South Korea · FOOD & DRINK
Korean food travels badly in restaurants and brilliantly on a stool at a stall. These 15 tours are ranked by what lands in front of you: how many stops, how many tastings, whether soju and makgeolli are poured, and how late the night runs.
Taste Seoul’s best market foods, drinks, culture, and Korean drinking games on a small-group tour with all food included.
“Food tours are always our favorite way to eat, see and learn about a city and this one did just that! Juno was an amazing guide. He was super personable, his English was clear and he had a way of making everyone feel comfortable and engaged. Would recommend!”
Taste 10 Korean market favorites, learn local food customs, and play drinking games on a lively two-hour Gwangjang Market tour.
“The tour was excellent, Roky is one of the best tour guides I've ever met. He not just showed us delicious food but also taught us really interesting Korean food and drink etiquette.”
Taste 8 or more Korean specialties, explore Seoul markets and palace districts, and finish with tea on this small-group food tour.
“Really recommend this! A great way to get to know the city and Korean culture a bit more through all of their unique dishes. Had an incredible guide as well who went above and beyond to make us all feel welcome.”
Explore Seoul by night with palace lights, Korean market food, Buddhist culture, and vehicle transfers for $79 per person.
“MUST do when you first come to Seoul! Enoch was the best tour guide and made my mother and I feel comfortable and welcomed. I learned so much about Korean history, food, and culture. The food tour at the market is like a hidden gem that I wouldn’t have found on my own. There is a decent amount of walking, so dress comfortably, but it’s needed after all the good food we ate!”
Taste 12 Korean dishes across Gwangjang Market, a ramen shop, and Ikseon-dong, with a friendly local guide in a small Seoul group.
“Brilliant Food Tour your definitely get your moneys worth. The guide was super friendly and informative. You'll definitely leave the Tour very full! So come hungry!”
Taste traditional 45%+ soju in a Seoul distillery, learn its history, and sample seven Korean spirits with host Sam Lee.
“Sam was very friendly and knowledgeable about the Soju making process. We got to see in progress fermentation and the final product was exceptional. The Soju was much higher proof than the green bottles you find around Seoul but SaRead more”
Eat your way through Seoul on a private three-hour tour of markets, classic dishes, tea, culture, and local food stops.
“Our guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. We had a great time chatting about Korean culture and society while stuffing our faces with amazing food!”
Watch Korean baseball or basketball in Jamsil with a local host, Korean dinner, organized cheering, and practical help from ticket to final inning.
“If you like baseball, you need to experience a KBO game! KBO games are loud and crazy, the game is almost incidental to the action going on in the stands. Alex was a great host, an enthusiastic fan himself so it was fun to have him explain what was going on.”
Hike Geumjeongsan with a local Busanian guide, enjoy mountain views, village food, and fresh makgeolli at a traditional pocha.
“We had a really wonderful time, hiking and a full authentic Korean meal. Our guide was very intelligent and taught us a lot of historical facts along the way. The mountain is not steep but there were areas that had an incline. I don’t work out much but it was doable. The whole experience was under 15k steps.”
Hike Geumjeongsan with a local guide, enjoy Busan views, and share makgeolli and village food in a mountain setting.
“It was an amazing trip unlike other touristy tours”
Cook bibimbap and other Korean dishes near Haeundae, then enjoy tea, dessert, and your meal at a traditional Bapsang table.
“It was a wonderful experience, so well prepared, presented and explained. I would highly recommend this cooking class to anyone interested in learning more about Korean cuisine and culture.”
Explore Busan’s Jagalchi, BIFF, and Bupyeong markets with local chef Heeyoung, tasting Korean street food and learning food history.
“I traveled by myself, and by joining the tour, I not only encountered other friendly people, but also learned some histories from the Chef. The history of Korea, especially Korean War, has shaped the culture of food in Busan, and as we tasted a little of many things, we also had fun and good memories:) Thank you so much!”
Cook Busan seafood with chef Heeyoung, learn Korean food customs, enjoy tea and rice wine, then explore historic Bupyeong Market.
“Brilliant host, not just food, but a cultural experience. Great value and a real locals guide to Busan and SK culture. Perfect English, so you get to understand everything you hear.”
Taste Seoul’s best chicken and beer at three local spots, walk Mangwon Market, and learn Korean food culture with a small group.
“First of all our guide Joe is awesome…funny as hell!!! Knows his chicken and beer and took the time to explain which restaurants he chose and why…was not a random stop. After the tour was over he took us to a local joint for beer before we went home…if you like chicken and beer you cannot go wrong taking this tour it was a fun filled awesome evening”
See Seoul by e-bike, from Gwanghwamun to Ikseon-dong, then finish with Korean food and drinks on this small-group afternoon tour.
“A fantastic and informative tour with our guide Taejin who was awesome! This is a great way to explore Seoul and learn about the culture and history.”
Every kind of day out on the peninsula, and the best of each.
