Anyang-si Gyeonggi-do, South Korea Travel Guide
Korean cuisine (Hansik, 한식) balances five flavors: sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and bitter.
Meals feature a main dish, rice, soup, and numerous side dishes (Banchan, 반찬). These little, varied dishes are central to the Korean dining experience, providing a range of textures and tastes.
If dining in a traditional restaurant with floor seating, remove your shoes before entering.
Use chopsticks and a spoon. The spoon is for rice and soup, while chopsticks are for extras and other main ingredients.
Do not stick your chopsticks upright in your rice bowl; this resembles an offering for the dead and is disrespectful.
A hearty, spicy stew made with kimchi, tofu, pork or tuna, and vegetables. A staple in Korean cuisine.
Found in almost every local restaurant.
A visually appealing dish featuring warm white rice topped with various sautéed vegetables (Namul), meat, a fried egg, and Gochujang (chili paste). Mix everything together before eating.
Many restaurants serve this.
Thinly sliced, marinated beef or pork, typically grilled at your table or within the kitchen. A flavorful, slightly sweet flavor.
Look for BBQ restaurants.
This market is a fantastic place to find street food, including Tteokbokki, Sundae, Twigim, and Eomuk. Many small eateries within the market serve authentic Korean dishes.
Bungeoppang (fish-shaped pastry with red bean paste/custard), Hodugwaja (walnut-shaped cakes with red bean paste/walnut), Korean Shaved Ice (Bingsu) (shaved ice with fruit, red beans, condensed milk).
True fine dining restaurants are limited in Anyang-si. For a high-end culinary experience, Seoul offers a much broader selection.
Anyang Jungang Market is a haven for budget travelers and food enthusiasts. It hosts numerous food stalls and small eateries offering delicious and inexpensive local fare.
Find a variety of international restaurants (Western, Chinese, Japanese, Southeast Asian cuisine) in commercial areas of Beomgye and Anyang Station.
Options are becoming more common in South Korea. Anyang-si may have limited dedicated vegetarian/vegan restaurants. Many Korean dishes contain meat, fish broth, or a salty sauce made from fermented fish. Temple food (Sachaleumsik) is strictly vegetarian.
Look for '비건' (vegan) or '채식' (vegetarian) signs.
Halal and kosher options are extremely limited in South Korea. Gluten-free can be challenging; brown sauce made from fermented soybeans often contains wheat. Explicitly gluten-free menus are rare. Restaurants are generally not accustomed to specific allergen requests. Communicate restrictions clearly.
Utilize Papago App for communication.
Purchase components from local markets if accommodation has a kitchen.
Learn a few Korean phrases related to your dietary needs.
An annual festival (usually autumn) celebrating local culture, community, plus creative works with performances, food stalls, and various activities.
Hosts various seasonal events, exhibitions, and cultural programs throughout the year. Check their website for details.
Anyang-si's dining scene mirrors general Korean trends rather than having unique concepts specific only to the city. Find popular Korean BBQ, Jjigae (stew) restaurants, fried chicken and beer (Chimaek) spots, and modern cafes.
Do not be afraid to try street food!
Most organized cooking classes and food tours for international tourists are available in Seoul.
Not a prominent tourism-related activity in Anyang-si, which is largely urbanized.
Anyang-si's dining scene mirrors general Korean trends rather than having unique concepts specific only to the city.
Learn a few Korean phrases related to your dietary needs. This helps you communicate effectively with restaurant staff and avoid misunderstandings.
Use a translation program like Papago.
When you go shopping at Anyang Jungang Market, bring cash. Although some stalls accept cards, many prefer cash, especially for smaller purchases.
Ensures smooth transactions.
Most culinary workshops for tourists are in Seoul. Consider a an excursion for an organized experience.
Be present at the Anyang Citizens' Festival in autumn for varied food stalls and cultural celebrations.
Wander Anyang Jungang Market for authentic street food and a deep dive into local food culture.
Exploring the side streets and alleyways around Anyang Station and Beomgye Station often unveils small, family-run eateries with delicious food.
