Seoul is a city that makes shopping and exploring markets feel like stepping into a bustling, colorful bazaar where tradition and modernity collide. Whether you’re hunting for Korean skincare, antique trinkets, or sampling street food, Seoul’s markets are a treasure trove. We especially love the Night Market Food Tour in Seoul for its lively atmosphere and authentic eats, and the Korean Cooking Classes that let you bring home a piece of Korean cuisine. The city’s vibrant street markets are full of surprises—imagine tasting kimchi pancakes fresh from the street vendor or learning how to make bibimbap in a home kitchen. These experiences offer more than just shopping; they give you a taste of local life.
For travelers who want to truly enjoy Seoul’s food scene and culture, the options are plentiful. From guided market tours to private custom trips, each offers a unique way to experience the city’s culinary and shopping delights. If you’re short on time but want a flavor of Seoul’s night buzz, the Seoul: Night Market Food Tour or the Night Market Food Tour in Seoul are perfect. Craving a hands-on experience? The Korean Cooking Class with Full-Course Meal or the Cook 3 Authentic Korean Dishes tours will teach you to cook like a local. Whatever your style, Seoul offers a food-lover’s paradise that’s worth exploring.
1. Korean Cooking Class with Full-Course Meal & Local Market Tour in Seoul
At number 1 on our list, this immersive cooking experience takes you into a local chef’s home for an authentic meal. It includes a guided visit to a local market, where you’ll sample street snacks and learn about herbs and spices used in Korean cuisine. Then, you’ll get hands-on creating four popular dishes like Bibimbap or Dakgalbi, soaking in traditional techniques. The class culminates in a Hanjeongsik dinner, featuring over ten side dishes, including your own creations. With a small group, you get personal attention and plenty of tips.
Guests consistently praise the friendly, knowledgeable host, with a 5.0 rating from over 900 reviews. People love how this class combines food, culture, and fun. One reviewer said, “Sarah made the experience fun and educational,” highlighting her excellent English skills and professional setup. This tour is best suited for foodies who want to learn, families looking for an interactive activity, or anyone eager to bring Korean flavors home. The price of $91 offers great value considering the full meal and market tour included.
Bottom line: An engaging, authentic way to learn Korean cuisine in a cozy setting with personal attention, perfect for aspiring chefs or cultural explorers.
2. Night Market Food Tour in Seoul
For those wanting a nighttime adventure, this Night Market Food Tour combines the flavors of Seoul’s bustling markets with lively local culture. Over approximately 2 hours, you’ll visit vibrant spots away from tourist traps, sampling a wide variety of Korean dishes and drinks. Your guide will introduce you to foods like tteokbokki, dumplings, and gimbap, while sharing stories about Korean dining customs. The tour includes all food and drinks, making for a seamless experience.
Rated 5.0 based on 675 reviews, guests love the personal touch and the chance to connect with local vendors. One reviewer shared, “Yoon was friendly and knowledgeable,” describing the tour as a fun way to taste Seoul’s authentic street food. It’s ideal for travelers who want to explore multiple foods in a short time and enjoy a more personalized experience.
Bottom line: Perfect for adventurous eaters eager to sample Seoul’s street food with a friendly guide in a relaxed, informal setting.
3. Seoul: Korean Cooking Class at a Local Home and Market Tour
At number 3, this local-home cooking class offers a chance to learn traditional Korean dishes in an intimate setting. You’ll visit a local market, sampling street foods before heading to a host’s home with an experienced chef-guide. There, you’ll prepare three main dishes and a stew, with easy-to-follow instructions. The class also includes a fun Korean language lesson and a chance to wear a Tal mask, adding cultural flair.
Rated 5/5 from 348 reviews, participants love the engaging guides, especially Junghee, who makes everyone feel welcome. One said, “The instructions were clear, and the food was delicious,” highlighting how accessible and enjoyable the experience is. This tour is excellent for those interested in cooking themselves, curious about Korean food culture, or travelers seeking a personalized experience in Seoul.
Bottom line: An interactive and informative culinary journey that combines market visits, cooking, and cultural insights in a cozy setting.
4. Seoul: Night Market Food Tour with Local Guide
Number 4 on our list is a night market experience that’s as much about culture and connection as it is about food. Over around 2 hours, you’ll explore Gwangjang Market, sampling up to 10 popular dishes, from savory pancakes to spicy rice cakes. The guide introduces you to local vendors and shares stories about Seoul’s food history. All food and drinks are included, so you can relax and focus on tasting.
Rated 4.9 from 383 reviews, travelers highlight the warm, engaging guide and the variety of foods. One reviewer said, “Yoon made the experience fun and really brought the local food scene to life.” It’s suitable for those who want a guided, social evening with plenty of food varieties and local insights.
Bottom line: Ideal for anyone wanting a well-rounded night of eating, culture, and fun in a lively market setting.
5. Cook 3 Authentic Korean Dishes with Local Market Tour
Number 5 offers a cooking class that combines market shopping with preparing a 3-course Korean meal. You’ll start at Mangon Market, picking up fresh ingredients, then return to a private kitchen to cook dishes like bulgogi, kimchi stew, or japchae. The class is small, with a maximum of four people, ensuring personalized guidance.
Rated 5.0 from 213 reviews, many appreciate the relaxed environment and flexibility in dietary needs. One comment highlights, “We learned about Korean food culture and brought home a cookbook.” This tour is perfect for foodies wanting a hands-on experience and take-home recipes.
Bottom line: A manageable, intimate cooking experience suited for food lovers who want to learn and eat well.
6. Seoul: Guided Food & Market Tour with 8+ Tastings
At number 6, this guided tour takes you through hidden backstreets, markets, and teahouses, tasting more than 8 local delicacies. It offers a balance of sightseeing and eating, including tteokbokki, dumplings, and herbal teas. The guide also reveals local stories and points out less touristy spots, making it rich in both flavor and culture.
Rated 4.9 from 275 reviews, travelers love the insider knowledge and variety of tastes. One wrote, “A fantastic way to taste Seoul’s authentic street food,” especially noting the surprise Secret Dish.
Bottom line: Best for those who want a comprehensive, food-focused walk with local stories and exclusive dishes.
7. Fortress Night Hike & Snack at a Local Market
Number 7 combines outdoor adventure with food in a 4-hour evening tour. You’ll hike along an ancient fortress with city views, then stop at a local market to sample snacks—many vegan options included. The hike ends with a traditional restaurant dinner (optional but affordable), making it a great choice for active travelers.
Rated 5.0 from 112 reviews, visitors praise the magnificent views and friendly guides. One commented, “The hike and snacks were both enjoyable and scenic,” perfect for active food lovers.
Bottom line: A mix of hiking and tasting, suited for those who enjoy outdoor activities and authentic local snacks.
8. Seoul: Nighttime Tour of Palace, Market, Naksan Park & More
Number 8 offers a comprehensive night tour with visits to Changgyeong Palace, Gwangjang Market, and Naksan Park. The 5-hour itinerary includes palace illumination, street food, and city views at night. It’s a great way to see Seoul’s landmarks illuminated, with visits to markets and scenic parks.
Rated 4.9 from 110 reviews, travelers enjoy the beautiful night views and informative guides. One reviewer noted, “The night views and food market at night were magical,” making this ideal for families or those wanting a full city evening experience.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who want to see Seoul’s skyline and landmarks under the night sky with cultural and culinary highlights.
9. Seoul: Palace, Temple and Market Guided Foodie Tour at Night
Number 9 blends sightseeing and tasting in a 4-hour evening tour. You’ll explore Changgyeonggung Palace, Jogyesa Temple, and Gwangjang Market. The tour emphasizes local stories, traditional foods, and nighttime ambiance.
Rated 4.5 from 222 reviews, guests praise the interactive commentary and variety of foods. One shared, “Walking through the palace and trying street food at night was unforgettable.” It suits travelers who want a mix of culture, history, and cuisine.
Bottom line: An enriching, balanced evening tour for those interested in Korean tradition and food.
10. Seoul Night Tour (Gwangjang Market, Royal Palace and Naksan Park)
Number 10 is a longer, immersive night tour that visits Gwangjang Market, Changgyeonggung Palace, and Naksan Park. Over 5 hours, you’ll enjoy illuminated landmarks, market snacks, and city views.
Rated 5.0 from 51 reviews, people love the comprehensive itinerary and friendly guides. One comment notes, “Seeing Seoul lit up at night and tasting street food made for a memorable evening.” Ideal for travelers wanting a full night of sightseeing and eating.
Bottom line: Excellent for those seeking a deluxe night experience with plenty of sights and flavors.
11. Customized Private Seoul tour: Palace, Market etc (Airport Option)
Number 11 offers a tailor-made private day tour, perfect for travelers with specific interests or tight schedules. You can customize your route to include palaces, markets, Nami Island, or even DMZ.
Rated 5.0 from 40 reviews, guests appreciate the flexibility and personalized service. One reviewer said, “Our driver was knowledgeable and tailored the day to our wishes,” making it ideal for families, groups, or those with limited time.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers who want to design their perfect Seoul day, with the convenience of private transportation.
12. Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals; Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast
Number 12 highlights an authentic local food experience exploring Mangwon Market. Led by Jay and Sam, this tour features hand-picked street foods and luxurious bites like Hanwoo beef. It’s perfect for foodies wanting to sample affordable staples and upscale delicacies.
Rated 5.0 from 37 reviews, fans love the personalized storytelling and delicious food. One said, “Jay’s experience showed us all the best bites and explained their stories,” making it suited for those who want a local’s perspective.
Bottom line: A well-curated, authentic food walk in a lively neighborhood, catering to all budgets.
13. Seoul City Tour: Gyeongbok Palace, N Tower & Local Market
Number 13 is a classic highlights tour covering Gyeongbok Palace, Namsan Tower, and Insadong Market. It provides a balanced day of sightseeing, shopping, and food, with a changing of the guard and artisan markets.
Rated 4.7 from 84 reviews, travelers mention the comprehensive experience and beautiful palace views. “It’s a great way to see Seoul’s top sights in one day,” one reviewer noted. It’s ideal for first-timers wanting a broad overview.
Bottom line: A convenient, all-in-one day tour for those wanting to see Seoul’s must-visit landmarks.
14. Market Food Tour & Evening E-bike Ride in Seoul
Number 14 combines cycling and tasting on an E-bike tour with stops at Cheonggyecheon Stream, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Gwangjang Market. It’s an active, fun way to experience Seoul’s culinary scenes and historic neighborhoods.
Rated 5.0 from 28 reviews, visitors rave about the easy riding and food variety. One said, “Vincent showed us off-the-beaten-path spots and delicious street food,” making it ideal for active travelers wanting to see both sights and bites.
Bottom line: Engaging, energetic tour perfect for those who enjoy cycling and sampling Seoul’s best.
15. Vegan & Vegetarian Korean Market Adventure Gwangjang Market
Rounding out our list is a specialized vegan/vegetarian tour focusing on plant-based Korean dishes. Led by Chef Yie, it features over 15 carefully selected dishes suitable for various diets, including gluten-free options. The tour includes a market walk and a vegetarian feast, showcasing Korea’s diverse plant-based cuisine.
Rated 5.0 from 23 reviews, the enthusiastic guide and delicious, thoughtfully prepared dishes stand out. One reviewer said, “Chef Yie knows all the vegetarian stalls and shared a feast that everyone could enjoy,” perfect for vegans, vegetarians, or health-conscious travelers.
Bottom line: An exclusive, diet-friendly culinary adventure offering a taste of Korea’s vegetarian side in a lively market setting.
How to Choose the Best Shopping & Market Tour in Seoul
When deciding among these fantastic options, consider what you most want from your experience. If you love hands-on activities, the Korean Cooking Classes (full-course meal, local home, or cook 3 dishes) offer a wonderful way to learn and eat. For those eager to enjoy Seoul’s nightlife, the Night Market Food Tours (number 2, number 4) bring you lively markets and authentic bites.
If you prefer a private, customized experience, the Private Seoul tour (number 11) allows you to tailor your day. Budget travelers will appreciate the Mangwon Market Food Tour (number 12), which offers a comprehensive taste of local eats.
Booking early is wise, especially during peak travel seasons, as many of these tours have limited spots. Think about your interests—whether it’s culinary skills, active exploration, or cultural sights—and pick a tour that aligns with your travel style.
Seoul offers a remarkable range of shopping and market experiences—from culinary classes to bustling night markets, and tailored private trips. Whether you want to master kimchi-making, savor street snacks, or explore historic palaces at night, there is a tour designed for you. These options promise authentic, memorable moments that will enrich your stay. So, plan ahead, pick what excites you most, and dive into Seoul’s lively markets—your taste buds and shopping bags will thank you.