K-Food Trip Version 1: Black-bean noodle & Marinated blue-crab in Incheon
Korean cuisine, much like its rich culture and long history, showcases remarkable diversity, reflecting the country's daily life and environment. To truly explore Korea, I recommend experiencing local foods at their place of origin. Discover how these dishes have evolved over time and the unique stories behind the regions you visit. K-Food Trip Version 1 takes you to Incheon's Chinatown and fish market, offering a immersive journey into the area's culinary traditions and vibrant food culture.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Yongsan Station (in Seoul)
- Please meet me at the waiting hall of the station. If you’d like to adjust the station based on your hotel’s location, I can help you consider alternatives and find the most convenient option. Let me know what you’re thinking!
Leaving for Incheon by Subway 1st Line (Blue)
Why take the subway?
The subway is the main mode of transportation for an average of 220,000 passengers commuting daily between Seoul and Incheon. This 50-minute ride offers an authentic local experience and a unique view of suburban Korea. Worried it might be crowded? Don't be! The subway is only packed during rush hours, from 7 to 9 in the morning.
I also have some personal stories from my 10 years of commuting on the subway to share. From unexpected encounters to small memorable moments that made my everyday rides special, the subway holds a unique charm that goes beyond mere transportation.
Of course, if you prefer a private car ride, I can arrange that for you. However, I strongly recommend taking the subway to immerse yourself in the real local culture and meet the locals!
Arrival at Dongincheon Station & Check in a rent car
In Incheon, for your convenience, we will use a rental car. This will be a unique experience for you as well. With Korea's instant rental car system, one can book a car via mobile without any paperwork or check-in process, and there are no keys required to access the vehicle. (I will book a car in advance prior to our tour)
The cars are in nearly brand-new condition, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride. Enjoy the convenience of this cutting-edge technology!
Visiting Fish market
This is a fish marker first open in 1981. It is about 12K square meter in size and about 500 shops operating in the market!
Like Norayngjin fish market in Seoul; it has been undergoing major efforts to become a cleaner and more appealing tourist destination.
At the fish market, you can find fish, shellfish, dried & fermented seafood, and even watch skilled vendors prepare fish or slice sashimi.
Additionally, during our visit to the fish market, I will share a story about a traditional Korean dish made with fish. This will offer a deeper insight into Korean cuisine and culture, highlighting the significance of fish in Korean cooking and its connection to the local way of life.
Lunch: Marinated Blue-Crab
Koreans enjoy blue crab in various ways -- boiled, in stews, or marinated in soy sauce. Among these, the marinated version is the most beloved, so much so that there's a saying: "it practically steals your rice." Only fresh crab can be used for this delicacy.
The restaurant, Samdae Incheon Gejang, has been specializing in marinated crab for over 60 years. It exclusively uses blue crabs only from Yeonpyong island, a renowned source of the best blue crab, and traditionally aging soy sauce to ensure authentic flavor.
Visiting Chinatown & Old district.
It is the biggest & the oldest Chinatown in Korea.
We'll take a leisurely stroll through Chinatown's main street, stopping by the Black-bean Noodle Museum. Along the way, you'll hear fascinating stories about the area, as Incheon is my hometown and black bean noodles were once my absolute favorite dish.
If we're lucky, we might get to see a chef skillfully hand-pulling noodles right in Chinatown.
After exploring Chinatown, we'll head to Incheon's oldest district where we can admire buildings from the late 1800s that mark the beginning of Korea's modern era.
If you need a rest, let me know and we can have a break at nice & cozy coffee shops in the district.
Early Diner / Black-Bean Noodle
We’ll visit one of two small yet famous Chinese restaurants—Teahwawon or Shinseongru—depending on the situation and your preference:
Teahwawon: Located in Chinatown, this restaurant has been serving customers since 1926 and is now run by its third generation. Its spot in Chinatown means long lines of travelers are almost always expected.
Shinseongru: Situated outside of Chinatown, this restaurant holds sentimental value for me—it’s been around since I was a child, making it more than 50 years old. While it’s always crowded, you won’t have to wait in a line.
Menu? Naturally, black-bean noodles are the perfect choice here! However, if you’d like to change or add other dishes, I’ll gladly help you place your order.
Going back to Seoul (By Subway)
We will return the car and take the subway to Seoul. Depending on your hotel location or your next destination—perhaps hanging out at night—I’ll help you find the nearest station.
Ending Point
Yongsan Station (in Seoul)
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Fares for transportation (Subway, car rental)
- Personal guide fee
- Parking, toll, and admission fee
- Lunch & Dinner (Marinated crab & Chinese Black-Bean Noodle)
- other beverage or meal beside mentioned above
- any souvenir purchased
Tour Important Information
This tour includes some moderate walking, so I recommend wearing comfortable shoes! As both lunch and dinner are included, please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, so I can make the necessary arrangements.
This tour can be customized by your preferences; please let me know if you want change any!
Important message from the supplier
Basically available all days! However, as I have multiple job, please let me know in advance and I can flexibly schedule it!
Also, let me know your preferences! I will help you customize your own itinerary!
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Kwan J.
Hello, and welcome to Korea!
My name is Kwan, and I have been an authorized tour guide with the Korean Tourism Organization (KTO) since 2019. My tour programs are designed to provide you with authentic and meaningful experiences of Korea, focusing on its rich culture, history, and traditions rather than fleeting trends. If you're looking for a leisurely and relaxed itinerary filled with captivating stories about our heritage and people, I am the guide for you!
Additionally, I bring over 13 years of experience delivering exceptional service to VIP clients during my tenure at Cartier, the world-renowned jewelry brand. With this background, I ensure that your journey will be marked by an unparalleled level of care and attention.
Reviews
Liana S.
“Truly the Best Guide in Seoul”
Kwan is an exceptional guide who we were so fortunate to explore Seoul with. He is extremely personable, knowledgeable, professional and patient! He took the time to ensure that we had the best tour experience and got to see everything on our ‘Must Visit’ wishlist and more. Kwan is definitely one of the best guides around. Thank you Kwan for spending the entire day with us & for simply being the best! We had an amazing time with you!
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Kwan J.
Thank you so much, Liana, for your wonderful review. It was truly a great time guiding all of you. The whole day felt less like work and more like spending time with old friends, which made the experience even more special for me. I really appreciate you choosing my tour, and I’m grateful for the trust you placed in me. Hope to see you again the next time you visit Korea.
Tina C.
“Afternoon at DMZ peace park, Starbucks and Korean dinner ”
We had an amazing experience touring Seoul with our guide, Kwan. Originally, we wanted to visit the DMZ in Paju, but with my limited mobility, Kwan quickly created an alternative plan for us—and honestly, it turned out to be even better. He recommended visiting DMZ Aegibong, which was perfect for us. He was able to drive us to the Starbucks instead of me walking up the ramp (which is painful after my ankle surgery). The pace was relaxed, the limited walking was perfect for my needs, and the views into North Korea were incredibly clear and meaningful. It was less crowded and more personal than what we expected from the typical DMZ tours. The “Espresso on the Edge” coffee stop was such a unique and memorable touch. Sitting with coffee and popular buttered bread while overlooking the border is something we’ll never forget. Kwan timed everything perfectly so we could enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. We ended our dinner with Korean cold noodles and bulgogi at a Michelin star restaurant. We loved the flexibility he offered. He made sure we were comfortable throughout the tour and was accommodating with plans, including dinner options. His knowledge, professionalism, and thoughtful planning really stood out. If you’re looking for a more relaxed, personalized DMZ experience— we highly Kwan as a guide. It was one of the highlights of our trip to Seoul!
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Kwan J.
Thank you so much, Tina and Donaldson. Guiding you both was truly a pleasure. Your warmhearted nature made the entire day feel relaxed and enjoyable for me as well. I deeply appreciated your sincere curiosity about our history and the thoughtful questions you asked along the way. I’m very glad the alternative DMZ plan suited your needs and allowed you to enjoy the experience comfortably and at your own pace. Sharing the views at Aegibong, the quiet moments over coffee, and our dinner together made the day especially memorable for me too. Thank you again for your trust and kindness. I’m grateful for the time we shared and hope our paths cross again in the future.
Kamil J.
“The most amazing tour in Seoul”
Kwan made our day in Seoul an unforgettable experience! He introduced us to the local cuisine and took us to the DMZ, adding special stops along the way that only a true local would know. His deep knowledge and talent for storytelling brought the history of both Koreas to life, complete with fascinating and intriguing details. I couldn't recommend a private tour with Kwan highly enough!
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Kwan J.
Hi Kamil and Svenja, Thank you so much for your wonderful review. It truly made my day. I also had a great and memorable time with both of you. I really appreciated your sincere fascination with Korean food — especially Kimchi! It was a joy to introduce you to local flavors, walk through the market together, and try different street foods. Even though our main tour was the DMZ, I’m glad we could enjoy those extra moments that made the day even more special. I’m very happy to hear that the DMZ tour and the stories were meaningful for you. Guiding guests like you, who are curious, warm, and open to new experiences, is always a pleasure. Thank you again for choosing my tour and for taking the time to share your experience. Wishing you both many more wonderful travels! Warm regards, Kwan
$200/ per group
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