Explore Seoul’s culinary roots with a food tour through Namdaemun and Gwangjang, where tradition meets taste in Korea’s vibrant market kitchens.
Explore Seoul’s culinary roots with a food tour through Namdaemun and Gwangjang, where tradition meets taste in Korea’s vibrant market kitchens.
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Seoul - Seoul offers a sensory explosion, a city of LED skyscrapers where the pulse of the future meets centuries of steadfast tradition.
While Korean cuisine is renowned for its tabletop BBQ, the capital’s culinary scene is much more diverse. With a labyrinth of stalls and regional delicacies, choosing where to go and what to order can be…
- Seoul - Seoul offers a sensory explosion, a city of LED skyscrapers where the pulse of the future meets centuries of steadfast tradition.
While Korean cuisine is renowned for its tabletop BBQ, the capital’s culinary scene is much more diverse. With a labyrinth of stalls and regional delicacies, choosing where to go and what to order can be daunting. Worry not. With the guidance of expert Seoul food hosts, you’ll bypass the guesswork and head straight to the city’s finest culinary delights. This isn’t about refined dining, but rather an exploration into the alleyway kitchens cherished by locals for generations.
- Namdaemun Market - Start at Namdaemun Market, the largest in South Korea, with a 600-year history dating back to the Joseon Dynasty. Observe the ajummas swiftly kneading and slicing dough into kalguksu - steaming, hand-cut noodles with a delightful texture in every bite. Contrast this with the refreshing kick of bibim naengmyeon, famous cold noodles with origins in the North.
In this country, every backstreet leads to bibimbap, a vibrant mix of rice and vegetables, before savoring handmade mandu, delectable “parcels of fortune” crafted by a master with over 40 years of expertise. Sample the original hotteok japchae, a crispy pocket filled with savory glass noodles, invented right here in these lanes.
- Gwangjang Market - After a picturesque walk across Seoullo 7017 sky garden to witness the city’s old and new faces, visit the 120-year-old Gwangjang Market. Indulge in a grandmother’s half-century-old recipe for nokdu bindaetteok mung bean pancakes, perfectly complemented by the milky tang of makgeolli rice wine. Prepare to drool, as you won’t be able to resist the spicy, velvet-glazed tteokbokki rice cakes, and irresistible gimbap - seaweed rolls that challenge sushi.
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Cheonggyecheon Stream - Stroll along the Cheonggyecheon Stream before entering the sliding doors of a traditional Hanok teahouse. No Seoul feast is complete without the Ssanghwa ceremony - featuring omija tea and a selection of hangwa traditional sweets, including jammy muhwagwa figs, chewy yakbap, and the bitter-gold pop of roasted yellow ginkgo nuts.
Part street food adventure, part cultural immersion, this tour guides you through market stalls and neighborhood spots to experience the flavors that make Seoul so unique. With over 12 tastings, it offers a vivid, delicious insight into why Seoul is regarded as one of the world’s great culinary capitals.

- 12+ food tastings included, more than any other Seoul food tour
- Bottled water included
- Led by professional foodie guides
- Moveable feast with 7-8 stops around the streets of old Seoul
- Max 8 exclusive guests, smallest group size in Seoul (private tour or 9+ guests - contact us)
- 12+ food tastings included, more than any other Seoul food tour
- Bottled water included
- Led by professional foodie guides
- Moveable feast with 7-8 stops around the streets of old Seoul
- Max 8 exclusive guests, smallest group size in Seoul (private tour or 9+ guests - contact us)
- Alcohol drinks excluded
- Pick up and drop off from hotel excluded. Easy-to-find meeting point for all guests.
- Alcohol drinks excluded
- Pick up and drop off from hotel excluded. Easy-to-find meeting point for all guests.
Participate in our midday Seoul food tour through Namdaemun and Gwangjang, the heart of the culinary scene that has nourished the city for generations. Many tourists barely touch the surface of Seoul’s culinary heritage, but this food tour, featuring over 12 tastings, aims to immerse you in the rich cuisine. Here, the ancient royal traditions blend with…
Participate in our midday Seoul food tour through Namdaemun and Gwangjang, the heart of the culinary scene that has nourished the city for generations. Many tourists barely touch the surface of Seoul’s culinary heritage, but this food tour, featuring over 12 tastings, aims to immerse you in the rich cuisine. Here, the ancient royal traditions blend with post-war resilience to form one of Asia’s most distinctive food cultures.
- See ‘What to Expect’ section and ‘What’s Included’ for info on dietary restrictions.
- We recommend comfortable walking shoes. Bring rain gear/umbrella, if rain looks likely. There’s lot of tastings to try, come hungry!
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.