What to Eat in Seoul – Food You Must Eat in South Korea

If you ask yourself what to eat in Seoul, look no further. We created a list with all the local food that the Korean cuisine offers, with a clear explanation on what to expect from each one. This is all the food you must eat in South Korea if you want to have a complete culinary view of the local delicacies.

• Kimchi

Kimchi is pickled spicy cabbage that is usually served as a side dish with main dishes. You can eat it with anything you order and every restaurant has their own recipe for kimchi, so it never tastes the same.

• Samgyeopsal

Samgyeopsal is a pork belly that is usually eaten during bbq at the restaurant. You have to grill by yourself and wrap it in the lettuce together with various side dishes, kimchi, rice and salty sauce that comes with it. It is priced per 100g, so can be quite pricey as 100g is usually 10 000 won ($10). However, it comes with lots of side dishes and stews, so the price pays off.

• Bulgogi

Bulgogi is marinated beef/pork strips with lots of sesame oil, garlic and soy sauce, and grilled. Usually served over rice, but can be served over noodles or combined into the dish such as Japchae, Kimbap, and Bibimbap. Prices vary, pork bulgogi is usually 8000 won ($8) per plate, and beef bulgogi can be from 8000 won to 10 000 won ($8-$10) depending on a restaurant and area you are eating.

• Kimchi Stew

Very affordable and filling dish. Kimchi stew is made of kimchi, pork chunks, potatoes and few other vegetables. Usually is a very spicy dish that is served boiling hot in a traditional Korean stoneware. The price is about 5000 won ($5).

• Seolleongtang

Seolleongtang is a Korean ox bone soup that broth and meat were simmered for long hours on a low heat. It is a very traditional Korean soup and compared to other dishes is very plain as you can add yourself whatever you prefer such as salt, chilies and etc. It’s usually served in a stoneware with some noodles and few side dishes. Price is about 6000 won ($6).

• Dolsot Bibimbap

Dolsot Bibimbap is a very common Korean dish that is made from rice mixed with/without meat, egg, various vegetables, and sesame oil and chili paste. It’s not a spicy dish as you can add chili paste by yourself. It’s served boiling hot in a traditional stoneware with various side dishes. Price can be from 4000 won to 6500 won ($4-$6.5) depending on a restaurant and area.

• Mandu

Mandu is Korean dumplings that are steamed and made from thin rice dough and filled with sweet potato noodles, vegetables, and meat. You can get a prawn mandu and vegetarian mandu. Also, you will be able to find them in small restaurants and street food vendors. Price is 3000 won ($3) per 6 or 10 mandu depending on the restaurant.

• Naengmyeon

Naengmyeon literally translates as ice noodles and it actually is. Buckwheat noodles are boiled and served in an iced broth with some sliced vegetables, boiled egg and sometimes meat. This dish is very popular during summer. Price: 3000 won to 5000 won ($3-$5).

• Kimbap

Kimbap is very similar to sushi but instead of fish, there is ham with various vegetables and sliced omelet. There are restaurants that serve all different kinds of kimbap. This seaweed roll is very popular as a snack food that can be packed for hiking, picnic or a long walk. Price: 1500 won ($1.50) per roll. However, if you want a fancier kimbap such as tuna mayo or prawn, you will pay more.