Published & Edited by Seoul Tourism Organization
This newsletter, issued by Seoul Tourism Organization, is intended for Seoul Partner Travel Agencies and related organizations around the world.
Issued on the second Wednesday of every month, the newsletter introduces some of Seoul's best hidden charms and newest attractions.
We look forward to your continued interest and support as we bring you a variety of content in the future!
2026/08/12 |
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T O P I C โ
โ๏ธ Summer Exclusive! Culinary Tour in Seoul๐ฒ |
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As much as the summer heat rises in Seoul, Seoulโs tables become more diverse and plentiful with the taste of summer. ๐ด
On Boknal, a traditional Korean day for eating to beat the dog days of summer, there are amazing long queues in front of Samgyetang (Ginseng chicken soup) places, and lots of bingsu photos with diverse colors and styles uploaded on social media. ๐จ
Also, after sunset, the banks of the Hangang River are filled with the savory smell of night snacks, and the traditional market alleys become more vibrant with seasonal food and people. ๐
Even if it's the same city of Seoul, there's a different taste only available in summer! From summer energy-boosting food to bingsu, night markets, and local market tours!
Let's dive into the Summer exclusive culinary tour together. ๐
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Contents๐
โ Fight heat with heat vs Fight heat with cold: Korean summer energy-boosting food
โก The Bingsu Battle Begins!
โข Try the Taste of Hangang River's Night: "24 Hangang OPEN"
โฃ Local market food tour
โค Experience K-food! At Shin Ramyun Bunsik The Factory
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Fight heat with heat vs Fight heat with cold: Korean summer energy-boosting food |
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#Samgyetang #PyeongyangNaengmyeon #FightFireWithFire #SeoulEnergyBoostingFood #SeoulCulinaryTour
๐ฅ A Korean menu for summer โ what's your choice?
Do you prefer "hot food" to beat the heat? ๐ฅ
Having a bowl of Samgyetang on Boknal to boost your energy, and sweating it out with spicy stir-fried octopus, are part of Korean-style summer survival. Koreans turn to hot food to beat the heat โ a unique food culture that can be an interesting experience for international visitors to try! ๐๐
Or, do you prefer "cold food" to beat the heat? โ๏ธ
A cold bowl of Pyeongyang naengmyeon and a rich bowl of Kongguksu (cold soy milk noodle soup) will make you forget the scorching heat outside. In particular, Kongguksu is a seasonal food you can only enjoy in summer. ๐๐ซ
These restaurants are located near Gwanghwamun, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and Deoksugung Palace, making them easy to combine with a palace tour. Also, many restaurants accept group reservations, making them a great choice for culinary-themed group tours. ๐
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๐ฃ Must-Know Tips!
๐ฒ Samgyetang
โข Goryeo Samgyetang: 1, Seosomun-ro 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul / +82 2-752-9376 (Group seating available)
โข Tosokchon Samgyetang: 5, Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul / +82 2-737-7444 (Group seating available)
๐ Stir-fried octopus
โข Mugyo-dong Yujeong Nakji (Main store): 101-ho, 22, Sejong-daero 21-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul / +82 507-1338-0646 (Group seating available)
๐ Pyeongyang Naengmyeon
โข Woo Lae Oak: 62-29, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul / +82 2-2265-0151 (Group seating available)
โข Eulmildae Pyeongyang Naengmyeon: 24, Sungmun-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul / +82 2-717-1922 (Group seating available)
๐ซ Kongguksu
โข Jinju Hoegwan: 26, Sejong-daero 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul / +82 2-753-5388 (Group seating available)
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The Bingsu Battle Begins! |
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#Bingsu #Hwachae #KDessert #SweetEscape #SummerDessert
๐ง K-Dessert, heralding the start of summer
A dessert kicks off the summer? It's bingsu!๐จ
Right at the time when hotels release their summer bingsu menus with seasonal fruits for this year, social media buzzes with debates over which bingsu will be the most delicious. ๐ฅญ
If you want to experience more local vibes, the Bukchon and Insadong area could be a great option. From distinctive bingsu spots to traditional tea houses, Korean summer desserts including bingsu, Hwachae, and Omija tea can all be enjoyed in one place! ๐
Moreover, Bukchon Hanok Village โ Insadong โ Ikseon-dong are naturally connected, making them perfect for a flexible day of sightseeing or a cafe tour!
You can also add a free Seoul guided walking tour with cultural tourism interpreter guides to make your course even richer, enjoying both the taste and the stories of Seoul at once! ๐ฐ
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๐ฃ Must-Know Tips!
๐จ Local Bingsu
โข Boobing (Bukchon): 136, Changuimun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul / +82 2-394-8288
โข Sulbing (Hongik University Station Branch): 15, Hongik-ro 6-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul / +82 2-323-3287
๐ฅญ Hotels' Mango Bingsu (130,000 won on average, as of August 2026)
โข The Library at The Shilla Seoul (Original apple mango bingsu): 249, Dongho-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul / +82 2-2230-3388 (No reservation available for mango bingsu)
โข The Lounge at Signiel Seoul (Lotte World Tower view): 300, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul / +82 2-3213-1212 (Reservation available)
โข Maru at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul (Near Gwanghwamun Attractions): Lobby Floor, 97, Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul / +82 2-6388-5500 (Reservations available from the following day)
โข 1914 Lounge & Bar at Josun Palace (Near Gangnam Attractions): 24F, Josun Palace, 231, Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul / +82 2-727-7640 (Reservation available)
๐ Traditional summer drinks (Insadong traditional tea houses)
โข Sin Yet Tea House: 47-8, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul / +82 2-732-5257 (Group seating available)
โข Hanok Tea House: 12, Insadong 14-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul / +82 2-737-0538 (Group seating available)
๐ถโโ๏ธโSeoul Guided Walking Tour- ๐ Contact: Mon - Fri 09:00 - 18:00 / +82 2-6925-0777 /walkingtours@sto.or.kr- ๐ฑ Reservation: (Individual) Up to 10 people (up to 20 people for palace tours) / (Group) 11 people or more (21 or more required for palace tours)โป Booking via internet: Individual โ 3 days before the tour / Group โ 5 days before the tour (A large group of 50 people or more needs to book at least 2 weeks in advance)- ๐ต Free service (palace admission fees, culture experience fees, and transportation costs are not included), foreign language guiding available- ๐ https://english.visitseoul.net/walking-tour
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Try the Taste of Hangang River's Night: "24 Hangang OPEN"
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#HangangNightView #HangangFestival #HangangBamping #SeoulNightTravel #HangangDelivery
๐ More vibrant by night than by day โ the real summer begins after sunset.
The summer essence in Seoul starts after the sun sets. ๐
This year, Hangang River has turned into an all-in-one destination where you can enjoy not only food and night views but also camping, festivals, and night water play!
Throughout August, temporary campsites ("Hangang Bamping") will open at Yeouido and Ttukseom Hangang River Parks, with up to 200 campsites available per day (pre-booking required, free of charge). The Yeouido and Ttukseom pools, along with the Jamsil and Nanji water play areas, will also extend their hours until 10 PM! On top of night swimming after sunset, weekend evenings will feature "Pongdang Music," a DJ set held right by the pools. ๐๐ง
Feeling hungry? Order chicken or Korean street food through the delivery zone! Throughout August, you can get up to an 8,000 won discount when ordering through "Seoul Delivery + Ttaenggyeoyo" at the Yeouido, Ttukseom, and Mangwon Hangang River Parks. Enjoy a piece of chicken with a view of the Hangang River โ now delivered right to your tent! ๐ต๐
Safety has also been strengthened: more CCTVs have been added around the campsites, and Hangang Safety Officers and Public Safety Officers now patrol 24/7 โ so you can enjoy the Hangang River safely, even late at night. ๐ก๏ธ
You can also combine your visit with the 2026 Hangang Festival's summer programs โ the Under-the-Bridge Film Festival, Hangang Night Walk 42K, and the Silent Disco Party โ to put together a night course that runs from evening until dawn! ๐
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๐ฃ Must-Know Tips!
- ๐๏ธ Hangang Bamping:
Open throughout August, at Yeouido and Ttukseom Hangang River Parks / Daily 17:00 โ 09:00 (next day) / Pre-booking required, free of charge / Tent & shade shelter: bring your own or rent on-site (paid) โป Multi-night stays and cooking are not allowed (one night per booking)
- ๐ Night Pool & Water Play:
Until 30 Aug, daily 09:00 โ 22:00 (Yeouido and Ttukseom pools, Jamsil and Nanji water play areas)
- ๐ง Pongdang Music:
Yeouido Hangang Pool: 24 Jul โ 30 Aug, every FriโSun, 19:00 โ 21:00
Nanji Water Play Area: From 8 Aug, every Saturday, 19:00 โ 21:00
- ๐ต Delivery Zone:
8 zones total / Yeouido, Ttukseom, Mangwon Hangang River Parks, throughout August / Up to 8,000 won discount when ordering via "Seoul Delivery + Ttaenggyeoyo"- ๐ Future Hangang Headquarters Website: https://hangang.seoul.go.kr/- ๐ @hangang.official |
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#TonginMarket #MangwonMarket #BangiMarket #MarketTour #SeoulLocalTravel
๐ฅ Local markets in Seoul are more interesting than restaurants
The real taste of Seoul is hidden in its alleys! ๐ด
At Tongin Market, shop for banchan (side dishes) using yeopjeon, traditional brass coins! Picking the banchan you want and building your own meal box is the signature experience at Dosirak Cafe Tong in the market. ๐ฑ
Mangwon Market is a haven for street-food lovers, offering everything from croquettes to sweet and spicy chicken โ the kind of place where you'll have a snack in one hand and a camera in the other. ๐ฅ If you're curious about the taste of a truly local market, one where regulars outnumber tourists, Bangi Market is the answer! ๐ฅข
Tongin Market is close to Gyeongbokgung Palace and Seochon, Mangwon Market pairs well with Hangang River Park and Yeonnam-dong, and Bangi Market is near Olympic Park and Lotte World Tower โ all convenient for building a half-day tour.
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๐ฃ Must-Know Tips!
-๐ Tongin Market: 18, Jahamun-ro 15-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul / ๐ @tongin_official-๐ Mangwon Market: 2F, 27, Poeun-ro 6-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul / ๐ https://www.mangwonmarket.com/ / ๐ @mangwon.market-๐ Bangi Market: 243, Garak-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul / ๐ @bange2100mk |
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Experience K-Food! At Shin Ramyun Bunsik The Factory |
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#ShinRamyunBunsik #SeongsuPopUp #KFoodExperience #RamyeonFactory #SeongsuHotSpot
๐ Just eating is not enough for K-food!
These days, the most relevant keyword in K-food is "hands-on experience"! ๐
Shin Ramyun, one of Korea's signature ramyeon brands, has opened a hands-on pop-up store in Seongsu-dong with a "ramyeon factory" concept โ "Shin Ramyun Bunsik The Factory" โ celebrating 40 years since its launch. ๐ญ
This is the fifth store in the world and the first in Korea, following Peru, Japan, Vietnam, and the U.S. ๐
Its red building, designed to look just like a real Shin Ramyun package, became a Seongsu-dong photo spot the moment it opened! ๐ธ On the 1st floor, the "Factory Shop" offers freshly made ramyeon delivered from the factory every week, along with 40th-anniversary limited-edition merchandise. On the 2nd floor, the experience zone lets you make your own DIY ramyeon by choosing your noodles, soup base, and toppings, and taste export-only ramyeon varieties that are otherwise hard to find in Korea. ๐งฑ
Don't miss the global-inspired special menu either, including Shin Ramyun Tom Yum, Bokkeum Neoguri, and Asado Pork Belly Ramyun! These limited items are only available until November โ don't wait too long!
The store is also popular among foreign tourists and pairs perfectly with FIT tours around the Seongsu and Gangnam area. ๐
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๐ฃ Must-Know Tips!
- ๐
Tue, 16 Jun. 2026 โ Sun, 22 Nov. 2026
- โฐ Open every day, 11:00 โ 20:00
- ๐ Shin Shin Ramyun Bunsik Pop-up Store, 52, Seongsuil-ro 4-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
- ๐ต DIY Ramyeon: 4,000 won
- ๐ 0507-1390-4292 |
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๐ Taste the Summer of Seoul!
Seoul in summer can be described as a season of "tasting" rather than "seeing."
Recharge your energy with hot, energy-boosting food, cool off with sweet bingsu, and experience a day in the life of Seoul locals at local and night markets โ and your trip will feel that much richer.
This summer, suggest a culinary itinerary that captures both the scenery of Seoul and the taste of the season to your travelers! ๐
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์ฌ๊ธฐ์ ๋ด์ฉ์ ์
๋ ฅํ์ธ์. |
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