K Food Trip Version 2: Namdaemun & Hanyang Fortress Walk - A journey Through Time and Flavor
Start at Namdaemun Gate, a historic landmark, then ascend to the Hanyang Fortress remains, where ancient stone walls and scenic park offer a peaceful retreat. Wander through hidden alleys, uncovering old Seoul's charm, before arriving at Namdaemun Market, loved by locals for its ling-standing family-run shops, authentic flavors, and rich history.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Namdaemun Gate
- From Seoul station Exit 4 by walk (4 minutes) / walk straight about 200 meters (3 blocks)
Hanyang Fortress Remains (Hanyang Doseong Historic Site)
Hanyang Fortress, also known as Hanyangdoseong or the Seoul City Wall, is a remarkable historical structure that reflects the defensive and administrative strategies of the Joseon Dynasty. Built in 1395 under King Taejo's reign, the fortress originally encircled the capital, Hanyang (modern-day Seoul), to protect it from external threats and demarcate the city's boundaries
Old alleys to the Namdaemun Market
The old alleys of Namsan are a fascinating glimpse into Seoul's past. These alleys, nestled around Namsan Mountain, are remnants of traditional Korean neighborhoods that have survived amidst the city's modernization. They feature narrow pathways, hanok-style houses, and small courtyards that reflect the architectural and cultural heritage of earlier times.
Walking through these alleys, you can experience a sense of nostalgia and discover hidden gems like local eateries, artisan workshops, and historical sites. Some of these alleys lead to Namdaemun Market, adding to their charm and significance. They offer a unique blend of history and community life, making them a must-visit for anyone exploring Seoul.
Namdaemun Market Tour & Late Lunch
Namdaemun Market is a vibrant and historic destination in Seoul, perfect for introducing to foreign visitors. As Korea's largest traditional market with over 600 years of history, it offers an authentic Korean shopping experience. The market is known for its variety of goods, from clothing and accessories to souvenirs and even prescription glasses made on-site. What sets Namdaemun apart is the presence of many old, family-run local culinary shops, creating a warm, community-oriented atmosphere that contrasts with the bustling food scene of Gwangjang Market. Visitors can also savor delicious street food, such as hotteok (sweet pancakes), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), and mandu (dumplings).
Namdaemun Market's two standout dishes are hairtail stew and kalguksu.
Hairtail Stew: This dish features hairtail fish, known for its long, silver, belt-like appearance. At Namdaemun, the stew is typically braised in a spicy chili sauce, creating a rich and flavorful experience. The tender fish absorbs the bold spices, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Kalguksu: Known as knife-cut noodles, kalguksu is a comforting dish served in a hearty broth made from anchovies or seafood. The noodles are handmade, giving them a chewy texture, and the dish is often topped with ingredients like spring onions, sesame seeds, and crushed seaweed.
Ending Point
Shinseage Department Stores (Subway Line 4 Hoehyeon [Namdaemun Market] Station)
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
English Tour Guide
[Food & Beverage]
Lunch fee is not included as there is a wide variety of dishes to choose from. After exploring the options together, I'll help you select the perfect meal!
For your information, below are prices by dishes.
- Hairtail Stew: KRW14,000
- Kalguksu: KRW9,000
- Big Dumpling: KRW1,000/each
Tour Important Information
* This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
* This tour is not recommended for those with severe back/knee problems.
* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
For your information, please avoid Sunday as many shops at the Namdaemun markets are closed!
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
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.
Michael H.
“Tour with Kwan around Changdeokgung Palace and Seoul”
My family and I had an excellent full day tour with Kwan. He first picked us up and took us to the Changdeokgung Palace, where he was extremely knowledgeable about the history of the Palace and Korea. He answered all our questions and we all learnt so much from Kwan. We also went to a food market and tried Korean market food which was delicious and made seamless with Kwan’s recommendations and ordering- something we would have be unable to do without him. Further we explored the traditional Hanbok village and had great conversations together over coffee. We highly recommend Kwan as a tour guide - he put together an unforgettable day in Seoul for our family. We would definitely go on a tour with Kwan again! Thank you so much Kwan.
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Kwan J.
Thank you, Michael, for your wonderful review. I loved guiding your lovely family, and I’m happy my cultural and historical stories resonated with you.
Subash R.
“The BEST!!”
I contacted Mr. Kwan only days before my 20th wedding anniversary desperately looking to plan something special for my special lady. Within just days we had an amazing itinerary planned for the day and it went off without a hitch. Limo, private boat ride on the Han river, sightseeing, and a special little know lunch to die for (should be officially a Michelin star restaurant but not for some reason). Flowers, balloons, champagne, everything I could have asked for and more (and I didn’t ask he just knew)!! To top it off, the total affair was well within our agreed upon budget. All of this within just three days notice. I cannot thank him enough and recommend Mr. Kwan for anyone interested in a memorable experience in Seoul. 감사합니다 Mr. Kwan
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Kwan J.
Thank you so much, Subash. It was truly a short time to prepare everything, but I genuinely enjoyed every moment of arranging your anniversary day — and seeing you and Pooja love it made it even more meaningful for me. I really appreciate your generosity and kindness throughout the process. It was such a delightful time with a lovely and fun couple like you both. I hope you visit Korea again in the future, and I would be honored to help you create another beautiful celebration. Warm regards, Kwan
$150/ per person
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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.
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