Top 20 Must-Try Foods in Seoul, South Korea

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, thrives on a blend of tradition and modernity, and nowhere is this more evident than in its food scene.

From vibrant street markets to sophisticated dining establishments, Seoul's culinary offerings are as diverse as they are delicious.

Whether you're a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, Seoul's rich food culture promises an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.

In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the top 20 must-try foods that encapsulate the essence of Korean cuisine. Each dish offers a unique flavor and experience that will leave you craving more.

1. Kimchi (김치)

Kimchi is the cornerstone of Korean cuisine, with over 200 varieties. It's made by fermenting vegetables, typically napa cabbage or radishes, with chili powder, garlic, ginger, scallions, and fish sauce.

The fermentation process gives kimchi its distinctive tangy flavor and pungent aroma. It’s served with almost every meal and is used as an ingredient in many Korean dishes.

2. Bibimbap (비빔밥)

Bibimbap, meaning "mixed rice," is visually appealing and nutritious. It consists of a bowl of warm white rice topped with sautéed vegetables (such as spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini), gochujang (chili pepper paste), soy sauce, a fried egg, and slices of meat, typically beef.

Before eating, everything is mixed, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

3. Tteokbokki (떡볶이)

Tteokbokki is a popular street food made from chewy, cylindrical rice cakes simmered in a fiery red sauce made from gochujang.

The dish often includes fish cakes, boiled eggs, and scallions. Tteokbokki is loved for its spicy and sweet flavor and is a must-try for anyone looking to experience Korean street food culture.

4. Bulgogi (불고기)

Bulgogi is one of Korea's most beloved dishes. It features thin slices of beef marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and pepper, then grilled or stir-fried.

The marinade gives the meat a sweet and savory flavor. Bulgogi is often served with rice, and diners can wrap the meat in lettuce leaves with garlic, kimchi, and a dollop of ssamjang (a thick, spicy paste).

5. Samgyeopsal (삼겹살)

Samgyeopsal is a Korean BBQ staple consisting of thick, fatty slices of pork belly grilled at the table.

The meat is typically not marinated, allowing its natural flavor to shine through.

Once cooked, the pork is dipped in sesame oil and salt, then wrapped in lettuce or perilla leaves with garlic, chili peppers, and ssamjang.

It’s a communal dining experience that's as much about the social aspect as it is about the food.

6. Kimbap (김밥)

Kimbap resembles sushi but has unique flavors. It's made by rolling steamed white rice and various fillings, such as vegetables, eggs, pickled radish, and sometimes meat or fish, in a sheet of seaweed (gim). The roll is then sliced into bite-sized pieces.

Kimbap is a popular picnic food and a convenient snack, offering a balanced combination of flavors and textures.

7. Jjajangmyeon (짜장면)

Jjajangmyeon is a Korean-Chinese fusion dish featuring thick wheat noodles topped with a savory black bean sauce made from chunjang (a fermented soybean paste), diced pork, and vegetables like onions, zucchini, and potatoes.

The sauce has a rich, slightly sweet, and umami flavor, making it a comforting and satisfying meal. It’s often enjoyed on informal occasions and is a favorite takeout dish.

8. Kimchi Jjigae (김치찌개)

Kimchi Jjigae is a hearty stew that showcases kimchi's versatility. The stew is made by simmering kimchi with tofu, pork or seafood, onions, and garlic.

The aged kimchi gives the stew a deep, complex flavor that’s both spicy and tangy. It’s often served bubbling hot in a stone pot and is a perfect dish for cold days.

9. Hotteok (호떡)

Hotteok is a sweet Korean pancake that’s especially popular in winter. The dough is made from flour, milk, and yeast and is filled with a mixture of brown sugar, honey, chopped nuts, and cinnamon.

When cooked on a griddle, the sugar inside melts, creating a warm, gooey filling that contrasts beautifully with the crispy exterior. It's a beloved street food that’s both comforting and delicious.

10. Banchan (반찬)

Banchan refers to the small side dishes served with Korean meals. These can include kimchi, pickled vegetables, seasoned seaweed, fish cakes, and more.

Banchan are meant to complement the main dish and are typically served in small portions, allowing diners to sample a variety of flavors and textures. The variety and quality of banchan can elevate even the simplest meal.

11. Japchae (잡채)

Japchae is a stir-fried dish made from glass noodles (dangmyeon) made from sweet potato starch, mixed with vegetables like spinach, carrots, and mushrooms, and often with beef.

The dish is seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil, giving it a slightly sweet and savory flavor. It is typically served as a side dish or on special occasions, such as holidays and celebrations.

12. Dak Galbi (닭갈비)

Dak Galbi is a spicy stir-fried chicken dish originating from the city of Chuncheon. Chicken pieces are marinated in gochujang and stir-fried with sweet potatoes, cabbage, onions, and rice cakes on a large, flat pan.

It’s a communal dish, often shared among friends and family, with the option to add cheese or noodles for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

13. Sundubu Jjigae (순두부찌개)

Sundubu Jjigae is a soft tofu stew that’s both comforting and spicy. The stew is made with uncurdled tofu (sundubu), vegetables, sometimes seafood or meat, and a broth seasoned with gochujang or chili powder.

It’s served piping hot in an earthenware pot, with a raw egg cracked on top, which cooks in the hot stew. The soft tofu absorbs the flavors of the broth, making each bite a burst of flavor.

14. Hoddeok (호떡)

Similar to hotteok, hoddeok is another popular street food, especially during the colder months.

It’s a fried pancake filled with a sweet mixture of brown sugar, honey, and nuts. When cooked, the filling melts and caramelizes, creating a crispy exterior with a warm, gooey center. It’s a sweet treat that’s satisfying and indulgent.

15. Patbingsu (팥빙수)

Patbingsu is a traditional Korean dessert made from shaved ice, topped with sweetened red beans (pat), condensed milk, and various fruits like strawberries, bananas, or kiwi.

It’s often garnished with rice cakes (tteok) or cereal. The combination of the icy texture, sweet beans, and fresh fruit makes it a refreshing dessert, especially popular during the hot summer months.

16. Soondae (순대)

Soondae is a type of Korean blood sausage made by stuffing pig’s intestines with a mixture of pig’s blood, noodles, and barley or rice.

It’s a typical street food, often served steamed or boiled with a side of salt or a spicy dipping sauce. The texture is chewy, and the flavor is rich, making it a unique and popular snack among locals.

17. Mandu (만두)

Mandu are Korean dumplings that can be steamed, boiled, or fried. They’re typically filled with ground meat (usually pork), vegetables, tofu, and glass noodles.

Mandu can be eaten as a snack or appetizer or added to soups like mandu-guk. Its savory and comforting flavor makes it a popular choice for both street food and home-cooked meals.

18. Bossam (보쌈)

Bossam is a dish of steamed pork belly sliced thin and served with garlic, ssamjang, and kimchi.

The pork is tender and flavorful, often wrapped in cabbage or lettuce leaves along with the other ingredients to create a perfect bite. Bossam is commonly enjoyed during celebrations and special occasions.

19. Naengmyeon (냉면)

Naengmyeon is a cold noodle dish, perfect for summer. It consists of thin, chewy buckwheat noodles served in an icy cold broth made from beef or dongchimi (radish-water kimchi).

The dish is typically garnished with slices of cucumber, pear, boiled egg, and sometimes beef. The tangy, refreshing broth and the chewy noodles make it a favorite on hot days.

20. Makgeolli (막걸리)

Makgeolli is a traditional Korean rice wine that is slightly sweet and milky in appearance. It is made from fermented rice and has a low alcohol content, making it light and easy to drink.

It is often served in a bowl and is a popular drink to enjoy with savory pancakes like pajeon or bindaetteok. Its slightly fizzy texture and sweet flavor make it a unique and refreshing accompaniment to Korean meals.

Foods in Seoul

Seoul’s cuisine reflects Korea’s history, culture, and love for food. From the fiery kick of tteokbokki to the comforting warmth of kimchi jjigae, each dish tells a story deeply rooted in Korean tradition.

Whether you’re indulging in the sweet satisfaction of hotteok on a chilly day or cooling down with a bowl of naengmyeon in the summer heat, these 20 must-try foods will guide you through a delicious journey that captures the heart of Seoul. So, when you find yourself in this dynamic city, savor every bite – it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.