Seoul: Korean Chicken & Beer Night Tour with Local Hidden Gems
4.5
Seoul: Korean Chicken & Beer Night Tour with Local Hidden Gems
By ZenKimchi Experiences
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About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 7-85, max of 11 per group
Duration: 3–4 hours
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
- Dinner
- Alcoholic Beverages
What's not included- Private transportation
- Start:
- Mangwon Station, Seoul, South KoreaInside Mangwon Station, bottom of the escalators, in front of Nature Republic make up shop. (Don't rely on the address. We use subway exits for locations in Seoul.)
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Wheelchair accessible
- Pushchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 9897P8- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for pregnant travellers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travellers can participate
- Minimum drinking age is 19.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as there is a good bit of walking.
- There are no vegetarian options.
- Subway is the best way to arrive at the meeting point. Taxis tend to get stuck in traffic.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 11 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 9897P8
From
AU$197.09
per adult (price varies by group size)
Select date and travellers
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Similar experiences
Itinerary
- Seoul, South KoreaInside Mangwon Station, bottom of the escalators, in front of Nature Republic make up shop. (Don't rely on the address. We use subway exits for locations in Seoul.)
- 1Mangwon Market has been going through a renaissance. Younger people have come in and opened interesting restaurants, pubs, and food stands next to the older proprietors. It feels like a revived traditional market that hasn't lost its character.
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Simon S0 contributionsStory nightHad a lovely cold night walk with Shawn where he told us all about the ghosts and the folklore. As a small group, we had the chance to ask more questions and discuss between the locations.Written 15 January 2025
- Thalia R0 contributionsAwesome tourWe went on one of the coldest nights in Korea which was poor planning on my part. But besides that, Shawn our tour guide was personable and hilarious during our urban legends tour. I enjoyed all the urban legends and information on the city he shared.Written 8 January 2025
- salviac20160 contributionsFantastic Food Tour with an Amazing Host – JeffI had an incredible food tour with Jeff in Seoul, and it was truly one of the highlights of my trip! Jeff took me to experience some of the best Korean BBQ and fried chicken, along with delicious drinks like Makgeolli and soju. His deep knowledge of Korean cuisine and culture, combined with his warm and friendly personality, made the tour so much fun. What really sets Jeff apart is his dedication to making sure you have a great experience beyond just the tour. After it ended, he sent me links to other amazing spots to try in Korea and even offered his help for the rest of my time in Seoul. His kindness and enthusiasm made me feel so welcome. If you’re looking for an authentic and unforgettable food tour, Jeff is the guide you need. Thank you, Jeff, for an amazing time and for going above and beyond as a host!Written 6 January 2025
- edoardov690 contributionsAmazing dinner with RonRon took us on the tour and it was a blast! Very nice experience, amazing food and very nice company with Ron! Super recommendedWritten 30 December 2024
- Kimberley_reid20220 contributionsWe had a lovely timeBeautiful route with great guidance and info from Shawn! Seoul is now contextualised geographically and spiritually - wonderful to get a break into nature for some fresh air in an otherwise city-centric holiday!Written 29 December 2024
- 593franziskag0 contributionsEntertaining Ghost TourIt was a fun an informative ghost walk around Seoul. I definitely thought I encountered a ghost on it, but hopefully I didn't bring it back home. :D Recommend if you are looking for an enjoyable, educational, evening walk around Seoul.Written 28 December 2024
- Trip385822540520 contributionsCold feetInteresting stories that will send a shiver up your back. Be brave and make sure u clear your throat from now on when you enter the restroomWritten 27 December 2024
- U6165NXjordand0 contributionsKorean ghosts and folkloreIf u love ghost story and folklore, this tour is perfect for u. Our guide Shawn is trully a passionate and he will transmit his knowledge into u. I really loved his stories in front of historical monuments or around the corner of a street.Written 18 December 2024
- 5angj0 contributionsAnother amazing tour as usual!This is my 2nd tour with Shawn and company (ZenKimchi) just a few days after the 1st. I thought it would be hard to top the 1st tour but the Korean Cemetery and Folklore Trek was truly an adventure and one-of-a-kind. It was very educational and fun to learn about the folklore, customs, and beliefs of the people and how they changed over the years. It was very nice listening to Shawn’s perspective as well. The views of the countryside are beautiful. There were sightings of wildlife as well (deers, cats, and cute dogs) I felt safe at every point of the tour knowing there is a reliable expert bringing us around. I will definitely come for the tours again next year when I’m back in Korea.Written 7 December 2024
- Passport088125604760 contributionsSpookily fun and culturally engaging. A must for lore and traditions enthusiasts!A spookily fun tour. So many stories and cultural background surrounding them delivered with the type of mastery that keeps you engaged and hanging on every word. Two and a half hours in and it never felt like a dull moment was there to be had. Only mistake made was to have it scheduled on our last night in town which meant we couldn't go back and enjoy the locations and all they had to offer during the day time. Do yourself a favor and join in early and make enough time to revisit the sites and enjoy all the different cultural and traditional activities to be had there over the rest of your stay.Written 4 December 2024
- 5angj0 contributionsBest tour everThe stories were amazing and some were bone chilling. Shawn is a great and charismatic guide. The entire tour breezed by so quickly because we were so caught up on it and didn’t realise the hours had passed.Written 4 December 2024
- W2280ENjilld0 contributionsA fun and informative tour!We had a very good time on the tour! It was very informative and filled with humor as well as the dark facts of history. We went for a girls night out and had a lot of fun.Written 30 November 2024
- J5486ZSjennifert0 contributionsGo on this tour at the beginning of your visit to SeoulA very entertaining learning experience about the history and creepy tales of Seoul. We took the extended tour back in April and we had a blast. Shawn has so much knowledge of Korean folklore and his storytelling was fascinating. My only regret is that we didn't start our trip to South Korea with this tour; we learned of many other locations and things to do that we'd liked to have experienced more of afterwards. (We took the tour the day before we flew back to the US.) I enjoy listening to Shawn and Joe's podcast The Dark Side of Seoul to learn about Korean culture until we get to visit again.Written 24 November 2024
- Safari104754982140 contributionsA thrilling way to see SeoulA really interesting way to get to know Seoul. One off the best tours I have done, we booked the 1 hour tour but stayed for the 2 hours tour in the end.Written 24 November 2024
- Neodouble0 contributionsGreat Ghost Tour and detailsLoved this tour. Shaun has accumulated so much knowledge on the supernatural, Korean folklore, and history. He's also written books and comics on the subject. Definitely recommend. Do it at the beginning of your visit as there are other tours that compliment and you don't want to miss.Written 17 November 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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4.5
23 reviews
Excellent
21
Very good
0
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
1
John M
7 contributions
Mar 2023 • Solo
Let me tell you about this Korean fried chicken and beer food tour from ZenKimchi. It's absolutely insane! You get to hit up three different restaurants with all kinds of chicken and crazy flavors. I mean, we're talking about finger-licking good stuff here, people. If you're into fried chicken and beer, this is the tour for you. And let me tell you, I would definitely go again. It's a culinary adventure like no other. Don't miss out, my friends.
Written 29 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Insane!? Oh, you mean the tour, not the host. :-P
Was great to see you again. And I look forward to next time.
Written 5 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mark T
3 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
Ron gave an excellent tour that included 3 old school, mom and pop chicken and beer places near Mangwon station. During the tour, he took me through the Mangwon market, which I'll definitely revisit at some point. All 3 stops included a variety of tasty chicken and beer combinations with some fun side dishes to compliment the flavors and offset a little bit of the spice. They all had the feel of older, dimly lit pubs, which enhanced the experience.
Ron was interesting to engage with as he spoke about some interesting aspects of the culture in Seoul. Though the tour features Cass and Red Rock beer, which is best with the chicken dishes, he also knows craft beer pretty well, so it was good to pick his brain on that with respect to Seoul.
I'd highly recommend taking this tour if you enjoy wings, beer and great conversation about Seoul.
Ron was interesting to engage with as he spoke about some interesting aspects of the culture in Seoul. Though the tour features Cass and Red Rock beer, which is best with the chicken dishes, he also knows craft beer pretty well, so it was good to pick his brain on that with respect to Seoul.
I'd highly recommend taking this tour if you enjoy wings, beer and great conversation about Seoul.
Written 14 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your positive review of the Authentic Chicken & Beer Experience with Ron near Mangwon station. It's wonderful to hear that you enjoyed the selection of old school spots and the visit through Mangwon market. The combination of tasty chicken, beer, and the ambiance of the pubs sounds like it truly made for an authentic experience.
Ron's knowledge of Seoul's culture and craft beer scene adds another layer of depth to the tour, and I'm glad you found those conversations engaging. Your recommendation is greatly appreciated, and we're delighted that you had a great time exploring the chimaek scene in Seoul with us. Looking forward to welcoming you back for more culinary adventures! 🍗🍻🇰🇷
Written 19 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
May
17 contributions
Apr 2024 • Friends
Great chicken/beer experience in a neighborhood away from the crowded central Seoul area. Three locals-filled places for three different tastings of fried, grilled chicken (and I really mean shared full dishes, not just samples). Thanks to our guide, Jeff, for the food and the engaging conversation!
Written 26 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks a million for your review! We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the Authentic Chicken & Beer Experience with Jeff. It's great that you appreciated the local vibe away from the crowded central area and enjoyed the generous portions of fried and grilled chicken. Jeff's engaging conversation is always a highlight. Looking forward to welcoming you back for more delicious and fun experiences!
Written 1 June 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
waynedarren1966
Brisbane, Australia17 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
I have thought very hard how to leave a review for this experience, 1 Star for the food however this lost 4 stars due to the following; The tour guide spoke about himself a lot, food reviews, where he has travelled to and where he was going to travel to. He commented on food other patrons had ordered, these comments were not necessarily positive, was this necessary?. He only touched on Korean food history and food culture, he made comment that the last leg of this tour, that we would stumble there as we would be drunk. He kept telling me if my glass was empty I would have to drink more, I was not inspired to finish my drink. He also told the group that South Korea is very much like North Korea with Propaganda, at this point I was disgusted . The tour guide was not South Korean, what South Korean would behave like this and talk horribly on their own country and hard earned freedom. I won’t say what country this guy was from but I can say that I will be telling as many people as possible not to book any of the 10 tours that Zenkimchi operate’s. This was definitely not an authentic South Korean experience, I didn’t pay $138 USD for this. In closing I could only take 1/4 of this event, I quietly slipped away in utter disappointment and disgust. If I wanted this experience I would have traveled to the country that this guy was from. If you want an authentic South Korean experience, do not book this. Attached is the proud owner of this disreputable tour
Written 20 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts on your experience with our Authentic Chicken & Beer tour. I apologize for falling short of your expectations; our goal is always to provide an insightful and enjoyable experience for all our guests.
I must clarify a couple of points for the sake of future guests reading this. The drinking etiquette discussed on our tour is a nod to Korean traditions, and it is never our intention to pressure anyone to drink more than they wish. Similarly, any comments made about South Korea's similarities or differences with its northern neighbor are intended to provoke thoughtful discussion, not offense.
You mention concerns about authenticity, which I'd like to address. Although I'm not ethnically Korean, I've lived in Korea for nearly two decades, am married to a Korean woman, am raising a Korean child in a Korean-speaking household, and have a deep and abiding respect for Korean culture and history going back over thirty years. My aim is to offer tours that are as genuine as they are enriching.
That said, I appreciate that your experience did not align with the overwhelmingly positive reviews we usually receive. I'm sorry for any disappointment caused, and as a gesture of goodwill, we've processed a full refund for your tour.
Thank you for your feedback; it gives us the opportunity to continually refine what we offer.
Written 23 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
limetime05
Sydney, Australia17 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
Very fun evening with Joe introducing us to the different types of Korean chicken (all delicious!) and plenty of beer! We visited 3 different places, ate and drank loads, and throughly enjoyed our evening. Joe is very entertaining and we enjoyed learning about Seoul, its food and people. We were a small group but everyone was great company, we laughed a lot, and hopefully we will meet up again in Busan. Would happily do again.
Written 2 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fun times, fun times!
Written 3 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tatiana S
Tonsberg, Norway38 contributions
I decided to book this tour because I was travelling alone and read that going out for fried chicken and beer is usually done as a group. I had a fantastic time! It felt more like I was going out with friends than being on a tour. We were a small group (4 total) and ate so much good chicken, several different types. I am not a big beer drinker but I ended up liking the beer as well. I would absolutely recommend this tour, it was one of the highlights of my trip.
Written 21 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much! You highlighted what makes our experiences different. They're not those box-ticking nibbling tours. They're actually immersive experiences to make you feel like you are a part of the city itself.
Written 3 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KimofOz
Greater Sydney, Australia127 contributions
July 2022
2 terrific nights out with Joe experiencing chicken & beer and then bbq (and beer) in truly local spots. You can be assured Joe has done his research and picked winners while making it easy to enjoy them all on one night. Walking is required, especially on the chicken & beer tour, but you get to experience first hand Joe's local knowledge gained over decades of living in Seoul. Although we ate out every night for 2 weeks, we found nothing to equal the quality and diversity of foods Joe introduced to us. He's also super organized and, after the tour, he follows up with a map highlighting where you've been. We are looking forward to recreating these wonderful experiences on our next trip to Seoul. Thanks Joe!
Written 20 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for joining my favorite tours. You and your son were a pleasure to have along, and I got a lot from learning about your adventures.
Written 21 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
IZC79
Silver Spring, MD24 contributions
We had a great experience with Joe. The food selections were fantastic, especially the last location whose ambience was very unique with all of the WWII memorabilia. It was three of us, me, my husband, and my stepson on this tour. Joe was also fantastic company and had a ton of interesting stories about his time in Korea. We would not hesitate to recommend this tour!
Written 12 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you! It was so great to hang out with you.
Written 5 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
eliass12017
Warsaw, Poland4 contributions
Oct 2022
This was my second tour with Joe following a brilliant and exciting ghost tour. Joe was amazing, friendly, and funny and unsurprisingly he went above and beyond his mission. As for the chicken and beer, it was five stars just like our guide. This tour is a must for anyone visiting Seoul.
Written 20 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joey L
6 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
Joe is a great host. I actually booked this tour after having a great time on the bbq tour the previous night. If you are looking for a great time and food away from the touristy areas, this is the one for you!
Written 19 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Back for round two, huh? That's what I like to hear! 🍻 I'm super stoked you had a blast on the BBQ tour and decided to join us again for the chicken & beer experience. Getting off the beaten tourist path is what we aim for, and I'm thrilled you appreciated that authentic vibe. Can't wait to show you more hidden gems next time! 🐔🍺
Written 22 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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