Seoul Food Guide
If you are planning your food trip to Seoul, Korea, these are some of the few places you should not miss out. Read more to find out some of the succulent and authentic Korean dishes that will not fail you.
본가진미간장게장
Never knew raw crab marinated in soy sauce (gejang) can be so scrumptious! The crabs they serve here are big, and the flesh was firm and sweet. How can one resist these roe-filled, succulent crabs?
Of course one of the best way to enjoy crab roe is to mix with some rice on the top shell.
Besides of gejang, their seafood pot was really amazing too. The soup was packed with flavour from the variety of fresh seafood which makes the soup “naturally” sweet.
Songpa1-dong, Seoul Korea
Yeongdong Freshwater Eel
Fresh mud water eel packed with awesome natural flavour grilled perfectly on your table. The eel was soft, chewy and delicious. It was pricey but it’s definitely worth it. Also, there is also a side of unnlimited chives to compliment your meal!
If you are feeling adventurous, you can try out the soju that is injected with eel gallbladder.
98-8 Nonhyeon 2(i)-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Muguok Seoul
Nestled in the heart of Seoul, Muguok offers a culinary journey that masterfully blends tradtion with modernity. It is one of the best samgyetang that I had in Korea, the soup boasts a depth of flavor that’s almost creamy, reminiscent of a collagen-rich pottage. The chicken goes really well with the ginger scallion and the broth.
South Korea, Seoul, Jongno District, Yulgok-ro 1-gil, 7 한옥
Jogaedo
Interesting experience as you get to grill your own shellfishes on the hot stones. I like how the restaurant is paved with stones which gives a seaside atmosphere.
Everything here is very fresh and the staffs will help out with grilling the seafood. Loads of clams and I love the freshness and sweetness of the clams!
8-1 Seongdeokjeong 17-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Gangnam Myeonok
The meat was tender, juicy and very well seasoned. The sauce really complimented the beef very well. One of the best rib soup I’ve had in Korea!
34 Nonhyeon-ro 152-gil, Gangnam District, Seoul, South Korea
Jeju Rooftop Black BBQ
Walking into this restaurant feels like stepping into a chic cave hideout. The Jeju black pork comes out juicy, tender and smoky. Their seasonings is top notch and each bite is a savory explosion.
South Korea, Seoul, Gangnam District, Eonju-ro 170-gil, 34 JEJUOKTOP BLACK BBQ 1층
Keunkiwajip
Michelin guide soy sauce marinated crab in Seoul and you should try their gejang bibimbap! They serve a variety of side dishes which made an impressive spread on the table.
20-7 Bukchon-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
Tosokchon Samgyetang
This restaurant is popular for tourists and locals and is well known for its authentic ginseng chicken soup (samgyetang). The chicken is tender while the ginseng soup is thick and flavorful. Several ingredients are stuffed in the chicken such as ginseng, chestnuts, glutinous rice and so forth. The portion is really huge so be sure to come here with empty stomach.
5 Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Taejo Gamjaguk Sungshin Women’s Univ.
This restaurant has been passed been passed down for more than 60 years and it’s definitely a place to go for pod rib potato soup (gamjatang). The soup is spicy, rich and topped with plenty of sesame leaves.
Love how they cook the rice with the “leftover” thick soup at the end.
43 Bomun-ro 34-gil, Dongseon-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Jayeondo Sogeumppang
Their salt bread is absolutely amazing. It has a soft and fluffy texture, almost like a warm, buttery blanket. A perfectly balanced of sweetness and saltiness that melts in your mouth.
56-1 Yeonmujang-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Sinsajeon
This place is famous for its honeycomb makgeoli and a variety of Korean pancakes. It offers a delightful fusion of traditional flavors and modern twists. The star attraction at this place is its honeycomb makgeoli where the homemade makgeoli is sweet, tangy and served with a chunk of fresh honeycomb.
18 Dosan-daero 11-gil, Gangnam District, Seoul, South Korea
Gimsasgasbabjib
This authentic Korean restaurant is located about two hours away from Seoul. But I highly recommend this as you can see from the picture, there are so many side dishes! The dishes here are authentic and amazing. I like how the serve barley rice here too!
473-7, Guam-ri, Hwado-eup, Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do
Jongno 3-ga Pojangmacha Street
In the back alleys of Jongno 3-ga’s Nagwon Arcade, you can find a row of outdoor food stalls, which are called “Pojangmacha” in Korean (literally meaning “tented wagon”).
If you watch a Korean drama, you might have seen an episode at least once, in which the male protagonist downs his sorrows with bottle after bottle of soju while sitting alone in a pojangmacha.
57-3 Nakwon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Mapo Yangji Ox Bone Soup
This place is favored by the locals serving authentic ox bone soup where the broth is light in flavor and soothing. The soup comes with rice or noodles and generous portion of meat!
6 Saechang-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Kyochon Chicken Dongdaemun
An essential, must-visit place for classic, famous Korean style fried chicken. Kyochon is also one of the most popular chains in Korea and even in Asia too.
294 Jong-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
Gwangjang Market
Gwangjang Market is one the largest and oldest traditional food market in Seoul, Korea. In this market, visitors can find a wide range of local Korean food and products.
Most of the stalls sell similar food but there are some popular ones.
The Korean knife cut noodles soup was comforting and good. It definitely did warm my heart and soul! On the other hand, their bibimbap is served with barley instead of white rice which means it is actually more nutritious!
I really love the bungeoppang (korean fish shaped pastry) from this stall. Their bungeoppang is freshly made and filled with generous amount of red bean paste. Anyway, don’t to get yourself the traditional sweet rice drink (sikhye).
88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Mangwon-dong World Cup Market
A small local market in Seoul which is less popular where the street food here is cheaper than Gwangjang Market. Though choices might be smaller but it’s good to visit markets that are catered to locals too.
Cafe Onion Angguk
One of the must-visit cafes in Seoul that serves a wide variety of pastries. It is located and set within an old school hanok setting yet modern on the inside. This cafe is always packed and getting a table here can be very challenging.
5, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03059 South Korea
Seongsu Station
At Seongsu station, you’ll find a vibrant stall that serves this delicious fish cake treat. This stall has no seatings but it’s definitely good enough to get a quick bite here especially during the cold weather!
Starbucks
Hanok-themed Starbucks which is near City Hall Square.
112 Sogong-ro, Sogong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Namdaemun Market
Namdaemun is the largest traditional market in Korea selling various food and goods. Make sure you venture through the narrow alleys instead of the Main Street to discover some of the food stalls and restaurants.
Ikseon-dong
Ikseon-dong is a hidden treasure in the bustling city. Ikseon-dong hold treasures in the form of cafes, restaurants and handicraft shops with unique concepts and designs operated by young entrepreneurs.
Nakwon
Nakwon is one of the top cafes in Ikseon-dong which is frequented by locals for its insta-worthy spot. It’s a cafe with a railway based design and serves a variety of drinks and cakes.
33-5 Supyo-ro 28-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Shinsagae Department Store (Food Hall)
The Shinsegae food hall is located on the basement level which is accessible via an escalator in the cosmetics department and a few other doors. Every vendor in the food hall was hand-selected to ensure they are in line with the Shinsagae brand.
15 Yeongjung-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Jogyesa Temple
Was glad to be able to visit this temple for the Lantern Festival and it was an incredible experience. The temple was glowing with thousand of lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere.
55 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
Eunpyeong Hanok Village
This Hanok village is less crowded, nestled against a mountain backdrop, offering breathtaking views. Their architectural design beautiful preserves the classic aesthetics of old Hanok homes.
193-14 Jingwan-dong, Eunpyeong District, Seoul, South Korea
Irin Iljan
The Hanok view from the restaurant is amazing, its floor has each its own dining area and design.
This cafe is very popular and it’s a great spot to have a coffee break while you’re taking in the amazing view!
534 Yeonseo-ro, Jingwan-dong, Eunpyeong District, Seoul, South Korea
Yeonseo Market
It’s a small traditional market located in Eunpyeong-gu where you stop by for a quick meal if you’re heading to the Eunpyeong Hanok Village. This market is lively with strong local roots.
850 Tongil-ro, Bulgwang-dong, Eunpyeong District, Seoul, South Korea
Love Lock of Seoul Tower
This is a romantic and iconic spot in Seoul where couples visit this hilltop lockway to leave padlocks as a symbol of their everlasting love.
Yejang-dong, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
N Seoul Tower
Nice spot with a beautiful view over Seoul. Lovely to take in the view while taking the cable car.
105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
Nike Gangnam
A fun experience here where you can customize your Nike shirts, sweaters or caps. Definitely a good souvenir with all the cute patches. The customization can be done in half an hour.
446 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam District, Seoul, South Korea
Olive Young N Seongsu
Smaller branches may be out of stock for certain items but not here! This Olive Young is massive and everything is super well stocked. There are many personalized services as well. I could really spend hours here.
13 Yeonmujang 7-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Myeongdong Shopping Street
Myeongdong Shopping street is a lively and bustling hub, famous for its wide variety of shops, street food and vibrant atmosphere. It’s one of the Seoul’s top shopping districts, especially known for its extensive range of skincare and countless beauty stores that are offering great deals.
1-5 Myeong-dong, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea