South Korea is a haven for food lovers. Whether you’re into street food or fine dining, there’s something for everyone. When visiting Korea, sampling the local cuisine is an absolute must.
Must-Try Traditional Dishes
Bibimbap
Bibimbap is one of Korea’s most iconic dishes. It consists of rice topped with an assortment of vegetables, meat (usually beef), a fried egg, and gochujang (red chili pepper paste). Mix everything together for a delicious flavor explosion. Look for it in almost every restaurant, but for a truly memorable bibimbap, head to Jeonju.
Samgyeopsal
Samgyeopsal, or Korean BBQ, is a favorite. Thick slices of pork belly are grilled at your table, served with lettuce, garlic, kimchi, and dipping sauces. Wrap everything in a lettuce leaf for the best bite. Restaurants specializing in samgyeopsal are everywhere, so just follow the aroma of grilled meat.
Kimchi
Kimchi is iconic in Korean cuisine, made from fermented vegetables like napa cabbage and radishes. It’s spicy, sour, and full of flavor. You’ll get it as a side dish with almost every meal, but sampling different varieties of kimchi is a must when you’re in Korea.
Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)
Korean fried chicken is double-fried for extra crunch and coated in a sweet and spicy sauce. You can easily find it in chicken shops across the country, and it’s the perfect companion for a night out with some local beer. Head to Kyochon Chicken or BBQ Chicken for some of the best.
Japchae
Japchae is made from sweet potato noodles stir-fried with vegetables and beef. The noodles have a chewy texture and are slightly sweet. This is a great dish to order as a side or to share in a group. Many Korean family restaurants serve it as part of larger meals.
Street Food to Try
Tteokbokki
Tteokbokki, or stir-fried rice cakes, is street food royalty. The chewy rice cakes are simmered in a spicy and slightly sweet gochujang sauce. You’ll find it at most street food markets across Korea, especially in Seoul’s Myeongdong and Busan’s BIFF Square.
Hotteok
Hotteok is a sweet Korean pancake with a delicious filling of cinnamon, brown sugar, and nuts. It’s crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. It’s best during Korean winters, but you can find it year-round at street stalls all over the country. Gwangjang Market in Seoul is a great place to try it.
Odeng
Odeng is Korean fish cake, skewered and served in a warm broth. It’s super comforting, especially on colder days. Grab it from street food carts or visit specialized odeng shops in places like Busan, which is famous for its fish cakes.
Bungeoppang
Bungeoppang is a fish-shaped pastry filled with red bean paste. It’s crunchy on the outside and warm on the inside, making it a perfect snack for walking around. Many street vendors serve this, particularly during the chilly seasons.
Sundae (Korean Blood Sausage)
Sundae is a unique dish you’ll find in many markets. It’s made from pig’s intestines stuffed with noodles and pig’s blood, steamed to perfection. While it might sound adventurous, many visitors fall in love with its umami flavor. Gwangjang Market is a great spot to try sundae if you’re in Seoul.
Top Restaurants in South Korea
Tosokchon (Seoul)
If you love samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), Tosokchon is the place to go. This restaurant is known for its signature soup, a whole chicken stuffed with rice, served in a broth with herbs, ginseng, and jujube. While the taste is mild compared to many Korean foods, it’s flavorful and revitalizing—especially popular in summer!
Jungsik (Seoul)
This Michelin-starred restaurant serves modern Korean fusion, combining traditional spices and ingredients with contemporary techniques. It can be on the pricier side, but if you’re looking for a fine dining experience, it’s worth every penny. Jung Sik Dang offers tasting menus that mix local flavors with elegance.
Mokran (Seoul)
Mokran is a hidden gem in Seoul, specializing in North Korean-style cuisine. One of the most popular dishes here is Pyongyang naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles). The flavors are more subtle compared to southern Korean dishes, but it’s a special experience that’s difficult to find elsewhere in South Korea.
Haeundae Amso Galbijip (Busan)
If you find yourself in Busan, don’t miss out on Haeundae Amso Galbijip. This famous spot specializes in grilled short ribs (galbi), marinated to perfection. Pair it with traditional Busan dishes like dwaeji gukbap (pork and rice soup) for an amazing meal.
Namsan ShabuShabu (Jeju Island)
Located on Jeju Island, Namsan offers the unique experience of Jeju black pork in a shabu-shabu style. The tender pork is boiled in flavorful broth, alongside fresh vegetables. Jeju is also known for its seafood, so you’ll eat really well on the island!
Food Markets You Can’t Miss
Gwangjang Market (Seoul)
Gwangjang Market is a must-visit for any food lover. This bustling marketplace is known for its street food options, ranging from fresh mandu (dumplings) to crispy nokdu bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes). It’s one of Seoul’s oldest traditional markets and offers a real slice of local life.
Noryangjin Fish Market (Seoul)
For seafood lovers, Noryangjin Fish Market is amazing. It’s one of the largest fish markets in Korea, and you can pick fresh seafood to be prepared right there. Try live octopus (sannakji) or steamed crab for an unforgettable meal. Don’t worry, there are plenty of less adventurous options too!
Jagalchi Market (Busan)
When in Busan, you can’t skip Jagalchi Market. It’s South Korea’s largest seafood market, with everything from live shellfish to fish you’ve never seen before. You can pick your seafood on the lower floor and have it cooked upstairs for a true “sea-to-table” experience.
Seomun Market (Daegu)
This market is Daegu’s pride. It’s packed with great street food options such as eomuk (fish cakes), kalguksu (knife-cut noodles), and long hotteok lines. The hustle and bustle give you a taste of Korea’s vibrant food culture.
Dongmun Market (Jeju Island)
Jeju is famous for its citrus fruits, and Dongmun Market is an excellent place to find some. You’ll also find seafood and traditional Jeju snacks like hallabong (a type of orange) and black pork sausages. This is a great spot for both dining and shopping for local produce.
Final Tips for Eating in South Korea
Don’t hesitate to try something new. Koreans love to share and enjoy food together, so it’s common to order a variety of dishes for the table. You’ll often get side dishes (banchan) for free, and they are unlimited refills.
Don’t be afraid to eat at small, local places. Some of the best food spots are hole-in-the-wall restaurants you wouldn’t even notice if you were just passing by.
Finally, no need for tipping! It’s not common practice in Korea, so don’t feel awkward when you pay the bill.
Enjoy your food journey in South Korea, and don’t miss the chance to indulge in everything from comforting stews to zesty street food. Your taste buds will thank you!
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