Seoul: Bourdain BBQ Food Tour & Night Markets with Drinks

Summary

Night markets sizzle, pork on charcoal, locals pour your glass

You’ll squeeze into legendary BBQ joints in Seoul where pork sizzles over charcoal and locals show you how to toast with soju or makgeolli. Taste crispy pancakes in bustling markets, share tables with strangers-turned-friends, and end up swapping stories in a classic Korean pub—all food and drinks included.

What’s the experience like?

The subway was late—of course—so I showed up flustered and a little sweaty at the Mapo BBQ place in Seoul. Our guide, Minji, just grinned and waved me in like she’d seen it a hundred times. The place was packed and loud, all clatter and smoke. She squeezed us around a tiny table where the grill was already going, pork skirt steak hissing over charcoal. Someone cracked an egg into this weird ring around the meat (I didn’t expect that), and suddenly the air smelled like campfire and breakfast at once.

Minji kept sliding side dishes my way—aged kimchi that almost made my eyes water, pickled radish, things I couldn’t name. She explained how Anthony Bourdain had eaten here on his show, but honestly it felt more like a regular night out for locals than any TV thing. There was this moment when she handed me soju and tried to teach me the right way to pour for elders (I definitely messed it up). The guys at the next table laughed with us—not at us—and one of them insisted we try his favorite dipping sauce. It tasted like garlic and something fermented; I still think about that bite.

After we’d eaten way too much pork (and yes, the galmegisal is as tender as they say), we headed out into the neon-lit street. The pigs’ feet market was next—honestly not my usual scene—but Minji just dove in chatting with vendors who barely looked up from their steaming pots. The smell there was wild: part sweet bread, part vinegar funk. We picked up pancakes from another stall—crispy edges, chewy inside—and ducked into this market pub where everyone seemed to be shouting over each other but somehow no one minded. She poured us cloudy makgeolli and pointed out which snacks went best with which drink. It’s a blur now but I remember laughing a lot.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Korean BBQ and Market Pub Experience

• Dine at Anthony Bourdain BBQ spot
• Enjoy Mapo-style Galmegisal pork
• Eat savory Korean pancakes
• Take Korean alcohol crash course

Top questions

Is this Seoul BBQ tour solo traveler-friendly?

Yes, solo travelers are welcome and will be included at group tables.

Does the tour include all food and drinks?

Yes, unlimited drinks (within reason) plus all listed foods are included.

Where does the Anthony Bourdain BBQ stop happen?

At a Mapo district restaurant featured on "Parts Unknown" specializing in pork skirt steak.

Are there vegetarian or non-pork options?

No; only pork is served at the BBQ stop with no substitutions available.

Is public transportation nearby for meeting point?

Yes; subway is recommended as taxis often get stuck in traffic near the area.

What’s included besides BBQ?

Pancakes from a market stall, Korean tempura with tteokbokki rice cakes, various drinks including beer, soju, makgeolli.

Is there an age limit for drinking?

The minimum drinking age is 19 years old in Korea.

Does the tour run if it rains?

Yes; it operates in all weather conditions—dress accordingly.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup at the meeting point near public transit (not hotel), all food stops with charcoal-grilled pork galmegisal and thick-cut belly at the Bourdain-featured spot, savory pancakes from a bustling market stall, Korean tempura snacks with tteokbokki rice cakes, unlimited beer plus traditional Korean alcohols like soju and makgeolli—all guided by a local expert who’ll show you how to eat and drink like a regular.