Seoul Seoul, South Korea Travel Guide
Korean cuisine, rooted in agricultural traditions, places emphasis on seasonal ingredients and fermentation. It evolved over centuries, drawing from royal court, Buddhist vegetarian traditions, and everyday farming life. Dining is often communal, with shared accompaniments (Banchan).
Principles involve a balance of flavors (sweet, sour, salty, spicy, bitter), colors, and textures. Medicinal food qualities, based on Eumyangohaeng (Five Elements theory), also play a role.
Rice, noodles, and tofu form the base. Gochujang (chili paste), Doenjang (fermented soybean paste), Ganjang (soy sauce), garlic, ginger, sesame oil, Gochugaru (chili powder), and green onions frequently appear.
Korean foods commonly bring an intricate blend of spicy, savory, umami, and sometimes sweet notes. Fermented foods, like kimchi, are central to the flavor profile.
Seoul is a wide range of Korean regional cuisines. Its own traditional cuisine draws from royal court and aristocratic traditions.
Fermented spicy cabbage (and other vegetables), a required side dish with almost every Korean meal. Find it everywhere.
Thinly sliced marinated beef or pork, grilled. Available at Korean BBQ restaurants.
Grill pork belly (Samgyeopsal) or marinated ribs (Galbi) directly at your table. Popular in districts like Hongdae and Gangnam.
Alcoholic: Soju (clear distilled liquor), Makgeolli (milky rice wine), local beers (Cass, Hite, Terra). Non-alcoholic: Sikhye (sweet rice punch), Sujeonggwa (cinnamon punch), green tea.
Patbingsu (shaved ice dessert), Tteok (rice cakes), Pepero (chocolate-covered biscuit sticks), Korean fried chicken (Chimaek).
Many Michelin-starred restaurants exist in upscale districts like Gangnam, Cheongdam-dong, and Jongno (e.g., Gaon, La Yeon, Mingles). These establishments feature refined Korean cuisine or high-end international dishes.
Mid-range restaurants are abundant throughout Seoul, featuring a wide variety of Korean dishes, Japanese, Chinese, and From the west options.
Local "Bunsik" (snack) shops serve affordable staples like Kimbap, Tteokbokki, and Ramyeon. Convenience stores also offer quick meals.
Animal cafes, cartoon cafes, and aesthetically pleasing cafes are popular.
Find these across trendy areas like Hongdae and Gangnam.
Pocha (tent-covered street food stalls) are lively. Noraebang (karaoke rooms) often combine with food and drinks.
Pochas popular in colder months; Noraebang a widespread entertainment option.
Songpyeon (half-moon rice cakes).
Tteokguk (rice cake soup).
Fresh strawberries.
Various melons.
Several Halal-certified restaurants exist in Itaewon, catering to the Muslim community. The Seoul Central Mosque is also in this district.
Options for prepared kosher meals are very limited, almost non-existent. Travelers may need to rely on pre-packaged kosher food.
Use translation apps like Papago for effective communication of dietary restrictions.
Always confirm ingredients if you have severe allergies, as cross-contamination can occur.
Many classes feature hands-on experiences: kimchi, bulgogi, bibimbap. O'ngo Food Communications and Spic & Span Korean Cooking Class are popular.
Guided tours take you through markets like Gwangjang Market or specific food districts for sampling various dishes.
Less common within metropolitan Seoul. Typically for day trips to rural areas for agricultural experiences, like strawberry picking in spring.
Do not miss street food at Gwangjang Market.
Try Bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) or Mayak gimbap.
Try a Korean BBQ experience with local beer (Chimaek).
Many restaurants available in Hongdae, Gangnam.
Fine dining establishments are suitable for anniversaries or special events. Advance booking is advisable.
Korean BBQ restaurants and larger mid-range eateries are great for groups due to communal dining styles.
Noryangjin Seafood Market a spot for fresh seafood, where you select your catch and have it prepared nearby.
Most restaurants provide complimentary Banchan (side dishes), often refillable.
