As it is quite popular, you can easily spot food carts selling it anywhere in Seoul, but we tried it in Hongdae.

26. Soft-serve ice cream

We included this soft-serve ice cream on this Korean street food list because it’s a popular cold dessert in Seoul, particularly in Myeongdong. Nothing really spectacular about it — just like any other soft-serve ice cream, it’s sweet and creamy with different flavors.

After tasting all the street food in Korea, we’re sure you’ll want something to wash it all down. Don’t you?

Where to buy soft-serve ice cream: The best place to buy this is Myeongdong, definitely.

27. Korean banana milk

We added Korean banana milk (바나나 우유) in this list because it’s a popular convenience store drink that is often featured in K-dramas and a must-try when in Korea. This famous drink is sold by Binggrae, a well-known food and beverage company in South Korea.

To put simply, the taste is like sweet milk with a banana flavoring. But even though the description is quite simple, once you start drinking, you’ll find yourself going back to the convenience store to buy more. And that’s what happened to us!

Where to buy Korean banana milk: You can easily buy this from any convenience store in Korea.

That’s all for now! We’ll be on the hunt for more Korean street food when we travel to South Korea again. And oh, why not learn these basic Korean words and phrases so you can better interact with the locals during your Korea food trip?

Did we miss your favorite street food in South Korea? Hit us up on our socials: Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , and YouTube .

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Courtesy of Romeo A

Hi, I’m Charlie. I’ll be your guide for the night. I hope you’re ready because we’re about to explore the reality of Korea. Things might get a bit messy, your make-up might start running, we might miss the last train home, and there’s a possibility you’ll end up drunk-dialing someone. But, as Koreans, we’re in it together. So, strap in. Let’s get this show on the road.

You step off the train on a Friday night and emerge from the depths of Seoul’s subway system, a place we call Ji-ok-chul (literal hell). You are enveloped in a symphony of sights and sounds. Neon lights so bright you can almost hear them buzz. People push and move quickly all around you. Everyone’s got somewhere to go and here in Korea, we do things pali-pali (quickly-quickly). There’s a silence among people as they travel around the city, but it’s a silence so loud it gets you charged up for the night.

Before we order a bottle of Fresh (soju), let’s go over some basic rules: 1) When pouring a drink for someone, remember to hold the bottle with both hands: Your right hand gripping the bottle, and your left hand, supporting your wrist. 2) Never pour for yourself – Not only is it considered disrespectful, it’s also said to bring bad luck. 3) It is considered polite to turn away from your elders when drinking. 4) When drinking with friends, for the inaugural shot of the night, you can raise your glass and say ‘Jjan!’ - an informal way to say “Cheers!” This might all sound confusing and hard to remember, but don’t worry. If you are a tourist and happen to stray from these guidelines after a few too many shots, that is COMPLETELY FINE! Just focus on having fun and being with the people around you. That is what Soju is for after all. Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let’s get down to business.

Work hard, drink harder

Koreans categorize their drinking escapades into rounds, known locally as ‘cha’. So the first place you go to on a Friday night will be 1 cha, the second place will be 2 cha, and so on. Normally, each cha brings with it a different vibe. The first cha normally involves dinner. So, whether it’s the national favorite of chicken and beer (Chimaek), jeon and makgeolli on a rainy day, or the classic Korean BBQ, the options are endless! We drink, of course, when eating. Every person has their own style and each dish goes with a particular type of drink. But in Korea, rather than everyone order their own thing, we drink together. We become one. This brings us closer together and gets us ready for round two.

Now that we’re no longer starving, we can finally get to drinking! This is the second stage: 2 cha. When drinking, we head to a pocha: picture a pocha as akin to a Korean dive bar. The primary purpose of this establishment is to serve soju and other alcoholic beverages with a side of anju (side dishes served with alcohol). Pochas are a popular choice amongst university students because they’re cheap and have all the right vibes. Table after table of groups of young people, shouting, laughing, and filling the room with sounds never dared uttered in a classroom or a home. While bars are for mingling, pubs are for merriment, and clubs are for dancing, the pocha is for drinking. Each table has its own little electronic bell or a digital menu screen so you can get fresh alcohol brought straight to your table. There’s no waiting in line. There’s no small talk with strangers at the bar. This is just you and your friends with an unlimited supply of cheap alcohol, each other’s company, and the desire to see oblivion together. To drink away the stress of life, to eradicate, however temporarily, the pressures of academia and modernity. To forget the sky-high beauty standards of Korean society and finally become equal to those around you; honest, blotchy, and truly democratized through a green bottle.

So, now we’re drunk. What’s next? The 3 cha: Singing! Now, you may be thinking, “I’m a terrible singer! I could never sing in front of other people!” Let me tell you, I have witnessed some truly terrible, god awful singers in Noraebang. I am one of them! But remember, the Noraebang isn’t about showcasing your vocal prowess, it’s about letting loose and enjoying life, even if only for a moment. The microphones are drenched in reverb which covers most of the problems, and noisily banged tambourines drown out the sharp notes. Lights spin around the room in time with your head, people clap on the 1 and 3 beat (rather than the 2 and 4) as another ballad threatens to bring tears; someone jumps up on the chairs and asks the world to bear witness to their intoxication. My own noraebang setlist spans a wide range of genres: from old school hip-hop and K-Pop hits to Guns N’ Roses, military songs, and, of course, lots and lots of drunk guilty pleasures.

Congratulations on making it this far. By now, only the truly resilient remain standing. Many have gone home. Some worried about work the next day. Some simply not capable of going this long. A night out in Seoul is akin to stepping into the ring with Mike Tyson, most people only make it to the third round. And some lose more than their ears. But if you’re among the alcoholic-whales, there’s still more to go.

We grab some beer from the convenience store and head to the Han River. The views here are amazing. And, if you have a good local guide, they’ll take you to Banpo Station, Yeouido Station, or Ttukseom Station for the best views of the river. The chaos starts to subside. The ringing in your ears gives way to quiet murmurs and whispers. Secrets are told. Confessions are made. Bonds, deep unforgettable bonds, are made at this time. Human connections are forged. Individuals become groups. Groups become friends. Friends become individuals.

The hangover

And then you wake-up. Sometimes to the sound of cicadas, sometimes to an election truck shouting outside your window about the policies of the latest suit-wearing ajjoshi seeking your vote. But every time with the dreaded hangover; an old friend of mine. I always opt for a trusted traditional remedy: Hangover Soup. Yes, you read that right, Hangover Soup. There is a soup in Korean tradition specifically crafted to alleviate the inevitable symptoms of a heavy night of drinking. The craziest part? It actually works! This soup helps me get through the day, get to my university classes, and then get ready to do it all again the next time. This is Korean life for some of us.

But soju isn’t always like what you see in K-dramas. It’s not only about drowning your sorrows in those green bottles when your lover leaves you or your boss fires you. It’s also a fuel for happiness. It’s for celebrating life and cherishing moments with the people you love. Soju is there during the good times and the bad times.

The aftermath

As the hangover soup works its magic, we all begin to feel a bit jaded. That is, until you decide to check your phone. As you scroll through your camera roll, the night starts to come back to you in fragments: a blur of everyone singing Billy Joel’s ‘Piano Man’ in the karaoke room, a moment of your friend drunkenly dialing his ex despite your desperate pleas, and then you, holding your friend’s hair back as she empties the contents of 1 cha and 2 cha into the toilet bowl. The circle of life, of drinking, repeating, recycling, and returning.

Seoul’s nightlife is an adventure waiting to happen! Find the beauty in the blurred lines. I’ll see you there soon.

Charlie ([email protected]) is a student at Hanyang University, Seoul.

Dr. David A. Tizzard ([email protected]) has a Ph.D. in Korean Studies and lectures at Seoul Women's University and Hanyang University. He is a social-cultural commentator and musician who has lived in Korea for nearly two decades. He is also the host of the "Korea Deconstructed" podcast, which can be found online.

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Seoul Food & Hotel 2024 | Korea International Exhibition Center (KINTEX)

Seoul Food & Hotel (SFH) is a highly anticipated event that serves as the premier annual gathering for the Korean food and hospitality industry. Co-located with Seoul Food, the largest international food show in Korea, SFH offers a unique platform for industry professionals to connect and explore the latest trends and business opportunities. Taking place in the vibrant city of Seoul at the Korea International Exhibition Center (KINTEX), the event attracts a wide range of high-quality Korean buyers, decision-makers, and industry experts. From premium goods to worldwide industry trends, SFH provides a comprehensive showcase of the finest offerings in the market. In 2024, SFH will once again bring together the best minds and businesses in the food and hospitality sector from June 11th to June 14th. Located at 217-59 Kintekseu-ro, Songpo-dong, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, the event promises to deliver an exceptional experience for both exhibitors and attendees alike. Whether you are looking to expand your network, discover new products, or gain insights into future business ideas, Seoul Food & Hotel 2024 is the must-attend event for anyone in the Korean food and hospitality industry. Mark your calendars and be part of this prestigious gathering that continues to solidify its position as the ultimate meeting place for the industry.

Provided by Oryn | Published Apr 14, 2024

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Dodger Stadium Has 7 New Food Items for 2024 Season

In honor of the new season, the Los Angeles Dodgers announced the addition of seven new food options to their menu at Dodger Stadium last week. These new items include the home run platter, birria burger, a fried peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a cheeto-lote, hot honey chicken tender sandwich, Korean fried chicken bucket, and the original, cheese and salsa/guacamole takoyaki.

Are you aiming to try any of these new menu items at Dodger Stadium this season?? pic.twitter.com/4wKfnhuDE7 (function (d, s, n) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; js = d.createElement(s); js.className = n; js.src = "//player.ex.co/player/44bcfe49-e668-4da2-95b2-ae7095c398b3"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'exco-player')); /* Default mobile style */ #44bcfe49-e668-4da2-95b2-ae7095c398b3 { min-height: 255px; /* Height for mobile devices */ min-width: 300px; /* You may adjust this value based on your layout's requirement */ } /* Desktop style */ @media (min-width: 768px) { #44bcfe49-e668-4da2-95b2-ae7095c398b3 { min-height: 355px; /* Minimum height for desktop, you can adjust this between 355px to 360px as needed */ min-width: 780px; /* Preserving the original min-width for desktop */ } } — Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) April 3, 2024

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The Korean fried chicken bucket notably joins the menu this season after the Dodgers opened the regular season in Seoul, South Korea, where they faced the San Diego Padres in a two-game series.

The Dodgers previously added 12 new menu items a year ago, including the chicken sandwich, chicken pesto panini, potato taquitos, Mediterranean falafel bowl, Greek loaded fries, a new BBQ platter, fried cheesecake on a stick, a hot link corn dog, wild mushroom Philly sandwich, Phill chicken sandwich and a Philly cheesesteak sandwich.

Dodger Stadium is also known for its Dodger Dogs, which can be fried, grilled, wrapped in bacon or even served as a plant-based meat.

These menu options add to the stadium experience, where fans can tune in to watch one of the best MLB teams. So far this season, the Dodgers are 6-1 at home. Right now, the Dodgers are on the road at Minnesota, but the team will return home on Friday, when they host the San Diego Padres.

Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

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Korean International Beer Expo 2024, Seoul

We wish our Weyermann® International Malting & Brewing Expert Axel Jany a pleasant flight now as he is off to Seoul, South Korea!

Together with our distribution partner for Korea, Bision Corporation, he will represent Weyermann® Malts at the KIBEX 2024.

KIBEX (Korean International Beer Expo) is Korea’s largest trade fair specializing in the beer industry while also covering other beverage industries such as ciders and spirits.

The combination of conference and exhibition serves as ideal plattform to exchange views, detect new trends and network with like-minded people.

Axel Jany will also share his expertise through a specialist lecture on the topic “Whisky Distilling for Brewers – Specialty Malts in New Make Whisky”, which he will hold on Friday, April 12th on the main stage.

We wish our ambassadors a great time at the KIBEX and look forward to their impressions and reports!

More: https://www.beerexpo.kr/en_main/ http://bision.co.kr/

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