Seoul stands out as a food lover’s paradise because of its incredible variety, where tradition meets innovation at every corner. Whether it’s sampling street foods at night markets or exploring hidden backstreet eateries, the city offers a surprisingly accessible culinary scene for travelers willing to dig a little deeper. We particularly love tours that combine local culture with authentic bites, like the Night Market Food Tour in Seoul, which takes you beyond touristy spots to real local hangouts and even introduces Korean drinking games—perfect for those wanting a lively, immersive experience.
If you’re looking for a well-rounded approach, the Secret Food Tours Seoul combines iconic landmarks with delicious local dishes, offering insights into both the culture and cuisine. For a more intimate culinary journey, the Private Food Tour of Seoul lets you customize tastings at your own pace, perfect for foodies who want personalized attention. With such a variety of options, Seoul’s food scene is best enjoyed with a plan—whether that’s a quick evening snack or a full-day deep dive.
Quick Overview
Our list covers night market explorations, guided cultural walks, private custom tours, and even hands-on cooking classes. Expect options for all budgets and interests, including family-friendly outings and specialized vegan or vegetarian experiences. For detailed descriptions of each experience, see the sections below, which highlight what makes each tour distinct, and help you decide what fits your taste and schedule.
1. Night Market Food Tour in Seoul
This highly-rated 2-hour tour gives you a taste of Seoul’s vibrant night market scene, steering clear of tourist traps. Your guide takes you through bustling stalls and local vendors, with all food and drinks included—saving you the hassle of paying at each stop. Highlights include sampling a wide range of Korean dishes and drinks, plus learning unique drinking games that are part of local nightlife. Guests rave about the friendly guide Yoon, who’s both knowledgeable and personable, making it a fun, relaxed evening. The tour’s small-group format ensures an intimate experience, ideal for travelers wanting authentic flavors without feeling overwhelmed.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a lively, authentic night out with plenty of food and cultural insights, all in just a couple of hours.
2. Secret Food Tours Seoul w/ Private Tour Option
This 3-hour small-group tour explores Seoul’s iconic neighborhoods and hidden gems. It’s a fantastic choice for seeing landmarks like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village while indulging in traditional and modern Korean cuisine. The tour includes a lunch and offers the upgrade for a private experience, ideal for couples or small groups seeking exclusivity. The guide enriches the experience with cultural stories, making it more than just a tasting session. Guests particularly love the handmade mandu dumplings and the flavorful teas at a traditional tea house. The tour’s balanced mix of sightseeing and eating makes it a standout choice.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive cultural and culinary experience, with the option for private customization.
3. Seoul: Night Market Food Tour with Local Guide
This 2-hour tour takes you through Gwangjang Market, one of Seoul’s oldest and liveliest markets, with an engaging local guide. You’ll sample up to 10 market delicacies, from savory pancakes to spicy tteokbokki, all while engaging directly with vendors. The guide’s personable style makes the experience lively and informative, perfect for first-time visitors or those wanting a culture. The tour is praised for its generous portions and fun atmosphere, with many guests remarking how the guide’s stories made the food taste even better.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want to combine market exploration with authentic Korean snacks in a lively, friendly setting.
4. Seoul: Guided Food & Market Tour with 8+ Tastings
This guided tour offers a deep dive into Seoul’s hidden foodie gems over several hours. Focused on markets, backstreets, and teahouses, the tour features 8+ tastings of street foods, from gimbap to secret dishes. Guests love the opportunity to explore off-the-beaten-path areas with a knowledgeable guide, who shares insider tips. The surprise secret dish adds a fun element, and the tour is perfect for those craving a comprehensive taste of Seoul’s street food culture.
Bottom Line: Great for those wanting variety and local flavor, especially if they’re keen on discovering lesser-known culinary spots.
5. Seoul Fun Food Tour: 12 different food tasting
This 3-hour tour is a true food crawl, designed for serious eaters. It covers Gwangjang Market, a make-your-own ramen shop, and cozy cafes, allowing you to try 12 distinct Korean dishes. The small group size (up to 8 people) and expert local guide make it both personal and informative. Guests rave about trying famous street foods and learning about Korea’s food culture in a relaxed, fun atmosphere. It’s perfect if you want a full taste of Seoul without the hassle of planning.
Bottom Line: Best for adventurous eaters eager to sample a wide variety of dishes in a short time.
6. Seoul: Palace, Temple and Market Guided Foodie Tour at Night
This 4-hour evening tour combines sightseeing with culinary delights. It includes visits to Changgyeonggung Palace and Gwangjang Market, where you’ll enjoy traditional Korean foods in a comfortable, illuminated setting. The night view adds a special touch to the experience, and the guide shares stories about Korean culture and history. Many families and first-timers love the mix of history, culture, and food, making it a well-rounded evening outing.
Bottom Line: Suitable for those interested in a cultural night walk paired with authentic Korean food.
7. Afternoon E-bike tour and “Happy Hour” food and drinks
This 3-hour e-bike tour covers main attractions like Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Blue House, with a focus on easy cycling and local snacks. The tour includes snacks from a local market and offers stunning city views from Namsan Park. It’s perfect for travelers who want a hybrid experience—sightseeing and tasting—without intense walking or tiring hikes. Guests praise the small group size and smooth ride, making it suitable for a wide range of fitness levels.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a combination of sightseeing and tasting with minimal effort.
8. Mangwon Market Food Tour By Locals; Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast
This 2.5-hour tour explores Mangwon Market, known for affordable yet delicious foods. Led by local guides Jay and Sam, it offers a diverse menu, from street snacks to luxurious bites like Hanwoo beef. The tour is highly praised for its fun storytelling and insider tips, making it perfect for foodies eager to understand Korean ingredients and culinary traditions. The vibe of Mangwon Market is lively and authentic, providing an unfiltered glimpse into Seoul’s everyday food scene.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers seeking local flavors and authentic market atmosphere at a budget-friendly price.
9. Vegan Korean Food Cooking Class: Gimbap, Sundubu Jjigae, and more
This 2.5-hour hands-on cooking class offers vegan and vegetarian options, focusing on dishes like gimbap and sundubu jjigae. Led by an experienced instructor, Soomin, you’ll learn to prepare authentic Korean dishes that are visually appealing and full of flavor. Many reviews highlight how the class is perfect for those with dietary restrictions, providing useful tips on vegan living in Seoul. The class is intimate, making it easy to ask questions and get personalized guidance.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers wanting to learn how to cook authentic Korean vegan dishes and bring a taste of Korea home.
10. The Award-Winning PRIVATE Food Tour of Seoul: The 10 Tastings
This 3-hour private tour offers a personalized culinary experience. Your host carefully selects 10 tastings at Namdaemun Market and other city hot spots, making it a tailor-made experience. Guests love the flexibility to customize the itinerary and the chance to explore less touristy areas with expert insights. The tour includes culture and history along with food, making it suitable for travelers who want a more private and detailed look at Seoul’s food scene.
Bottom Line: Ideal for foodies who prefer a bespoke experience and want to explore Seoul at their own pace.
11. Seoul Food n Night View with Local Korean BBQ dinner Hongdae st.
For around $195, this tour combines night walks, local Korean BBQ dinner, and stunning night views. It covers Namdaemun Market, Namsan Park, and Myeongdong, with stops at lively Hongdae and Ikseon-dong. The full or half-day itinerary provides a rundown of Seoul’s lively night scene, topped with a traditional BBQ dinner. The guide’s friendliness and the tour’s mix of sightseeing and eating have won many positive reviews.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers wanting a dinner with a view and a nighttime city tour with a relaxed pace.
12. Market Food Tour & Evening E-bike Ride in Seoul
This 3-hour adventure combines market tastings at Gwangjang Market with a scenic e-bike ride along Cheonggyecheon River and through Bukchon Hanok Village. The tour is praised for its variety, including street foods, local snacks, and quiet alley explorations. Biking makes it easy to cover more ground without tiring, and the guide’s local knowledge shines through in food choices and cultural commentary.
Bottom Line: Best suited for active travelers who want a mix of food and sightseeing with minimal walking.
13. Seoul Private Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours
This 3-hour private experience offers customized tastings at local markets, palaces, and cultural sites. You’ll enjoy 10 food and drink tastings curated by your host, focusing on authentic Seoul flavors. The personal attention allows you to tailor your tour, making it perfect for foodies who want flexibility and insider knowledge. Reviewers appreciate the friendly guide and the opportunity to overcome language barriers easily.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want an intimate, customized culinary experience with added cultural insights.
14. Customizable Seoul Private Tour Palaces Food and Markets
This 8-hour private tour provides the most flexibility, allowing you to customize your itinerary with a licensed guide. It includes visits to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Insadong, combined with market visits and local dining. Perfect for travelers who want to mix sightseeing with culinary exploration at their own pace. The tour is especially suited for those with specific interests or limited time but wanting a comprehensive experience.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers seeking a fully tailored day of history, culture, and food.
15. Vegan & Vegetarian Korean Market Adventure Gwangjang Market
This 2 hours 45 minutes tour is unique in focusing solely on vegan and vegetarian options at Gwangjang Market. Led by a professional chef, it features 15 carefully selected dishes suitable for various diets, including gluten-free options. Many reviews highlight how knowledgeable the guide is and how delicious the meat-free options are, making it a top choice for plant-based travelers. The tour emphasizes authentic ingredients and traditional preparation methods.
Bottom Line: Perfect for vegans, vegetarians, and those with dietary restrictions who want to experience authentic Korean market foods.
How to Choose the Best Food Tour in Seoul
When selecting a food tour, consider your budget, time available, and interests. If you want a quick, lively introduction to Seoul’s night scene, the Night Market Food Tour is ideal. For a personalized experience, the Private Food Tour offers customization and flexibility. Those eager to learn to cook might prefer the Vegan Korean Cooking Class, especially if dietary restrictions are a concern.
Timing also matters—book early during peak seasons or festivals to secure your spot. For active travelers, the E-bike tours and Market & E-bike combo offer a fun and efficient way to see many sights while tasting local foods.
Final Thoughts
Seoul’s food scene is as diverse as the city itself, offering options that suit every appetite and interest. Whether you want the buzz of night markets, a private custom experience, or a hands-on cooking class, there’s something for all. For first-timers, a guided tour like Secret Food Tours Seoul provides a great balance of sightseeing and tasting, while seasoned food lovers may appreciate the depth of a private or specialized vegan tour.
Remember, these tours fill up quickly—especially during peak travel seasons—so plan ahead and book early. Whatever your style, exploring Seoul through its food is one of the best ways to understand the city’s culture and people. Enjoy your culinary adventure!