Seoul, South Korea by Emmanuel Dyan is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

One day itinerary for culinary Travelers in Seoul

Overview

Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, is a vibrant and bustling metropolis known for its rich culinary scene. This itinerary is designed for culinary tourists who want to explore the city's diverse food culture and indulge in authentic Korean cuisine.

Getting Around

Seoul has an efficient and extensive public transportation system, making it easy to navigate the city. The most cost-effective options for getting around include:

• Subway: Seoul's subway system is well-connected and covers most areas of the city. It is affordable and convenient for traveling between different neighborhoods.
• Bus: Buses in Seoul are also a popular mode of transportation. They offer a wider coverage area compared to the subway and are a great way to explore different parts of the city.
• Walking: Seoul is a pedestrian-friendly city, and many attractions and food markets are within walking distance of each other. Walking is a great way to soak in the local atmosphere and discover hidden culinary gems.
• Bike Rentals: Seoul has a bike-sharing program called "Ttareungi" which allows visitors to rent bicycles for short trips. This is a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the city.

Foodies activities

Morning

Korean Cooking Class at O'ngo Food Communications

• Description: Learn to cook traditional Korean dishes in a hands-on cooking class led by experienced instructors. Discover the secrets of kimchi-making, bibimbap, and other iconic Korean recipes.
• Location: 5F, 58-7, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• Timing: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
• Tips: Make sure to book your cooking class in advance as they tend to fill up quickly. Wear comfortable clothing and be prepared to get your hands dirty!

Afternoon

Gwangjang Market Food Tour

• Description: Embark on a guided food tour of Gwangjang Market, one of Seoul's oldest and largest traditional markets. Sample a wide variety of street food, including bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), and gimbap (seaweed rice rolls).
• Location: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• Timing: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
• Tips: Come hungry and be prepared to try a lot of different dishes. Don't forget to explore the other sections of the market, which offer clothing, fabrics, and traditional Korean goods.

Evening

Hanjeongsik Dinner at Tosokchon

• Description: Experience a traditional Korean feast known as hanjeongsik at Tosokchon, a renowned restaurant famous for its ginseng chicken soup (samgyetang) and other classic Korean dishes. Hanjeongsik is a multi-course meal that showcases a wide variety of flavors and textures.
• Location: 5 Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Sajik-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• Timing: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
• Tips: Make a reservation in advance, as Tosokchon is a popular dining spot. Don't miss the opportunity to try their signature ginseng chicken soup.

Dining Options

Gwangjang Market

• Location: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• Cuisine: Various Korean street food
• Description: Gwangjang Market is a food lover's paradise, offering a wide range of street food stalls serving everything from savory pancakes to spicy rice cakes.

Myeongdong Kyoja

• Location: 29 Myeongdong 10-gil, Myeongdong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Cuisine: Kalguksu (handmade noodle soup) and mandu (dumplings)
• Description: Myeongdong Kyoja is a popular restaurant known for its delicious and comforting noodle soup and dumplings. It's a must-visit for those craving traditional Korean comfort food.

Gogung

• Location: 5-1, Insadong 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• Cuisine: Bibimbap (mixed rice dish)
• Description: Gogung is a renowned restaurant specializing in bibimbap, a signature Korean dish. They offer a variety of bibimbap options, including vegetarian and meat-based versions.

Tongin Market Dosirak Cafe

• Location: 18 Jahamun-ro 15-gil, Chebu-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• Cuisine: Dosirak (Korean lunchbox)
• Description: Tongin Market Dosirak Cafe allows visitors to create their own traditional Korean lunchbox by selecting various side dishes from different stalls in the market. It's a unique and interactive dining experience.

Pojangmacha Alley

• Location: Yeji-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• Cuisine: Street food vendors
• Description: Pojangmacha Alley is a lively street food area where you can find a wide variety of Korean street snacks, such as tteokbokki, odeng (fish cake), and hotteok (sweet pancakes).

Accommodation Recommendations

Hotel Skypark Central Myeongdong

• Description: Located in the heart of Myeongdong, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and is within walking distance of numerous food markets and dining options.
• Location: 16, Myeongdong 9-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Lotte Hotel Seoul

• Description: A luxury hotel situated in the bustling shopping district of Myeongdong. It offers a range of dining options and is conveniently located near popular food markets.
• Location: 30, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

Additional Tips

• Don't miss out on trying traditional Korean dishes such as bulgogi (marinated grilled beef), samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly), and kimchi (fermented cabbage).
• Explore the local street food scene and try popular snacks like hotteok (sweet pancakes), bungeoppang (fish-shaped pastry), and gyeran-bbang (egg bread).
• Learn about Korean dining etiquette, such as using chopsticks and spoons correctly, and showing respect to elders by pouring drinks for them.
• Visit traditional tea houses (called "dabang") to experience the art of Korean tea and enjoy a tranquil atmosphere.
• Don't be afraid to venture off the beaten path and try small local restaurants and food stalls, as they often offer the most authentic and delicious Korean cuisine.