1. Introduction to the “K-Food Festival Knock Knock”
The K-Food Festival Knock Knock is an annual festival held in Seoul, where visitors can enjoy a wide variety of Korean foods in one place. The festival takes place at Sejong-ro Park next to Gwanghwamun Square from Wednesday to Sunday, between 4 PM and 9 PM. During the event, visitors can savor unique Korean dishes like Kimchi Bacon Cheese Pancakes, Cream Cheese Gotgam Rolls, and Nurungji Chicken Gangjeong, provided by various food trucks. The festival also supports multiple payment methods, making it convenient for both domestic and international visitors.
To mark the festival’s opening, there will be various performances such as yodeling, violin, magic circus, and singer-songwriter shows on the first day, May 29. Additionally, there will be a photo zone featuring popular character BT21, providing fun photo opportunities for attendees.
The 2024 K-Food Festival Knock Knock will take place next to Gwanghwamun Square at Sejongno Park in Seoul. The festival starts on May 29th and will be held every Wednesday to Sunday from 4 PM to 9 PM. Participation in the festival is free, and there is no need for prior reservation or purchase of tickets. However, some programs or experiences may require a separate reservation, so itโs best to check the official website for details.
2-2. Directions to the Festival
Getting to the K-Food Festival Knock Knock is quite straightforward. The festival is held at Sejong-ro Park next to Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, and it is easily accessible via public transportation.
Subway:
Take Line 5 to Gwanghwamun Station, exit from Exit 1, and walk for about 5 minutes.
Take Line 1 to Jonggak Station, exit from Exit 1, and walk for about 10 minutes.
Bus:
Several bus lines stop at the Gwanghwamun Square bus stop. Notably, buses 101, 160, 260, and 270 serve this stop, and it is about a 3-minute walk from the bus stop to the park.
The 2024 K-Food Festival Knock Knock is packed with various main events and programs, held at Sejong-ro Park next to Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. This festival provides an opportunity for visitors to enjoy a wide range of Korean food and cultural experiences.
Food Trucks: Sixteen food trucks will offer unique Korean dishes like Kimchi Bacon Cheese Pancakes, Cream Cheese Gotgam Rolls, and Nurungji Chicken Gangjeong. All food is served in reusable containers to promote environmental sustainability.
Opening Ceremony: On the evening of May 29, there will be performances including yodeling, violin, a magic circus, and singer-songwriter acts.
Photo Zones: A special photo zone featuring RJ from BT21 will be available until June, providing a fun photo opportunity for visitors.
Participatory Events: Throughout the festival, there will be a variety of interactive programs, including the K-Food Knock Knock photo zone, craft sales and experiences, a stamp tour, and various Knock Knock eventsโ.
3. Exploring Around the Festival: Attractions Nearby
3-1. Top Tourist Spots Near the Festival
Near Gwanghwamun Square, where the K-Food Festival Knock Knock is held, there are several tourist attractions that offer a rich cultural experience for visitors:
Gyeongbokgung Palace: This is the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty and a significant historical site. You can explore the palace grounds and even rent traditional Korean hanbok for a more immersive experience. Gyeongbokgung’s main gate, Gwanghwamun, is adjacent to Gwanghwamun Squareโ (Books and Bao)โโ (koreatodo)โ.
Bukchon Hanok Village: Located near Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village is a well-preserved area with traditional Korean houses. It’s a perfect place to wander and experience traditional Korean architecture and cultureโ (Books and Bao)โ.
Left: Gyeongbokgung Palace / Right: Bukchon Hanok Village
Sejong Center: This cultural complex hosts various performances and exhibitions. Depending on when you visit, you might catch an art exhibition or a live performance, adding a cultural dimension to your visit to Gwanghwamun Squareโ (Books and Bao)โ.
Cheonggyecheon Stream: This urban stream offers a peaceful walking path amidst the bustling city. It is beautifully lit up at night and provides a scenic route for a leisurely walkโ (koreatodo)โ.
National Museum of Korean Contemporary History: This museum showcases Korea’s modern history with various exhibits and interactive displays. It’s a short walk from Gwanghwamun Square and provides a comprehensive look at Korea’s recent pastโ (koreatodo)โ.
Left: Cheonggyecheon Stream / Right: National Museum of Korean Contemporary History
3-2. Recommendations for Accommodations and Dining
Near Gwanghwamun Square, where the K-Food Festival Knock Knock is held, there are several excellent hotels and restaurants for visitors to enjoy.
3-2-1.Top Hotel Picks
Somerset Palace Seoul: Located 0.3 miles from Gwanghwamun Square, this hotel offers serviced apartments with kitchen facilities, a rooftop swimming pool, a 24-hour convenience store, and more.
SeoulStory Hanok: This traditional hanok-style accommodation is an 8-minute walk from Changdeokgung Palace, providing a unique cultural experience.
Sunbee Hotel Insadong: Just a 5-minute walk from Jonggak Station, this hotel features spacious rooms and free WiFi, perfect for a comfortable stayโ.
For accommodation tips, be sure to check out HB’s previous posts! ๐
Here are a few top-rated restaurants within walking distance of the K-Food Festival Knock Knock venue. It might seem a bit ironic to hunt for restaurants near a festival that’s all about food… but hey, who says you can’t have your kimchi and eat it too? ๐
3-2-2-1. Seolgaon (์ค๊ฐ์จ): Traditional Korean Cuisine
Category
Information
Address
Sejong Cultural Center, B1, 175, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul (์์ธ ์ข ๋ก๊ตฌ ์ธ์ข ๋๋ก 175 ์ธ์ข ๋ฌธํํ๊ด ์งํ1์ธต ์ค๊ฐ์จ)
Reservation, Group use available, Wi-Fi, Separate restrooms
Description
Located in the basement of Sejong Cultural Center, Seolgaon offers traditional Korean cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients and elegant service. Itโs an ideal venue for small to large gatherings ranging from 2 to 80 people in private rooms and up to 70 in a small banquet hall. Perfect for pre or post-theatre dining, as well as luncheons and dinners after visiting nearby attractions like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Cheongwadae. Reservation is recommended.
Chinee Restaurant offers a reinterpretation of dishes from the four major Chinese regions (Canton, Sichuan, Beijing, and Shanghai) tailored to Korean tastes. Using only the freshest, high-quality ingredients, our experienced chefs provide the best cuisine. Ideal for family outings or dining after visiting nearby attractions like Gwanghwamun Square and Gyeongbokgung Palace. The restaurant features a large hall with tables, 12 rooms of various sizes accommodating 4 to 70 people, an open hall with 100 seats, and a separate banquet hall for up to 120 people, perfect for engagements, anniversaries, first birthdays, small weddings, and corporate events.
Opened in 1960 as Korea’s first Samgyetang specialty restaurant, Goryeo Samgyetang at Sejong-ro offers healthful, nourishing meals prepared with care. Using 49-day-old chickens, each dish is lovingly simmered for 4 hours every morning. Dedicated to serving healthy tonic food, Goryeo Samgyetang is committed to excellence. Enjoy a delightful experience near attractions like Gyeongbokgung, Cheong Wa Dae, Bukchon, Seochon, and Samcheong-dong.
I recently visited the ‘K-Food Festival Noknok’ held at Sejong-ro Park in Gwanghwamun. The festival runs from May 29, 2024, to May 31, 2025, every Wednesday to Sunday from 4 PM to 9 PM. The venue is conveniently located about 252 meters from Exit 2 of Gwanghwamun Station.
The festival area is not very large, with 16 food trucks and 3 dining spaces. I visited around 6 PM to catch the various performances on the opening day, but the number of visitors was not as high as I expected. However, the table seats were all occupied, so I had to wait quite a while to find a spot.
The main menu items at the K-Food Festival included simple dishes like chicken gangjeong, chicken skewers, jeon, hot dogs, meatballs, and tacos. There were also drinks like traditional tea, lattes, and ades. The festival aimed to showcase new and diverse foods using Korean ingredients such as kimchi, black sesame, and scorched rice, rather than traditional Korean dishes.
A central information booth provided multilingual ordering kiosks in Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and English. However, the kiosks in front of each food truck were only in Korean, which caused some confusion for foreign visitors. I suggested to the central information booth that they install foreign language versions of the menus and kiosks.
One of the highlights was a performance by Jang Han-sam. His lively performance added to the festive atmosphere. Additionally, the food ordered via the kiosk could be picked up upon receiving a notification on your phone, which was convenient.
Here are my honest reviews of the foods I tried:
Original Taco (7,000 KRW): A reasonable price and decent taste, though it didnโt feel very K-Food.
Premium Sausage Skewers (4,000 KRW): Familiar and tasty.
Potato Hot Dog (3,000 KRW): Reminded me of highway rest stops.
Snow Cheese Meatball (6,000 KRW): The winner of the day, with a delicious combination of cheese and bean sprouts.
At the end of the venue, there were drink vending machines and stations for returning reusable containers and separating trash. Restrooms were available at various nearby locations, including Sejong-ro Park parking lot, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, and the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History.
This food market, running from Wednesday to Sunday until next May, is perfect for a light visit after exploring Gwanghwamun or Gyeongbokgung. However, I wished there were more traditional Korean dishes to truly represent K-Food. Additionally, a pop-up craft shop will open, and from Friday to Sunday, the Seoul Outdoor Library Book Yard will be available, offering a comfortable outdoor reading experience.
Despite some shortcomings, I hope this festival becomes a new landmark in Gwanghwamun.
5-2. Exploring Gwanghwamun: A Comprehensive Guide to the K-Food Festival Knock Knock – Top Food Truck Picks, Recommended Dishes, and Essential Parking Information
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the K-Food Festival Knock Knock near Gwanghwamun, and I’m excited to share my experience with you. Located near my workplace, this festival is perfect for a visit after work. Held at Sejong-ro Park in Seoul, this night market festival offers a unique charm different from the Bamdokkaebi Night Market and Hangang Moonlight Night Market.
The K-Food Festival Knock Knock opened on May 29 and operates from Wednesday to Sunday, from 4 PM to 9 PM. Centered around K-Food, it provides an opportunity to taste various Korean dishes, making it an ideal place to bring foreign friends.
The festival is located near Gwanghwamun Station, at Sejong-ro Park, easily accessible within a 5-minute walk from Gyeongbokgung Station and Gwanghwamun Station. Public transportation is recommended, and parking is available at the Sejong-ro public parking lot, albeit for a fee.
With a total of 16 food trucks participating, the festival features a wide range of K-Food, including kimchi, jeon, sikhye, black sesame, puffed rice, bossam, rice, and ribs. Divided into meal and dessert categories, it offers a broad selection for visitors.
Additionally, the festival has photo zones featuring the adorable character Bangtan RJ, providing fun photo opportunities for visitors to share on Instagram. The dining area is spacious, and food orders can be placed all at once at kiosks.
This festival is perfect for enjoying the cool weather outdoors, offering delicious food and a great spot for a walk near Gwanghwamun. If you’re planning a visit to Gwanghwamun, I highly recommend participating in the K-Food Festival Knock Knock. Have a wonderful trip to Gwanghwamun!
Make sure to visit the 2024 K-Food Festival Knock Knock! This festival is an amazing opportunity to taste a variety of Korean foods, immerse yourself in Korean culture, and create unforgettable memories. Whether youโre a foodie or just curious, thereโs something for everyone. Can’t wait to see you there! Enjoy your K-Food Festival experience!
