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KOREA FOOD GUIDE | Creatrip Locals' Guide

Everything You Need To Know For An Authentic Food Experience In Korea.

Soobin Cho
5 years ago

You'll find that culinary experiences in Korea are very diverse from traditional set of rice and soup served with 20 banchans (side dishes) to a humble restaurant serving up a hot stone of overflowing, boiling gamjatang (pork bone soup) that merely costs 7,000KRW.

Our complete guide to restaurants in Korea are categorized by city, then by cuisine and by local areas. We hope this guide helps you with getting closer to authentic food experiences in Korea.


SEOUL

Cuisine

Korean Barbeque: Korean BBQ is a cuisine with a global presence accessible in any big city outside of Korea, so it's quite likely that you've already had a taste of this delicious meal of meats over a grill accompanied by kimchi, lettuce wraps, rice and flavourful sauces. Check out the links below for more information.


Korean Fried Chicken: Did you know there are more Korean fried chicken places in Korea than McDonald's locations all over the world?

Fried chicken is well-loved among locals as well as tourists. Steamy, crispy breading covering loads of meat underneath surely makes for a mouthwatering cuisine that also goes well with alcohol, hence the prominent chimaek (chicken and beer) culture here. Fried chicken also makes up a huge portion of Korea's food delivery culture, available with just a click on a smartphone. 


Samgyetang: This is the go-to dish for locals who want to energize and replenish their bodies.

Chicken stuffed with rice and healthy ingredients such as ginger and dates is cooked in fragrant soup for long hours, then served in a hot stone pot. Pair a chunk of the chicken with kimchi for a piquant kick to the flavour.

Our list of favourite samgyetang places in Seoul:


Bossam: Thin slices of boiled pork are served with fresh kimchi, seasoned cabbage wraps and savoury radishes along with different sauces. Because the pork is boiled instead of grilled, it's not greasy and has a very light texture. Oh, and did we mention that it pairs well with soju?


Bunsik: Bunsik refers to the classic combination of tteokbokki (spicy rice cake), sundae (blood sausages), assorted deep-fried ingredients and kimbap (rice and ingredients rolled in seaweed) Koreans grow up eating. Whether it's the nostalgia or simply the great tastes, bunsik dishes are widely enjoyed by locals regardless of age and gender.

Bunsikjips, or bunsik restaurants, can be found in close vicinity to local schools in Korea. You can also easily spot street bunsikjips throughout the city.

List of Bunsik Restaurants Worth Checking out:


Seafood: You'll find a large variety of seafood dishes in Korea. Check the list below for some of our favourites.

  • Noryangjin Fish Market, the biggest fish market in Seoul, is patronized by locals who come for indulging in fresh fish.
  • Taekinae, just outside of Jonggak Station, has amazing jogae jeongol (clam hot pot). It's worth stopping by after looking around Cheonggyecheon, Euljiro, the City Hall and Jongno.
  • Soy sauce marinated crab, ganjang gejang, is a must-try. Ahyundong Marinated Crab is one of tourists' favourites.
  • A great fusion option around Myeongdong, the Sic Ddang, serves butter roast lobsters with other fusions dishes as a set.
  • If you're looking for a plate full of seafood dish around the palaces of Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, head on over to Wonjo Agujjim which serves deliciously spicy, braised monkfish.
  • Namdaemun Market's Hairtail Alley has an alley full of restaurants where you can get hairtail dishes with banchans (side dishes) for around 9,000KRW.
  • For spicy octopus surrounded by juicy pork belly go to Hong's Octopus in Hongdae.
  • If you're around City Hall, try Mugyodong Yoojung Nakji's hot pot with fresh octopus inside.
  • Naktangee or Nakji-Tangtangee is a specialty of live octopus served over raw beef. If you're browsing around the famous Gwangjang Market, go to Sungwoo Yukhoe for some authentic naktangee experience inside a hygienic restaurant.


Street Food: An integral part of locals' lifestyle, you'll find great street food in every corner of Seoul. Try street tteokbokki and sundae as well as bungeoppang (fish-shaped pastries with fillings). You'll find that street food in Myeongdong is a bit overpriced, so we wouldn't recommend it unless you need it quick and easy while in the area.


Buffets: Buffets are great if you need to try a little bit of everything, but your time is limited. Some big buffet franchises include Pulipchae, Ashley, Nature Kitchen and Season's Table. If you want a buffet meal with a nice view, try HanCook located on N Seoul Tower - you get a whole view of the city, plus the local food!


Food Streets: You'll find streets that specialize in one specific dish from red hot tteokbokki (spicy rice cake) to pajeon (green onion pancake) dipped in savoury soy sauce. Check out our list of famous food streets of Seoul for a full guide.


Other Korean Cuisine: 

  • For mouthwatering gamjatang served in a hot stone pot, head over to Idaejo Bbyeodagui in Hongdae. It will satisfy your craving at any time of the day as it's open 24/7. Dongwonjip has been around Euljiro for over 40 years and their overflowing gamjagook only costs 7,000KRW.
  • For a bowl of world-renowned Jeonju Bibimbap, head over to Jeonju Joongang in Myeongdong.
  • Andong Jjimdak offers comfort food of chicken braised in soy sauce, or jjimdak, in Myeongdong.
  • Gopchang, tripes packed with meaty juices and flavours, is a delicacy loved by locals. Stop by Hwangso Gopchang when in Sinchon for an authentic gopchang experience.
  • For dakgalbi, chicken and other ingredients fried on a large circular pan on the spot, Chuncheonjip located in Sinchon is a great option.
  • Hanjeongsik refers to a set of Korean dishes served with loads of banchans (side dishes). Bukchon Dodam located close to Gyeongbokgung Palace offers authentic hanjeongsik.


Foreign Cuisine:

  • Mexican: Julio in Jongno, Cuchara and Nakwon Taco in Gangnam are great. El Pino323 in Itaewon is great if you're craving Californian authentic.
  • Pizza & Pasta: Allatorre in Hongdae offers pizza, steak and pasta in a luxurious environment - their risotto is especially good. Pinksol is a rooftop cafe in Gangnam that serves delicious pizza and pasta (some pink).
  • Brunch: Urban Plant in Hongdae/Hapjeong offers great omelettes and sandwiches in its cozy wooden atmosphere. Butter Milk in Hongdae has fluffy pancakes that people line up for.  You Are Here Cafe in Myeongdong offers lots of baked goods and brunch dishes - try their chocolate fondue to wrap up your meal. The Skyfarm Brunch Cafe in Yeouido is a more luxurious brunch option with an overview of the city from the 50th floor.
  • Burgers: If you're craving burgers, Seoul's got the global brands including McDonald's, Burger King and Shake Shack. Try local brands like No Brand Burger, Mom's Touch and Cry Cheeseburger which is similar to In-N-Out.
  • Toast: For a full list of toast shops in Seoul, check out our Seoul Toast Shop Tips. If you happen to be in the trendy hanok area of Ikseondong, MIL Toast House is an interesting toast place worth checking out.
  • Japanese Fusion: A great place to taste Korean-Japanese fusion dishes is Tokkijung. With locations throughout Korea, you'll be able to find one close to your area. Check out our blog post on Tokkijung Hongdae to see what kinds of dishes they serve.


If you want something quick and on-the-go, try a convenience store in your area. Check out our list of must-try convenience store items and follow our Instagram for updates on new releases!


Vegetarian/Vegan

Although not abundant, you can still find no-meat places in Seoul. For delicious vegan pastries, head on over to Sunny Bread in Itaewon. Vegan Kitchen, also in Itaewon, has unique West-meets-East fusion dishes that are created by the chef himself. For Gyeongbokgung visitors, Maji offers a traditional temple cuisine experience.


Halal/Muslim-Friendly


Desserts

*Check out our KOREA CAFE GUIDE 2020 for more information on desserts and cafes in Korea.

  • A popular dessert for the summertime, bingsu, or shaved ice dessert, can be found in a lot of cafes. You'll even find shops that specialize in these cold delights. Our list of bingsu places covers a bingsu franchise to cute character bingsus!
  • If you're in the mood for some premium Korean tea desserts, head over to Osulloc. They have locations throughout Korea. Osulloc 1979 in Yongsan, a luxury brand of Osulloc, serves multi-tier trays of unique pastries. For matcha recommendations, check out our Instagram post.
  • For fluffy souffles, you want to head over to Onhwa in Jamsil or the famous Dongbaek Bakery in Ikseondong.
  • Bunkasha near Myeongdong has amazing fruit sandwiches with layers of cream inside that locals rave about.
  • For tiramisus that melt straight in your mouth, Gabaedo near Gyeongbokgung, Jamsil and Gangnam have original, earl grey and matcha flavours.


REGIONS

Chungmuro: This area neighbours Myeongdong and is perfect for those looking for a more local scene. You'll find lots of rundown eateries that have been around for decades here. 

Dongdaemun: People head over to Dongdaemun to experience local fashion items. You can also buy your own fabric or get your clothes custom-designed. As another touristy area right next to Myeongdong, some of Dongdaemun's restaurants can be overpriced. It's great to do some research before heading over.

Gangnam: Gangnam is always lively and crowded, offering a variety of activities ranging from underground shopping and COEX mall to heaps of plastic surgeons. You'll find a mix of cheap food as well as luxurious cuisine in this area.

Gyeongbokgung: We all need to grab a bite or two after a long day looking around the palace. You'll find great options here from samgyetang (chicken ginseng soup) that people line up for to a humble ramyeon place.

Hapjeong: Hapjeong neighbours Hongdae and increased gradually in visitor traffic as many establishments moved from Hongdae to the area due to gentrification. You'll find hip restaurants and cafes here.

Hongdae: A youthful area full of restaurants, shops, cafes and more, Hongdae is one of the top must-visit places. Lots of students and young professionals gather in Hongdae, short for Hongik Daehak (Korean word for Hongik University), to chill, making food options in the area quite affordable.

Itaewon: As the international hub of Seoul, Itaewon offers diverse options from street kebabs and hotteoks (pancakes with fillings) to Mexican cuisine and American restaurants. Lots of rooftop bars in Itaewon boast stunning views of N Seoul Tower and the city of Seoul.

Mapo: Mapo is one of the 25 districts of Seoul and boasts districts with trendy scenes like Hongdae, Sinchon, Hapjeong and Mangwon. Check out our editors' list of favourites in Mapo!

Mangwondong: Some locals head over to Mangwon for its magnificent market scene that offers all kinds of delish snacks. Some head over to check out the stationery shops that feature works of Korean artists. You'll find lots of interesting (and tasty) food options here at various price ranges.

Myeongdong: As the core of shopping in Seoul filled with local and international brands, Myeongdong attracts more tourists than locals. Although shopping in Myeongdong can be fun, lots of restaurants are outrageously overpriced. Definitely read our guide before heading over to avoid overpaying for mediocre food.

Seoul Station: You're likely to stop by the area as it is the transportation hub of the city and the country. Whether it's in between your transport to another city or you're just checking out the district, you've got to try some of our mouthwatering suggestions here!

Sinchon: Edae, short for Ewha Yeodae (Ewha Womans University), is full of affordable shopping and food options. 

Sinsadong Garosugil: Garosugil's got an upscale shopping scene, but it also has humble eateries and modern cafes with patios, giving it an exotic vibe. From juicy steak dishes to a simple bowl of salmon over rice, there are places worth tasting on Garosugil.

Yeonnamdong: This is another area where people go to when they want to avoid the crazy bustles of Hongdae. Located outside exit 3 of Hongik University Station, this serene neighbourhood features lots of boutique cafes and restaurants.


OTHERS

Solo Travellers: Seoul's Best Restaurants to Eat Alone.

Small-Group Cooking Class: DIY Korean Cuisine

Super Worth-it Dishes: The Best Bang-for-the-Buck Korean Food


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