Seoul Night Food Tour: BBQ, Rice Wine & Hanok Village Walk

Summary

Seoul’s lively Jongno-gu at night, smoky BBQ and laughter in old bars

You’ll wander Seoul’s lively Jongno-gu by night with a local guide, tasting Korean BBQ straight off the grill, sipping traditional rice wine in an old jumak bar, and ending up among lanterns in Ikseon-dong Hanok Village for dessert. It’s not just about eating — you’ll feel part of the city’s rhythm for an evening.

What’s the experience like?

Li grinned when I tried to say “samgyeopsal” — I think I got the “gyop” part wrong because she laughed and shook her head, then showed me how to wrap the pork belly just right in lettuce with that punchy red sauce. Our small group squeezed around a table in Jongno-gu, smoke curling up from the grill while the city’s neon buzzed outside. The first sip of soju mixed with beer (“bomb shot,” Li called it) was way smoother than I expected — maybe it was the warmth from everyone clinking glasses or just the smell of grilled meat everywhere. Hard to tell.

We wandered through alleys after that, following Li past glowing signs and into this old jumak bar where the walls were covered in scribbles and Polaroids. She poured us cloudy rice wine in little bowls — said it was called makgeolli — and we tore into crispy mungbean pancakes that left my fingers oily but happy. There was a moment when someone started humming an old pop song near us, and for a second it felt like we’d slipped out of tourist mode and into something more local. The night air smelled faintly sweet, maybe from all those street vendors frying things nearby.

I didn’t expect to end up standing in Ikseon-dong Hanok Village eating bingsu (shaved ice) under paper lanterns. Kids ran past with sticky hands from ice cream, and Li pointed out which teahouses were actually older than her grandmother. The walk back was quieter; my stomach full, shoes a little dusty, brain still replaying that first bite of barbecue. If you’re looking for a day trip food tour in Seoul that feels less like a checklist and more like being let in on a secret — well, I still think about that view down the alley lit up at midnight.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening food tour in Jongno-gu

• Visit Korean BBQ restaurant
• Taste pork belly and side dishes
• Drink Korean style mixed bomb shot
• Try popular Korean dumplings at street vendor
• Explore Ikseon-dong Hanok Village
• Try ice-cream, bingsu, or traditional tea
• Visit Jumak old school bar
• Try traditional rice wine and crispy pancake

Top questions

How long is the Seoul night food tour?

The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours.

What foods are included on this small-group food tour?

You’ll try Korean BBQ (pork belly or marinated pork), dumplings from a street vendor, crispy mungbean pancakes with rice wine, and handmade ice cream or bingsu dessert.

Is pickup included for this Seoul food tour?

No hotel pickup is included; you’ll meet your guide at a designated spot in Seoul.

Are drinks included on this tour?

Yes, soju bomb shots, traditional rice wine (makgeolli), Korean beer, soft drinks, and juice are provided during tastings.

Is this food tour suitable for children?

Yes, restaurants are child-friendly and offer non-alcoholic beverages; children aged 5 and under join free with an adult.

Does the Seoul night food tour include vegetarian options?

The reference content does not specify vegetarian options; contact the provider directly for dietary needs.

How many people are on each small-group tour?

The group size ranges from 3 to 10 people.

Will we visit Insadong or other famous areas?

You’ll explore Jongno-gu including Insadong and Ikseon-dong Hanok Village during the tour.

What’s included

Your evening includes tastings of Korean BBQ with side dishes and bomb shots at a local restaurant, savory pancakes paired with traditional rice wine at an old-school jumak bar, street vendor dumplings, handmade ice cream or bingsu dessert in Ikseon-dong Hanok Village—all guided by a local English-speaking host as you walk between stops with your small group.