Eating in Seoul — Culinary World Capital

Seoul is one of the most exciting food cities in the world — with 35 Michelin-starred restaurants, but also street stalls where a feast awaits for ₩3,000 (2 €). Korean food is complex, spicy, fermented, and always communal.

Korean BBQ (고기구이)

The ultimate experience: Grill Samgyeopsal (pork belly), Galbi (marinated ribs), or Hanwoo (premium beef, Korea's Wagyu) at the table. Accompanied by dozens of Banchan (side dishes): Kimchi, radish, bean sprouts, soybean paste — all refillable for free. Wrap the meat in sesame leaves with garlic and Ssamjang paste. Minimum order: 2 portions.

• Samgyeopsal (pork belly): ₩12,000–15,000/person
• Galbi (ribs): ₩18,000–25,000/person
• Hanwoo (premium beef): ₩30,000–60,000/person

Chimaek (치맥) — Fried Chicken & Beer

Korea's greatest culinary invention: crispy Korean Fried Chicken (double-fried!) with Maekju (beer). Varieties: Classic, Soy Garlic (Gangjung), Spicy (Yangnyeom). Order a portion (₩18,000–22,000) and a few beers. Best at: BBQ Chicken, Kyochon, or the small Chimaek shops in the district.

Pojangmacha (포장마차) — Street Stalls

Orange plastic tents on the roadside that open in the evening and serve Tteokbokki, Odeng (fish cake soup), Gimbap, and Soju. The most authentic street food experience in Seoul — sit inside, order a few dishes and Soju, and you're in the middle of Korean everyday life.

Other Must-Eats

• Jjajangmyeon — Black bean noodles (Korean-Chinese comfort food). ₩6,000–8,000.
• Naengmyeon — Ice-cold buckwheat noodles, perfect in summer. ₩9,000–12,000.
• Dakgalbi — Spicy chicken with vegetables and rice cakes, grilled at the table. ₩12,000.
• Sundubu-jjigae — Spicy silken tofu stew with egg. ₩8,000–10,000.
• Bingsu — Korean shaved ice dessert with toppings (ice cream, fruits, mochi). ₩8,000–15,000.