Tour Details
Duration
3 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
Gwangjang Market
Photos & Highlights
- Forget bibimbap and kimchi, try the secret dishes locals actually line up for.
- Warning: this tour comes with a high risk of love at first taste! Taste -- and fall hard for authentic Korean flavors -- at your own risk.
Select a date
Tour Description
Street food in Seoul is the real deal. It’s not just food; it’s culture, history, and innovation on a plate. The local markets are a vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds, and aromas; with kids’ clothes on one side and smoky squid on the other. Locals squeeze into plastic chairs, devouring their quick lunch in a smoky haze from charcoal grills. As you walk in, the delicious scents and lively sights will have your mouth watering before you even take a bite.
No trip to Seoul is complete without experiencing its diverse street food scene. But with countless options and markets to explore, it can be overwhelming. That's where our Seoul Food Tour comes in: join a local expert in Korean cuisine on a tasteful walk through the historic Gwangjang Market – one of the city's oldest and largest traditional markets – and beyond, as you sink your teeth in the authentic flavors and traditions of Seoul's street food.
Choose this tour if…
- You can’t get enough Korean takeout and are ready for the real deal, straight from the streets of Seoul.
- You’re tired of relying on the ‘English menu’ and want to ditch the tourist traps. Our guide will help you eat like a local without the awkward translations and language barriers.
- You want to come home with fun stories, memories to brag about, or even some new recipes to impress your friends at the next dinner party.
- You didn’t travel this far just to check boxes off — this is your chance to dive into everything Seoul has to offer.
- You’re down for live octopus, but your crew’s more into safe bets like dumplings? No worries, your guide’s got something for everyone.
- Mayak Kimbap: Miniature seaweed rice rolls filled with seasoned vegetables, known for their addictive taste.
- Bindaetteok or Mung Bean Pancakes: Savory pancakes made from ground mung beans mixed with vegetables and sometimes meat, then pan-fried until crispy.
- Soondae (Blood Sausage): Korean-style blood sausage made by steaming pig's intestines stuffed with a mixture of pig's blood, glass noodles, and glutinous rice.
- Tteokbokki: Chewy rice cakes stir-fried in a spicy gochujang (chili paste) sauce, often accompanied by fish cakes and boiled eggs.
- Rice Wine (Makgeolli): A traditional Korean alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice, slightly sweet and tangy with a milky appearance.
- Raw Beef Bibimbap: A mixed rice dish topped with raw beef, assorted vegetables, a raw egg yolk, and gochujang (chili pepper paste).
- Sannakji or Live Octopus: A delicacy where small octopuses are served freshly cut into pieces and eaten while still moving, typically seasoned with sesame oil.
- Squid Bibimbap: A variation of the traditional Korean mixed rice dish, featuring marinated and stir-fried squid atop steamed rice, accompanied by assorted vegetables and often a spicy gochujang (chili pepper paste) sauce
- Sweet Pumpkin Porridge (Hobak-juk): A smooth, naturally sweet porridge made from pumpkin and glutinous rice flour, often enjoyed as a comforting meal.
- Red Bean Porridge (Patjuk): A traditional Korean porridge made from red beans and glutinous rice balls, offering a mildly sweet flavor.
- Mandu Dumplings: Korean dumplings filled with a mixture of meat and vegetables, either steamed, boiled, or fried.
- Mul-naengmyeon: Cold buckwheat noodles served in a chilled, tangy broth, often garnished with sliced beef, a boiled egg, and vegetables.
- Hotteok: Sweet Korean pancakes filled with a mixture of brown sugar, honey, chopped peanuts, and cinnamon, then pan-fried until crispy on the outside.
As you explore the bustling alleys of the market and hidden gems of the surrounding area, your guide will explain the wide variety of sights and smells, from the fiery kick of kimchi to the pungent aroma of dried fish and hearty pots of vegetables. You’ll stop at a selection of iconic food stalls to sample celebrated Korean dishes.
First, perhaps try bindaetteok, crispy mung bean pancakes paired with refreshing makgeolli (rice wine)—a street food classic. Then you may get hooked on mayak gimbap, addictive seaweed rice rolls that will have you coming back for more.
Throughout the tour, your guide will share fascinating insights into Korean culture, history, and the food you’re tasting. You’ll learn about daily Korean dining, the importance of markets, and why certain dishes have earned their place in the heart of Seoul’s food scene.
Feeling adventurous? Try sannakji (live octopus), or stick to other delicious options—your guide will tailor everything to your comfort level. By the end of the tour, you’ll be full, but also armed with the knowledge to confidently explore Seoul’s food scene and avoid tourist traps on your own.
- Gwangjang Market — one of Seoul's oldest and most vibrant markets. You may also choose to spend a portion of the tour exploring the lively neighborhood it's nestled in.
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15 Reviews
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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.
Tobias
Reviewed on:
Mar 11, 2026
Kangsil was a delight to have as a food tour guide. She was knowledgeable of the various delicacies in Korea and explained the food options and their originations. She was personable and truly wanted to know what we wanted and were willing to experience. She was cognizant to ask if we had any food allergies to ensure our safety. She gave us multiple options for opportunities to try authentic and adventurous dishes. We would highly recommend taking this tour and requesting Kangsil if possible.
Debra
Reviewed on:
Nov 18, 2025
Jon was fantastic. Incredibly knowledgeable about Korea, history and food. Was the perfect way to spend my first day in Seoul. Jon was on top of the details as well - got in touch a day in advance, told me exactly where to meet and was flexible with my schedule. I’d give six stars if it were an option. Can’t wait to bring my family back for this tour!
Robert
Reviewed on:
Nov 16, 2025