What & Where to Eat in Seoul: The Ultimate Food Guide to South Korea’s Capital

If you’re wondering where to eat in Seoul, get ready for one of the most exciting food destinations in the world. South Korea’s capital is a paradise for food lovers, mixing traditional dishes, creative desserts, and hidden bars that will make you fall in love with the city’s culture and flavors.

From sizzling street food markets to stylish cafes and underground speakeasies, Seoul’s food scene is one you won’t forget. Whether you’re hunting down the best Korean BBQ, tasting local snacks at night markets, or sipping lattes in aesthetic cafes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy here.

In this guide, I’ll share exactly what to eat, where to eat in Seoul, and some of our favorite food and drink experiences from our time in South Korea’s vibrant capital.

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Seoul Food Guide: A Complete Overview

Before diving into what to eat and where to eat in Seoul, it helps to get a feel for the city’s unique food culture. Seoul’s cuisine is deeply rooted in tradition, but it’s also one of the most creative and ever-changing in Asia.

Here’s a guide to the meals, dishes, drinks, and experiences you won’t want to miss while exploring Seoul.

 What is the Cuisine of Korea?

Seoul’s food culture blends old and new. You’ll find everything from cozy neighborhood restaurants serving kimchi jjigae to modern tasting menus reinventing Korean classics. The cuisine focuses on balance with spicy, salty, sweet, and umami flavors all working together.

Meals are often shared, with lots of small side dishes called banchan, and ingredients like rice, noodles, vegetables, fermented sauces, and meats at the heart of the cuisine. Food is fresh, colorful, and comforting, and every meal feels like an experience in itself.

 Refills are free for small dishes, so you certainly will never go hungry!

What is the Most Popular Food in Seoul?

Korean BBQ is probably the most famous, but Seoul is also known for its street food and hearty stews. Bibimbap, tteokbokki, and kimchi are must-tries, while dishes like samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) and galbi (marinated short ribs) are favorites among locals.

Street markets like Myeongdong Night Market, Namdaemun Market, and Gwangjang Market are the best places to sample authentic local snacks such as crispy hotteok, spicy rice cakes, and freshly made dumplings.

Seoul is also known for its cafe culture, so be ready for some incredible pastries and baked goods!

 What is the Signature Dish of Seoul?

If there’s one dish that defines Seoul, it’s samgyeopsal, thick slices of pork belly grilled right at your table and wrapped in lettuce with garlic, chili paste, and rice. It’s as social as it is delicious, and something you’ll find all over the city.

You should also try bibimbap, japchae (stir-fried glass noodles), and kimchi jjigae (a spicy kimchi stew). For seafood lovers, haemul pajeon (seafood pancake) is another favorite.

 Can You Drink Tap Water in Seoul?

Yes, tap water in Seoul is safe to drink. However, many locals prefer filtered or bottled water due to the taste, so it’s common to see water dispensers or bottles provided at restaurants. We also recommend bringing your own water bottle to refill to be a more eco-friendly traveler.

What to Eat in Seoul, South Korea: Meals & Dishes

Now that you have an idea of what Korean cuisine is like, let’s break down what to eat throughout the day when exploring Seoul.

 What & Where to Eat in Seoul for Breakfast

Breakfast isn’t a big meal in Korean culture, but Seoul has fully embraced the modern brunch trend. You’ll find countless aesthetic cafes serving pastries, coffee, and creative breakfast dishes.

Some of my favorites include Cafe Onion (famous for its industrial design and pastries), Cheongsundong Bakery, Dotori Garden Anguk, and Perment Bakeshop, all perfect for slow mornings and people-watching.

If you’re after something more local, try a Korean breakfast set with rice, soup, and side dishes, or grab a kimbap (Korean sushi roll) on the go.

What and Where to Eat in Seoul for Lunch

Lunch is a great time to try traditional dishes or trendy modern restaurants. We'd recommend having a hearty noodle or rice dish - something that is quick, but also will fill you up so you're ready to explore the city.

Markets are also ideal for lunch, allowing you to sample different local foods. Gwangjang Market is especially famous for bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and handmade mandu (dumplings).

What and Where to Eat in Seoul for Dinner

Dinner in Seoul is when the city really comes alive. Korean BBQ is a must, but you’ll also find hot pot restaurants, fried chicken joints, and endless bars serving anju (drinking snacks).

If you love a night out, this is where Seoul shines, and there are plenty of bustling areas full of great places to eat and drink with lots of outdoor seating. We also highly recommend heading over to Myeongdong one evening for the night market!

Start with dinner, then move on to one of the city’s amazing hidden bars.

What to Eat in Seoul: Dishes & Drinks

Now that you know what meals look like in Seoul, let’s take a deeper dive into the specific dishes you should try while you’re there.

Appetizers to Try in Seoul

• Kimchi: Korea’s most famous side dish, made from fermented cabbage and spicy seasoning.
• Pajeon: Savory pancake made with green onions, often with seafood mixed in.
• Tteokbokki: Chewy rice cakes cooked in a spicy gochujang sauce.
• Mandu: Korean dumplings steamed or fried, filled with meat and vegetables.
• Japchae: Stir-fried glass noodles with beef and vegetables.
• Gyeran Jjim: Soft steamed egg dish served hot and fluffy.
• Odeng: Fish cakes served on skewers in a light broth.

Main Dishes to Try in Seoul

• Bibimbap: Rice bowl topped with vegetables, egg, and chili paste, often served sizzling hot.
• Korean BBQ (Samgyeopsal or Bulgogi): Grilled meat cooked right at your table and wrapped in lettuce with sauce.
• Kimchi Jjigae: Spicy kimchi stew with tofu, pork, and vegetables.
• Sundubu Jjigae: Spicy soft tofu stew served bubbling hot.
• Jajangmyeon: Noodles in a rich black bean sauce, a local favorite.
• Dakgalbi: Stir-fried spicy chicken with cabbage and rice cakes.
• Bossam: Boiled pork belly served with cabbage leaves and condiments.

Desserts to Try in Seoul

• Bingsu: Shaved ice dessert topped with condensed milk, fruit, or red beans.
• Hotteok: Sweet pancakes filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts.
• Tteok: Colorful rice cakes served in many varieties.
• Hodu-gwaja: Walnut-shaped pastries filled with red bean paste and walnut pieces.
• Croiffle: A croissant pressed in a waffle iron, popular in trendy Seoul cafés.

Drinks in Seoul

• Soju: Korea’s iconic distilled spirit, smooth and often enjoyed with meals.
  Makgeolli: Milky rice wine with a slightly sweet flavor.
• Beer: Korean brands like Cass and Hite are popular local options.
• Korean Iced Coffee: Strong and sweet, often served in stylish cafés.
• Yuja-cha: A citrus tea made from yuzu, perfect for cold weather.
• Makgeolli: creamy rice wine

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Where to Eat in Seoul (& Drink!)

If you’re wondering where to eat in Seoul, the city has a food scene that will is super fun for all travelers. 

From charming cafés and innovative restaurants to hidden speakeasies and bustling markets, Seoul is a place where every meal can be something exciting. We spent days exploring, tasting, and enjoying the city, and these are some of out favorite spots that show the best of what Seoul has to offer.

Where to Eat in Seoul: Cafés

Seoul has a strong cafe culture, especially in the historic center where you can find the cutest bakeries with outdoor gardens and multistory cafes. Here are a few of our favorites.

Cheongsundong Bakery

If you're looking for a nice cup of coffee and a relaxing atmosphere, then look no further than Cheongsundong Bakery. It has and inviting garden area, and spacious, stylish interior. They don't have a full menu of food, but you can grab a sweet treat to pair with your coffee or tea.

Cafe Onion

Cafe Onion is impossible to miss with its industrial design and high ceilings. The pastries here are creative and delicious, and it’s one of those places where you can easily spend an hour just enjoying your coffee and soaking in the vibe. 

It has traditional seating in some areas with open air, and is truly one of the best cafes to check out while in Seoul.

Dotori Garden Anguk

Dotori Garden Anguk is a peaceful escape tucked away in the city. With its cozy interior and lush garden, the atmosphere inside and out is calm and relaxing. They also have incredible pastries, and fresh Greek yogurt with a variety of toppings.

Perment Bakeshop

Perment Bakeshop is one of those places we stumbled upon by accident, but ended up at several times because of their inventive pastries that change with the seasons. 

With so many incredible baked goods to choose from, and 3 unique floors to choose from, it’s the kind of café that makes you want to come back multiple times to see what’s new and enjoy another perfectly brewed coffee.

Cat’s Sarangchae

Cat’s Sarangchae is an adorable cat café where you can sip your drink while interacting with the resident cats. I loved the cozy, playful atmosphere and the there were so many different breeds too! It’s a fun experience if you’re a cat lover, and the coffee is just as enjoyable as the furry company.

London Bagel Museum

The London Bagel Museum is one of Seoul’s most popular breakfast spots. As a New Yorker, I was a bit skeptical, but decided to check it out anyway. 

The line was so incredibly long when we visited, and there's no way we were waiting over 2 hours in that heat. If we do go back though, we'll make sure to be the first ones there so we can try it out! It's certainly a favorite by locals and tourists, so worth checking out if you get the chance.

Where to Eat in Seoul: Our Favorite Restaurants

Looking for a nice dinner? Here are some beautiful spots to eat in Seoul with food that will blow you away.

Glow Seongsu

This has to be one of the most beautiful and romantic places to eat in Seoul. It has a small pond with floating lanterns and wooden table surrounding it. We ate across a small bridge in a little gazebo, and it was just incredible.

The venue is market-style with various eateries you can choose from, and they have a great happy hour menu.

Kani Lab

Kani Lab is an absolute dream, and one of those spots absolutely worth the splurge. It's an innovative space with a 9-course creative dinner which pairs digital art and fine dining - a total bucket list eatery!

Where to Eat in Seoul: Speakeasies

As a New Yorker and Porteño, we both are huge lovers of speakeasy bars, and were shocked t find out that Seoul decided to join in on the fun!

Cinderella Bar

Cinderella Bar is a hidden gem with a playful yet intimate vibe. The cocktails are creative and expertly made, and the ambiance makes it feel like you’ve discovered a a truly secret side of Seoul.

The Storage Room

The Storage Room is another excellent speakeasy tucked away from the main streets. It’s moody and stylish, with a focus on perfectly crafted cocktails. We spoke with owner and originally he wanted a specialty cheese shop. Although it failed, it became the perfect hiding for this trendy speakeasy.

Where to Eat in Seoul: Fun Markets

Other than traditional eateries, Seoul is filled with bustling markets to explore. Whether you check out the various stalls at the indoor venues, or bop around at the stalls on the streets, you certainly won't want to miss out on eating at the markets of Seoul.

Namdaemun Market

Namdaemun Market is one of the oldest and most vibrant markets in Seoul. I loved wandering through the narrow streets and discovering small vendors selling everything from dumplings to fresh fruits. It’s a great spot to explore local snacks and soak up authentic market energy.

Gwangjang Market

Gwangjang Market is unforgettable for anyone interested in traditional Korean cuisine. The market is lively, colorful, and packed with opportunities to try something new at every turn.

Myeongdong Night Market

Myeongdong Night Market is the place to go for street food adventures, and is one of the best places to experience in the evenings. From savory dumplings to toasted stuffed marshmallows, it's impossible to go hungry in Myeongdong.

Walking through the busy streets while tasting different treats felt like experiencing the heart of the city's street food culture, and is one of my top recommendations for where to eat in Seoul.

Unique Culinary Experiences in Seoul

Seoul has plenty of fun ways to experience Korean cuisine and nightlife at its finest. Beyond just its bars restaurants, here are some unique food and drink based activities you won't want to miss out on.

Try Korean BBQ: the top dining experience in South Korea where you get to grill your own variety of meats and have it paired with several small side dishes.

 Take a Korean cooking class: a great way to learn traditional recipes and Korean cooking techniques

 Go on a guided market tour: an excellent way to try the top street snacks and treats with a local.

 Join a pub crawl: a fun way to meet other travelers and experience some of the top bars.

 Hang at the musical pub: live music performances with casual drinks

 Picnic and drinking games: a fun way to enjoy the riverside, meet new friends, and learn popular Korean drinking games.

 Join a Soju Tasting & Distillery: learn about the production of Korea's most famous spirit and have samples.

Where to Eat in Seoul, South Korea: FAQ

Now you have all of the information you need for what and where to eat in Seoul, South Korea, as well as the best culinary experiences. In case you missed anything though, here are a few answers to some frequently asked questions that we've found across the internet.

Seoul Food Guide: Final Thoughts & What's Next

Now you have everything you need to eat and drink your way through Seoul. Here’s a quick recap of the highlights from our guide:

• Seoul’s cuisine blends traditional Korean dishes with modern twists and international influences.
• Many dishes feature fresh vegetables, grilled meats, seafood, and bold, spicy sauces.
• Tap water is generally safe to drink, though many locals prefer bottled or filtered water.
• Korea is famous for soju, makgeolli, and local craft beers, and Seoul has plenty of options to sample these drinks.
• Signature dishes like bibimbap, Korean BBQ, tteokbokki, and mandu are must-tries.
• Neighborhoods like Myeongdong, Anguk, and Hongdae have the highest concentration of cafés, restaurants, and markets.
• Central markets such as Namdaemun and Gwangjang are famous for fresh produce, street food, and traditional Korean delicacies.
• Hidden gem cafés and restaurants can be found tucked away on quieter streets in areas like Cheongsundong and Seochon.
• There are plenty of unique food and drink experiences in Seoul, from cooking classes and guided food tours to café hopping and rooftop cocktails.

What's Next?

Now that you know what and where to eat in Seoul, South Korea, we're sure you're ready to explore more of what this great city has to offer.

Here are some other Seoul guides that we have for you:

• The Best Things to Do in Seoul
• How to Get to Seoul
• How to Get Around Seoul
• Korean Scalp Treatment Review

...and more coming each week!

So now that you know where to eat in Seoul, South Korea, we're sure you're ready to plan more of your trip! There are so many great things to see and do in Seoul, and we're excited to share more of it with you.

Want to learn more about exploring Seoul and other destinations in South Korea? We have a lot of other Korean travel guides for you to check out, as well as more coming up each week. Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for all of our weekly guide updates, and for exclusive discounts on the Scratch Your Mapa shop.

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