Our Favorite Places to Eat in Seoul

Welcome to Seoul: A Food Lover's Paradise

Seoul, a vibrant metropolis where ancient traditions meet modern innovation, is also a culinary hotspot. This guide will take you on a gastronomic journey through our favorite places to eat in Seoul, offering a diverse range of flavors and experiences. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or a first-time visitor, get ready to discover the best of Seoul's dining scene.

Must-Try Korean Dishes in Seoul

Before diving into specific restaurants, let's highlight some essential Korean dishes you absolutely must try:

• Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Stew):A spicy and savory stew made with fermented kimchi, tofu, and pork.

• Bibimbap (Mixed Rice):A colorful and flavorful dish with rice, vegetables, meat, and a fried egg, all mixed with gochujang (red pepper paste).

• Bulgogi (Marinated Beef):Thinly sliced beef marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and sugar, then grilled to perfection.

• Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes):Chewy rice cakes simmered in a spicy gochujang sauce, often with fish cakes and vegetables.

• Samgyeopsal (Grilled Pork Belly):Thick slices of pork belly grilled at your table, served with various dipping sauces and side dishes.

Our Top Restaurant Picks in Seoul

Here are some of our favorite restaurants in Seoul, categorized by cuisine and neighborhood:

Traditional Korean Cuisine

For an authentic taste of Korea, these restaurants are a must-visit:

• Gaeseong Mandu Koong (개성만두 궁):Famous for its delicate and flavorful Gaeseong-style dumplings.

• Balwoo Gongyang (발우공양):A Michelin-starred restaurant serving refined temple cuisine.

• Tosokchon Samgyetang (토속촌 삼계탕):Renowned for its ginseng chicken soup, a nourishing and comforting dish.

Street Food Hotspots

No trip to Seoul is complete without exploring its vibrant street food scene:

• Gwangjang Market (광장시장):A bustling market with countless stalls offering a variety of street food, including bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) and mayak gimbap (addictive seaweed rice rolls).

• Myeongdong Street Food (명동):A popular shopping district with a wide array of street food vendors selling everything from grilled seafood to ice cream.

• Namdaemun Market (남대문시장):One of the oldest and largest traditional markets in Seoul, offering a diverse selection of street food and local products.

Image: A bustling street food stall in Gwangjang Market, Seoul, with vendors preparing various Korean snacks.

Cafes and Desserts

Seoul has a thriving cafe culture, with countless options for coffee, tea, and desserts:

• Anthracite Coffee Roasters (앤트러사이트):A popular coffee shop with multiple locations, known for its expertly roasted beans and minimalist decor.

• Sulbing (설빙):Famous for its bingsu (shaved ice dessert) with various toppings, such as red bean, mango, and green tea.

• Osulloc Tea House (오설록 티하우스):A tea house specializing in green tea from Jeju Island, offering a variety of tea-based drinks and desserts.

Neighborhood Guides: Where to Eat in Seoul by Area

Seoul is divided into distinct neighborhoods, each with its own unique culinary offerings. Here's a breakdown of some popular areas and what to eat there:

Myeongdong

Known for its shopping and street food, Myeongdong is a great place to sample a variety of Korean snacks and international cuisine.

• Must-try:Street food like tteokbokki, hotteok (sweet pancake), and grilled cheese lobster.

Itaewon

A multicultural district with a wide range of international restaurants, Itaewon is perfect for those craving flavors from around the world.

• Must-try:Indian curry, Turkish kebabs, and American-style burgers.

Gangnam

A trendy and upscale district with a mix of fine dining restaurants and stylish cafes, Gangnam is a great place to experience Seoul's modern culinary scene.

• Must-try:Korean BBQ, sushi, and brunch at one of the many chic cafes.

Hongdae

A vibrant and youthful district with a wide range of affordable restaurants and street food, Hongdae is popular among students and young adults.

• Must-try:Dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken), Korean-style pizza, and desserts at one of the many themed cafes.

Image: A vibrant cafe in Hongdae, Seoul, with colorful decor and a variety of desserts on display.

Tips for Dining in Seoul

Here are some helpful tips to make your dining experience in Seoul more enjoyable:

• Learn basic Korean phrases:Knowing a few basic phrases like "hello" (annyeonghaseyo), "thank you" (gamsahamnida), and "delicious" (mashiseoyo) can go a long way.

• Be prepared to share:Many Korean dishes are meant to be shared, so bring a friend or two to try a wider variety of foods.

• Tipping is not customary:Tipping is not expected in most restaurants in Seoul.

• Water is usually free:Most restaurants provide complimentary water.

• Use Naver Maps or KakaoMap:Google Maps is not as reliable in Korea, so use Naver Maps or KakaoMap for navigation.

A Quick Guide to Korean Table Manners

Understanding basic Korean table manners can enhance your dining experience and show respect for the local culture:

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Culinary Adventure in Seoul!

Seoul is a city that truly caters to food lovers, with its diverse range of cuisines, vibrant street food scene, and charming cafes. We hope this guide has given you some inspiration for where to eat in Seoul and helped you plan your culinary adventure. Enjoy exploring the delicious flavors of Seoul!

Whether you're searching for the best restaurants Seoul has to offer or simply wondering where to eat in Seoul tonight, you're sure to find something to satisfy your cravings.