When it comes to Seoul food recommendations, what comes to mind? From the mouth-watering fried chicken and beer to grilled pork belly (Samgyeopsal), the experience of sitting in a roadside “Pojangmacha” (street stall) and chatting with friends like a K-drama character is a dream for many. Among the countless options, what are the absolute must-eat dishes in Seoul?
In this guide, we have compiled a comprehensive list of Seoul food recommendations. From the tourist favorites like Dongdaemun and Myeongdong to the trendy hotspots like Seongsu-dong and Samcheong-dong, here is your ultimate guide to the best restaurants in Seoul!
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Seoul Food Overview
Seoul offers a wide variety of cuisines, ranging from crispy fried chicken, grilled pork belly, and grilled intestines (Gopchang) to rich and spicy beef soup (Yukgaejang), Seollongtang (ox bone soup), Budae-jjigae (army stew), and Jjimdak (braised chicken). You can also find unique local specialties like Sundae (blood sausage), Sannakji (live octopus), and Yukhoe (beef tartare), each offering a flavor that is distinct and memorable.
This Seoul food guide is categorized by district. Famous restaurants are typically clustered in major tourist areas like Dongdaemun, Myeongdong, and Hongdae, as well as trendy neighborhoods like Samcheong-dong, Seongsu-dong, and Konkuk University. Here are our top picks for the best restaurants in Seoul, beloved by locals and tourists alike.
Seoul Food | Dongdaemun Restaurant Recommendations
Dongdaemun Food #1: Jinokhwa Halmae Wonjo Dakhanmari
Jinokhwa Halmae Wonjo Dakhanmari (Original One Chicken) is consistently ranked as a top choice for Seoul food. Located in Dongdaemun, it always has a long queue. The primary dish is a whole chicken soup, and you can add rice cakes, potatoes, noodles, or rice. The chicken is served raw in the pot and takes about 12 minutes to cook.
The chicken soup is incredibly delicious and rich with garlic, while the chicken meat is exceptionally tender. There are various dipping sauces available for customization. Finishing the meal by cooking noodles in the concentrated broth is the perfect ending for any chicken soup lover.
Dongdaemun Food #2: Woojung Tteokbokki
Located on the Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town street, Woojung Tteokbokki is technically a tteokbokki restaurant, but it became famous for its spicy chicken feet after a recommendation from Baek Jong-won.
Even on a weekday, we waited for nearly 30 minutes. We ordered two portions of spicy chicken feet (you can choose the spice level) with extra eggs and enoki mushrooms. I highly recommend ordering the rice balls; pairing them with spicy chicken feet and beer is incredibly satisfying.
Dongdaemun Food #3: Gohyang Kalguksu
After being featured on Netflix, Gohyang Kalguksu became a must-visit in Gwangjang Market. You will likely need to wait in line. The classic dishes are hand-cut noodles (Kalguksu), pork dumplings, and kimchi dumplings, all handmade by the owner!
The broth is fragrant, and the noodles are perfectly chewy. Personally, I found the noodles even better than the dumplings. If you are dining alone, a bowl of Kalguksu is plenty.
Dongdaemun Food #4: Sunhui-ne Bindaetteok
Sunhui-ne Bindaetteok is a popular spot in Gwangjang Market. They grind mung beans on-site and mix them with batter, pork, and bean sprouts to make large pancakes. They are more like deep-fried cakes than traditional pancakes due to the amount of oil used 😂!
The shop has about 20 seats, and the service is quick. The combination of Bindaetteok and Makgeolli (rice wine) is the most popular choice. It’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, though it can be a bit greasy for one person, so sharing is recommended!
Dongdaemun Food #5: Yukhoe Jamaejip
Yukhoe Jamaejip is located in Gwangjang Market and specializes in Korean beef tartare (Yukhoe) and live octopus (Sannakji). Due to its popularity, they have three branches in the market, all equipped with Chinese and English ordering tablets, making it very tourist-friendly.
Upon entering, you are served a complimentary bowl of beef and radish soup, which is clear and sweet. A popular way to enjoy this Seoul food is by ordering “Mayak Gimbap” from the market to pair with the fresh raw beef and egg yolk, creating a truly authentic Korean culinary experience.
Dongdaemun Food #6: Kongneung Dakhanmari
Kongneung Dakhanmari is another essential stop for Seoul food in Dongdaemun. Known for its refreshing broth and tender chicken, it has left many travelers impressed. They cook the entire chicken to maintain tenderness and chewiness, resulting in a soup that is naturally sweet and nourishing.
Don’t forget to add Kalguksu noodles or make porridge at the end to soak up the essence of the chicken soup. It is an unforgettable flavor that everyone should try at least once.
Dongdaemun Food #7: Wooraeok
Curious about the Pyongyang Cold Noodles (Naengmyeon) often seen in K-dramas? Wooraeok offers an authentic and unique taste of this traditional dish. Specializing in BBQ and cold noodles, their beef-based broth is light yet sweet and highly addictive.
Wooraeok has consistently received the Michelin Bib Gourmand recommendation for years. A bowl of refreshing cold noodles paired with grilled beef is the ultimate combination for a satisfying meal!
Seoul Food | Myeongdong & Chungmuro Restaurant Recommendations
Myeongdong Food #1: Ungteori Saenggogi
This is a budget-friendly Korean BBQ option in Myeongdong that has been open for many years and is well known for its high value for money. The all-you-can-eat price is around $13 USD per person. The meat quality is quite decent, though they only offer pork (pork belly and pork neck).
Lettuce, side dishes, and doenjang stew are all unlimited. You can also order additional items such as steamed egg, cold noodles, and drinks. Overall, it may not be mind-blowing, but it’s a reliable choice that won’t disappoint.
Myeongdong Food #2: Sinseon Seollongtang
Seollongtang (Ox Bone Soup) is a staple of Seoul food. Made by boiling ox bones for a long time, the resulting milky white broth is rich, smooth, and deeply comforting.
The Myeongdong branch of Sinseon Seollongtang is world-famous. They offer an English menu and various types of Seollongtang, making it a frequent entry on any list of recommended Seoul restaurants.
Myeongdong Food #3: Myeongdong Kyoja
Myeongdong Kyoja is a legendary restaurant that has received Michelin recommendations for several consecutive years. Known for its long lines, this spot serves incredible dumplings and Kalguksu. It is popular because it offers great portions and exceptional taste at reasonable prices.
Their Kalguksu features thin, flat noodles in a chicken-based broth that is sweet and savory. This is an absolute must-try for anyone looking for the best Seoul food experience!
Myeongdong Food #4: Kkanbu Chicken Euljiro 3-ga Station
Famous as the fried chicken restaurant where Jensen Huang (NVIDIA CEO) met with the Samsung Chairman, Kkanbu Chicken is a well-known Korean franchise. The name “Kkanbu” refers to a close friend or partner, a term popularized globally by the series Squid Game.
They serve original fried chicken, boneless options, garlic soy sauce, and green onion flavors. While slightly more expensive than some other brands, Kkanbu is known for its crispy skin and less oily texture, making it a favorite for office workers’ gatherings.
Myeongdong Food #5: Jojo Kalguksu
Originally from Daegu, Jojo Kalguksu specializes in clam hand-cut noodles and octopus seafood pancakes. They are known for fresh ingredients and a light, healthy taste. They have branches in Seongsu and City Hall (near Myeongdong).
The seafood pancake is loaded with octopus, shrimp, and squid. It’s a generous portion perfect for two people to share along with a bowl of fresh clam noodles.
Myeongdong Food #6: Legend of Udaegalbi Seoul City Hall
I stumbled upon this place while looking for BBQ near my accommodation, and the meat was stunning! Each table is in a private booth, making it perfect for groups. The staff grills the meat for you, so you can just focus on eating. The must-order is the beef short ribs (Udaegalbi), which are incredibly tender. While the price is a bit high, the quality of the meat is worth every penny.
Chungmuro Food #7: Cheongwaok
Sundae (Korean blood sausage) is a polarizing but iconic Seoul food. If you are willing to try it, Cheongwaok is the place to go. Recommended by Yoo Jae-suk on a Korean variety show, it is a favorite among locals.
In addition to Sundae soup (Sundaeguk), they offer traditional steamed Sundae in cypress wood boxes, served with pork and bean sprouts. It’s a clean and authentic taste of Chungmuro.
Chungmuro Food #8: Kyochon Chicken
No Seoul food guide is complete without fried chicken. While Myeongdong has a dedicated fried chicken street, visiting the nearby Kyochon Chicken branch allows you to escape the heavy tourist crowds and enjoy an authentic meal.
The Jongno 1-ga branch is great for a walk after eating before heading back to Myeongdong. Kyochon’s signature crispy texture and sweet-savory glaze offer a unique Korean flavor that is hard to find elsewhere.
Seoul Food | Hongdae Restaurant Recommendations
Hongdae Food #1: Myth Jokbal
Myth Jokbal is a popular restaurant near Hongik University known for its pig’s trotter dishes. The garlic jokbal is a must-order for garlic lovers! The meat is tender and well-seasoned, though the portion is quite large, so sharing is best. It usually comes with a salad, soup, and noodles, making it a very filling meal.
Hongdae Food #2: Hanam Pig House
Hanam Pig House has many branches and is a staple in Seoul food recommendations. It was also a filming location for the K-drama Hospital Playlist* At Hanam Pig House, you don’t have to grill the meat yourself. The pork belly (Samgyeopsal) is high quality, chewy, and delicious—perfect for your first K-BBQ experience.
Hongdae Food #3: Wonjo Yukjeon-myeon
Open 24 hours, Wonjo Yukjeon-myeon specializes in soup rice (Gukbap) and pancakes (Jeon). The menu includes Chinese, which is very helpful! We ordered the beef bone soup set, beef pancakes, and beef meatballs. The pancakes are coated in egg wash and fried until crispy—delicious when served hot.
Hongdae Food #4: Hong’s Jjukkumi
Hong’s Jjukkumi is a famous spicy stir-fried octopus specialist in Hongdae. It attracts many tourists and locals alike. The stir-fry is salty and spicy, and you can choose to have just octopus or a mix with pork belly. The highlight is the fried rice at the end, which uses the remaining sauce and oils for an incredible flavor.
Hongdae Food #5: Changhwadang
Changhwadang might be the best Korean fried dumpling (Mandu) shop in the city! Located in the Hongdae business district, it features a traditional Korean atmosphere and was a filming site for Hotel Del Luna. Their shrimp and pork dumplings are excellent, but I also recommend the spicy green pepper dumplings. Get a platter of mixed dumplings to try them all.
Seoul Food | Samcheong-dong & Ikseon-dong Restaurant Recommendations
Samcheong-dong Food #1: Samcheong-dong Sujebi
Even at 1:00 PM, there was a 30-minute wait for Samcheong-dong Sujebi. The soup is made from small dried fish and has a pleasant peppery kick. The hand-torn noodle flakes (Sujebi) are very chewy and soak up the broth beautifully. We also tried the potato pancake, which was crispy and chewy, though quite large—best shared with friends.
Samcheong-dong Food #2: Imun Seollongtang
Imun Seollongtang is a century-old restaurant included in the Michelin guide. The soup is light and not overly heavy. You can add salt to your liking. They provide a generous amount of meat (about 7-8 slices per bowl). Aside from Seollongtang, they also serve boiled beef slices and other meat appetizers, which are great for sharing.
Samcheong-dong Food #3: Chon (촌)
If you want a truly traditional Korean meal, head to Chon in Samcheong-dong. Run by an elderly couple, this Hanok (traditional house) restaurant serves authentic Korean table d’hôte (Hanjeongsik). You get numerous side dishes along with main courses like grilled beef, potato pancakes, and soybean paste stew (Doenjang-jjigae).
Samcheong-dong Food #4: Anam
Anam offers a unique pork soup rice (Dwaeji Gukbap) that is quite different from the Busan style. It is known for its green oil and cilantro (which you can ask to remove). The flavor is clean and sophisticated. However, since the line is often long, I wouldn’t recommend waiting more than 30 minutes for it.
Ikseon-dong Food #5: Baekdon (빽돈)
Want to enjoy the K-drama vibe of grilling meat by the road? Baekdon in the Jongno business district is perfect for that. The pork quality is excellent, but the standout dish here is the Korean steamed egg (Gyeran-jjim) topped with rich melted cheese—easily the best steamed egg I’ve had in Seoul!
Ikseon-dong Food #6: Gyerim Sikdang
Spicy braised chicken (Dak-bokkeum-tang) is a quintessential Seoul food. Gyerim Sikdang, located in Jongno, is famous for its garlic-heavy version. It was highly recommended by Super Junior’s Eunhyuk. The rich, spicy broth filled with minced garlic is perfect for warming up during autumn or winter.
Ikseon-dong Food #7: Solsot
Solsot is a trendy pot rice (Sot-bap) restaurant. While the concept originated in Japan, the Korean way involves pouring tea or broth into the pot to make a nurungji (scorched rice) porridge at the end. The steak and sea bream options are both very popular and fresh.
Seoul Food | Seongsu-dong & Konkuk Univ Restaurant Recommendations
Seongsu-dong Food #1: Somunnan Seongsu Kamjatang
Somunnan Seongsu Kamjatang is arguably the most famous restaurant in Seongsu-dong. It always has a line, even with its second branch. Try to visit between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM to avoid the rush. Recommended by Baek Jong-won, their pork bone soup features tender meat that falls right off the bone and a rich, savory broth.
Seongsu-dong Food #2: Ssak3 Gopchang (싹쓰리곱창)
Gopchang (grilled intestines) is a unique and beloved Seoul food. Ssak3 Gopchang in Seongsu is affordable and serves generous portions. The best part is the fried rice at the end; ask for cheese, and they will torch it at your table for a smoky, gooey finish.
Konkuk Univ Food #3: Palgakdo
If you’re tired of Chuncheon-style stir-fried chicken, try Palgakdo, a famous charcoal-grilled chicken chain. The staff grills the chicken for you, resulting in tender, smoky meat that pairs perfectly with their various side dishes.
Konkuk Univ Food #4: Andong Cham Jjimdak (안동참찜닭)
You don’t have to go to Andong to eat authentic Jjimdak (soy-braised chicken). This restaurant in the Konkuk University area serves excellent Jjimdak with potatoes, carrots, and glass noodles. If you aren’t great with spice, stick to the mild level. The owner even makes the final fried rice into a heart shape!
Check some hot tours in Seoul:
📌 Seoul | Gyeongbokgung Palace Seohwa Hanbok Rental: KKday
📌 Lotte World Theme Park & Aquarium Tickets: KKday｜Klook
📌 Everland Theme Park Admission Ticket: KKday｜Klook
📌 N Seoul Tower Ticket: Klook
📌 Korea SIM Card / eSIM: KKday｜Holafly
📌 NAMANE Card (Customizable Prepaid Card): KKday｜Klook
📌 Incheon Airport (ICN) – Seoul Station AREX Express Train: KKday｜Klook
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