Seoul: The land for all foodies?
Korea is probably most well-known to people for its K-dramas and K-pop singers. There is, however, one more thing that must not be missed out on: The savory dishes galore that you can find along the streets or alleys in Seoul. You just need to look in all the right places.
So, hop on this food tour with us as we take you around the best places to try Korean street foods in Seoul!
1. Gwangjang Market
| Location: 88, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
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If you’re looking for some authentic local food in Seoul, markets are where you should be headed. Gwangjang Market is one such market that offers you an endless choice of tasty treats. Located in Jongno-gu with many other markets in its vicinity, Gwangjang Market is one of the most prominent ones offering a plethora of items to choose from; from kitchenware, vintage clothes to most importantly meals and snacks. Make sure to try out a few of these dishes: Mayak gimbap, nokdujeon, bindaetteok.
<Gwangjang Market Food Tours>
| Changgyeonggung Palace Night Tour with Food & Makgeolli
2. Noryangjin Fish Market
| Location: 674 Nodeul-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul
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If you’re up for some tasty seafood, a trip to Noryangjin Fish Market will do it for you. However, it’s not like the normal farmer’s markets you go out to on the weekends. It’s wet, messy and a little bit chaotic but that’s the charm of Noryangjin Fish Market. Moreover, since it’s a wholesale market, you’re going to find that the prices are quite reasonable. But the best part is that you can put your bargaining skills to the test with the vendors!
From live fish and mackerels to squid, shrimps, and crabs, Noryangjin Fish Market offers a myriad of choices to choose from. Nonetheless, the adventure doesn’t stop there as they’ll even prepare the seafood for eating inside, right before your very eyes
It’ll get busy usually around Friday and Saturday in the evening, bustling with people who are out to finally enjoy the weekend after a long week.
<Noryangjin Fish Market Food Tour>
| Noryangjin Fish Market Half Day Walking Tour & Food Tasting
3. Euljiro
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The perfect blend between old Seoul’s industrial feel with a tinge of a younger urban vibe, Euljiro has come to be dubbed as Hipjiro – a play on the words hip and Euljiro. As one of the trendiest spots in the heart of Seoul full of history, you’ll spot a lot of stores and buildings with a long history. For example, there’s Munhwaok, a traditional Korean restaurant with over 50 years of history to its name with Seolleongtang as its specialty.
If you’re in the neighborhood in the evening, how about a pint of beer at Nogari Alley lined with a handful of authentic Korean pubs. For a truly local experience, grab a chair and join in on the fun!
<Euljiro Food Tour>
| Night Food Tour in Euljiro, Seoul
<Things to do near Euljiro>
| Make Your Own Korean Lettering Silver Jewelry
4. Insadong
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A cultural hub lined with art galleries, antique shops, and many other traditional Korean stores, Insadong offers a unique experience to both locals and tourists alike. If you’re not really into the artsy stuff, don’t worry because the aesthetically pleasing art of food will keep you entertained. From simple delicacies like hotteok and twisted potatoes to Turkish ice-cream and odd little poop-shaped bread, ddong-ppang, Insadong makes sure that your stomach is always full.
<Insadong Food Tour>
| Insadong Art & Food Half Day Walking Tour
| Insadong & Ikseondong Hanok Village Makgeolli & Food Tour
<Things to do near Insadong>
| Make Your Own Stamp in Insadong
| Make a One of a Kind Souvenir with Korean Traditional Paper ‘Hanji’
| Korean Calligraphy & Hanging Scroll Making Class
| Hae Rang’s Magic Korean Class: Learn How to Read Hangeul
5. Myeongdong
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A shopping paradise for tourists, a trip to Myeongdong comes off as nothing short of amazing for all shopaholics alike. But did you know that it’s a popular place for foodies too? The streets of Myeongdong are lined with all sorts of local street food, from tteokbokki, tornado potatoes and takoyaki to grilled cheese lobster and more. Eat your way into a food coma by tasting all these scrumptious treats that you can find at Myeongdong.
<Things to do near Myeongdong>
| Park Jun Beauty Lab Hair Salon in Myeongdong, Seoul
| O HUI & Whoo Spa Beauty Care Package
| Women’s Mud Massage & Sauna Experience in Myeongdong
| Cookin’ NANTA Show Seoul Discount Ticket
6. Tongin Market
| Location: 18 Jahamun-ro 15-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
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It’s probably been a while since you’ve purchased a meal with cash. Well, how about old ancient coins? If you’re looking for a unique experience, Tongin Market is somewhere you’ll want to visit. Here, with your lunch box in hand, you have to purchase your food with tokens called Yeopjeon, old Korean brass coins. How cool is that! First, exchange 5,000 won for 10 tokens and then you’re off on your way to fill up your lunch box with anything you want! Most of the food will cost around 1~3 tokens.
One of the most popular dishes is arguably the oil tteokbokki, one you have to try if you’re there! There’s even an area on the 2nd and 3rd floor where you can sit down and enjoy your lunch box.
<Things to do near Tongin Market>
| Seochon Village Art & Food Walking Tour
| Modern Hanbok Rental & Photoshoot at Korean Traditional House/Gyeongbokgung Palace
| Deoksugung/Gyeongbokgung Palace Half Day Tour
7. Dongdaemun Market
| Location: 272 Jong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
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If you’ve been to Seoul before, you’ll probably have noticed that wherever you go you’ll be able to spot gastronomic delights at every turn – Dongdaemun Market is no exception. Better known as a go-to shopping destination for clothes discover a different side – the foodie side – to Dongdaemun Market.
As you walk through Mukja Golmok, the “Let’s Eat Alley”, take in the delicious scents and warmth of the assortment of foods being sold there. From jeon, tteokbokki to a glass of soju, Dongdaemun Market is also a great place to visit in the evening and to experience the nightlife of Korea.
<Things to do near Dongdaemun Market>
| Seoul at Night: Special City Night Private Tour
8. Namdaemun Market
| Location: 21 Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
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Tracing its origins all the way back to the 15th century during the Joseon Dynasty, Namdaemun Market started out as any other market would with merchants trading fish and other products. Despite its long history and popularity, however, Namedaemun Market has been able to keep its prices at a reasonable price range which is probably one of the reasons it remains a popular destination up to this day.
Likewise, Namdaemun Market offers a plethora of delectable treats along its streets. Many of them are bitesize snacks which are perfect to nibble on as you continue your shopping spree around the market. Don’t forget to try the good old japchae hotteok (Korean-style pancakes stuffed with vegetables and glass noodles) and mandu (dumplings). And if you’ve got some time to spare, how about a warm bowl of kalguksu (handmade knife-cut noodles) for a hearty meal.
<Things to do near Dongdaemun Market>
| Namdaemun Market Street Food Walking Tour
9. Mangwon Market
| Location: 27 Poeun-ro 6-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
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Though having been around for over 40 years, Mangwon Market is one of Korea’s lesser-known traditional markets. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not worth visiting. With a charm of its own, Mangwon Market is definitely a hidden gem and a haven for foodies. Some of the most popular treats here are the dakgangjeong and croquettes with people from afar visiting and queueing up to taste them.
The best part about Mangwon Market is that it’s located quite near Mangwon Hangang Park, meaning that you can take out all the food and enjoy it at the park.
<Things to do near Dongdaemun Market>
| 4 Kinds of Kimchi Making Class
| Authentic Korean Cooking Class with a Local Market Tour
10. Gyeongdong Market
| Location: 3, Gosanja-ro 36-gil, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
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Embark on a captivating sensory journey to Gyeongdong Market in Jegi-dong, the hub of traditional Korean medicine! Taste herbal tea with various benefits at a 40-year-old “OraeGage” oriental medicine clinic. Also, don’t forget to visit the most unique Starbucks in the market, which is popular among hipsters these days!
<Things to do near Gyeongdong Market>
| Gyeongdong Market Healing Walking Tour
11. Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town
| Location: 10-18 Dasan-ro 33-gil, Sindang-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
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Even if you haven’t even been to Korea, you’ll probably have heard about tteokbokki, one of the most popular dishes in Korea, it’s also been mentioned several times. But tteokbokki from Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town? That certainly hits differently. Though its origins are not completely clear, many say the tteokbokki started out here, even as early as the 1950s, with some of the stores having been around for several generations. Nonetheless, who wouldn’t want to try some tteokbokki from a place named tteokbokki town?
Want to Discover More Korean Food in Seoul? Check out the Tours Below!
Want to Explore Local Markets in Busan? Check Out the Tours Below!
- Jagalchi Fish Market & Korean Food Market Tour with a Local Chef in Busan
- Busan Local Food Cooking Class & Market Tour with a Local Chef
Don’t know where to start first? Just hop onto one of our food tours where our guides will take you to only the best places. It’s an experience you surely won’t forget!
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