food tour of south korea

South Korea Real Food Adventure

8 days | slurp, crunch and spoon your way into the belly of south korea.

Immerse yourself in the choose-your-own adventure atmosphere of South Korean food, from bibimbap to street food markets you could get lost in (if it weren’t for your leader guiding you to the best stalls). South Korea’s food scene is often delightfully informal and meals in South Korea are all about finding your flavours. Chow down on meals served with dozens of toppings, light and crispy Korean fried chicken washed down with a small-batch craft beer, silky glass noodles stirred with colourful salad and the various delightful iterations of kimchi. Discover the flavourful diversity and heritage of this rich culinary scene. 

Trip overview

• 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.
• 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.

Welcome to Seoul, South Korea's vibrant capital of high-tech gadgetry, glittering skyscrapers and scrumptious eats. Your adventure officially kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight at your accommodation, where you'll meet your leader and fellow travellers. With the formalities out of the way, it’s time to dive into South Korea’s food scene! First, you'll enjoy a welcome dinner of Korean Fried Chicken and beer for a 'chimaek' experience. Then, head to the Gwangjang Market for an immersive introduction to the sights, smells and, of course, tastes of South Korean street food. Go deep into the gargantuan market featured in the Netflix series ‘Street Food’, following your leader to the best vendors for dinner and cultural experience like no other.

• Hotel (1 night)
• Seoul - Korean Fried Chicken Welcome Dinner

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

This morning take the metro to Seoul Station. Set off for Jeonju, a city that’s all about doing things slowly and doing them well – both in food and in life. You'll arrive just in time for lunch at a renowned local noodle restaurant which started as a food stall, but it’s tantalising noodles have made it a hallmark of the city. In the afternoon, spend some time exploring the historical Hanok Village, wandering cobblestone streets between hundreds of traditional homes and further embracing the relaxed pace of the city. Later, learn the art of making kimchi – a Korean slow food poster dish – during a cooking class. You’ll also learn how to make a delicious kimchi pancake. If you're keen for one more 'real food' experience you can opt to join your leader for locally brewed, cloudy rice beer called 'makgeolli'. Accompanied by a parade of inventive side dishes, this singular drink is enjoyed in ritual fashion, served in special brass bowls from the coveted makgeoli kettle.

• Hanok (1 night)
• Jeonju - Kimchi Cooking Class
• Jeonju - Hanok Village Visit

Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.

The Jeonju Bibimbap Festival takes place in early October every year. Departures that coincide with this event will have the cooking class replaced by a visit to the festival.

Tonight's accommodation will be in a hanok guesthouse. The bedding in a hanok is a futon mattress on the floor with a light covering. The floor of your room is heated and provides a comfortable and cosy nights' sleep.

This morning you'll move from the hanok to a hotel for your second night in Jeonju. You'll have free time to explore the village or visit the historical shrines and palaces. Chat to your leader about which works for you. From here, travel by bus to Sunchang Gochujang, a village famous for the production of gochujang (a traditional red chilli paste), for a tasting and demo on how it gets made. Grab lunch at a restaurant that specialises in fermented bean soup. Later, take a stroll around the base of Mt Gangcheon, and choose whether to work up your appetite by walking a little further to a nearby waterfall. For dinner tonight, we will visit the most famous bibimbap restaurant in Jeonju. The bibimbap here is so good it’s been declared an intangible cultural asset because of its iconic chef. Seriously. Scoff down some of the classic rice dish topped with, well, lots of great stuff. Afterwards, opt to wash it down with a couple of beers or non-alcoholic tipples at a craft brewery. South Korea’s craft beer scene is exploding all across the country after a rise to popularity in Seoul, and tonight your belly will reap the benefits.

• Sunchang - Gochujang (traditional chilli paste) Cooking Demonstration
• Sunchang - Mount Gangcheon Hike

This morning you'll have the opportunity to start your day with a breakfast of kongnamul gukbap – a hot soup of soybean and sprouts. Today, you'll be traveling from the west coast to the east coast for your temple stay. The east coast is an area rich with temples, tombs and palace ruins (many of which are World Heritage sites). Stop on the way to sample some of Korea's favourite driving snacks, including hotteok (red bean walnut bread), kimbap and jjajangmyeon. At the temple you'll be introduced to the life and meditation routines of a monk. Dinner will be plant-based, in line with monastic custom. In the evening, relax with a chanting and meditation service, then choose to be guided through a monastic training session or simply settle in for an early night's sleep.

• Temple Stay (1 night)
• Gyeongju - Temple Stay program including meditation

For your stay at the temple you will be given trousers and a tunic to wear. Please remember to bring socks, as bare feet are not allowed in the temple. You will also need to bring a towel.

Accommodation at the temple is multi-share and you may be required to share with up to three other travellers of the same gender. Couples of opposite genders are unable to share a room, as this is against the rules of the temple. You will be sleeping on traditional futons on a heated floor. Blankets and sheets are provided. Alcohol and smoking are prohibited at the monastery.

The monastery is located on a hill which requires a moderate level of fitness to ascend. All activities at the monastery are optional and you can stop at any time if you feel the activity level is too strenuous.

Your life as a monk continues today with a 4 am wake-up for a memorable morning meditation (you can opt out of it if early mornings are not your thing, but we highly recommend you partake in this unique experience). Following breakfast, learn about the spiritual values and beliefs of Korean Buddhism over tea with a resident monk. Leaving the tranquil life behind, stop at the Royal Tombs of Silla, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover the story of the ancient Silla dynasty and view their tombs from inside and out. Visit a nearby apple farm and chat with the farmer about his life, sampling a slice or two of his best produce. Enjoy a Korean favourite for lunch - Eonyang-style bulgogi beef. Crisp, smoky and juicy, it's popular all over the country for good reason! Travel onwards to Busan to visit the beautiful Haedong Temple, built into the rocks by the sea. After checking into your hotel in downtown Busan for the next two nights, enjoy free time to explore this seaside city. You might like to join an optional dinner of Korean lamb skewers with eggplant, dumplings and other side dishes.

• Gyeongju - Morning meditation and tea with a monk
• Busan - Haeundae Beach
• Busan - Haedong Temple
• Gyeongju - Silla Heritage site
• Busan - Farm Visit

Drinking tea with a monk will depend on their schedule and availability. In the case of bad weather the farm visit will be replaced by an alternate activity.

Today you'll be welcomed into the apartment home of a local resident to learn about their life and food culture. Enjoy Korean favourites like kimbap, japchae and banchan (the exact menu will vary with the seasons). Sip fragrant tea and chat with your host about Busan and what it's like to live there. Stop at a local supermarket and get a broader view of the contemporary food habits of modern Koreans. Here, you’ll get an everyday-life insight into the culture, and your leader will pick up some local popular snacks for the group to enjoy. Visit Jagalchi Market, an enormous seafood market situated by Busan port. Wrap up your day at a restaurant overlooking the ocean for a clam bake with a view. Return to central Busan to relax or hit the town and take in the local nightlife in the Seomyeon Entertainment District.

• Busan - Jagalchi Seafood Market Tour
• Busan - Seafood BBQ by the sea
• Busan - Supermarket stop
• Busan - Home-cooked meal

After breakfast at the hotel, travel by Korea Train Express back to Seoul where you'll have a free afternoon to explore. Perhaps wander around Gyeongbok Palace, marvel at the views from Namsan Tower or check out Seoul’s most eclectic neighbourhoods of Sinsadong and Gangnam. For your final meal, youll head to the youthful district of Hongdae for the most traditional Korean BBQ experience to celebrate your time together.

• Seoul - Celebratory Korean BBQ Dinner

Your South Korea Food Adventure comes to an end this morning. If you wish to extend your stay and explore more of Seoul, contact your booking agent for further information.

There are no meals included on this day.

If you would like to arrange a visit to the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), a tour can be pre-booked (depending on the political atmosphere) at http://www.tourdmz.com . Alternatively, you can speak with your tour leader who will be able to assist with making a reservation. We are unable to pre-book this service for you.

5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners

Private Vehicle, Train, Public Bus, Metro, Taxi

Hotel (5 nights), Temple stay (1 night), Hanok (1 night)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 4 (Temple Stay) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 2. While we endeavour to cater for specific dietary requirements, some meals and food activities are set in advance and may be difficult to adjust. Please advise us of any dietary requirements at the time of booking so that we can ensure you’ll enjoy this trip. 3. On Day 4 you will stay overnight at a Buddhist temple. Accommodation here is multi-share and you may be required to share with up to three other travellers of the same gender. Couples of opposite genders are unable to share a room, as this is against the rules of the temple. 4. Please advise bedding configuration requests to your booking agent at time of booking.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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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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South Korea Real Food Adventure

• Food & Culinary
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Places You’ll See

• Introduction
• 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

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What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

Operated by intrepid travel.

Back in 1989, two guys from Melbourne, Australia by the names of Darrell and Manch set off on an adventure to the other side of the world. They travelled to Africa and without air conditioning on their modified truck, they filled it with supplies, some beer, a bunch of aviator sunglasses, and some friends. On that trip, they came up with the idea that perhaps others may be interested in this style of travel too. Just like that, Intrepid was born. Intrepid has come a long way since then, now giving over 100,000 travelers a year the opportunity to experience small group travel across all 7 continents. They use local transport, sleep in local accommodation from Cambodian stilt houses to Moroccan riads, and employ 100% local leaders. With three different travel styles including basix, original and comfort, themes ranging from cycling trips to family holidays, and itineraries crafted with the perfect balance of must-see sights and free time, Intrepid caters to every type of traveller no matter their age, budget or travel style. The company has grown but their mission remains the same: to change the way people see the world through sustainable, experience-rich travel

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Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Excellent 4.6
• Itinerary Excellent 4.9
• Guide Excellent 5.0
• Transport Excellent 4.7
• Accommodation Excellent 4.1
• Food Excellent 4.9
• Tour Operator Intrepid Travel 4.6
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• A Nerida M · 18th September 2019 Taesan our leader was great, very informative and patient with the group (there were a couple of challenging people). the focus of the tour was very much around food. Trip date: March 2019 Review collected by Intrepid Travel
• A Deborah J · 18th September 2019 Well organised, good activities, very good tour leader Trip date: March 2019 Review collected by Intrepid Travel
• A Elizabeth H · 18th September 2019 I love the Intrepid way of travel and this was my 39th Intrepid trip.The South Korean trip was excellent Trip date: March 2019 Review collected by Intrepid Travel
• A Emma S · 18th September 2019 The tour guide T was amazing. Trip date: March 2019 Review collected by Intrepid Travel

Dates & Availability

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• Upcoming departures
• August 2024
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Frequently Asked Questions

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Good to Know

• Currency ₩ Won South Korea

As a traveller from USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Typhoid - Recommended for South Korea. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis A - Recommended for South Korea. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Tuberculosis - Recommended for South Korea. Ideally 3 months before travel.
• Hepatitis B - Recommended for South Korea. Ideally 2 months before travel.
• Japanese B encephalitis - Recommended for South Korea. Ideally 1 month before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 26th June 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 26th June 2024, a minimum payment of €400 is required to confirm your booking with Intrepid Travel. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Intrepid Travel will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
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THE 10 BEST South Korea Food Tours

Food tours in south korea.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
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• Up to 1 hour
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• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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• Chinese (Simplified)
• Likely to Sell Out
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

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

6. Private Jeonju Hanok Village - Culinary tour

7. Street Food Fiesta in Namdaemun Market

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

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

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

11. Traditional Seoul Gourmet Tour in Bukchon

12. Full Day Jeju Island Private Tour for East course with Korean Black pork BBQ

13. Private Tongdosa Temple Tour including Gourmet Eonyang Style Bulgogi Lunch

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

15. 5 sense of Seoul-Palace, Micheline Bibimbab & Tea Ceremony(max.8)

16. Joongrimdong Cultural & Walking Food Tour

17. Seoul Private Tour with hidden gem of Seoul

18. Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals; Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast

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

20. 3-Hour Seoul Tasting Tour: Cityhall, Gwanghwamun & Jeongdong Area

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

22. Lunch time Feast Tour in Seoul with a Guide

23. Private Transportation with English Speaking Driving Guide

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

25. Private Andong Hahoe Folk Village Tour

26. Seoul Seongsu dong Tour Including Lunch, Dinner, Beer, Night View

27. Jeju Car Charter Tours with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

What travellers are saying.

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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Culinary Tour of South Korea

(6 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis ) Seoul, Busan

On this private culinary tour, discover the flavors of Seoul and Busan during market tours, a cooking class, street food touring, cultural touring and more.

Begin in Seoul , the fascinating capital of South Korea. During flexible private culinary touring, visit Gwangjang Market or one of the other vast markets dedicated to food and sample Korean street food dishes such as tteokbokki (chewy rice cakes in a sweet and spicy sauce), bindaetteok (fried mung bean pancakes) and irresistible hotteok (pancakes stuffed with brown sugar), and perhaps try soju or makgeolli (rice wine). Also stop for a cup of tea in a traditional teahouse.

Also tour highlights such as the Changdeokgung Palace complex—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and its "secret garden." Learn about traditional Korean lifestyles while walking through Ikseondong and Bukchon, neighborhoods filled with hanok (traditional Korean houses), and browse the best local shops for Korean antiques, textiles, ceramics, clothing and more in the Insadong neighborhood. Discover the treasures of Seoul's best museums, such as the Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, Korea Furniture Museum, the War Memorial of Korea or National Museum of Korea. Other options include visiting the Zaha Hadid-designed Dongdaemun Design Plaza, walking along scenic Cheonggyecheon Stream, touring Gyeongbokgung Palace and additional royal palaces, visiting the National Folk Museum of Korea, learning about Confucian traditions at Jongmyo Shrine, walking through trendy neighborhoods such as Myeongdong to see the latest fashions and pop culture (including K-Pop), visiting high-end fashion boutiques and restaurants in Gangnam, going to the top of N Tower, hiking in the mountains surrounding Seoul, stopping by top art galleries and visiting the vibrant Hongdae university district. One evening, if desired, Artisans of Leisure can make a reservation at a makgeolli cafe, where the rice wine is served in a brass kettle and complemented with many banchan (small side dishes).

Next, travel by high-speed train to Busan , South Korea's second largest city and a bustling port town known for its seafood, beaches, surrounding mountains and temples. Enjoy private cultural and culinary touring of the highlights of Busan, including temples, Dalmaji-gil Road, Jagalchi Fish Market and Gamcheon Culture Village. Also sample local specialties, such as milmyeon (noodle dish) and dwaeji gukbap (pork soup rice), or stop by a microbrewery for a local craft beer.

Return to Seoul for a final night in the exciting capital and enjoy a private Korean cooking class to learn to prepare kimchi or other typical Korean dishes.

Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can further customize this tour to include special interest activities, such as a strawberry picking activity or lessons in taekwondo, or excursions to ceramics villages, folk villages, other UNESCO World Heritage Sites, amusement parks, hallyu sites and other destinations outside Seoul.

Booking Information >

All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.

Please Contact Us for more information regarding the above tour, or to begin customizing your own itinerary.

The Artisans of Leisure Style of Travel:

Testimonials

I wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed our South Korea trip—it was great. Our guide was phenomenal—the best guide we’ve ever had. Her knowledge was great and the pace was perfect. ~ L.W., Menlo Park, CA

We loved Japan and South Korea. We loved the guides and experiences. The trip was a big success! ~ A.E., New York, NY

My client wrote to thank me for using Artisans of Leisure for her family’s South Korea tour…she said the trip was flawless. ~ H.Z., Beverly Hills, CA (travel agent)

Read more...

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Street food tour of Seoul

One of the first things you notice when you arrive in Seoul  is the sheer number of street stalls and market vendors steaming, stir-frying and barbecuing fresh food right before your eyes. As a visitor, it can be hard to know where to begin. This tour aims to introduce you to the country’s food scene, from local ingredients and dishes, to the culture and traditions that surround certain foods.

Meandering along the tight-knit tangle of streets in some of the city’s oldest districts, you’ll visit markets and food stalls to try ginseng soups, freshly-cut noodles, spicy pumpkin porridge or maybe tofu stew.

From pop-up tents selling local beer and fried chicken to bustling night markets and traditional tea houses, you’ll get an introduction to the best local dishes, figure out which sauce or side dish to try, and gain confidence in trying different foods during the rest of your trip.

Your tour begins in the traditional Insadong district, where you’ll meet your guide and, if joining a small group tour, other participants. Taking the tour in the evening means you’ll see the city and its markets at their most vibrant as locals leave work and shop for dinner supplies or sit down at food stalls to discuss the day. You’ll also visit night markets as they get into full flow.

Your guide will lead you through the small alleys and traditional markets of Insadong, introducing you to classic Korean dishes and the best places to try them. You might begin with a stop to sample bindaetteok, mung-bean pancakes, a traditional Korean holiday food, or perhaps bulgogi, marinated barbecued beef grilled with garlic and onions, wrapped in lettuce and served with ssamjang — a thick, red spicy paste.

Your guide will help you understand which sauce goes with which dish and why banchan — fermented side dishes — extend well beyond the renowned kimchi. Try bibimbap, a barley rice dish served with fresh vegetables, and hear about how it varies by region, or possibly soondae, a blood sausage that’s light, spicy, soft and far tastier than its ingredients suggest.

You then move on to the Ikseondong district. One of the oldest parts of the city, young entrepreneurs have rejuvenated it by setting up businesses there. You’ll visit tea houses and beer tents, maybe try some freshly steamed dumplings or stir-fried noodles, stop for some hotteok, a rice pastry filled with cinnamon sugar, or try the local staple, makgeolli, a milky rice wine with a sweet, tangy taste. Wash this down with the local spirit, soju, now the world’s most popular alcoholic drink.

If there’s a dish you’ve heard about and particularly want to try, just let your guide know — the markets here are so vast and varied, you’re sure to find almost any dish you can think of.

By the end of your tour, you’ll have a whole new appreciation for Korean food, a better understanding of the importance of food in the Korean cultural experience, and the skills to decipher menus on your own.

Your guide will take you back to your starting point in Insadong district at the end of the tour and from there you can continue your explorations on your own.

Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our South Korea specialists

• 617-223-4521 617-861-6421
• Make an inquiry

Photos of Street food tour of Seoul

Other experiences in Seoul

These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.

Tour to the North Korean border zone

A buffer zone between North and South Korea, the Demilitarized Zone can only be visited on a guided tour which offers the chance to see its observation posts and tunnels and learn about the history of the Korean War.

Experience it for yourself

You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tours below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.

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Best Food Tours in South Korea - Secret Food Tours

South Korea has had some chaotic periods over the years with the DPRK to the north, tensions have been high for decades. But through this chaos, South Korea has emerged as one of the fastest growing developed countries in the world.

Over the years, the food of South Korea has become incredibly popular in the Western World and when you visit the country you'll get to witness first hand why their cuisine has become world renown.

Secret Food Tours: Seoul

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THE 10 BEST South Korea Food Tours

Food tours in south korea.

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• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
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• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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• Chinese (Simplified)
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

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

6. Private Jeonju Hanok Village - Culinary tour

7. Street Food Fiesta in Namdaemun Market

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

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

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

11. Traditional Seoul Gourmet Tour in Bukchon

12. Full Day Jeju Island Private Tour for East course with Korean Black pork BBQ

13. Private Tongdosa Temple Tour including Gourmet Eonyang Style Bulgogi Lunch

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

15. 5 sense of Seoul-Palace, Micheline Bibimbab & Tea Ceremony(max.8)

16. Joongrimdong Cultural & Walking Food Tour

17. Seoul Private Tour with hidden gem of Seoul

18. Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals; Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast

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

20. 3-Hour Seoul Tasting Tour: Cityhall, Gwanghwamun & Jeongdong Area

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

22. Private Transportation with English Speaking Driving Guide

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

24. Private Andong Hahoe Folk Village Tour

25. Lunch time Feast Tour in Seoul with a Guide

26. Seoul Seongsu dong Tour Including Lunch, Dinner, Beer, Night View

27. Jeju Car Charter Tours with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

What travellers are saying.

clock This article was published more than  1 year ago

Biden’s South Korea state dinner menu features fusion — and ice cream

As President Biden and first lady Jill Biden get set to host their second state dinner on Wednesday, this one to be held in honor of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol , they seem to be developing a discernible black-tie entertaining style — at least when it comes to the food.

Just as they did for the dinner honoring visiting French President Emmanuel Macron in November, the Bidens are serving a menu that marries flourishes from the visiting delegation’s cuisines with their own classic tastes, according to a preview the White House offered on Monday. The first course perfectly captured that theme: It’s a Maryland crabcake, something that would be at home at country club luncheons across the mid-Atlantic, but here it’s accompanied by a slaw of cabbage, kohlrabi, radish, fennel and cucumber — ingredients that often find their way into the iconic Korean dish kimchi. Further underscoring the blending of cuisines, the dish is finished with a vinaigrette flavored with gochujang, spicy-sweet fermented paste that’s a staple condiment on Korean tables. (One potential quibble: It’s a little early in the season for fresh Maryland crabs, isn’t it?)

Jill Biden made clear that the symbolism on the plates — as well as the peony-strewn decor — was intentional. She said the evening’s aim was “honoring the 70 years of our alliance with symbols and moments of beauty that reflect both our countries.”

“We hope to showcase the harmony of our cultures and our people intertwined,” she said.

A yellow squash soup with cured strawberries is straight from the “Smoke and Pickles” cookbook of Edward Lee , the Korean American chef and TV personality, who the Bidens enlisted to help design the menu and work alongside White House executive chef Cristeta Comerford and White House executive pastry chef Susie Morrison for the Wednesday event. For the Korean guests, it gets an addition of perilla leaf, a mint-like herb that is the subject of a viral dating scenario for young Koreans.

The main course is another lesson in culinary cross-pollination. Beef short ribs, called galbi in Korean, are taken on a trip through the southern United States with sides of butter bean grits and carrots glazed with sorghum. It’s easy to see the fingerprints of Lee, who is best known as the host of the PBS series “Mind of a Chef.” He often employs sorghum, a syrup he sources from Kentucky, where he launched his restaurant career at the helm of 610 Magnolia in Louisville. (He’s also the culinary director for Succotash, which has locations in Washington and National Harbor in Maryland.) Lee’s style, which is influenced both by his family heritage and Southern foodways, make him a natural fit for the elevated mash-up style the Bidens have settled on for state dinners.

At the Monday preview of the menu and decor, Lee said it was ingredients he thought of first when planning the menu. “We want to lead with the seasons,” he said, noting that the butter beans taking the place of traditional dried corn were “herbaceous and green” and happily in-season. Then he took the same approach he does at his restaurants. “I wanted to take some of my favorite American foods and tinker with it a little bit,” he said. “And add a little bit of Korean touches so it’s familiar but unexpected.”

Gochujang gives a spicy, smoky and sweet boost to these 6 recipes

The addition of a guest chef is a return to a practice the Obamas frequently used to maximize the culinary diplomacy that’s always on the menu at state dinners: “Iron Chef” Masaharu Morimoto assisted when the couple hosted Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe; Anita Lo was in the kitchen for the dinner honoring Chinese President Xi Jinping. Celebrity chefs Rick Bayless, Marcus Samuelsson and Mario Batali were also among the ringers brought in to lend extra star power to the Obamas’ dinners.

One of the wines being poured at the Wednesday dinner has a diplomatic pedigree. The Schramsberg blanc de blancs is the same one that President Richard M. Nixon took with him on his historic peacemaking trip to China a half-century ago (though Nixon toasted the Chinese president with a glass of the 1969; the Bidens will raise over the dessert course the 2019). The menu also pairs a Ferdinand “Vista Luna Vineyard” albariño from 2020 with the first course and a Januik “Red Mountain” merlot from 2020 with the main.

And it wouldn’t be a Biden affair without ice cream, the president’s famously favorite sweet and a staple of his campaign-trail personality. For the state dinner’s final course, the selection is what might happen if an old-fashioned scoop shop went worldly: a banana split featuring lemon-bar ice cream and berries goes bold with a mint-gingersnap cookie crumble and caramel sauce accented with doenjang, a salty, fermented soybean paste. Edible flowers from the White House garden act as a colorful garnish.

“That was the first thing I was told,” Lee said, laughing. “Ice cream!”

Lee told reporters that the first person he called after being asked to guest-chef at the state dinner was his mother, who immigrated to the United States from Korea. “We struggled and we had amazing opportunities, and we’ve always felt this huge debt of gratitude to the United States of America,” he said. “So to come full circle and to give back and be able to do this was gratifying for me and for my mom.”

But what, a reporter asked, was her advice?

“She said, 'don’t mess it up.’”

Staff writer Travis Andrews contributed to this report.