Seoul's Flavors: 10 Must-Try Korean Foods for Foreign Visitors
Seoul has established itself as a world-class culinary destination. Here are 10 Korean dishes that I highly recommend to foreign visitors. These foods represent the harmonious blend of tradition and modernity in Seoul's cuisine.
1. Bibimbap
Bibimbap is one of Korea's most iconic dishes. This nutritionally balanced and delicious meal consists of rice topped with various vegetables, meat, and egg, mixed with gochujang (red chili paste).
Recommended Restaurant: Tosokchon
- Address: 5 Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Feature: A 100-year-old traditional Korean house restaurant serving authentic bibimbap made with high-quality ingredients.
2. Samgyeopsal (Grilled Pork Belly)
Samgyeopsal, a favorite among Koreans, is also popular with foreign visitors. It offers the fun experience of grilling your own meat and eating it wrapped in lettuce leaves.
Recommended Restaurant: Mapo Oak
- Address: 14 Manri-daero, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- Feature: A 60-year-old specialist in samgyeopsal, known for its perfectly aged meat.
3. Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Stew)
Kimchi Jjigae is a representative Korean stew. It boasts a unique flavor combining the sourness of kimchi and the richness of pork.
Recommended Restaurant: Gwanghwamun Gyejolbapsang
- Address: 97 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Feature: Enjoy delicious kimchi jjigae along with a variety of Korean buffet options.
4. Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)
Tteokbokki is a popular Korean street food. The chewy rice cakes in a spicy-sweet gochujang sauce create a perfect harmony of flavors.
Recommended Restaurant: Grandma Mabongnim's Tteokbokki at Gwangjang Market
- Address: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Feature: With a 60-year history, this stall serves tteokbokki in the traditional style.
5. Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup)
Samgyetang is famous as a nutritious health food. This dish, consisting of a whole chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, ginseng, and jujubes, is especially popular in summer.
Recommended Restaurant: Tosokchon Samgyetang
- Address: 5 Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Feature: Known for its clean and mild-flavored traditional samgyetang.
6. Bulgogi (Marinated Grilled Beef)
Bulgogi can be considered Korean-style barbecue. This dish of grilled beef marinated in a sweet sauce is popular among foreigners for its familiar taste.
Recommended Restaurant: Samonim Bulgogi
- Address: 836 Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- Feature: Famous for bulgogi with tender meat and perfect marinade.
7. Naengmyeon (Cold Noodles)
Naengmyeon is particularly popular in summer. The combination of cold broth and chewy noodles is exquisite. You can try both Pyongyang-style and Hamhung-style naengmyeon.
Recommended Restaurant: Woo Lae Oak
- Address: 62-29 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Feature: A 70-year-old Pyongyang naengmyeon specialist known for its clean and mild taste.
8. Korean Fried Chicken
Korean-style fried chicken is world-famous. The crispy coating and various seasonings are excellent. Don't miss the 'chimaek' culture of enjoying chicken with beer.
Recommended Restaurant: Kyochon Chicken
- Address: Nationwide chain
- Feature: A representative Korean chicken franchise, especially famous for soy garlic and red pepper flavors.
9. Sundae (Blood Sausage)
Sundae is a traditional Korean snack. This dish, made by stuffing pig intestines with glass noodles and vegetables, is loved by many for its unique taste and texture.
Recommended Restaurant: Gwangjang Market Sundae
- Address: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Feature: You can try various types of sundae, especially famous for sundae-gukbap (sundae soup with rice).
10. Korean Desserts (Patbingsu, Hotteok)
Traditional Korean desserts are also must-tries. Patbingsu (shaved ice with red beans), popular in summer, and hotteok (sweet pancakes), a winter street snack, are essential Korean flavors to experience.
Recommended Restaurants:
- Patbingsu: Sulbing (Nationwide chain)
- Hotteok: Myeongdong Hotteok (74 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul)
These 10 dishes represent the diverse flavors of Korean cuisine. Through these foods, you can deeply understand Korean food culture and experience the true taste of Seoul. Visiting the recommended restaurants for each dish will allow you to enjoy even more authentic and delicious Korean food. Have a pleasant and rich culinary journey in Seoul!