Seoul Vegan & Vegetarian Gwangjang Market Food Tour (11 Tastings)

If you’re a vegan or vegetarian heading to Seoul, you might worry about navigating the city’s famous markets without accidentally stumbling into dishes loaded with meat, fish, or dairy. Fortunately, there’s a wonderful solution: the Seoul Vegan & Vegetarian Gwangjang Market Food Tour. While we haven’t personally joined, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions suggest this is an experience packed with flavorful discovery, cultural insights, and peace of mind for plant-based eaters.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it’s a carefully curated journey that guarantees fully plant-based dishes, allowing vegetarians and vegans to explore Korean cuisine confidently. Second, it’s led by an experienced local guide—Jungho—who handles all ordering and translation, making it effortless for guests. Third, at just $89 per person for 2 hours, it offers a fantastic value for anyone eager to sample authentic Korean flavors without the worry of cross-contact or hidden ingredients.

One potential consideration is that Gwangjang is a busy, working market, so some cross-contact with non-vegan foods might occur. Also, it’s not suitable for those with severe food allergies or strict gluten-free diets. Still, this tour is perfect for curious travelers who want a guided, stress-free, and delicious introduction to Seoul’s vibrant plant-based food scene. It’s especially ideal for families, first-time visitors, or anyone who appreciates storytelling alongside their tasting adventures.

Good To Know

• Authentic Plant-Based Cuisine: 11+ tastings exclusively vegetarian and vegan, including traditional Korean dishes.
• Expert Guidance: All ordering and translation handled by Jungho, ensuring a smooth experience.
• Cultural Insights: Insider stories about market culture, royal recipes, and dining etiquette.
• Small Group Atmosphere: Limited to 8 guests for personalized attention.
• Great Value: Full meals and drinks included at an accessible price point.
• Accessible Location: Starts at Jongno 5-ga Station, easily reachable via public transport.

Why You’ll Love This Food Tour in Seoul

We found this tour offers a rare blend of authentic culinary adventure and cultural storytelling, making it perfect for those wanting more than just a taste of Korean food. What really shines is Jungho’s dedication to crafting a plant-based itinerary that highlights Seoul’s vibrant street food scene without compromising dietary preferences.

The 2-hour journey takes you through the bustling alleys of Gwangjang Market, one of Seoul’s most iconic and lively markets. You’ll sample hand-steamed vegetable mandu (dumplings), chewy tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), crispy mung-bean pancakes, and even a vegan-verified soju shot—a surprisingly refreshing highlight. Each dish is carefully selected to showcase the best of Korean flavors, all vegan or vegetarian, and everything is included in the ticket price.

From insider stories about the market’s history and etiquette to the personal touch of Jungho’s explanations, this tour feels like a culture. Reviewers mention how Jungho’s prompt communication and deep knowledge made the experience engaging and relaxed. Many note that even those unfamiliar with Korean cuisine left with an appreciation for the diverse flavors and textures.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: Gwangjang Market

The tour kicks off at Jongno 5-ga Station, a central spot well connected by Seoul’s public transit system. Here, Jungho greets guests and begins weaving through the market’s vibrant alleys, a lively hub filled with vendors, locals, and travelers alike. Walking through the market’s narrow lanes, you’ll experience the sights, sounds, and smells that make Gwangjang Market a must-visit destination.

The Tastings

Over the next two hours, expect to enjoy an approximate 11+ plant-based dishes. Highlights include hand-steamed vegetable mandu that are delicate yet bursting with flavor, chewy tteokbokki that offers a spicy-sweet punch, and those crispy mung-bean pancakes that are a perfect savory snack. One reviewer called the dishes “a fantastic necessity,” emphasizing how difficult it is to find vegan options in Seoul’s meat-heavy cuisine.

A noteworthy addition is the vegan-verified soju shot, which adds a fun, traditional touch to the tasting lineup. Several reviewers appreciated the stories behind each dish, with Jungho providing insights into traditional recipes and how the vegan versions maintain the authentic flavors.

The Hidden Gems

Beyond the main tastings, the tour includes some surprises, like a sweet treat and other plant-based delicacies that might not be obvious to casual visitors. The market’s vibrant atmosphere enhances the experience, making it feel less like a food tasting and more like a cultural stroll.

Insider Stories and Local Tips

Throughout the journey, Jungho shares stories about market culture, touching on local dining etiquette and royal-court recipes. This contextual background enriches the tasting experience, giving you a deeper understanding of Korean cuisine’s history and transformation into vegan-friendly options.

End of Tour

The tour concludes back at the starting point, and since it’s a small group, you’ll have ample opportunity to ask questions or linger at certain stalls. Many reviews mention leaving with not just a full belly but also a greater appreciation for Seoul’s vegan and vegetarian options.

The Value of the Tour

Priced at $89 per person, this experience offers quite a bit: multiple dishes, expert guidance, and cultural storytelling, all within a compact two hours. Compared to eating solo at a market, where you’d need to research ingredients and possibly struggle with language barriers, this guided tour provides peace of mind and convenience.

The fact that all food and drinks are included means there are no surprises or hidden costs. Plus, with a maximum of 8 guests, the group setting ensures a friendly, engaging environment. Reviewers repeatedly mention how Jungho’s knowledge and storytelling made the tour memorable, adding value that surpasses the simple act of tasting food.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is ideal for vegetarians, vegans, and curious travelers who want a curated, insider look at Seoul’s street food scene. It’s especially suited for those who prefer guided experiences, as Jungho takes care of all logistics and translation. If you’re interested in learning about Korean culture while enjoying delicious plant-based dishes, this is a fantastic choice.

It’s also well-suited for families, with many reviews mentioning how accommodating and educational it is for children and adults alike. However, those with severe food allergies or gluten restrictions should be cautious, as the tour notes some cross-contact may occur in the busy market environment.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for people with food allergies?
The tour is not recommended for travelers with severe food allergies due to the busy, working market environment where cross-contact might happen.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a manageable and enjoyable experience without feeling rushed.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at Jongno 5-ga Station and ends back at the same meeting point, with public transportation nearby for easy access.

Are drinks included?
Yes, all food and drinks, including a vegan-verified soju shot, are included in the experience.

Is the tour family-friendly?
Yes, many reviews indicate it’s suitable for families and casual travelers who enjoy food and cultural stories.

Can I cancel last minute?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, allowing flexibility if your plans change.

If you’re looking to explore Seoul’s street food scene while sticking to a plant-based diet, this Gwangjang Market food tour offers a thoughtful, flavorful, and culturally enriching experience. With Jungho’s expertise guiding you through the bustling market, you’ll taste authentic Korean dishes you might never have found on your own, all while learning about local customs and recipes.

The tour’s small-group format and all-inclusive pricing make it an excellent value, especially for those keen to avoid the guesswork of vegetarian-friendly options in a meat-heavy culture. Whether you’re a health-conscious traveler, a foodie, or simply curious about Korean cuisine, this tour promises a memorable and satisfying adventure.

For anyone who wants to see Seoul through the lens of its vibrant market food culture—without worrying about ingredients—this guided experience is a smart, tasty, and insightful choice.