K-Food Festival NeokNeok

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The special joy of summer nights is back with a bang! Get ready to indulge in an array of mouth-watering Korean dishes, from Kimchi Bacon Cheese Pancakes to Nurungji Chicken and Chodang Corn Latte. This summer, immerse yourself in sweet moments at the ‘K-Food Festival NeokNeok’ in Gwanghwamun.

Location: Sejong-ro Park next to Gwanghwamun Square (189 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu) Operating Period: May 29, 2024 – May 31, 2025, every Wednesday to Sunday, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM Offerings: 16 Korean food trucks (11 operating each week) Contact: 02-2088-4960 Note: Not open on rainy days

Seoul City Character 'Haechi' promotes K-Food Festival 'NeokNeok'

A Step Up from the Han River Moonlight Market

Opening on May 29, the Korean night market ‘K-Food Festival NeokNeok’ (hereafter ‘NeokNeok’) is an upgraded version of the ‘Han River Moonlight Market’. Despite attracting around 600,000 visitors last year, the Moonlight Market faced issues with heavy rains and rising river levels, causing delays and cancellations. To ensure a more stable operation, the event has been relocated to Gwanghwamun. It's as if the Seoul mascot ‘Haechi’ is saying, “We’re always open, just come on over!

Foreign tourists resting in front of promotional billboards

Returning food containers

Foreigners knocking on the door of Korean cuisine

The name ‘NeokNeok’ captures the essence of Korean generosity and warmth, while also hinting at the idea of foreigners knocking on the door of Korean cuisine. The concept is a ‘High-Quality Korean Food Market’ with 16 food trucks offering unique dishes that blend familiar foods like hot dogs and fried chicken with Korean ingredients such as kimchi, honey ginseng, and bokbunja (Korean black raspberry). As part of an effort to address climate change, all food is served in reusable containers, which should be returned to designated recycling stations.

Audiences watching the performance

Festival Atmosphere

At 4 PM, when the sun starts to dip, the delicious aromas signal the start of the event. Performances like yodeling and circus act create a festive mood. Faces light up as groups gather to enjoy the performances, food in hand. This vibrant little festival, set amid the typically stoic city, feels like an oasis in the desert. The event has made significant efforts to minimize inconvenience for visitors. Payment terminals are installed at every truck, and kiosks are centrally located to reduce congestion. Once payment is completed, orders are automatically sent to the trucks, and customers can collect their food when their number is called. Samsung Pay, Apple Pay, Kakao Pay, and local currency vouchers are accepted, but cash payments are restricted to ensure swift service. Three dining areas are available: parasols, benches, and tables behind the ‘Haechi’ photo zone and near the outdoor stage for comfortable seating. There are also standing tables made from oil drums in front of the kiosks. Additionally, stools are scattered around for those who prefer a quick bite on the go.

Payment terminals installed on every food truck

Places to sit down and eat

Must-Try Menu Items

The Kimchi Bacon Cheese Pancake is a standout dish. This innovative combination features crispy bacon and melty cheese atop a savory kimchi pancake, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Another favorite is the Nurungji Chicken, which pairs crispy chicken with toasted rice for a unique texture and taste. The sweet sauce is perfectly offset by the nutty flavor of the rice, making it a hit with both kids and adults. These modern twists on traditional Korean dishes are sure to captivate a wide audience.

Kimchi Bacon Cheese pancake and drinks

Sweet and sour chicken with nurungji

Cooking kimchi bacon cheese pancake

Additional Attractions

Alongside the night market, enjoy the urban charm of the ‘Seoul Night Outdoor Library’. The city has set up bean bags, tents, and lights in Seoul Plaza, Gwanghwamun Square, and parts of Cheonggyecheon, creating cozy spots for reading. Special programs like music performances and movie screenings are held weekly. Don’t miss the ‘Sumunjang Patrol Ceremony’, a reenactment of the Joseon Dynasty’s royal guard patrols, which parades from Gwanghwamun to Insa-dong’s Culture Street every weekend.

The scenery of the venue after the sun goes down

References

Coverage: Jang Joo-hee | Korean Tourism Organization Team

Photograph: Lee Seung-hoon | Korean Tourism Organization Team

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