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The Best Bang-For-The-Buck Korean Food

1. Ungteori Saenggogi（엉터리생고기）

Ungteori Saenggogi is one of the most popular samgyeopsal (pork belly) places in Seoul. Its generous AYCE portions always manage to get customers full. At the same time they don't cheap out on the quality of their meat and in order to maintain its authentic flavour of the meat, they only serve domestic pork belly. 

I have to mention that each branch of Ungteori Saenggogi offers AYCE BBQ at different prices. The most expensive one is the Myeongdong branch, at ￦14,800 per person. I have organized the price table for other branches in the table below.

Although there are lots of samgyeopsal places in Seoul that will get you full, Ungteori Saenggogi is the best on my list in terms of price and quality. In addition, they have lots of branches located throughout Seoul, which provides flexibility in fitting it into your itinerary.

✔ Ungteori Saenggogi Hongdae Branch

• 서울 마포구 어울마당로 118 2F 

✔  Ungteori Saenggogi Hyehwa Branch

• 서울 종로구 명륜2가 34

✔  Ungteori Saenggogi Seokgye Branch

• 서울 노원구 석계로1길 14 

2. EoSaChulDdo（어사출또）

Facebook ＠ 어사출또

Not a lot of travellers might be familiar with this place but this place has gained a large amount of popularity amongst locals. Plus, it doesn't put a strain on your wallet! Casual seafood dinner with a small group, the bill wouldn't come out expensive even after enjoying an authentic seafood meal.

Whatever seafood you are seeking to eat that day, you'll be able to find it at Eosachulddo. Eosachulddo has even more branch locations than Ungteori Saenggogi, making it super easy to wiggle into your itinerary. Just keep in mind that at branch locations in busy areas such as Hongdae and Gangnam the prices tend to be higher.

What I usually like to order at Eosachulddo is maeuntang(fish stew), fried seafood and raw fish. I often see a platter of raw fish for ₩10,000, which is a really good price in the city. 

If you'd like to try out Korean seafood dishes in a very local environment, this is the place!

✔ EoSaChulDdo Jongno 3-ga Branch

• 서울 종로구 돈화문로5길 24
• 서울 종로구 종로3가 117-1 2F

✔  EoSaChulDdo Sinchon Branch

• 서울 서대문구 연세로5가길 2
  

✔  EoSaChulDdo Jonggak Branch

• 서울 종로구 삼일대로17길 46

3. Saemaul Sikdang(새마을식당)

If you are in the mood to feast on Korean BBQ but afraid of the crazy bill, what should you do? Head on over to Saemaul Sikdang! They offer quality Korean BBQ within an affordable price range. 

Once you hear the sizzling sound of samgyopsal being cooked on the grill, another sound you'll hear will be your stomach growling.

If you feel like you're not willing to splurge on Korean BBQ but are also looking to eat it at a good quality, I recommend Saemaul Sikdang. 

✔  Saemaul Sikdang Dongdaemun Branch

• 서울 중구 장충단로길 13 B1

✔  Saemaul Sikdang Hongdae Branch

• 서울 마포구 어울마당로 144

4. Gimbap Cheonguk(김밥천국)

Gimbap Chenguk franchise is the symbol of affordable eatery in Korea. You'll see a branch in any area of Seoul and they all serve generous amounts of food at decent quality and low prices. A lot of their branches are open 24 hours too!

Source: 청춘을 즐겨라

 Because there are lots of branches throughout the city, the quality of food might differ by location. I recommend you try the ones in areas that are not very touristy because those places have maintained a higher level of quality to satisfy local customers' expectations (Express Bus Terminal branch is super pricey).

Source: 청춘을 즐겨라

Most typical everyday Korean dishes can be found at Gimbap Cheonguk. The dishes are served neatly on white plates and the portions are very generous! Gimbap Cheonguk has managed to satisfy students and working professionals as well as their bank accounts.

Source: 청춘을 즐겨라

5. Korean Buffet

If you are in Korea for a short period of time and try lots of different dishes at once, Korean buffet is the answer!

If you'd like to enjoy Korean buffet at the best price possible, then I suggest you go on a weekday afternoon. 

The best-known Korean buffet franchises are Pulipchae, Seasons Table and Nature Kitchen. No matter which brand you choose to try out, one thing is guaranteed; you'll come out feeling happily full and satisfied.

6. PIZZA SCHOOL

Getting pizza in Korea can be usually on the pricey side especially fresh steamy ones straight out of the oven at restaurants. Therefore, pizza delivery has been another popular option, devouring into hot pizza in the comfort of one's home. 

Attention pizza lovers! Pizza School is a huge franchise loved by many locals with branches everywhere. Most branches offer phone orders and takeout only.

Menu prices may differ by branch

Look at how cheap their pizzas are! Generally, one pizza is enough for two people and you can choose other sizes depending on the size of your group. Pizza School is a great option if you're craving pizza within a good price range!

✔  Pizza School Hongdae Branch

• 서울 마포구 동교로 205

✔  Pizza School Dongmyo Branch

• 서울 종로구 숭인동 81-15

What do you think of our list of best bang-for-the-buck Korean restaurants? Eating good food on your travels is important, but sometimes we are not willing to put a strain on our travel budget. Make sure to stop by these places if you're ever in Seoul and enjoy some of the cheaper options enjoyed by many locals here.

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