Join Min β a Seoul-born food writer who has published 3 books on Seoul's restaurant scene β for an immersive tasting journey through Gwangjang Market, one of Korea's oldest and most beloved food markets. Together you'll experience 7 iconic Korean dishes paired with 5 traditional drinks, all chosen for flavor, story, and perfect pairing.
You won't just eat β you'll understand why each dish exists, how Koreans drink, and what makes this market culture unlike anything else in the world. Small group only (max 6), so every moment feels personal.
Min has been coming to Gwangjang Market since childhood β and worked nearby for years, making her a true regular who visited after work just like any local. She watched countless tourists wander in lost, end up at overpriced tourist-trap stalls, and leave disappointed.
This activity is different. Min takes you exactly where real locals eat β the vendors she personally goes back to, the dishes that never make it onto travel blogs, and the drinks that Seoulites actually pair with their food. Not a tourist experience. A local one.
7 dishes + 5 drinks = 12 items total, all chosen by Min for flavor, story, and perfect pairing.
Gwangjang Market's most iconic duo β a crispy mung bean pancake and a savoury meat pancake, paired with cloudy rice wine. Not the fluffy, sweet kind you know from brunch β Korean pancakes are dense, golden, and deeply savoury, best eaten hot off the griddle. The combination every Korean has been enjoying for generations.
The freshest catch from the market β paired with clean, crisp soju the way any Korean would. Simple, perfect, unforgettable.
The dishes you'll find at any Korean drinking table β paired with a variety of traditional spirits. Min explains the drinking culture behind each one.
The activity's showstopper β Korean beef tartare and live octopus, finished with a chilled glass of Chungha. Bold, thrilling, and completely authentic. This is what Gwangjang Market is famous for.
Still have room? Finish with a warm, sugar-filled hotteok pancake straight off the griddle. The perfect sweet ending to a very good meal.
* Menu may vary slightly by season and market availability.
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StartMeet at Jongno 5-ga Station (Line 1), Exit 8Min greets the group and gives a short introduction to Gwangjang Market β its 100-year history, its layout, and what makes it unlike any other market in Seoul.
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3.5 hrsThe Deep Dive β 7 Dishes & 5 Drinks3.5 hours of eating your way through Gwangjang Market β moving between Min's personal regular spots, tasting 7 dishes and 5 drinks, hearing the stories behind each one. No tourist traps. No pre-packaged experience. Just real local food, real local drinks, and real local knowledge.
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EndFarewell & Restaurant RecommendationsWe wrap up at the market. Min sends you off with her personalized picks for the rest of your Seoul trip.
- All 12 items β 7 dishes & 5 traditional drinks
- Expert local guide (Min)
- Food writer's inside knowledge
- Small group (max 6)
- English-speaking guide
- Restaurant recommendation list
- Transportation to meeting point
- Personal travel insurance
- Extra food or drinks beyond included
- Come hungry β this is a substantial amount of food
- Alcohol is included β let Min know if you prefer non-alcoholic and she'll substitute
- Please inform Min of any dietary restrictions or allergies when booking
- Activity runs rain or shine β Gwangjang Market is mostly covered
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Meeting point: Jongno 5-ga Station (Line 1), Exit 8
β Google Maps β Naver Maps - Cancellation: Full refund if cancelled 24hrs before start
"I had an absolutely fantastic time on this tour. The guide was excellent β knowledgeable, engaging, and genuinely passionate. She didn't just take us from place to place; she provided meaningful background, context, and cultural insights. There was more than enough food and drinks β definitely come hungry! Every stop offered something authentic and delicious, and we visited places I would never have dared to enter on my own. It felt relaxed, social, and immersive. I would absolutely do this tour again."
"This tour is a great gateway to trying some great Korean food and drink! The host was flexible and able to pivot when some places weren't open. Overall it was an incredibly fun and informative experience β also great to meet other people visiting the area!"
"We joined as a group of friends and had an amazing time. The pace was relaxed and we never felt rushed. Trying traditional drinks we had never heard of before was a highlight. Min created such a fun and welcoming atmosphere β it felt like exploring the market with a local friend."
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