Most Popular Foods in South Korea: For First-Timers Visiting Seoul

If you’re visiting Seoul for the first time, you’re in for a treat. Korean food culture is rich, flavorful, and full of surprises. Seoul is the heart of Korean food dishes, where every corner offers something unique. From spicy stews to sweet snacks, the streets and markets of South Korea’s capital are filled with aromas you can’t ignore. This guide covers all the most popular foods in South Korea, perfect for first-time visitors looking to explore the country through its cuisine.

Most Popular Foods in South Korea

Trying local dishes is the best way to experience a country. In Seoul, you can dive into Korean street food, visit Michelin-rated restaurants, and explore traditional markets. Seoul’s central districts like Myeongdong, Insadong, and Hongdae are packed with delicious options. From Gwangjang Market to Ikseon-dong Hanok Village, Seoul’s neighborhoods are the places where you’ll taste the true flavors of South Korea.

Category	Details
Main Idea	Trying local dishes is the best way to experience a country.
What to Explore in Seoul	Dive into Korean street food, visit Michelin-rated restaurants, and explore traditional markets.
Top Foodie Districts	Myeongdong, Insadong, and Hongdae – packed with delicious food options and iconic Korean eats.
Must-Visit Markets	Gwangjang Market and Ikseon-dong Hanok Village – famous spots to taste authentic and local South Korean food culture in Seoul.
Experience	These areas offer the true flavors of South Korea, perfect for both locals and first-time travelers wanting to discover popular dishes in Seoul.

Try The Must-Eat Famous Food Of Seoul:

One of the best parts of visiting Seoul is eating your way through it. The city’s local snacks are delicious and affordable. Whether you’re solo traveling or eating with new friends, you’ll always find good food. Group-style dining is common here. You’ll get to try everything from sweet pancakes to spicy rice cakes. Most places are open late too. Perfect after a night out or a long sightseeing day.

Eating Kimchi In Seoul Is A Must

Kimchi is the national dish of South Korea. It’s made of fermented vegetables, mainly napa cabbage and radish. Kimchi is spicy, sour, and served with almost every meal. It’s packed with flavor and health benefits like better digestion and anti-aging properties.

In Seoul, try fresh kimchi at any traditional Korean restaurant or Gwangjang Market. You can also take a kimchi-making class. These are popular near Insadong. It’s a fun way to understand the heart of Korean food.

📍Location: Found everywhere in Seoul, especially at Gwangjang Market and kimchi museums in Insadong.

Korean BBQ

Korean BBQ is a dining experience like no other. You grill your own meat at the table. It’s usually pork, beef, or chicken, and served with rice, garlic, and Korean side dishes like kimchi. Try Gochujang, a spicy paste, with grilled meats.

One top place is Jongsamyook in Ikseon-dong Hanok Village. It’s always busy and smells amazing. Korean BBQ is a must-try food in Seoul.

📍Location: Ikseon-dong Hanok Village, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Korean Fried Chicken

This isn’t like the fried chicken you know. Korean fried chicken is double-fried for that extra crisp. It comes in many flavors like garlic, sweet onion, and spicy Gochujang. Many enjoy it with beer, a combo known as “chimaek.”

Popular places include Noonaholdak in Hongdae. It’s famous on TikTok and always busy. Bring friends and try different flavors.

📍Location: Hongdae area, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Mandu

Mandu are Korean dumplings. You can get them steamed or fried. Fillings include pork, shrimp, vegetables, or kimchi. The kimchi ones are bursting with flavor. You’ll find mandu on the streets and in markets.

For the best experience, head to Ildeung Wangmandu near Jongmyo Shrine or the famous Gwangjang Market. You can even try North Korean-style mandu at Gaeseong Mandu Koong in Insadong.

📍Location: Jongno-gu and Insadong, Seoul

Hidden Gem To Try

If you want a tasty snack, head to Isaac Toast. It’s a local fast food place that sells hot sandwiches with egg, cheese, bacon, and a sweet sauce. It’s great for breakfast.

The shop near Jongmyo Shrine is popular among travelers. You’ll find it by the smell of grilled toast and a long line.

📍Location: Near Jongmyo Shrine, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Hotteok

Hotteok is a sweet Korean pancake. It’s filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts. Crispy outside and gooey inside, it’s a favorite street food.

Try the famous Namdaemun stall. Locals line up here, and the smell of cooking pancakes fills the air. It’s a perfect snack for fall.

📍Location: Namdaemun Market, Jung-gu, Seoul

Bindaetteok

Bindaetteok is a savory mung bean pancake. It’s crunchy and full of flavor. Often served with dipping sauce, it’s filling and great with kimchi.

Go to Gwangjang Market to try this. Vendors make them fresh on the spot.

📍Location: Gwangjang Market, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Soondae

Soondae is a Korean blood sausage. It’s made with glass noodles, and has a soft, chewy texture. Locals love it, but it may not be for everyone.

Find it at any street food stall, especially near Myeongdong. Pair it with spicy salt or soup.

📍Location: Street food stalls in Myeongdong, Jung-gu, Seoul

Odeng or Eomuk

Odeng, or Eomuk, are fishcakes on a stick. They’re cooked in hot broth, which is great to sip on a chilly day. Light, savory, and quick to eat.

Look for street vendors in Myeongdong or near Insadong.

📍Location: Street stalls in Insadong and Myeongdong

Tteokbokki

Tteokbokki are chewy rice cakes in a spicy red sauce. The texture is soft, the flavor bold. It’s spicy, sweet, and filling.

Try it at food stalls or from 7-Eleven, which sells an instant version. The best ones are from street vendors.

📍Location: Street food stalls around Seoul, especially Jongno-gu

Bimibap

Bibimbap is a rice bowl with vegetables, meat, egg, and a spicy Gochujang sauce. Mix everything before eating. It’s healthy and filling.

One of the best spots is Grandma Yu’s, a local restaurant that’s been open for over 40 years.

📍Location: Grandma Yu’s, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Gyerann – ppang

Gyeran-ppang means egg bread. It’s soft, sweet, and topped with a whole egg. The bread tastes like cake. A great breakfast-on-the-go.

Find it at the Myeongdong street food market in the mornings.

📍Location: Myeongdong street market, Jung-gu, Seoul

Kal-guksu

Kal-guksu are hand-cut noodles in broth. They’re soft, warm, and perfect for cold days. The Netflix-famous lady at Gwangjang Market serves the best one.

Another good place is Yetnal Guksi in Itaewon.

📍Location: Gwangjang Market and Itaewon, Seoul

Naengmyeo or Bibim Gusku

These are cold noodle dishes. Naengmyeon uses buckwheat noodles in cold broth. Bibim guksu is spicy and served dry. Refreshing and full of flavor.

Try them at Myeongdong Kyoja, a Michelin-rated restaurant.

📍Location: Myeongdong Kyoja, Jung-gu, Seoul

Donkkaseu

Donkkaseu is a crispy, deep-fried pork cutlet. It’s similar to Japanese tonkatsu, often topped with sauce or cheese.

Try it at Millefeuille in Myeongdong. The cheese version is a must.

📍Location: Millefeuille, Myeongdong, Jung-gu, Seoul

Bingsu

Bingsu is a shaved ice dessert with toppings like red beans, green tea, mango, or cookies. It’s huge, so share it with a friend.

Visit Bukchon Bingsu for many flavor options and cute decor.

📍Location: Bukchon Hanok Village, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Tanghulu

Tanghulu is fruit on a stick coated in hard sugar. Usually grapes or strawberries. Crunchy outside, juicy inside.

You’ll find these at street stalls near Insadong and Myeongdong.

📍Location: Street stalls near Insadong and Myeongdong

The Infamous 7-11

7-Eleven in South Korea is more than a convenience store. It’s full of tasty local snacks. Try soy sauce eggs, instant noodles, and triangle-shaped rice snacks wrapped in seaweed. Pair with banana milk or Milkis, a sweet Korean soda.

It’s the perfect late-night spot when everything else is closed.

📍Location: Found throughout Seoul, especially near hostels and subway stations

Are You Hungry? Pack Your Bags And Get Ready To Try These Most Popular Foods In South Korea

Seoul is a food lover’s paradise. With so many 🇰🇷 Korean food dishes, you’ll want to try everything. From traditional meals to sweet desserts, there’s something for everyone.

Eat with friends, explore Korean market experiences, and enjoy Michelin star dining or quick snacks at Korean fast food spots. Don’t miss the colorful leaves in fall in Korea, which make food markets even more magical.

FAQ’s: Popular Foods in South Korea

1. What are the must-try Korean foods for first-time visitors? 

Try Kimchi, Korean BBQ, Tteokbokki, Bibimbap, and Hotteok.

2. Where can I try Korean street food in Seoul? 

Visit Gwangjang Market, Myeongdong street market, and food stalls in Insadong.

3. Is the food in Seoul spicy? 

Yes, many dishes like Tteokbokki and Bibim guksu are spicy. But there are mild options too.

4. What drinks go well with Korean food? 

Locals enjoy beer, soju, banana milk, and Milkis.

5. Is 7-Eleven food in Korea really good? 

Yes! It’s perfect for solo travel in Korea or late-night eats. You’ll find tasty, affordable options.