We appreciated Jon’s flexibility with his time and his personal touch with the vendors. Our trip to the “hidden” noodle shop was a highlight. He also helped us find the Zaha Hadid building we wanted to visit, which was an added pleasure.
Seoul Street Food Tour: Gwangjang Market and Beyond
No research, no stress. Just you, a ready hunger, and a guide who knows where the good stuff is cooking.
Where You’ll Go
From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.
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Gwangjang Market
What’s Included As Standard
Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.
Included
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English-speaking expert guideTours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
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Intentionally sized groupsA smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
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Tickets and entrance feesAll entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
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HeadsetsHeadsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.
Excluded
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GratuitiesWe encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
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Food and drinkRefreshments are only included during a tour when clearly noted.
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Transportation to and from the meeting pointGuests organize pre- and post-tour transport themselves - this service can be added by request.
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Hotel pickup or drop-offUnless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Make the Most of Your Tour
Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.
Dos:
- Wear comfortable footwear
- Check the weather and dress appropriately
- Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
- Feel free to ask your Expert anything
Don'ts:
- Bring firearms or weapons
- Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
- Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments
Any questions? You can always
contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
We do our very best to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, but it’s essential to let us know in advance—ideally at the time of booking. This allows our team and guides to plan ahead, suggest alternative tastings, and check ingredients where needed. While we can’t guarantee every dish will meet all dietary needs, we’ll do everything we can to make sure you enjoy a safe and delicious experience on the tour.
Yes, absolutely. If you let us know your preferences when you book, we’ll be happy to share them with your guide. While our guides will do their best to accommodate your requests, please note that the market can be quite busy, and availability may vary depending on the day and the freshness of products. That said, your guide will always aim to find the best and quietest spots—and include your request whenever possible.
We recommend arriving with a good appetite—but not overly hungry or right after a big meal. For many guests, the tour is satisfying enough to count as a full meal. Others may prefer to enjoy a light bite afterward.
Not at all. Tastings are not pre-selected or pre-ordered, and your guide will make choices based on what's fresh, available, and suited to your preferences. You're welcome to share any dislikes or hesitations with your guide at the start of the tour — they’re there to make the experience enjoyable and comfortable for everyone.
Yes, children are welcome—especially if they’re curious and open to trying new foods. While the tour may include unfamiliar or adventurous tastings, the guide will do their best to accommodate younger participants and adjust selections accordingly.
Due to the market’s narrow walkways and high foot traffic, tours with more than 6 participants are not recommended. Larger groups can make it difficult to navigate comfortably and may disrupt the flow of the market. That said, we’re happy to accommodate your group by splitting it into two smaller groups. This way, everyone can enjoy a more relaxed and immersive experience without overcrowding the stalls.
We don’t recommend changing the scheduled time. The current tour time has been carefully chosen by local experts to avoid the peak lunch and dinner rush, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable experience. However, if you have a specific need or scheduling conflict, let us know at the time of booking. In special cases, we may be able to arrange an alternative start time.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.
Is the tour suitable for individuals with mobility concerns? Yes, the tour can be adapted for those with mobility issues. Gwangjang Market is entirely flat and offers a variety of attractions within a compact area, allowing for minimal walking. While the market can become crowded, making navigation challenging at times, vendors are generally accommodating and willing to assist, and your party can request to visit vendors outside of the market proper as well. Seating is available at most stands, though it typically consists of lower stools, which may be difficult for some guests. If you have specific mobility concerns, please inform us in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements to ensure a comfortable experience.
Don’t just take our word for it
Terrific tour! We thoroughly enjoyed our time with our guide and exploring the market, tasting many delicious Korean foods. A great introduction to the country through food.
Jon was such a great guide! He took us to the best spots and the food was delicious. We will definitely come back and do another experience with him.
Let Your Curiosity Shape Your Journey
Join passionate experts on intimate walking tours that reveal a city’s unique stories, spark conversations, and leave you seeing the world—and yourself—a little differently.
Structured, never scripted
Your interests guide your Expert, leading to stories and perspectives that matter to you.
Crafted for conversation
With ten or fewer guests, ask questions, engage with your Expert, and fully immerse yourself.
Experts, not guides
Explore with 1,200+ Experts—from historians and architects to archaeologists and chefs.