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
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Miroslava B.
“Layover experience with Kwan ”
My experience with Kwan in South Korea was nothing short of amazing. For the moment he picked me up. I felt safe, secure, and in great hands. He was very insightful with so much knowledge in history, and answered all the questions that I had. He made my time in Seoul productive, fulfilled, and a lot of fun. I truly don’t think my experience would’ve been the same if it was with a different tour guide. He made the process so easy from the beginning until the end and was very considerate through the whole way. I would recommend him to everyone that wants to explore South Korea. Thank you for being such a genuine, humble and enlightening person Kwan. I hope I get to see you again next time I go visit. I truly appreciate your hard work and it doesn’t go unnoticed! Wishing you the best always !
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Kwan J.
Thank you so much for your beautiful review. Guiding you during your layover was truly a delightful experience for me as well. From picking you up at the airport and sharing a comforting bowl of soup in the morning, to helping you with the hanbok, walking together through the palace, taking photos, and ending the day with a bit of K‑beauty fun—each moment felt meaningful because of your warm and open spirit. I’m grateful that you trusted me with your short time in Seoul. My hope was simply to curate a genuine experience for you, and I’m very touched that it resonated with you. Your kindness, curiosity, and positive energy made the day special for me too. Thank you again for your thoughtful words. I truly appreciate them, and I hope our paths cross again when you return to Korea. Wishing you all the best always.
Eileen B.
“Best Seoul tour guide”
Simply put, Kwan J. is the best!! We toured both Seoul and the DMZ with him and enjoyed every minute. He is not only very knowledgeable, he is extremely attentive and service oriented. His English is very strong and he is a pleasure to spend time with. My husband and I have traveled extensively and recommend Kwan without reservation .
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Kwan J.
Hi Eileen, Thank you so much for your wonderful review of our DMZ tour. It was truly my great pleasure to guide you and George. I deeply appreciated your genuine interest in Korean history and culture, and I really enjoyed answering every thoughtful question you asked throughout the day. And your surprise made my day — I was delighted to hear that ChatGPT recommended me as one of the best English‑speaking private guides in Seoul. That was such a fun and unexpected compliment. Thank you again for your kindness and for taking the time to share your experience. I hope we can meet again on your next visit to Korea.
Kim B.
“The Best Tour Guide We Have Ever Had – Thank You, Kwan!”
Kwan was, without question, the best tour guide we have ever had. We travel often and have experienced many guided tours around the world, but Kwan set a completely new standard. From the moment he picked us up until he dropped us off at the airport, every single detail was thoughtfully planned and flawlessly executed. His knowledge of Korean history, culture, traditions, and modern-day life was truly exceptional. Whether we were exploring the grandeur of Gyeongbok Palace, walking through the peaceful Bukchon Hanok Village, learning about the Korean War before visiting the DMZ, discovering the UNESCO sites in Andong, or strolling through Suwon and Incheon Chinatown, Kwan brought every destination to life with fascinating stories and insights. He has an incredible ability to explain history in a way that is engaging, easy to understand, and genuinely memorable. What made this tour even more special was how personalized it felt. Kwan wasn’t just following an itinerary—he made sure every stop was meaningful, adjusted the pace to our interests, introduced us to authentic local experiences, and recommended amazing food that we never would have found on our own. From bustling traditional markets to hidden cafés and local neighborhoods, we truly felt like we experienced Korea through the eyes of a local rather than as tourists. Beyond his knowledge, Kwan is simply an outstanding person. He is warm, kind, professional, patient, and has a wonderful sense of humor. He anticipated our needs before we even had to ask, made every day stress-free, and always ensured we were comfortable. His passion for sharing his country is evident in everything he does, and that passion made our trip unforgettable. This wasn’t just a tour—it was one of the best travel experiences we’ve ever had. If you’re visiting South Korea and have the opportunity to tour with Kwan, do not hesitate for a second. It will be the highlight of your trip. Kwan you created memories that will last a lifetime.
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Kwan J.
Kim, thank you so much for your wonderful review. Guiding you and Slavik was truly a fun and memorable experience for me — from the very beginning, it felt as if I was spending time with long‑time friends rather than guests. Your kindness, curiosity, and great energy made every moment special. It was also a new experience for me to assist you with the dermatologist visit, and I’m grateful you trusted me with that. I hope it opens up new opportunities in the future to help travelers in even more meaningful ways. Please come again and bring your friends next time. I’ll prepare everything seamlessly from A to Z so you can enjoy another unforgettable journey in Korea. Thank you once again for the memories we shared — they will stay with me for a long time.
$450/ per group
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