Michael G.United States
Personable guide. She made an effort teach the Korean culture in addition to showing the important sites.
Choose a currency
Private tour in Seoul Lee C
Ultimate foodie tour - The best food markets (Gwangjang / Fish market / Meat market & Mangwon market)
5.0
(23) reviews
-
4 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
4 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size
1
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
Lee C.
5.0
Guide rating
124
Reviews
Tours delivered
7 hrs
Avg. response time
Hi, it’s Lee - formerly a big firm analyst, and now a happy tour guide! 😊 I was born and raised in Seoul and have lived in five different countries: Canada, the US, Australia, Russia, and Germany. I also traveled to over 40 countries. I studied Business in Seoul, including a year-long exchange program in the US, and completed my MBA in Sydney. After finishing my MBA, I wanted to pursue a career change to become a professor, leveraging my field experience. I worked as a market researcher, research analyst, and marketer at major companies. It was a highly paid, stable job - what many would call a good life. But I’ve always preferred being in nature over an office. I hiked Kilimanjaro solo, Annapurna Base Camp solo, Olympus solo, Everest Base Camp, Fuji, the Alps solo, Patagonia, and many other mountains worldwide. (By “solo,” I mean literally alone or with a hiking guide, as some countries require one.) I've also led a hiking club for over five years and usually travel overseas more than five times a year to hike mountains. Here are some of my highlights 2017. 08 Japan, Fuji 2 days (3,776m) 2017. 10 Nepal, Annapurna Base Camp 6 days (4,130m) 2018. 09 Tanzania, Kilimanjaro Stella Point 6 days (5,656m) 2019. 09 Nepal, Kala Patthar (5,644m) / Everest Base Camp 9 days (5,364m) 2022. 08 Switzerland, Alps Vues du Mont Blanc 4 days (2,970m) 2022. 09 Greece, Olympus 2 days (2,918m) 2023. 07 Mongolia, Altai Tavan Nogd Base Camp 7 days (3,100m) 2025. 02 Chile, Patagonia W Trek 4 days 2025. 12 Indonesia, Mt.Aguna 2 days (3,142m) 2026. 07 Spain-Portugal The Camino de Santiago 11days (260km) A few years ago, I started my own travel agency, operating nature and city tours. (Registered agency for foreign visitors in Korea and vice versa). Most of my tours focus on food and hiking. Now I can hike more often, enjoy great food with travelers full of laughter, and practice calligraphy every day, which I also love. I’m definitely happier now. 💕☺️ If you visit Korea, please contact me! Just as I enjoy my hometown, Seoul, I truly want others to experience its culture and nature as well. Thank you for reading. Hope to see you in Korea! 😊 Cheers, Lee [ International experience ] Born and raised in Seoul / Lived in 5 different countries (USA, Canada, Australia, Russia, Germany) / Traveled mostly solo over 40 countries [ Tourism ] . English language tour guide for foreign guests (KBO, Korea Tourism Organization) [ University education ] . Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Seoul, Korea . MBA (Master's degree in Business Administration), Sydney, Australia [ Language teaching (Korean / English) ] . Korean language teacher certificate (Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism) . International TEFL and TESOL Diploma in teaching English (ITTT) [ Hiking ] . Mountain leader training program (Korean National Park Mountain Safety Institute) . Solo hikes in Kilimanjaro summit, ABC (Annapurna Base Camp), Olympus, Alps, and much more . Group hikes in EBC (Everest Bast Camp), Kala Patthar, Patagonia, Fuji, Altai, and much more . Hiking club leader over 5 years [ Others ] . Calligraphy competition awards (11 times) . Craftsman Cook, Korean Food license (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety) . Deutsch B1 certificate I don't offer driving service or book a car for you. If you rent a car with a driver, I will accompany you in the vehicle. Please let me know in advance. :-) * If you drive yourself, I will not accompany you.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Lee C.
Tasting local street food in the popular food markets in Seoul
Overview of your Seoul tour
Let's take a locals' look at Seoul on this walking tour of food markets. Start with Gwangjang Market, Seoul's oldest covered market. The market was featured in Nexflix show, 'Street Food'. You choose food you want. I'll show you some of my favorites! They are famous for mung bean pancake and seaweed rolls. After eating, walk along Cheonggyecheon stream where locals love to hang out and relax. *** You can go to Majang meat market or Noryangjin fish market instead of Gwangjang market. Take the subway to the second market. Continue to Mangwon market. The market is famous for sweet chicken and croquette. If you want, we can visit a cafe nearby. The area is called 'Manglidan-gil', one of the trendiest spots with lots of cafes. These markets are the most popular food markets in Seoul not only for tourists but also locals. If you want to see Hongdae area where all the young people hang out, we take a bus and visit there. Come with an empty stomach and enjoy the good local food! :-)
Recent Reviews
Lee C.Canada
Had a great afternoon visiting the markets and sampling some local foods at the market with Lee She was great . What I really liked is she took the time to ask questions about diet restrictions and preferences. That way the food tour was tailored made After lunch she explained the history of the market and of the local market Very enjoyable and informative Highly recommended Lee as a guide
Kelly J.United States
We had a great afternoon wandering through local markets with Lee! I'm sure our experiences would not have been nearly as exciting had we gone to these markets on our own (or if we would have found the markets at all). We sampled some interesting and unique foods, thanks to her knowledge. After the tour, she sent a list of the places we visited, and a list of the foods we ate! She also sent suggestions on what to do with our free day. Talk about customer service! Lee was personable and fun, and her knowledge of Seoul, its culture and its foods made for a fantastic afternoon.
Anisha L.United States
Our family was very excited to try a sampler of Korean street food and this tour didn't disappoint! Lee was great at meeting all of our varied foodie requests and making sure everyone got what they wanted. We tried around 10 items over 4 hours and were stuffed by the end! Our favorites were the Korean hot dogs and the salt bread. Lee was very knowledgeable on pointing out items in the food markets that we should try and also finding items that we were specifically interested in. She also helped us to navigate the subway and the bus! We felt like real locals after our time with Lee. We have three teens that have been on many tours and frequently are annoyed by tour guides but with Lee they all agreed she was one of the best they've had because she wasn't overbearing. She was very relaxed and went with the flow, adjusting to our family's likes and dislikes. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in getting a real taste for Korea!
Jay K.United States
Lee provided a great tour of the food markets in Seoul, as well as the sites we saw in between. We finished at the fish market where she helped me try raw sea cucumber and octopus tentacles that were not quite dead yet. Both were not what I expected, in a good way. Since we couldn’t eat everything we saw that day, she also provided great information I used later in my stay in Seoul when I was exploring the city on my own.
Erik A.United States
Lee did a great job on this tour! Knowledgable, fun, and was willing to make some adjustments to the itinerary for our interested and even help us do some Korean shopping. Thank you!!
Your Seoul tour itinerary
On the tour we see; - Gwangjang market (Try local Korean food) - Chenggyecheon stream (Amazing nature in the city center) - Heunginjimun Gate / Dongdaemun Gate (One of the main gates in Hanyangdoseong fortress in the Joseon Dynasty) - Mangwon market (Try local Korean food) - Hongdae area (Visit the trendiest place in Seoul) *** You can choose Majang meat market or Noryangjin fish market instead of Gwangjang market * Please note that all the food in the tour is NOT inclusive. * One group is up to 7people for this tour * The schedule is subject to change * I’m not responsible for any loss, injury, illness, accident or/and damage to persons or/and property incurred during the tour.
Want to customize this tour?
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
Transport details
Type: Public Transportation / Category: Subway
[ Meeting Point ] Jongno 5-ga (종로 5가) subway station (line 1), Exit8 (in front of the police station) We meet in front of the subway station, and walk to the market.
What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Food / drink in the market
Your own travel Insurance
Public Transportation
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location
Seoul, Seoul, 03195, South Korea
[ Meeting Point ] Jongno 5-ga (종로 5가) subway station (line 1), Exit8 (in front of the police station) Taxes are significantly cheaper in Korea than many countries. You can ask your hotel to arrange one, or use Uber / Kakao T if you don't want to take the subway. [ Hotel pick-up ] Available for hotels in Jongno-gu and Jung-gu only. [ Early pick-up ] For an additional 50,000 KRW (or 40 USD), early pick-up is available 30 minutes before the tour start time, depending on my schedule.
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Food And Drink
Tour reference number
1128954
Languages
English
KoreanActivity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Traveller reviews
5.0
FAQs
Who is this private tour in Seoul best suited for?
This private tour in Seoul is perfect for food enthusiasts who want to explore the city's vibrant food markets and taste local street food. It's also ideal for travellers who enjoy walking tours and want to experience Seoul like a local. Families with kids will find it suitable as well, given its kid-friendly nature.
What should I bring or wear?
Can this private tour in Seoul be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?
How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?
Where does the tour start and end?
Is transportation included?
How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?
What languages is this tour offered in?
What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?
Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?
AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
-
4 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
4 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
More tours in Seoul by Lee C.
Explore more of Seoul
Seoul Full Day City TourSoul of Seoul – Private Day Tour with a Local GuideSeoul Highlights, Seoul Must-see - Full Day TourDMZ full day with a Korean veteran - 2026 Golden Guide Award WinnerThe DMZ & Divided Korea Private Tour of the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)Seoul City Half Day Private TourDMZ Full-day tour from SeoulA must-see (DMZ + Gamaksan Suspension Bridge) on a Tour with Locals'Seoul in a day', private tourHalf Day in Seoul, you will cherish.Seoul Highlights - Full DayExplore Traditional Seoul - Highlights Full Day TourDMZ and Suspension Bridge or Palace with Veteran Staff SergeantLayover tour to Seoul or Incheon or DMZUltimate foodie tour - The best food markets (Gwangjang / Fish market / Meat market & Mangwon market)(3hr) Gyeongbokgung palace and Seoul highlights walking tour(5hr) Seoul old town highlights with a palace - Gyeongbokgung and Food marketJump into the Highlights Tour of Seoul on footSeoul's Greatest Hits - Full Day TourLayover Full Day Tour - Seoul Highlights or DMZSeoul: A Journey Through History - Full DayStunning Nightlife and Views of SeoulSeoul's Greatest Hits - Half Day TourSeoul Full Day Tour with a Local Expert Guide and Private VehicleFull-day tour in the heart of Seoul with the local guideDMZ (Border between South and North Korea) TourDay trip to Ganghwa island or local islandSeoul Highlights - Half Day(7hr) Fully day Seoul highlights - Northern and Southern SeoulUndiscovered Seoul Full Day Tour Like NativeCutting-Edge Seoul - Full DayItinerary of your own Tour within Seoul on footRisk Free Seoul LayoverSeoul Private Custom Half Day Tour: Korean Tea IncludedFull Day Seoul Highlights City TourSeoul Night Tour(5hr) Gangnam highlights in Southern Seoul - UNESCO heritage and posh streetShore Excursion to Seoul, Incheon or Paju(DMZ)Korea DMZ full day tour with Pro guide
Book with a deposit
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a 20% deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- The remaining balance will automatically be charged to your credit card 30 days before your tour date.