Discover The Best Restaurants In Seoul, South Korea

South Korea is renowned for its vibrant culture, beautiful scenery, and exceptional cuisine. In recent years, Seoul has emerged as a culinary hub, offering a diverse range of traditional and contemporary cuisine. From spicy soups to sizzling barbeque, Seoul boasts some of the most mouth-watering dishes in the world. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best restaurants in Seoul, South Korea, so you can experience the city’s culinary delights for yourself.

The Ultimate Guide to Seoul’s Best Restaurants

If you’re looking for an unforgettable dining experience, Seoul won’t disappoint. With so many exceptional restaurants to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Whether you’re after authentic Korean dishes or want to try something new, Seoul has a restaurant for everyone.

1. 🍽️ Jungsik

Jungsik is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Seoul’s Gangnam district, renowned for its innovative Korean cuisine. The restaurant offers a contemporary twist on traditional Korean dishes, using locally-sourced ingredients to create unforgettable dishes. With an extensive wine list and elegant atmosphere, Jungsik offers a dining experience that is both sophisticated and memorable.

2. 🍽️ Mingles

Mingles is another Michelin-starred restaurant in Seoul, offering a unique fusion of Korean and Western cuisine. The restaurant’s signature dish is the ‘Gangwon Province-style raw beef,’ which is made from high-quality beef that is aged for 21 days. With an emphasis on quality ingredients and attention to detail, Mingles is a must-visit for foodies looking for a unique culinary experience.

3. 🍽️ Gwangjang Market

If you’re looking for an authentic Korean street food experience, look no further than Gwangjang Market. Located in the heart of Seoul, this bustling market offers a wide range of traditional Korean dishes, including bibimbap, tteokbokki, and bindaetteok. With affordable prices and a lively atmosphere, Gwangjang Market is an excellent place to sample a variety of Korean dishes in a casual setting.

4. 🍽️ Jokbal Street

Jokbal Street is a popular area in Seoul’s Mapo district, renowned for its jokbal dishes (braised pig’s feet). If you’re a fan of pork, this street is a must-visit. The dish is typically served with lettuce, kimchi, and other side dishes, making for a delicious and satisfying meal. With numerous restaurants to choose from, Jokbal Street is a great place to experience Seoul’s culinary scene.

5. 🍽️ Dosan Bunsik

Dosan Bunsik is a popular restaurant in Seoul that specializes in Korean comfort food. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of classic Korean dishes, including kimbap, tteokbokki, and fried chicken. With affordable prices and a casual atmosphere, Dosan Bunsik is a great place to experience authentic Korean cuisine.

6. 🍽️ Gourmet Alley

Gourmet Alley is a hidden gem in Seoul’s Gangnam district, offering a variety of international cuisine. From Italian to Japanese, this alley has something for everyone. The alley is also home to a range of trendy bars and cafes, making it an excellent place for a night out.

7. 🍽️ Jaha Sonmandu

Jaha Sonmandu is a popular restaurant in Seoul that specializes in steamed dumplings. The restaurant’s signature dish is the ‘sonmandu,’ which is a dumpling filled with meat, tofu, and vegetables. With affordable prices and a casual atmosphere, Jaha Sonmandu is a must-visit for dumpling lovers.

8. 🍽️ Poom Seoul

Poom Seoul is a contemporary Korean restaurant that offers a unique dining experience. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of contemporary Korean dishes, such as the ‘seafood bibimbap’ and the ‘grilled pork belly.’ With an emphasis on quality ingredients and a stylish atmosphere, Poom Seoul is a great place to experience modern Korean cuisine.

9. 🍽️ Durejip

Durejip is a popular restaurant in Seoul that specializes in Korean barbeque. The restaurant offers a variety of meat options, including beef, pork, and chicken. With an emphasis on quality ingredients and a casual atmosphere, Durejip is a great place to experience Korean barbeque.

10. 🍽️ Kkanbu Chicken

If you’re a fan of fried chicken, you can’t miss Kkanbu Chicken. This popular restaurant in Seoul offers a variety of fried chicken options, including original, spicy, and sweet and sour. With affordable prices and a casual atmosphere, Kkanbu Chicken is a great place to experience Korean fried chicken.

11. 🍽️ Hanilkwan

Hanilkwan is a traditional Korean restaurant in Seoul that has been serving customers for over 80 years. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of classic Korean dishes, including the ‘oxtail soup’ and the ‘beef tartare.’ With an emphasis on quality ingredients and a traditional atmosphere, Hanilkwan is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience authentic Korean cuisine.

12. 🍽️ Tosokchon

Tosokchon is a popular restaurant in Seoul that specializes in samgyetang (Korean chicken soup). The restaurant’s signature dish is the ‘ginseng chicken soup,’ which is made from rice, ginseng, and chicken. With an emphasis on quality ingredients and a traditional atmosphere, Tosokchon is a great place to experience Korean comfort food.

13. 🍽️ Bada Sikdang

Bada Sikdang is a popular restaurant in Seoul that specializes in seafood. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of seafood dishes, including the ‘spicy seafood stew’ and the ‘steamed fish.’ With an emphasis on quality ingredients and a casual atmosphere, Bada Sikdang is a great place to experience Korean seafood.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Korean cuisine?

Korean cuisine is a diverse range of dishes that have been influenced by neighboring countries such as China and Japan. Korean cuisine is characterized by its use of herbs and spices, such as garlic, ginger, and chili peppers. Popular Korean dishes include kimchi, bulgogi, bibimbap, and tteokbokki.

2. What is the most popular Korean dish?

Kimchi is one of the most popular Korean dishes, made from fermented vegetables and spices. It’s typically served as a side dish and is a staple of Korean cuisine.

3. What is the best time to visit Seoul for food?

Seoul is a great destination for foodies all year round, but the best time to visit is during the fall season (September-November). During this time, many food festivals take place, and the weather is pleasant for outdoor dining.

4. Is it common to tip in Korean restaurants?

No, it’s not common to tip in Korean restaurants. In fact, some restaurants may even refuse a tip. Instead, it’s customary to show appreciation by saying ‘thank you’ or ‘gamsahamnida’ after the meal.

5. What are the best restaurants in Seoul for vegetarian food?

Seoul has a growing vegetarian and vegan food scene. Some of the best restaurants for vegetarian food include Plant, Loving Hut, and Osegyehyang.

6. What are some traditional Korean desserts?

Traditional Korean desserts include rice cakes (tteok), sweet pancakes (hotteok), and rice porridge (juk).

7. What is the best way to get around Seoul to try different restaurants?

The best way to get around Seoul is by using the subway system or hiring a taxi. Both are affordable and efficient ways to get around the city.

8. Are there any food tours in Seoul?

Yes, there are many food tours available in Seoul that offer a variety of culinary experiences. You can choose from walking tours, cooking classes, and food tastings.

9. Can I find restaurants that serve halal food in Seoul?

Yes, there are many halal restaurants in Seoul that serve a variety of cuisines, including Korean, Middle Eastern, and Indian.

10. What is the dress code for Korean restaurants?

Korean restaurants typically have a casual dress code, but it’s always best to check the restaurant’s website or call ahead to confirm.

11. What is the price range for restaurants in Seoul?

The price range for restaurants in Seoul varies, with some restaurants being affordable and others being expensive. On average, a meal in Seoul can cost between ₩5,000 and ₩50,000.

12. Can I find international cuisine in Seoul?