5-Day Foodie Itinerary in Seoul, South Korea

  1. Day 1: Gwangjang Market
    15 minutes (3.7 km) from Incheon Int'l Airport

    Start your trip off with a bang at the 100-year-old Gwangjang Market. Here you can indulge in Korean street food classics like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), and soondae (blood sausage).

  2. Day 2: Hangangjin-ro
    25 minutes (9.2 km) from Gwangjang Market

    Hangangjin-ro is a great area for foodies with lots of cafes, bakeries, and trendy restaurants. Try the unique Korean-style pizza at Mozza, nosh on some delicious poultry dishes at Bonz Chicken, and finish the day with some tasty craft beers at Magpie Brewing Co.

  3. Day 3: Gangnam-gu
    25 minutes (10.7 km) from Hangangjin-ro

    A trip to Seoul wouldn't be complete without visiting the affluent area of Gangnam-gu and trying some of the luxurious dining options. Try the melt-in-your-mouth wagyu beef at Star Chef Beef, enjoy Michelin-starred Italian cuisine at Gaon, and finish the evening with stunning views of the city from the Top Cloud & Hotel rooftop bar.

  4. Day 4: Myeong-dong
    25 minutes (10.6 km) from Gangnam-gu

    Myeong-dong is one of the most popular shopping areas in Seoul, but it's also home to some delicious street food. Try some Korean fried chicken at Two Two, sample various types of the spicy fermented cabbage dish kimchi at Mukshidonna, and finish the day with a unique twist on the traditional Korean rice cake known as bingsu at Sulbing.

  5. Day 5: Itaewon
    20 minutes (5.1 km) from Myeong-dong

    The international district of Itaewon is known for its diverse food options. Try the hearty American-style brunch at Vatos Urban Tacos, sample the spicy Indian curry at Agra Indian Kitchen, and finish your trip off with a late-night snack at the famous Viva Polo hot dog stand.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Gwangjang Market (2 hours, $15+)
  • Mozza (1.5 hours, $20+)
  • Bonz Chicken (1.5 hours, $20+)
  • Magpie Brewing Co. (2 hours, $25+)
  • Star Chef Beef (2.5 hours, $80+)
  • Gaon (2.5 hours, $150+)
  • Top Cloud & Hotel (2 hours, $30+)
  • Two Two (1.5 hours, $15+)
  • Mukshidonna (1 hour, $10+)
  • Sulbing (1.5 hours, $15+)
  • Vatos Urban Tacos (1.5 hours, $20+)
  • Agra Indian Kitchen (1.5 hours, $20+)
  • Viva Polo (30 minutes, $5+)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $450+

Useful tips

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to the nearby city of Incheon to explore more markets and dining options. If you have less time, it's okay to skip the upscale dining options in Gangnam-gu and focus on the more affordable street food in Myeong-dong. Also, don't forget to make reservations for the Michelin-starred restaurants ahead of time.

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