Set out on a captivating night hike through Seoul’s historic Fortress, offering an unparalleled opportunity to explore the city’s rich cultural heritage. Coupled with an immersive tour of a lively local traditional market, this experience promises a tantalizing blend of the old and the new. As you trek along the ancient walls and gateways, savor a series of mouth-watering street food tastings, including vegan-friendly options, while taking in breathtaking city views. The adventure doesn’t end there, as you venture to a legendary restaurant or a noodle and dumpling hotel, where you can indulge in authentic Korean cuisine and a unique alcoholic beverage, further enhancing your cultural and culinary exploration.
This experience made our list of the 18 Best Treks And Hiking Tours In Seoul.
Key Points
- Experience a night hike through Seoul’s historic Fortress with stunning city views and explore a lively local traditional market for authentic street food tastings.
- Enjoy a series of local snack tastings at the market, with vegan options available, and have the option to extend the experience with a dinner at a legendary local restaurant.
- Utilize convenient public transportation to reach the hike starting point, with the tour group departing on time without waiting for late comers.
- This tour requires moderate physical fitness and ability to navigate uneven terrain, and is not recommended for those with certain medical conditions.
- The tour is limited to a maximum of 12 travelers to provide an immersive and enjoyable experience exploring the Fortress and local market.
Overview of the Experience
This night hike and market snack experience takes participants on an exploration of Seoul’s historic Fortress and a visit to a lively local traditional market.
The tour begins at the Seodaemun Station, where travelers meet up and then embark on a public bus ride to the starting point of the fortress hike.
During the leisurely two-hour trek, participants can admire the magnificent city views and learn about the history and significance of the fortress.
Afterward, the group heads to a nearby traditional market to sample a variety of local street food, including vegan options.
This immersive experience offers a unique opportunity to discover Seoul’s rich culture and culinary delights.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Seoul.
What’s Included in the Tour
The tour includes a series of local street food tastings at a traditional market, with vegan snack options available.
Plus, the tour provides a single public bus fare, approximately 1,200 KRW, for transportation to the fortress hike starting point.
The tour doesn’t include:
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Dinner at a legendary local restaurant, which can be added as an optional upgrade for 10,000 – 15,000 KRW per person
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Choice of options at a local noodle & dumpling restaurant, along with some hazy rice wine, which can also be added as an optional upgrade
Optional Add-Ons
Along With the included offerings, travelers can opt to add a dinner at a legendary local restaurant for 10,000 – 15,000 KRW per person.
They can also choose to include a local noodle & dumpling restaurant experience, along with some hazy rice wine, as another optional upgrade.
These add-ons provide an opportunity for participants to further enjoy the local culinary scene.
The dinner at the renowned restaurant allows guests to savor authentic Korean cuisine, while the noodle and dumpling option offers a chance to sample traditional dishes paired with a unique alcoholic beverage.
These optional upgrades cater to travelers seeking a more comprehensive and enriching gastronomic adventure during their fortress night hike experience.
Meeting Point and Time
Participants meet at Seodaemun Station, Exit 2 (outside) at a time determined by the sunset schedule, which is typically Google search Korea Sunset time – 2 hours.
The meeting point is conveniently located near public transportation, making it easy for participants to access the starting point.
The meeting time is strategically set to allow ample time for the fortress night hike and exploration of the local market before darkness falls. This ensures an optimal experience for all attendees.
The group doesn’t wait for late comers.
Key meeting details:
- Location: Seodaemun Station, Exit 2 (outside)
- Time: Google search Korea Sunset time – 2 hours
- Punctuality: The group doesn’t wait for late comers
Restrictions and Requirements
This experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, and it isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with heart problems and serious medical conditions.
Participants should have a moderate physical fitness level and be able to leisurely hike for approximately 2 hours. The tour is limited to a maximum of 12 travelers.
Due to the nature of the activities, this night hike and market visit isn’t suitable for those who can’t comfortably walk for extended periods. Travelers must be prepared for the physical demands of the hike and be able to navigate uneven terrain.
The group won’t wait for late arrivals, so punctuality is essential. These restrictions ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants during this unique cultural experience.
What to Expect on the Hike
The night hike takes participants on a scenic journey through the historic Fortress, where they’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the city skyline.
As the group ascends the winding trails, they’ll encounter:
- Stunning vantage points that offer panoramic perspectives of the bustling city below
- Glimpses of the Fortress’ ancient walls and gateways, providing a glimpse into Korea’s rich cultural heritage
- Opportunities to stop and savor local street food and snacks, giving them a taste of the vibrant local market atmosphere
The hike is designed to be an immersive and enjoyable experience, allowing travelers to connect with the city’s history and culture in a unique and memorable way.
Exploring the Local Market
After taking in the breathtaking views from the Fortress, the group descends into the vibrant local market, eager to explore the array of delicious street food and snacks on offer.
They wander through the bustling stalls, their senses overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, and aromas of the market.
The tour guide points out a variety of traditional Korean snacks, including fresh kimbap, spicy ddukbokki, and sweet hotteok.
Travelers are encouraged to sample the vegan-friendly options, adding to the diversity of flavors.
The lively atmosphere and camaraderie of the group create a memorable experience as they enjoy the local culture and cuisine.
Additional Information
Choosing optional add-ons like dinner at a legendary local restaurant or a visit to a noodle and dumpling hotel with hazy rice wine can further enrich the cultural experience for travelers. These additional offerings provide an opportunity to savor authentic Korean cuisine and take in the local dining culture.
The tour also includes:
- A series of local street food tastings at a traditional market
- Availability of vegan snack options
- One-time public bus fare coverage
However, it’s important to note the tour’s restrictions, such as not being wheelchair accessible and requiring a moderate level of physical fitness. Travelers should carefully consider these factors before booking to ensure the experience aligns with their abilities and preferences.
Recap
This captivating night hike through Seoul’s historic Fortress offers breathtaking city views and a delectable street food experience.
Explore the ancient walls and gateways, then venture to a local market for a series of tantalizing tastings, including vegan-friendly options.
End the evening with an authentic Korean meal and a unique alcoholic beverage, enjoying the rich cultural and culinary traditions of the city.
More Markets in Seoul
- Seoul: Guided Street Food Tour at Namdaemun Market
- Seoul Evening Tour:Gwangjang Market&Naksan Park&Eungbongsan
- Seoul City Tour: Gyeongbok Palace, N Tower & Local Market
- Seoul: Mt Seorak(Cable Car)+Sokcho Beach&Market+Observatory
- Seoul: Fearless Foodie Gwangjang Market Food Adventure
- Seoul: Colonial History Tour with Prison&Palace, Market Food
More Shopping Tours in Seoul
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- Seoul Evening Tour:Gwangjang Market&Naksan Park&Eungbongsan
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- Seoul: K-Fashion Shopping Tour with a Professional Stylist
- Seoul: Mt Seorak(Cable Car)+Sokcho Beach&Market+Observatory
- Seoul: Fearless Foodie Gwangjang Market Food Adventure
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