Seoul in 1 Day for Friends - Charcoal-grilled Mapo-style pork (galmegisal + thick pork belly) with an egg moat
In Collaboration with ZenKimchi Experiences. Updated on February 1, 2026.
An energetic, local-led night out in Mapo: charcoal pork BBQ at a neighborhood grill (the same Mapo-style BBQ that inspired Anthony Bourdain’s stop), a stroll through Gongdeok’s pancake & pigs' feet market, and a hidden upstairs pub for makgeolli, soju and lively local company. Optional final stop at a retro chicken & beer pub for late-night crispy chicken.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with ZenKimchi Experiences, inspired by the tour The Ultimate Korean BBQ Experience. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Charcoal-grilled Mapo-style pork (galmegisal + thick pork belly) with an egg moat
- Explore Gongdeok Market’s pancake & pigs' feet stalls
- Secret upstairs pub: crash course in makgeolli, soju, and Korean drinking culture
- Optional retro fried chicken & beer pub (Three Stops upgrade)
Itinerary
Day 1
Evening food-and-drinks walking tour in Mapo focused on BBQ, local markets and a hidden pub. Meeting at Gongdeok Station Exit 7.
Meet at Gongdeok Station — Exit 7 (meet your guide)
Gather under the escalator at Gongdeok Station Exit 7. Your local guide (English-speaking food expert) will brief the group and run through tonight’s plan.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive by subway — Gongdeok Station (lines 5, 6, Gyeongui–Jungang, and Airport Railroad). Exit 7 is easiest; follow signs for Exit 7 and wait at the foot of the escalator.
- Keep your phone on and enable location briefly so the guide can find latecomers — taxis can get stuck in traffic in peak hours.
- Bring a small portable charger and a light jacket — Autumn evenings can feel crisp in Seoul; this keeps you comfortable between stops.
First Stop — Mapo-style Pork BBQ (charcoal grill, galmegisal & samgyeopsal)
Sit at a busy, local Mapo grill specializing in galmegisal (pork skirt) and thick charcoal-grilled pork belly. Learn grilling & drinking etiquette, watch the egg moat trick, and share platters with the group.
Tips from local experts:
- Let the guide show you how to grill the galmegisal and pork belly — they’ll manage the timing so the meat stays juicy for everyone to share.
- Order a few soju cocktails or local craft beers to share as a group — splitting bottles is great for friends and keeps costs down.
- Ask for the egg moat around the grill and a second helping of salted kimchi if you like umami-rich bites — it’s a Mapo specialty and perfect for sharing.
Wander Gongdeok’s Pancake & Pigs' Feet Market (street-snacking camera stop)
Walk a short route through Gongdeok Market to sample bindaetteok, haemul pajeon and market-style tempura. Quick tasting stops and photo ops of colorful stalls.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy small portions to share — markets are best experienced family-style and cheaper when split between friends.
- Try the tteokbokki + twigim (tempura) combo with a sip of makgeolli from a stall — an authentic, budget-friendly pairing.
- Carry a napkin pack or wet wipes — market stalls are delicious but can be saucy; it keeps hands clean between stops.
Secret Traditional Pub — upstairs makgeolli & drinking culture
Take the little-known stairs up to a neighborhood pub hidden above the market. Your guide will introduce makgeolli, dongdongju and classic pub snacks while locals mingle at the long tables.
Tips from local experts:
- This pub has limited seating — arrive with the group to secure a long table for sharing. Locals love group-style dining here.
- Ask the host for a makgeolli tasting flight — the guide will explain differences between makgeolli, dongdongju and contemporary flavored varieties.
- Try a simple drinking game or chant taught by the guide — it’s a fun way for friends to break the ice with locals and each other.
Optional Third Stop — Retro Chicken & Beer pub (Three Stops upgrade)
For guests who chose the Three Stops option: step into an old-school fried chicken & beer pub for crispy chicken and cold draft beer — a classic late-night Korean combo.
Tips from local experts:
- This stop is optional and typically runs after the main tour — let the guide know in advance so they can reserve a table.
- Order a half-and-half chicken (sweet & spicy + soy garlic) to share across the group — perfect for variety and sampling.
- If you want to pace yourself, switch to a soju cocktail or cider (maekju) to extend the night without overdoing it — friends can split pitchers to save money.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 5 |
| Total Places | 5 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Restaurant, Shopping, Nightlife |
