20+ South Korean Food Items To Try In Seoul

My love affair with South Korean food started in 2018 when I enrolled for a Master’s in English Literature at Xavier’s in Kolkata, a metropolitan city in Eastern India. Right across from my university, Kolkata’s first Korean restaurant opened in the same year – I’m talking about King’s Bakery, owned by Seok Jung and family. The family had moved to India from South Korea with the hopes of bringing Korean food to Kolkata.

To give you all a little insight, Kolkata was the only Indian city to make it to Eater’s list of the 11   best food destinations in the world in 2023. Yes, I live in a city that is frequently recognized globally as a top food destination in the world. 

Now that I’ve established where I grew up and how it plays a role in shaping my gastronomic experiences, let’s talk about my adventures in Seoul. Yep, earlier this year I flew to South Korea with a bunch of my closest friends. And while South Korea had a lot to offer, it was the food that left a deep impact on my heart and taste buds. 

Based on my experience, I have 21 South Korean food recommendations that you cannot miss! And trust me when I say this, I cannot wait to go back! So, stay tuned as I list all the things you must eat on your trip to Seoul!

What Are The Traditional Ingredients Of South Korean Food?

Before I start discussing South Korean food in detail, I think it is somewhat relevant to talk about the traditional ingredients used in Korean cuisine. This is because Korean food items use certain ingredients that contribute to the distinctive and unique flavors. 

Just like most countries in South East Asia, South Korea also uses lots of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce while preparing meals. But the real magic of Korean cuisine comes from two major ingredients: Doenjang and Gochujang. 

While Gochujang is a fermented chilli paste, Doenjang is a fermented soybean paste. These two fermented ingredients are responsible for the spicy and savory flavors of Korean food. 

Some Korean restaurants that have barbecue serve a combination of the two ingredients known as ssamjang as a thick dipping sauce. 

20+ South Korean Food Items To Try In Seoul:

So, without wasting time, let’s check out the best South Korean food items to try out in Seoul. (If I’ve missed something, feel free to let me know about the same in the comments below. 

1. Korean BBQ:

What is the point of visiting South Korea if you are going to skip out on Korean BBQ? And if you have never tried this before, then all the reasons to do so. Think about it: You are sitting at a big table that has a hot plate, and the point? To cook the meat. Mind you, you will also get vegetables, rice, and kimchi. 

So, you just have to tell the server what meat you would like for the BBQ. Now, this is where I would suggest you opt for different varieties of meat. Also, it is better to go for BBQs with a group. That way, you can cook together and share food! 

Where Should You Try Korean BBQ In South Korea?

So, you cannot really go wrong when it comes to picking a place for Korean BBQ since it’s a South Korean specialty! 

Having said that, I did think it smelled really good at Ikseon-dong Hanok. Plus, it was always packed. So, we went to this village and hit up a restaurant called Jongsamyook – it was rated highly by locals, and the food was delicious!

2. Korean Fried Chicken:

Korean Fried Chicken is super popular. A pint of beer and some fried chicken on the side – ah! My (and everyone else’s) favorite flavor is Gochujang – but there are other flavors that you can choose from! Apart from the popular Gochujang flavor, I’ve also tried the sweet onion and garlic flavored ones – those were extra crispy and super flavorful. 

Where Should You Try Korean Fried Chicken In South Korea?

So, I simply trusted Instagram when it came to Korean Fried Chicken. The area was packed entirely with locals, and the food? Just too good! The place was called Noonaholdak Hongdae. 

I recommend getting an array of flavors and some chilled beers to make it a memory you will remember forever. Also, one tip: go early, otherwise you will not get a place for your gang!

3. Mandu:

Mandu was my absolute favorite – mostly because I love dumplings. You can get these Korean dumplings steamed or fried, and that too with different fillings. My favorite fillings? Shrimp, pork, kimchi, or vegetables. 

If you ask for my suggestion, I would always recommend the Kimchi dumplings. I underestimated these, but they turned out to be the ones you can’t miss out on!

Where Should You Try Mandu In South Korea?

You can literally find Mandu anywhere in South Korea. You will find these stalls by the road selling these popular dumplings. So, I was staying in the Jongo neighborhood – there was this stall at the corner of the main road called Ildeung Wangmandu. Also, I liked the dumplings I had at the stalls in Gwangjang Market. These dumplings were packed and delicious. And whatever happens, don’t sleep on Kimchi dumplings. 

In addition, our tour guide also told us about Gaeseong Mandu Koong located in Insadong. This restaurant serves dumplings made in a North Korean style. The people who run this restaurant have their roots in North Korea. So, this was literally one of the few places where you can try out North Korean dishes. 

The only issue? I did go to check out the place, thanks to its Michelin-rated status and the general hype. But I will still say that I loved the street-style dumplings more. 

4. Hotteok:

Hotteok is a sort of pancake that is served with different fillings. So, the most common ones include brown sugar or cinnamon fillings with some nuts. It might sound ordinary, but these were so GOOD! These hot cakes are in different flavors, but I would always recommend going with the classic sweet cinnamon flavor. 

Strangely, I had seen a long queue outside a shop and joined the locals even though I had no clue about the queue in the first place. Yep! That’s how I met Hotteok! 

Where Should You Try Hotteok In South Korea?

I was in Namdaemun, and there’s a popular market in the area. Right next to the market, I came across this street stall with a long queue. Here’s the area’s address: 12 Namdaemun-ro, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea. Apologies for not getting the stall’s name, but trust me, you can find this place from miles away, thanks to the long queues of locals outside the shop. 

5. Bindaetteok:

Have you ever heard of the Mung Bean pancake? It is served at the famous Gwangjang market. Once you enter the market, you will spot several stalls selling this delicacy. I love how it is fried and comes with a distinctive savory taste. Just one tip: get one for yourself since these pancakes tend to be large and very filling. 

Where Should You Try Hotteok In South Korea?

I am sure you will find this snack in several markets across South Korea. But if you ask me, it is best to check out the Gwangjang market. Once you reach the market, go to the food area – at the center, you will spot stalls selling fresh Bindaetteok. 

6. Soondae:

Have you ever tried Black Pudding? If you have, then Soondae might seem familiar – it’s the South Korean version of Black Pudding. These are blood sausages with glass noodles inside. This popular street snack is everywhere in South Korea. 

To be honest, I’m all for South Korean food, but this one didn’t please me! However, my friends loved it. Plus, most locals love it, considering how people were buying these from street-side stalls. 

Where Should You Try Soondae In South Korea?

I am sure you will find this snack in several markets across South Korea. But if you ask me, it is best to check out the Gwangjang market. I tried these right after the pancakes. But since the idea of eating anything bloody puts me off, I avoided these for the rest of my trip. 

7. Eomuk Or Odeng:

Eomuk or Odeng are basically fishcakes served on sticks and cooked with a hot, flavorful broth. Of course, these are very popular and we came across these cute delicacies almost everywhere. Also, since I visited South Korea in the winter, I found the broth very tasty in the cold weather. 

Where Should You Try Odeng In South Korea?

I stayed in the Jongo area, which was close to the Myeongdong area. In the Myeongdong area, I visited this stall owned by an old lady. She sells all the traditional (and popular) snacks. Apart from Odeng, I also tried out the fried dumplings here. It was really good, and my taste buds will remember the cute lady for a long time. 

8. Tteokbokki:

I have wanted to try out Tteokbokki for the longest time. I have seen it in so many K-dramas that it was pretty high up on my bucket list when it came to figuring out the different South Korean food options I wanted to try out. 

These tiny rice cakes are cooked in a spicy, albeit delicious, red sauce. I was a little disappointed to find them somewhat too chewy for my taste buds. And I tried them twice. So, while it might not be for me, it is definitely popular, and you should give it a try.

Where Should You Try Tteokbokki In South Korea?

The first time, I went to a 7-11 shop and tried making these with the available instant noodle options. But I just didn’t like how chewy it got. So, I tried it from a stall in the Jongo area. Personally, I thought it was too chewy and avoided having it for the rest of my trip. 

9. Bibimbap:

I have had Bimibap several times in India. But when you are in Seoul, you can’t forget certain globally popular Korean dishes, including Bibimbap! Packed with meat, rice, vegetables, sesame seeds, fried eggs, and spicy special sauce. I loved this dish – and if you are looking for a filling meal, then this is it! 

Where Should You Try Odeng In South Korea?

My favorite place to get a hot bowl of Bibimbap was Grandma Yu’s. Moreover, if you do end up going to this 40-year-old restaurant, don’t forget to try their side dishes – they are fab! 

10. Gyerann–ppang:

With all the exploring and traveling, getting tired and hungry was normal. On my third day in South Korea, I came across a snack that has all the right carbs, protein, and flavors. Essentially, Gyerann-ppang is a sort of egg bread. 

Yes, it is literally eggs on bread – and it looks like that as well. What I didn’t expect was the sweet taste and how the bread sort of tasted like a cake. Sounds weird? Doesn’t matter – it’s DAMN DELICIOUS! 

Where Should You Try Odeng In South Korea?

You will find this healthy snack at almost all street stalls, but ensure you are going in the daytime. It’s more like breakfast on the go. I tried these egg breads at my favorite Myeongdong street market. But since this market opens in the evenings, I didn’t try these as a part of my breakfast. 

11. Kal-guksu:

Kal-guksu are literally handmade noodles. These knife-cut, delicious noodles are just too good. Fortunately, I was able to try out two varieties, and both turned out to be really tasty. I have always loved handmade noodles, and naturally, I kept trying these from different stalls during my visit. And it’s a must-try South Korean food item! 

Where Should You Try Kal-guksu In South Korea?

There’s this very famous Netflix stall owned by a lady in the Gwangjang Market. The stall is famous for two things: the noodles and the dumplings. You have to try the noodles here. Even if the queue is too long, it is worth the wait. Also, don’t worry, lines tend to move fast in South Korea. 

Also, I tried out these noodles at a noodle shop called Yetnal Guksi located in Itaewon. It was so freaking good. 

12. Bibim Gusku Or Naengmyeo:

Naengmyeo or Bibim Gusku are noodle variations, except these are buckwheat noodles and served cold. Personally, I’m not a fan of cold food in general and was a little apprehensive about trying these out. Surprisingly, these turned out to be really refreshing and flavorful. 

Where Should You Try Bibim Gusku In South Korea?

I had visited a nice, Michelin-rated restaurant called Myeongdong Kyoja in the Myeongdong area. This restaurant is super popular among the locals and for all the right reasons. We loved the food here, and everything was packed with flavors. 

The only problem? There was a line outside this restaurant at all times, but like I said before, lines tend to move faster in South Korea.

13. Donkkaseu:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Suzie Lee (@suzielee71)

I tried Japanese tonkatsu a few years back. Naturally, I had to try out the Korean version as well – meet Donkkaseu. These deep-fried, breaded pork cutlets were crispy, flavorful, and just too good! Now, I had too many cutlets during my trip, especially with the sauces that most stalls provide. 

Where Should You Try Donkkaseu In South Korea?

Every time I came across Donkkaseu on the menu, I couldn’t stop myself from ordering the same. My favorite place was Millefeuille, located in the Myeongdong area. Also, try Myeongdong with cheese – these were too good! 

14. Bingsu:

Bingsu is a dessert made from shaved ice, and it comes in various flavors like mango, red beans, cookies, cheesecake, and green tea. 

While these were very yummy, ensure you are aware of the size that you are ordering. We all got our own scoops, and it was too big. We should have guessed it was going to be big from its $20 pricing. I wasn’t able to finish it. 

Where Should You Try Bingsu In South Korea?

I tried out this cute dessert from Bukchon Bingsu. They had so many flavors! So, it’s best to go with a group. That way, you guys can try out a bunch of flavors and share them with each other. 

15. Tanghulu:

Tanghulu was one South Korean food item that I spotted on the gram, months before I visited the country. And I knew I wanted to try it out. This is basically a sugar-coated fruit served on a stick. The most common ones are made from grapes and strawberries. Just be careful while biting into it since these are hard candies. 

Where Should You Try Tanghulu In South Korea?

I found these delicious sweet treats at all food markets. So, hit up food stalls in popular markets and try out these yummy snacks! I tried Tanghulu from stalls at Myeongdong and Insadong.

16. Kimchi Jjigae:

To be honest, I have wanted to try out Kimchi Jjigae since watching Always Be My Maybe for the first time! This South Korean stew sits at the heart of comfort cuisine, right after cheese and macaroni. 

Like I was saying earlier, I visited Seoul in the winter, and there is nothing more comforting than a pot of Kimchi Jjigae on a chilly night. If you ask me, I would suggest you add pork and tofu. Also, you can try it with canned tuna.

Where Should You Try Kimchi Jjigae In South Korea?

Most diners in Seoul will have Kimchi Jjigae on their menus. I tried it out at a couple of places, such as the Kimbap Cheonguk, where the dish is the star of the menu. 

Also, you can check out Omori Jjigae in the Jamsil-dong area, close to Lotte World. It’s a flagship store – go to the second floor for Kimchi Jjigae that is three years old. It was subtle, smooth, and very yummy!

17. Bulgogi:

Bulgogi is a famous South Korean food option! Also, it is a major fan favorite (including me). I have had this several times in India. And my friends, if you love beef, then this is a must-try for you. 

So, this dish is made with thinly sliced and marinated beef – the meat is always packed with flavors and very tender. Often, it is grilled to add taste. One interesting thing I found out about this dish was how it originated in North Korea.  

Where Should You Try Bulgogi In South Korea?

For an authentic Bulgogi experience in South Korea, you should definitely check out Wooraeok. The place is popular for serving delectable Seoul-style Bulgogi. Another excellent place to try Bulgogi is Yetmat Seoul Bulgogi, located in the Myeongdong area. 

Additionally, you can check out Maple Tree House in the Itaewon area if you are looking for a casual setting. 

18. Dak Galbi:

I have tried Dak Galbi at several Korean restaurants in India, and needless to say, I am a fan. The dish consists of stir-fried chicken pieces and vegetables, all cooked in a delicious gochujang-based sauce. 

Interestingly, ‘Galbi’ stands for beef ribs in most restaurants that serve Korean BBQ. However, this dish only uses the term in its name, but there’s no beef in the dish. 

Where Should You Try Dak Galbi In South Korea?

I wanted an authentic experience, and after talking to several locals, I headed over to a popular chain restaurant, Yoogane. I loved the spicy and stir-fried chicken – it made the whole dish taste so much better. 

Another place you can consider going is Shin Mi Kyung Hongdae Dakgalbi in Hongdae. Additionally, if you want a somewhat unique experience, you can check out Ryu Mok Min. This restaurant in Gangnam does a fire show while serving Dak Galbi with cheese. 

19. Gimbap:

Now, this is very popular and my favorite South Korean food! This comforting and traditional Korean food is similar to the Japanese maki roll. However, the two taste very different. It is made from seasoned white rice and stuffed with cooked vegetables and meat. This stuffed rice is then rolled in dried seaweed with a layer of sesame oil. 

The most common stuffings include eggs, carrots, cucumbers, and crabsticks. And I recommend that you try them. Then there are other fillings such as marinated beef and tuna. It’s delicious and a must-try. 

Where Should You Try Gimbap In South Korea?

So, I tried Gimbap at several places in South Korea. My favorites will always be Gimgane, located near Myeongdong, and Ndolpin Gimbap, located in Dongdaemun. 

In addition, you can also check out Gimbap Cheonguk, located near the Euljiro 1-ga station, and Modern Gimbap, located close to Gyeongbokgung Palace.

20. Ramyeon:

Ramyeon is just South Korea’s version of a soupy ramen. In South Korea, Ramyeon is typically served in a dark red, spicy broth. 

In the wintry months, this is an excellent option when it comes to comfort food. I love topping my bowl of Ramyeon with some processed cheese. This cheese is very compatible with the spicy ramen, and you will love it. It’s like a bowl of spicy mac and cheese. 

Where Should You Try Ramyeon In South Korea?

Again, most diners in South Korea have Ramyeon on their menus. You can try out literally everywhere. Having said that, I really liked the Ramyeon at Teumsae Ramyeon located in the Myeongdong area. 

21. Jeon:

These. Were. SO. Delicious! Of course, you already know that Korean pancakes are savory – forget about classic vanilla pancakes. Once you enter South Korea, you will fall in love with savory pancakes. 

Also, people use rice flour to make these instead of just using flour. As a result, these pancakes are relatively more bouncy, dense, and crispy. The most popular savory pancakes among the locals are Haemul-pajeon (seafood), Kimchijeon (Kimchi), and Pajeon (Green Onion). Try these with some soy sauce and Kimchi on the side. 

Where Should You Try Jeon In South Korea?

This blog is a testament to my loyalty towards Myeongdong. But all the good food is in that area! So, for Jeon, I’ve two picks – one is Seoul Jijimi located in the Myeongdong area. My other pick is Sigol Jeonjib, located close to the Jongmyo Shrine. 

Additional Reading:

• Korean Desserts Trends To Try This Summer 2025
• 11+ Korean Veg Dishes That You Need To Try ASAP!
• Kdramas Never Fail To Leave Us Hungry: Top 15 Eating Moments That Are Iconic!