🍜 Seoul Food Guide

1. Korean BBQ (고기구이)

The ultimate Korean dining experience. You grill meat at your table and wrap it in lettuce with various side dishes.

• Samgyeopsal (삼겹살): Pork belly - ₩15,000-25,000 per person
• Galbi (갈비): Marinated beef short ribs - ₩25,000-40,000 per person
• Bulgogi (불고기): Marinated beef - ₩20,000-30,000 per person

Where to try: Hongdae, Gangnam, Itaewon. Look for restaurants with "고기" or "구이" in the name.

2. Bibimbap (비빔밥)

Mixed rice bowl with vegetables, meat, and gochujang (red pepper paste). Healthy and delicious!

• Price: ₩8,000-15,000 ($6-12)
• Best places: Insadong, traditional restaurants
• Tip: Mix everything together before eating!

3. Kimchi Jjigae (김치찌개)

Spicy kimchi stew - Korea's comfort food. Perfect for cold days.

• Price: ₩7,000-12,000 ($5-9)
• Usually includes: Rice, side dishes
• Spice level: Medium to hot

4. Tteokbokki (떡볶이)

Chewy rice cakes in spicy sauce - Korea's most popular street food.

• Street food price: ₩3,000-5,000 ($2-4)
• Restaurant price: ₩8,000-12,000 ($6-9)
• Best places: Street food stalls, Myeongdong

5. Samgyetang (삼계탕)

Whole chicken soup with ginseng - traditionally eaten in summer for energy.

• Price: ₩15,000-25,000 ($12-20)
• Best places: Tosokchon (near Gyeongbokgung), specialty restaurants
• When to eat: Summer (especially on "Boknal" days)

6. Jajangmyeon (자장면)

Korean-Chinese noodles in black bean sauce. Comfort food favorite.

• Price: ₩6,000-8,000 ($5-6)
• Best places: Chinese-Korean restaurants
• Fun fact: Often eaten on Black Day (April 14) by singles

Seoul's street food scene is incredible. Here are the best places and what to try:

Best Street Food Areas

• Myeongdong: Tourist-friendly, many options
• Hongdae: Young crowd, trendy food
• Gwangjang Market: Traditional market, authentic experience
• Namdaemun Market: Large variety, good prices
• Dongdaemun: Late-night food stalls (open until 2-3 AM)

Must-Try Street Foods

Table Manners

• Wait for the oldest person: Don't start eating until the oldest person at the table begins
• Use both hands: When receiving or giving something, use both hands
• Don't lift your bowl: Keep your rice bowl on the table (unlike some Asian countries)
• Chopsticks: Don't stick them upright in rice (funeral tradition)
• Sharing: Korean meals are meant to be shared - order multiple dishes

Drinking Culture

• Pouring drinks: Always pour for others, never for yourself
• Receiving drinks: Hold your glass with both hands when someone pours
• Turning away: Turn away from elders when drinking
• Soju: Korea's national drink - usually ₩3,000-5,000 per bottle

Tipping

Korean cuisine traditionally includes a lot of vegetables, but many dishes contain meat or seafood. Here's how to navigate:

• Bibimbap: Can be ordered vegetarian (ask for "고기 없이")
• Buddhist temples: Serve vegetarian temple food (사찰음식)
• Vegan restaurants: Growing number in Hongdae, Itaewon
• Learn these phrases: "고기 없이" (without meat), "채식" (vegetarian)
• Watch out for: Fish sauce in many dishes, even if they look vegetarian