Seoul Night Tour: Palace Walk, Gwangjang Market Food & Temple

Summary

Seoul after dark with palace lights, sizzling market bites and temple lanterns

You’ll wander Seoul’s palaces by moonlight, taste your way through Gwangjang Market’s wildest dishes (yes, even live octopus if you’re brave), sip rice wine with locals, and end beneath glowing lanterns at Jogyesa Temple — all with easy transfers and a guide who makes every stop feel personal.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I almost missed the start because I got off at the wrong subway exit (Hyehwa Station has more than you’d think), but our guide Minji just waved it off with a smile and some gentle teasing. We started walking toward Changgyeonggung Palace as dusk settled in, and even though the city was still buzzing, inside those old walls it felt hushed. The air smelled faintly of pine and something sweet from a nearby vendor cart. Minji told us about the palace’s sad history — I didn’t expect to feel that kind of weight in a place so pretty at night. The stone paths were cool underfoot, and there was this one corner where the moonlight hit the roof tiles just right. I still think about that view.

Afterward we piled into a van (thankfully — my feet were already complaining) for the next stop: Gwangjang Market. It’s noisy in all the best ways: people shouting over sizzling pans, laughter from tables crowded with locals, steam rising everywhere. We tried makgeolli first — cloudy rice wine that tastes way better than it looks — and then jeon pancakes that were crispy at the edges. Minji dared us to try live octopus; I hesitated but did it anyway (it’s chewier than you’d expect). There was also raw beef, which sounds wild but is actually pretty tasty if you don’t overthink it. She showed us how to skip the donut line for kkwabaegi — soft and warm with cinnamon sugar sticking to my fingers. Someone spilled makgeolli on their sleeve and just laughed it off.

The last stop was Jogyesa Temple. Lanterns everywhere, casting these soft colors over everyone’s faces. It was quieter here; even the city noise seemed to pause outside those gates. Minji explained a bit about Korean Buddhism while we watched people light candles — she had this calm way of talking that made me want to listen longer. The tour ended there but honestly I could’ve stayed under those lanterns for another hour just breathing in incense and night air.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore palace, market, and temple at night

• Stroll Changgyeonggung Palace at night
• Taste Korean dishes at Gwangjang Market
• Learn about Korean drinking culture
• Try traditional street foods and Kkwabaegi
• Visit Jogyesa Temple lanterns

Top questions

Is pickup included for this Seoul night tour?

No hotel pickup is included, but transfers between attractions are provided by vehicle after meeting at Hyehwa Station.

How many dishes do you try at Gwangjang Market?

You’ll taste over 11 Korean dishes including jeon pancakes, makgeolli rice wine, live octopus (optional), raw beef, and kkwabaegi donuts.

Is there an English-speaking guide?

Yes, an English special licensed guide leads the tour and shares stories throughout.

Can I request vegan food on this tour?

A vegan option is available for an extra $10 USD paid in cash to your guide before starting; vegetable bibimbap will be provided.

Does this run if it rains or snows?

The tour operates in rain or snow unless weather conditions make it impossible; you’ll be contacted only if canceled.

Where does the Seoul night food tour start?

The tour begins with a walk from Hyehwa Station to Changgyeonggung Palace before continuing by vehicle.

Are entrance fees included in the price?

Yes, all entrance fees for attractions on this Seoul night tour are included.

What’s included

Your evening includes transfer between Changgyeonggung Palace, Gwangjang Market, and Jogyesa Temple by vehicle after meeting at Hyehwa Station; skip-the-line twisted donuts; generous tastings of traditional pancakes, rice wine, live octopus (if you dare), raw beef; all entrance fees; plus stories from an English-speaking licensed guide throughout your journey.