Seoul Food: Banchan, Bibimbap, and Beyond
About this activity
Highlights
- Traditional Korean Sweets from local makers
- Tasting of signature banchan and gimbap
- Al fresco happy hour at a pojangmacha
- Authentic local experiences in Dongdaemun
Full description
Our day will start in a busy alley filled with restaurants serving a classic chicken and noodle dish that draws on a variety of regional flavors. We’ll savor this iconic dish at the very restaurant that pioneered it, a family-run spot helmed by the same woman for 40 years. From there, we’ll work our way through the heart of Seoul, stopping for traditional cookies and sweets, before having a second lunch of grilled beef and bibimbap at an old school bbq joint. At a nearby locals-only indoor market, we’ll work our way through the countless stalls, stopping to taste some signature banchan – flavorful side dishes served with rice – and gimbap, Korea’s homegrown “sushi” roll. Diving deeper into the backstreets, we’ll stop into another alley restaurant for the umami-rich bossam – steamed pork belly, oysters, and kimchi all wrapped up in a fresh cabbage leaf. For a “lighter” bite, we’ll visit a local bakery that serves a beloved version of a Korean fusion sensation known as “salt bread” – a buttery pastry that is like the love child of a croissant, baguette, and fluffy dinner roll.
Along the way, we’ll visit local institutions, including a cozy record shop and a wholesaler of traditional outfits known as hanbok, to get a sense of Korean culture, both new and old. To end our time together and prepare you for a night out on the town, we’ll join the locals for an al fresco happy hour at one of the area’s numerous pojangmacha, open-air “tent bars,” where soju – Korea’s national spirit – is downed along with a plethora of savory bar snacks.
Included / Excluded
- All food consumed on the walk – almost a dozen different edible specialties
- Culinary Backstreets Guide
- Includes market visits
- Transportation to and from the meeting point
Meeting point
Start Location
JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul, 279 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour is conducted in English; proficiency is recommended.
- Some stops may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments due to stairs and uneven terrain.
- The tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for the weather conditions.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for the cobblestone streets.
- Bring a light jacket or sweater as evenings can be cool.
- Ensure you have a valid ID if you plan to participate in wine tasting.
Cancellation policy
More than one week before the beginning of the activity: 90% Refund Less than one week before the beginning of the activity: 50% Refund Less than 72 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: No Refund
Reviews
We really enjoyed our tour with Dennis, great food and conversation! It was a great introduction to Tokyo and we really appreciated all his helpful tips for navigating the city
My husband booked the Monzen-Nakacho tour a couple of months ago. We wanted to do a food tour in Japan, because did a food tour in another country with another company and had a good time. This tour is the next level. Dennis and Kan (invited by Dennis so we had two guides!) are not only personable and knowledgeable, they know how to break down the barriers for us to learn Japanese culture. My husband understands Japanese food while I’m completely ignorant, and both of us had a wonderful time. We were (apparently) there for the food, but we got to learn the history, beliefs, and culture behind and beyond the food and drinks. Getting to meet locals who are masters of their crafts is another highlight. Dennis and Kan were great in getting us to interact with locals and with each other within our small group. Six hours flew by and it felt like we have known these people for much longer because of the meaningful conversations! Will return for their other food tours when we visit Japan again!
I wanted to taste and get a better grasp of Tokyo’s culinary scene, and this tour delivered exactly that. Elly, our wonderful tour guide, shared a wealth of historical knowledge and fascinating insights about the city and its food culture. As a professional chef, I left the tour feeling inspired, satisfied, and genuinely impressed by the variety of foods I was able to experience. My biggest thanks go to Elly for guiding us to some of the best bites in Tokyo and making the experience so memorable.