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When it comes to traveling, do you prefer planning in advance, or do you choose to blindly hit the road? No matter the case, join us in touring the food alleys of Seoul that are sure to make your voyage much more worthwhile. We may have thoughtlessly passed by the one of the many backstreets of the city, but it turns out that they got quite a lot to offer by way of food! In this edition, we introduce eateries in the alleys of Seoul that have been in place for decades, serving up delicious food, generosity, and entertainment to their patrons.

This edition of Seoulite’s Picks is a bible for all travelers, whether you're the planning type or rely more on some spontaneity. On that note, let's be on our way!

The history of Seongsu-dong Galbi Alley began when a racetrack was constructed in the neighborhood in the 1970s. With a history of nearly five decades, the eateries assembled in the galbi (Korean-style short ribs) alley present a distinctive ambiance in an area filled to the brim with cool and stylish shops. Amidst the flashy high-rise buildings in Seongsu-dong, you can spot an alley with low-rise buildings adorned with old-fashioned signs. The galbi alley is located near Seongsu Station outside of exit 8. Located within the alley is even a galbi restaurant that was selected as one of the must-visit galbi restaurants in the popular gastro-adventure TV program, Wednesday Food Talk.

The galbi alley is a unique place in one of the hottest neighborhoods of Seoul. Enjoy the comfort of long-standing stores and the taste that has only grown deeper over time. The sweetness of the galbi seasoning is sure to invigorate your senses!

There is plenty to see in and around the area of Seongsu-dong. After your feast, you can stroll around the neighborhood and enjoy the autumn weather, so get out there and experience a romantic autumn evening while basking in the green shelter of Seoul, Seoul Forest , or the Jungnangcheon Stream.

Among the many mouth-watering foods, kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup) is one of the must-eat dishes in the market. In fact, kalguksu is such a popular menu in Namdaemun Market that it even has a kalguksu alley . On both sides of the alley in Namdaemun Market are scores of kalguksu eateries, each giving off the aroma of sesame oil. Savory meat broth is poured onto a generous pile of noodles that are then topped with fried tofu, laver flakes, and fried sesame seeds. Before digging in, add a final spoon of specialty sauces made differently at each restaurant.

The kalguksu alley also has places for boribap (barley rice) and chalbap (glutinous rice). Merchants are generous enough to serve sample-size kalguksu and naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles) for patrons that choose to have rice. Autumn is deepening, and it is gradually getting chillier. Stop by Namdaemun Market and taste a bowl of rich and warm kalguksu . Affordable prices, ample generosity, and the local sentiment only available at this signature market in Seoul will enrich your journey.

There is much to see and eat in and around Namdaemun Market. Check out the galchi-jorim (braised beltfish) alley in the market, yet another famous food alley in the area. Make your trip more meaningful by looking around Sungnyemun Gate , a.k.a. Namdaemun Gate, or learning about the independent movement activist, Kim Koo, at Namsan Park, where the Kim Koo Museum & Library is located in.

A neighborhood with several university campuses, Hwigyeong-dong is home to Hoegi Station Pajeon Alley , where the robust oily aroma stimulates the palate. Take a two-block walk from exit 1 of Hoegi Station toward Kyung Hee University, and you will find the pajeon alley that sprung up in the 1970s when the business district started to develop near the campus. Students in and around the campuses naturally gathered in this area. Having satisfied the hearts and stomachs of young adults, pajeon alley has become a hot destination among overseas visitors in Seoul.

The pajeon found in Hoegi Station Pajeon Alley is thick, like a pork cutlet. The texture is exceptionally crisp as the jeon is seemingly deep-fried, which is why it is also called “pork cutlet pajeon .” However, it is cheaper than pajeon in other areas. Doesn't get any better than that! Different set menus are available for patrons who wish to have dotorimuk (seasoned acorn jelly), golbaengi-muchim (spicy sea-snail salad), and various types of soups along with pajeon . A serving of pajeon garnished with a cup of thick makgeolli (rice wine) on a rainy day is a special treat that can also be enjoyed on an ordinary day. Take a seat in a long-standing pajeon place where even the faded scribbles on the walls seem like a verse from a poem. A serving of pajeon as inviting as the jeong (affection) of Korean sentiment and a refreshing cup of makgeolli will quickly see all your built-up fatigue and weariness from traveling dissipate, leaving you in a state of contentment.

Stop by the Hoegi-dong Annyeong Village , well-known for the wall painting photo zones, then take a walk along a historic trail from the village to Cheongnyangsa Temple, Yeonhwasa Temple, all the way to Hongneung Neighborhood Park. The Kyung Hee University campus has gone viral in China and Japan for its Greek-style main building and beautiful autumn foliage. So, if you happen to be near the campus, make sure you pay a visit to Kyung Hee University.

Cheongnyangni Market is like a complex mall in the world of traditional markets. It has the Cheongnyangni Tongdak Alley and Cheongnyangni Traditional Market, as well as an agro-fishery market, oriental medicine market, Gyeongdong Market, and grocery store. Head out to Cheongnyangni Station and walk out exit 1 where you can look around the vibrant market and encounter the tongdak alley full of the tongdak (fried chicken) aroma. The tongdak places in Cheongnyangni Tongdak Alley offer traditional-style fried chicken deep-fried in iron pots. Two reasons make the fried chicken in the tongdak alley special. First, chili pepper, sweet potatoes, and/or rice cakes are also deep-fried and served with the tongdak . Second is the specialty soy sauce. Although it varies throughout the eateries, the specialty sauce made of soy sauce with finely chopped hot chilis or onions is the secret to enjoying the deep-fried chicken to the very last piece.

Looking at the friendly talks between the patrons and merchants and shopping for regional special products in the market is another charm of traveling. Set out on touring the Cheongnyangni Tongdak Alley to taste a special tongdak at a much more affordable price compared to regular franchises and explore the different markets with rare oriental medicines and vintage products up for sale.

Cheongnyangni Market is an aggregation of multiple specialized markets that sell all sorts of edibles, including affordable and high-quality farm produce, fresh marine products, and health-boosting medicine. Enjoy the market and the foods available at eateries and street stalls in and around the market, where you can enjoy meals like cheonggukjang (rich soybean paste) and snacks, including corn on the cob and dumplings.