Welcome to Seoul, the heart of South Korea and a true paradise for food lovers. On Day 1, let’s dive into the rich culinary traditions with a mix of traditional Korean dishes and enticing street food. This itinerary will guide you through some of the best spots to eat, filled with mouthwatering dishes that define Korean cuisine.
Breakfast at Gwangjang Market
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the Gwangjang Market, one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in Seoul. Here, you can savor delectable Korean dishes such as bibimbap (mixed rice with vegetables), bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), and mayak gimbap (mini seaweed rice rolls).
Morning Activity: Visit to Bukchon Hanok Village
After breakfast, take a stroll through the picturesque Bukchon Hanok Village. This traditional Korean village boasts well-preserved hanoks (traditional Korean houses) and offers a glimpse into the country’s history and culture. The scenic lanes are perfect for a leisurely walk before lunch.
Lunch at Tosokchon Samgyetang
For lunch, head to Tosokchon Samgyetang, famed for its nourishing samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup). This traditional Korean soup, made with a whole chicken stuffed with rice, ginseng, garlic, and jujube, is not only delicious but also incredibly revitalizing.
Afternoon Tea: Savoring Traditional Korean Teas at Insadong
In the afternoon, make your way to Insadong, a neighborhood known for its cultural charm and traditional tea houses. Choose a cozy spot to enjoy some Korean traditional tea and snacks such as tteok (rice cakes). Don’t forget to take in the vibrant street scenes and chat with the locals.
Dinner: Korean BBQ at Maple Tree House
As evening approaches, gear up for an unforgettable dining experience at Maple Tree House, one of Seoul’s best spots for Korean BBQ. Savor succulent cuts of samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly), bulgogi (marinated beef), and enjoy a variety of banchan (side dishes) to complement your meal.
Evening Adventure: Strolling through Myeongdong
End your day with a leisurely stroll through Myeongdong, a bustling shopping district famous for its vibrant street food scene. Indulge in street snacks like hotteok (sweet Korean pancakes) and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) as you explore the lively streets full of shops and entertainment.
Day 2
On Day 2, let’s continue our culinary adventure in Seoul by exploring more traditional eats and experiencing unique dining settings. This day is designed to further immerse you in the rich and diverse food culture of Seoul, ensuring an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
Breakfast at Tongin Market
Kick off your morning with a visit to Tongin Market. This traditional market is famous for its innovative dosirak café concept, where you can create your own lunchbox with a variety of delicious dishes from different stalls. Don’t miss out on trying the jeon (Korean pancakes) and kimchi varieties.
Morning Activity: Tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace
After your market breakfast, take a cultural detour to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of the Five Grand Palaces in Seoul. Roam the grounds and soak up the history of this grand structure. Try to catch the changing of the guard ceremony for a memorable experience.
Lunch at Bukchon Son Mandu
For lunch, head over to Bukchon Son Mandu, renowned for its handmade mandu (dumplings). Relish in the flavors of steamed or fried dumplings filled with a variety of ingredients, such as vegetables, meat, and seafood. Pair your meal with a bowl of jjigae (Korean stew) for a complete experience.
Afternoon Activity: Explore Namdaemun Market
Continue your day by exploring Namdaemun Market. Sample a variety of street foods and snacks as you wander through the bustling alleys. Look out for specialties like hotteok (filled pancakes) and various types of tteok (rice cakes).
Dinner: Tasting Modern Korean Cuisine at Mingles
For dinner, treat yourself to an exquisite meal at Mingles, one of Seoul’s top fine dining restaurants. They offer a modern spin on traditional Korean flavors with a carefully curated menu. Enjoy dishes that highlight the richness of Korean ingredients paired with contemporary culinary techniques.
Evening Activity: Han River Night Stroll
End your day with a serene night stroll along the Han River. This scenic riverside area is perfect for unwinding after a day full of culinary adventures. You can also rent a bike or enjoy some street performances along the riverbanks.
Day 3
On Day 3, we’ll dive deeper into Seoul’s diverse food culture with a blend of historical culinary experiences and modern dining. From learning traditional cooking methods to enjoying contemporary Korean fusion cuisine, this day promises to be a delicious adventure.
Morning Activity: Korean Cooking Class
Join a Korean cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional dishes like bibimbap and kimchi. This hands-on experience will give you valuable insights into Korean culinary techniques and the use of local ingredients. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the fruits of your labor at the end!
Lunch at Myeongdong Kyoja
Once you’ve honed your cooking skills, head over to Myeongdong Kyoja for lunch. This iconic restaurant is famous for its kal-guksu (handmade noodle soup) and mandu (dumplings). Their hearty and delicious dishes have been beloved by locals and tourists alike for decades.
Afternoon Activity: Visit to Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
In the afternoon, visit the futuristic Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), a major urban development landmark in Seoul known for its neofuturistic design. Explore the exhibitions and the design market, and enjoy a coffee at one of the stylish cafes within the plaza.
Snack Break: Street Food at Dongdaemun Night Market
While at Dongdaemun, don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in some street food at the Dongdaemun Night Market. From tteokbokki to odeng (fish cake skewers), this market offers an array of tasty treats to keep you energized for the rest of the day’s activities.
Dinner: Fine Dining at La Yeon
For dinner, head to La Yeon at the Shilla Hotel, one of Seoul’s top restaurants. This Michelin-starred restaurant offers exquisite Korean haute cuisine. Enjoy dishes that showcase Korea’s rich culinary heritage with a sophisticated, modern twist.
Evening Activity: Enjoy a Night Out in Hongdae
Conclude your day with a night out in the lively Hongdae district, known for its youthful atmosphere, street performances, and eclectic bars and cafes. Whether you choose to catch a live music show or simply relax with a drink, Hongdae offers a vibrant nightlife scene.
As your culinary journey through Seoul comes to an end, you’ve undoubtedly experienced some of the best Korean food this vibrant city has to offer. From the bustling traditional markets and authentic street food to the refined tastes of Michelin-starred restaurants, Seoul’s food scene is a blend of rich history, diverse culture, and innovative gastronomy.
