Seoul Euljiro Food Tour: A Detailed Review

Euljiro, almost known among Seoul locals as a bit of a hidden treasure, is this old district just brimming with character and, of course, unbelievable food. That’s why the Seoul Euljiro Gastroventure Tour caught my eye – it promised a taste adventure far away from those regular tourist trails. So, naturally, I had to check it out to really give you all the information you need!

What is the Euljiro Gastroventure Tour?

Alright, so the Euljiro Gastroventure Tour is more or less this guided walking experience focusing completely on Euljiro’s unique culinary scene. That it’s a bit different is what makes it good. Euljiro, once known for its print shops and metalworking factories, it’s become something of a hotspot for young creatives and restaurateurs. It’s almost like they’re setting up shop in old buildings, preserving the vintage atmosphere yet serving some exciting, innovative dishes. That said, the tour does its very best to showcase this really cool juxtaposition, blending history with super interesting gastronomy.

That a variety of experiences can be seen might almost be more alluring than the food, that really is a high expectation! You get taken down some narrow alleyways, seeing family-run eateries which have been around for what seems like forever, in addition to the trendy new restaurants making waves. Plus, usually, the tour guides share some insights related to the district’s past and how its changing.

Booking and First Impressions

I found booking the tour actually super simple via a few different online platforms. That many of the options give you availability and easy rescheduling really took any concerns off my shoulders. In any case, my expectations were a bit mixed. Usually, I love a solid food tour, however, I was also somewhat concerned it might just feel a bit *too* trendy, losing some genuineness.

Anyway, on the day of the tour, meeting the group was that typical slightly anxious, slightly curious excitement. The guide seemed pretty approachable and actually knew her stuff, which automatically put me a bit more at ease. Actually, there were probably around ten people in our group, that actually is a pretty manageable size to keep things friendly and personable.

A Culinary Walk Through Time

Alright, let’s talk grub! What made this trip for me? The food! And too, I’d say this tour wasn’t *just* about filling your stomach. It’s also about telling stories through the eats. That, arguably, food in itself can be history, I was here to understand just how!

Stop 1: Noodle Joint from the Past: As a matter of fact, we kicked things off in an older spot serving kalguksu (knife-cut noodles). They had been running since what appeared to be the 70’s! These noodles, chewy and comforting in this tasty broth, it was just an ideal starter. That these older spots are so common in this region gives the tour depth in history.
Stop 2: Hidden BBQ Spot: Down some dark alley, almost hard to see, we went into this barbecue restaurant absolutely filled with locals. That pork belly practically melted I really found myself almost at home. In some respects, this was very much my first taste of Korea outside those busy tourist trap regions.
Stop 3: Trendy Cafe Fusion: Now, to contrast with the older establishments, the tour then took us to something very modern. It’s a cafe, like your local Starbucks maybe, it had this super unique take mixing local ingredients into western treats. That green tea tiramisu, wow, totally unforgettable!
Stop 4: Seafood and More!: So then to top all that off, and I do mean top it off, that last restaurant we visited just offered such an incredible seafood pancake, pajeon, if you were curious. And by the way, so it wasn’t just pancakes, we got all these little side dishes and flavorful tastes to complement! That Korean food always comes back to its deep history while still experimenting I always find wonderful.

Beyond the Food: The Euljiro Experience

Anyway, it was so more than the eats; the actual tour touched on what makes Euljiro actually something else. The way the district feels, actually it’s one of a kind! So too, I’d describe it as a bit of this step back into Seoul’s industrial peak, still bustling, almost vibrant. Though the buildings have definitely seen far better days, the walls do speak. On the other hand, the young people are now taking over those forgotten spaces and turning them into super interesting hubs for creativity. That old combined with something new makes something interesting to experience.

Arguably, the guide brought us by many art installations. In other words, tucked away spots most tourists tend to miss without realizing! And of course, while we are eating on this tour, the restaurants themselves still make the experience of it all unique.

What I Liked (and Didn’t Like)

Alright, let’s get down to cases here. Here’s a rundown of some pros, but so too some cons that you, maybe, may want to know!

What was good:

Cool variety of foods: So, too I touched on this earlier. The selection almost goes from traditional flavors to inventive experimental cuisine, providing quite the spectrum.
An experience more for local life: Basically, if you actually *want* to feel like something besides just another tourist, the path less travelled and the insight into how life moves almost made me like I lived there.
Guide had a lot of knowledge: Alright, let me make myself clear. You actually want a guide who loves food! And actually can describe the history, the traditions, the art… all of it! So I really feel like she added tons of worth to everything.

Some downsides to the trip:

It can actually get a little crowded sometimes: Let me give you a heads up: some spaces, such as, that noodle bar for example, can be actually pretty tight. Arguably this comes with being so immersed, it may impact your choices based on preferences.
In that case, this may matter if you struggle on some foods: I found all of it tasty, for example, yet somebody who has pickier palates, and in fact, that’s most tourists I meet, probably won’t enjoy certain stuff. So in that case it can still be fun, it’s good to remember why you came.

Is the Euljiro Gastroventure Tour Worth It?

In other words, this all comes down to one simple thing: do I feel like this should be tried or avoided? And truthfully I think this comes down to expectations versus outcome.

For visitors interested to learn the core traditions of Korea through eating in local-filled spaces, and naturally enjoy that unique, almost hidden, experience of modern culture, I would absolutely endorse the Euljiro Gastroventure Tour. In some respects the things experienced will just not be gained elsewhere. That some walking may actually just open the eye for anybody.

Tips for Making the Most of the Tour

Arguably, get your walking footwear: A number of spots may actually include rough paths so that walking around would make it worthwhile.
Alright, just arrive hungry, but be available for stuff besides consuming! That walking, and art… don’t come right from other meals.
In other words, have a digital camera handy: That places are going to be interesting and beautiful, that taking pictures would matter.
Naturally, show availability to talk: Ask the group a thing or two; ask any person with something to say! If the mind may be prepared you are probably set to be social and take full benefits.

Anyway, make the most you are doing! Just coming equipped is the start for an great adventure.

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