Itineraries for Your Trip to Seoul
3 Days in Seoul for Foodies
After moving to Seoull to teach English, it became apparent that I should have packed more roomy pants. Every weekend, I’d unhinge my jaw and happily munch my way through endless kimbap (seaweed rice), samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly), and bingsu (shaved ice). Because food is such an integral part of Korean culture, it's impossible to escape the endless teahouses, barbecue restaurants, and historical markets. (Not that I ever tried.)
In Seoul, you’re never more than a stone’s throw from a fragrant food stall, sizzling barbecue, or freshly brewed tea. This makes it easy to combine culinary adventures with sightseeing. Here’s a 3-day itinerary for the discerning foodie who wants to taste Korean cuisine.
Seoul can experience multiple seasons in a day; prepare for wet weather.
If you only have time for one thing, make it the food stalls in Gwangjang Market.
Kick off your culinary adventure at one of Seoul’s many markets. At bustling Gwangjang Market, charming Tongin Market, and Seoul's oldest market Namdaemun, you'll find food stalls selling tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), mandu (dumplings), sundae (blood sausage), and other foods. To sample many dishes in one go, visit Myeongdong Street Food Alley.
After the sun sets, head to any chicken and beer restaurant in Hongdae or Itaewon. Order a pile of chicken smothered in the sauce of your choosing (go traditional with dakgangjeong, a sweet, spicy sauce), and then wash everything down with an ice-cold Korean beer. Remember, burping is encouraged.
In the afternoon, discover traditional flavors at a Seoul teahouse. If you're in Insadong, visit Jeontong Dawon. Or travel back in time and sip on cinnamon tea at the Joseon Era at Shin Old Tea House. Or try the medicinal tea ssanghwa-cha at Suyeonsanbang Mountain Tea Room in Seongbuk-dong.
When your stomach rumbles, it’s time for Korean barbecue. Play chef as you keep an eye on the grilling meat, vegetables, and garlic. For the most authentic experience, try Woosung Galbi in Jung-gu. Or, if you find yourself out in the wee hours, Saebyukjib in Gangnam is open 24/7.
Now that you’ve got a taste for your favorite Korean foods, spend the afternoon discovering the secrets to preparing authentic bulgogi, japchae (noodles with vegetables), jjigae (stew), and more. Or, if you’d rather sip than chop, expand your palate at a soju distillery in the Mapo-gu neighborhood.
In the evening, visit the Noryangjin Fish Market, and peruse the endless stalls of vendors selling everything from gaebul (spoon worms) to king crabs. When you’re ready to eat, go to the second floor. Point to the fish or crustacean you want, and it will be prepared for you immediately. Try gulbi (dried yellow corvina), rockfish, or mackerel for something typical.
