10 Must-Eat Restaurants in Seoul

If you're planning a trip to Seoul, don't miss out on its rich food culture in addition to the beautiful sights. From traditional ginseng chicken soup to aromatic barbecue, every bite of Seoul's food will give you a strong taste of Korean flavor. Whether you love street food or high-end restaurants, Seoul's dining venues have something to satisfy your food cravings. Here are 10 of our favorite restaurant recommendations in Seoul to take you on a tongue-twisting journey through Korea.

1. Baeknyeon Tojong Samgyetang (100-year cold noodles)

• Specialties: This restaurant is famous for its classic Samgyetang (chicken ginseng soup), which is a very famous nourishing meal in Seoul, especially during the summer months. The restaurant's ginseng chicken soup uses a whole chicken filled with ingredients such as glutinous rice, goji berries, and red dates for a sweet and nutritious soup.
• Recommended dishes: chicken ginseng soup and chicken casserole.
• Address: 1 Daeru-ga 5-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

2. Myeongdong Kyoja (dumpling)

• Specialty:  One of Myeongdong's classic restaurants for decades, this restaurant specializes in serving delicious handmade gyoza and cold noodles. The gyozas are thin-skinned and stuffed with a very flavorful texture, and are served with a soup base that warms the stomach.
• Recommended dishes: handmade gyoza and cold noodles.
• Address: 33-1 Myeong-dong, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea (33-1 Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul)

3. Tosokchon Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup)

• Specialty: Tosokchon is a very famous ginseng chicken soup restaurant in Seoul that serves traditional ginseng chicken soup. The soup here is particularly rich and the chicken is tender, making it perfect for travelers who want to savor the traditional nourishing delicacy.
• Recommended dish: ginseng chicken soup.
• Address: 5 Daeru-gil 5-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

4. Samcheongdong Sujebi (Black Pork)

• Specialty: Located in Samcheongdong, this restaurant is a great place to eat Korean-style black pork (Heukdwaeji). The black pork is tender and rich in fat, and is served with a traditional dipping sauce and lettuce.
• Recommended dishes: black pork barbecue and handmade dumplings.
• Address: 9-ga Samchung-ro, Samchung-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

5. BBQ Restaurant (Wang Bi Jib)

• Specialties: This is a restaurant that serves classic Korean barbecue (Samgyeopsal), especially famous for its panko. The meat here is very fresh and full of flavor. You can grill your own delicious slices of meat at the table and eat them with lettuce leaves, garlic slices, and sauces wrapped in a unique flavor.
• Recommended dishes: Gochujang, grilled meat platter.
• Address: 177 Itaewon Road, Yongsan-gu, Seoul.

6. Boseong Golgot (Jeweled Flower Home Cooking)

• Features: This restaurant focuses on Korean home cooking and offers a rich variety of traditional Korean dishes such as kimchi soup, beef bone soup, grilled fish, etc. The fresh and authentic flavors of the dishes are popular among locals and tourists.
• Recommended dishes: Beef bone soup and Korean kimchi soup.
• Address: Yonsei Da-ro 4-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul.

7. Kimchi Jjigae House (Kim Hee Do Cultural Restaurant)

• Specialty: This restaurant specializes in making traditional Kimchi Jjigae (kimchi hot pot), using very unique seasonings and fresh ingredients to make the kimchi hot pot more intense and flavorful. The restaurant's dishes are generally very spicy, making it a good choice for those who like spicy flavors.
• Recommended dishes: kimchi wok and kimchi fried rice.
• Address: Gwanghee-ro, Gwanghee-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul.

8. Noryangjin Fish Market (Noryangjin Fish Market)

• Features: If you love seafood, come to Noryangjin Fish Market, which is one of the largest seafood markets in Seoul. You can buy the freshest seafood and bring it to a restaurant in the market to process it into a delicious seafood meal.
• Recommended dishes: sashimi, crab, seafood platter.
• Address: 688 Seogang-ro, Nam-gu, Seoul.

9. Myeongdong Food Street (Myeongdong Food Street)

• Features: Myeongdong is not only a shopper's paradise but also a must-visit place for food lovers. There are many famous street food stalls serving a variety of authentic Korean food such as spicy fried rice cake (Tteokbokki), soft fried shrimp (Eomuk), grilled squid, and more.
• Recommended dishes: spicy fried rice cake, soft fried shrimp, grilled squid.
• Address: Myeongdong 8-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul.

10. The Hanok (Hanok)

• Specialty: The Hanok restaurant is known for its exquisite traditional Korean cuisine, especially for travelers who want to experience an elegant and traditional atmosphere. The restaurant serves a variety of classic Korean dishes using traditional Korean décor.
• Recommended dishes: Korean bibimbap, boiled fish, and roast beef.
• Address : Geumbo-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Perfect Seoul food tour

4 Days Classic South Korea Tour

Seoul

 View Details >

Tip:

1. Some popular restaurants, especially barbecue or traditional restaurants, usually have long lines, so it is advisable to make reservations in advance.
2.  When dining in Korea, remember to share your food during the meal, especially grilled meats, where the waiter will help you turn the food.
3.  While many restaurants have English menus, some traditional restaurants may only offer Korean menus. Remember to prepare some basic Korean beforehand or use translation software to help with communication.