Culinary Delights: A Foodie’s 4-Day Guide to Seoul

Welcome to Seoul, a city where ancient meets ultra-modern and culinary wonders await at every corner. This 4-day foodie guide will take you through the heart of South Korea’s capital, offering a taste of its rich culinary heritage and modern dining marvels. Whether you’re a fan of fiery kimchi, delicate Bibimbap, or ready to explore the street food wonders, Seoul’s gastronomic landscape promises an unforgettable journey.

Day 1: Traditional Tastes and Modern Flavors

Start your culinary adventure in Seoul by diving into the traditional flavors that have shaped Korean cuisine, while also getting a glimpse of the city’s modern dining scene.

Morning: Gwangjang Market

Begin your day at Gwangjang Market, one of the oldest and most famous traditional markets in Seoul. Here, you can savor classic street food like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), and kimbap (Korean sushi rolls). Don’t miss trying the freshly made mandu (Korean dumplings).

• Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, daily
• Closest Subway Station: Jongno 5-ga Station (Line 1 / Exit 7, 8)
• Estimated Time to Spend: About 1-2 hrs

Lunch: Woo Lae Oak

For lunch, head to Woo Lae Oak, one of Seoul’s oldest restaurants known for their bulgogi and naengmyeon (chilled buckwheat noodles). It’s a short walk from Gwangjang Market and offers a delightful mix of traditional and contemporary Korean dishes.

• Address: 62-29, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
• Operating Hours: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM, daily
• Closest Subway Station: Euljiro 4-ga Station (Exit 4)

Afternoon: Bukchon Hanok Village and Samcheong-dong

Post-lunch, take a stroll to Bukchon Hanok Village, a picturesque neighborhood featuring traditional Korean houses (hanok). Then, wander to nearby Samcheong-dong, known for its fusion cafes and art galleries, perfect for an afternoon break.

• Estimated Time to Spend: About 2-3 hrs

Dinner: Michelin-Starred Gastronomy

For dinner, indulge in a Michelin-starred experience at La Yeon, located in The Shilla Seoul hotel. Renowned for its refined Korean cuisine, La Yeon offers dishes that are a feast for both the palate and the eyes.

• Address: The Shilla Seoul, 249, Dongho-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Operating Hours: 12-2:30 PM, 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
• Reservation recommended

Accommodation Suggestions

After a fulfilling day of culinary explorations, relax and rejuvenate at one of these recommended accommodations:

The Shilla Seoul

The Shilla Seoul, with its luxurious amenities and excellent location, is perfect for those seeking a blend of comfort and elegance. Its proximity to Namsan Park and the Michelin-starred La Yeon restaurant makes it an ideal choice.

Millennium Hilton Seoul

Millennium Hilton Seoul is situated in the vibrant Myeong-dong area, offering easy access to local attractions and a wide range of dining options.

Day 2: Fusion Flavors and Nightlife Cuisine

Morning: Explore Insadong

Start your day in Insadong, a neighborhood known for its traditional tea houses and antique shops. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a serene morning with a cup of traditional Korean tea.

• Recommended: Visit Ssamziegil for unique crafts and souvenirs
• Closest Subway Station: Anguk Station (Line 3)

Lunch: Hanjeongsik at Tosokchon Samgyetang

For lunch, head to Tosokchon Samgyetang to enjoy hanjeongsik, a traditional Korean full-course meal featuring a variety of side dishes. It’s a culinary experience that shouldn’t be missed.

• Address: 5 Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• Operating Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Afternoon: Visit Namsan Tower

Post-lunch, take a cable car ride up to Namsan Tower for breathtaking views of Seoul. It’s a great way to digest and enjoy the city’s skyline.

• Closest Subway Station: Myeongdong Station (Line 4), Exit 3
• Estimated Time to Spend: 1-2 hrs

Dinner: Street Food in Hongdae

Experience Seoul’s vibrant nightlife and street food scene in Hongdae. This area is famous for its youthful energy, live music, and a wide variety of street food options.

• Recommended: Try tteokbokki, hotteok, and dakkochi
• Closest Subway Station: Hongik University Station (Line 2)

Day 3: A Dive into Korean Traditional Cuisine

Morning: Bukchon Hanok Village

Explore the charming Bukchon Hanok Village in the morning. Walk through the alleys lined with traditional Korean houses and visit a local café for a traditional breakfast.

• Estimated Time to Spend: 2-3 hrs

Lunch: Korean BBQ in Gangnam

Head to Gangnam for a quintessential Korean BBQ experience. Enjoy grilling marinated meats accompanied by a variety of side dishes.

• Recommended Restaurant: Maple Tree House
• Closest Subway Station: Gangnam Station (Line 2)

Afternoon: COEX Mall and Bongeunsa Temple

Spend your afternoon at COEX Mall, the largest underground shopping mall in Asia. Later, find tranquility at Bongeunsa Temple, a Buddhist temple offering a peaceful escape in the heart of the city.

• Closest Subway Station: Samseong Station (Line 2)

Dinner: Fine Dining in Cheongdam-dong

For dinner, head to Cheongdam-dong, known for its upscale restaurants and fine dining experiences. Enjoy a luxurious meal to wrap up your third day in Seoul.

• Recommended: Mingles for innovative Korean-European fusion cuisine

Day 4: Off the Beaten Path

Morning: Noryangjin Fish Market

Start your day at Noryangjin Fish Market, one of the largest seafood markets in Korea. Here, you can select fresh seafood and have it prepared for you on the spot.

• Operating Hours: 24 hours (best time to visit: early morning)
• Closest Subway Station: Noryangjin Station (Line 1)

Lunch: Korean-Chinese Fusion in Myeongdong

Explore the bustling streets of Myeongdong and enjoy a unique Korean-Chinese fusion lunch at one of the local eateries.

• Recommended: Myeongdong Kyoja for their famous dumplings and noodles

Afternoon: Relax at Hangang River Park

After lunch, take a leisurely walk or rent a bike at Hangang River Park. It’s a perfect way to relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Hangang River.

• Closest Subway Station: Yeouinaru Station (Line 5)

Dinner: Farewell Feast in Itaewon

Conclude your foodie journey in Seoul with a farewell feast in Itaewon, a melting pot of international cuisines. Choose from a wide range of restaurants offering global flavors.

• Recommended: International cuisine options in Itaewon
• Closest Subway Station: Itaewon Station (Line 6)

Memories of Seoul’s Culinary Landscape

Your four-day food adventure in Seoul comes to an end, but the memories of the flavors, sights, and experiences will linger on. Seoul’s culinary landscape is a vivid tapestry of tradition and innovation, offering something for every palate. Whether it was the spicy kick of kimchi, the savory delight of Korean BBQ, or the sweet surprise of a street food snack, each bite was a journey in itself. As you pack your bags, you take with you not just souvenirs, but also a deeper appreciation for the diverse and rich culinary culture of Seoul.