Must-eat in Seoul. 29+ most famous & best street foods in Seoul

November 3, 2024

What is so unique about Korean cuisine that makes it famous all over the world? Let’s explore the delicious Korean specialties that you can’t miss if you have the opportunity to visit the land of Ginseng with 29+ most famous, must-eat & best street foods in Seoul below!

Food stall at night at Gwangjang Market, Seoul. Copyright: Credit: Paul Brown / Alamy Stock Photo | best street foods in Seoul

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What to eat when traveling to Korea? What specialties to buy when coming to Korea as gifts? Which dishes have the typical flavor of the land of Ginseng? If you are about to visit Korea and still have questions about food, this article is for you. Whether it’s unique street food or traditional dishes with rich flavors, it will make you passionate about food fall in love with it. Let’s take a trip around Korea with Klook to see what’s special about this country’s cuisine!

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Oh, if you are traveling with a group of friends or family, don’t forget to rent a private car for convenient travel and food!

Kimchi

Kimchi, a dish with a strong Korean cultural identity, is not only a familiar name but also the soul of the cuisine here. Not only stopping at traditional cabbage kimchi, the Korean kimchi map has also expanded with countless variations such as green onion kimchi, cucumber kimchi, and radish kimchi, each with a unique flavor that can only be fully appreciated when enjoyed directly in their homeland.

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kimchi korea — Kimchi, one of the symbols of Korean cuisine and is must eat food in Seoul | best street foods in Seoul

What makes kimchi special is not only the main ingredients but also the way it is seasoned, in which each family and each region has its own secret. Enjoying kimchi right in Korea, you are not only enjoying a dish, but also discovering a part of the cultural quintessence, a culinary tradition that has been passed down and developed through many generations.

Tteokbokki – Korean Rice Cakes

Tteokbokki in korean street food around the world — | must eat food in seoul

Get ready for an explosive culinary journey with spicy rice cakes, one of Korea’s most famous street food icons! With a skillful combination of soft rice flour, fiery red chili peppers and a variety of toppings, each piece of spicy rice cake is a display of flavors and colors, taking you into a world of “top-notch” cuisine.

Korean Bulgogi Grilled Beef (#best street foods in Seoul)

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If you are a fan of Korean cinema, you must have seen bulgogi appear on the screen many times and make you fascinated. The beef is full of flavor, so soft that it melts in your mouth, combined with the freshness of vegetables and the signature sauce, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.

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Bulgogi is not only a dish, but also a culinary art, especially when enjoyed on a chilly day.

Korean Cold Noodles – Naengmyeon

Feeling bored with hot bowls of noodles, try a bowl of cold noodles! Korea is famous for its noodles, and cold noodles are one of the most unique types of noodles in this country. This specialty is guaranteed to make you drool.

Sometimes all the elite end up in ... a bowl of cold noodles like this. — Sometimes all the elite end up in … a bowl of cold noodles like this. | best street foods in Seoul

Sundubu Jjigae – Korean Spicy Tofu Soup

Sundubu-jjigae (Korean Spicy Soft Tofu Stew) (1) — After beating raw eggs, diners will mix it up with the stew soup to create more flavor for the dish.

Sundubu jjigae is a famous spicy tofu soup stew in Korea. This dish scores points thanks to its super soft tofu, cooked in a rich broth with chili, garlic, and many other spices, bringing an unforgettable culinary experience.

Sundubu jjigae is usually served hot in a colorful, steaming clay pot with a variety of toppings such as beef, seafood, or both, along with green vegetables and eggs that are cracked directly into the boiling pot to add a unique flavor. Each spoonful of soup is a wonderful stimulation for the taste buds, with the spicy taste of chili, the natural sweetness of meat and seafood, along with the smooth tofu that melts in your mouth.

Kimchi Mandu – Korean Kimchi Dumplings

Kimchi Mandu, although it has a rather “kimchi” name, is actually a famous Korean dumpling. What makes Mandu special is the soft, chewy crust, encasing the fragrant meat and flavorful vegetables.

Whether fried until crispy or steamed, Kimchi Mandu always opens up an interesting culinary experience, especially when enjoyed with spicy chili sauce. Each preparation method reveals the unique identity and sophistication of each traditional dish of the kimchi land.

Spicy stir-fried octopus – Nakji Bokkeum

Nakji Bokkeum, a spicy stir-fried octopus dish, has become an indispensable part of the traditional Korean culinary collection, with a rich history since 1965, when it was first introduced at a small pub.

The perfect combination of spicy flavor and soft octopus meat has made this dish quickly win the hearts of many diners. To this day, Nakji Bokkeum still maintains its position as one of the most sought-after dishes, proving that its special flavor still captivates people after many generations.

Delicious and Attractive Korean Specialty Soups

Soup is an indispensable dish in traditional Korean meals. There are countless types of soups in Korea, but not everyone knows which types of soups are the “must try” in this country! Let’s take a look at some of the most famous soups in the land of kimchi with Klook!

Ox bone soup (Seolleongtang)

Seolleongtang, a refined version of beef soup, is one of the culinary delights that cannot be missed when visiting the land of kimchi. Beef bones are simmered in broth, creating a rich, rich flavor, perfectly combined with soft white noodles, thinly sliced beef and a variety of unique spices.

1Seolleongtang (Beef Bone Soup) (2) — | best street foods in Seoul

Seolleongtang is not only a meal, but also an authentic culinary experience, giving diners an insight into the cultural identity of Korean cuisine. Surely, leaving Korea without trying Seolleongtang would be a pity.

Soybean sprout soup with rice – Kongnamul Gukbap

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Kongnamul Gukbap soybean Sprout Soup is not only one of the culinary symbols of Korea but also a memorable culinary experience for anyone. With seemingly simple ingredients – fresh bean sprouts and soft eggs, this soup boasts a unique, unexpectedly pure flavor.

Despite its modest appearance, Kongnamul Gukbap has an irresistible appeal, promising to leave a deep impression on diners from the first time they enjoy it.

Seaweed soup (Momguk) (#best street foods in Seoul)

Jeju Momguk (seaweed soup, gulfweed soup) jeju (1) — | must eat in seoul

Momguk soup does not attract people with its eye-catching appearance like many other dishes because of the characteristic blue-black color of seaweed. However, with the harmony between ingredients such as pork, seaweed, vegetables and the absence of spices, this seaweed soup will awaken your taste buds.

You may not know: seaweed soup is a Korean specialty that is often eaten on birthdays, symbolizing luck and longevity.

Soybean Paste Soup – Doenjang Jjigae

Doenjang soup, typical type of Korean soups

Doenjang Jjigae, or soybean paste soup, is one of the indispensable traditional dishes on the Korean dining table. This is a refined expression of Korean cuisine, where the rich flavor of doenjang (fermented soybeans) perfectly combines with the freshness of vegetables and meat, creating an impressive and nutritious dish.

In each bowl of Doenjang Jjigae, you will find a blend of many ingredients such as fermented soybeans, soft tofu, spinach, mushrooms, along with thinly sliced pork or beef, sometimes seafood, all cooked tenderly in a fragrant, slightly spicy soybean broth.

Pork Bone Soup – Gamjatang

At midnight or early in the morning, walking on the streets of Korea, you will be attracted by the aroma of potato stew emanating from the eateries. Gamjatang is famous for its rich flavor and unique preparation method, giving diners an unforgettable culinary experience.

Gamjatang is made from pork bones, usually shin or neck bones, that are simmered for hours until the meat becomes tender and falls apart easily from the bone. Potatoes, an essential ingredient in this soup, add a natural sweetness and soft texture, easing the spicy taste of the broth.

Ginseng Chicken Soup – Samgyetang

Samgyetang, a famous Korean ginseng chicken soup, is a symbol of nourishment and recovery, especially during hot summer days. This dish not only brings a cool, pleasant feeling to the body but is also considered a natural “medicine”, helping to increase resistance and energy.

Geumgok Samgyetang | best street foods in Seoul

Samgyetang is made from a whole young chicken, stuffed with glutinous rice, Korean ginseng, lotus seeds, and sometimes jujube (Korean red apples) and garlic. All are simmered in the broth for hours, until the chicken becomes tender, imbued with the flavor of ginseng and herbs, creating a rich, hearty bowl of soup.

Samgyetang soup, typical type of Korean soups | best street foods in Seoul

The special thing about Samgyetang is not only its delicious, nutritious flavor but also its profound meaning. In Korean culture, this soup is often enjoyed on sambok days, the three hottest days of the year, with the belief that eating a hot dish will help the body adjust and cool down in the hot weather.

Dakjuk Chicken Porridge (#must eat in seoul)

Dakjuk, a traditional Korean chicken porridge, is a delicate combination of pleasant and nutritious flavors, bringing a feeling of warmth and comfort from the first spoonful. Dakjuk is made from minced or shredded chicken, cooked with rice or glutinous rice, gradually blending to create a smooth, delicious mixture. Sometimes, to enhance the flavor and nutritional value, people also add vegetables such as carrots, onions, and mushrooms to the porridge. A little fresh ginger added not only enhances the unique flavor but also brings a warm, pleasant feeling to the stomach.

Korean Japchae Mixed Noodles

Japchae, a typical Korean noodle dish. This dish is not only popular during festivals and parties but is also loved in everyday meals in Korea.

Japchae is made from sweet potato noodles, giving it a special “chewy yet soft” texture, topped with a filling of meat (usually beef), along with many vegetables such as carrots, onions, mushrooms, and greens. All are stir-fried until cooked and mixed with a sauce made from soy sauce, sesame oil, and a little sugar, creating a unique flavor that cannot be mistaken.

Japchae (Korean glass noodle stir-fried with vegtables) (2) — Many places have served Japchae as a main dish because the “attraction” of this dish is not small at all. | must eat in seoul

Jajangmyeon Black Bean Noodles

Jjajangmyeon3 — Jjajangmyeon | must eat in seoul

Don’t know what to eat in Seoul, try black bean noodles right away! With its unique color and flavor, this dish attracts many domestic and foreign food lovers. The salty and sweet taste of this Korean specialty is very popular with young diners. This is a Korean dish originating from China, so you can find it in many Korean-style Chinese food stores.

Gochang Grilled Intestines

Gochang Grilled Intestines (고창곱창) is a famous Korean street food, especially loved in Gochang City, Jeollabuk-do Province. This dish is made from beef or pork intestines grilled over charcoal, marinated with special spices to create a delicious, unique flavor.

Gochang Grilled Intestines is a delicious, unique and healthy dish. If you have the opportunity to visit Korea, try this dish!

Ganjang-gejang

Raw crab marinated in soy sauce is a dish that is quite “picky” to eat even though it looks very eye-catching. Fresh crab without any processing step, eating it right away seems a bit scary. But if you can eat it, you will definitely be addicted. Besides soy sauce crab and soy sauce crab, you can try soy sauce-marinated salmon or pickled soft-boiled eggs.

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Grilled pork belly BBQ (Samgyeopsal-gui)

Samgyeopsal (Grilled pork belly BBQ) (1) — You will easily find a barbeque eateries at everywhere in Korea. | must eat in seoul

It would be a mistake to mention Korean grilled pork belly Samgyeopsal. The special thing about this dish is that the meat is not marinated at all but grilled directly on the stove. After being cooked, it will be dipped in a special sauce. The sweet and fragrant meat combined with the spicy taste of the sauce is a delicacy.

Buchjeon (Garlic Chive Pancakes)/Korean Seafood Pancakes

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Known as the pizza of the kimchi land, seafood cake is a dish that is very popular with food lovers, from children to the elderly. Spicy, crispy and refreshing, it is worth a try. Enjoying the crispy fried pancake with sweet and sour soy sauce is truly a wonderful taste experience.

Haemul Pajeon (Korean Seafood Scallion Pancake) — Korean seafood pancakes. | must eat in seoul

Jokbal

Jokbal, delicious and traditional, is an indispensable culinary symbol of Korea. The unique point of Jokbal lies in the combination of the crispy taste of pig’s trotters and the delicious taste of meat, creating a unique culinary experience.

The pig’s trotters are cooked and stir-fried, then marinated with fish sauce, garlic, chili and other spices, creating a special and unmistakable flavor. When enjoying Jokbal, you not only feel the delicate flavor but also immerse yourself in the vibrant culinary culture of the land of kimchi.

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Combined with raw vegetables, salted garlic and sticky rice, Jokbal becomes a delicious meal full of the unique qualities of Korean cuisine. Each piece of meat is a unique cultural story, bringing diners not only flavor but also an adventure through the unique traditions of this country.

Korean Fried Chicken

Traveling to Korea without enjoying fried chicken is a big mistake. Although it is not the country that “gave birth” to fried chicken, the Korean style of cooking has created a new “soul” for this delicious dish. Korean fried chicken is often served with many creative sauces, mixing salty – sweet – spicy flavors. Besides, you can also enjoy pan-fried chicken which is also extremely wonderful.

Famous Korean Sweets and Confectionery

Korean cuisine is not only famous for its savory dishes but also rich in sweets and confectionery with unique and attractive flavors. From traditional cakes to creative candies, Korean sweets will surely satisfy every food lover.

Bungeoppang (붕어빵) – Korean Fish-shaped Cake

Bungeoppang is a type of Korean fish pastry made from flour, sweet red beans and shaped like a fish. The cake is usually baked in a metal mold and eaten hot. Bungeoppang is a popular street food in Korea, especially loved in the winter. Bungeoppang is a traditional Korean dish loved by both adults and children.

Yakgwa (약과) – Korean honey Cookies

Yakgwa (약과) is a type of Korean tea cookie made from honey, flour, sesame oil and ginger. It is often made during Lunar New Year and other holidays. Yakgwa is said to have originated during the Silla Dynasty (57 BC – 935 AD). Originally, the cookie was made from honey, flour and water. Over time, ginger and sesame oil were added to enhance the flavor of the cookie. Yakgwa became popular during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) and is considered a symbol of good luck and fortune.

Gyeran Bbang (계란빵) – Korean Egg Bread

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Gyeran Bbang (계란빵) is a Korean egg bread made from flour, eggs, milk, and sugar. It is usually baked in a metal pan. Gyeran Bbang is usually eaten hot. It can be eaten with chili sauce or ketchup. Gyeran Bbang can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for several days.

Hotteok (호떡) – Korean Sweet Pancake

seomun market jeju,things to do at night in jeju (1) — Hotteok (Korean sweet pancakes) | must eat in seoul

Hotteok (호떡) is a Korean pancake made from flour, brown sugar, and seeds. It is usually grilled on a flat pan and eaten hot. Hotteok is a popular street food in Korea, especially popular in the winter. Hotteok is sweet, savory, and slightly salty. It is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Hotteok is flavored with brown sugar, sunflower seeds, and honey.

ssiat hotteok — Ssiat hotteok | must eat in seoul

Bingsu (빙수) – Korean Shaved Ice

Bingsu (빙수) is a popular shaved ice dessert in Korea, especially popular in the summer. Bingsu means “shaved ice,” and it is made from finely shaved ice topped with a variety of toppings, such as fruit, condensed milk, cereals, and jelly.

Bingsu is the perfect cooling treat on a hot day. This dish comes in many flavors, such as patbingsu (red bean), injeolmi bingsu (glutinous rice flour), and fruit. Bingsu is commonly sold in Korean cafes and dessert shops. The price of a glass of Bingsu ranges from 5,000 to 10,000 won.

Dooraeone Honey Citron Tea

As a popular and widely used drink in Korea, Dooraeone Honey Citron Tea is definitely something you should buy as a gift. Stored in pretty glass jars, transportation will not be a problem if you buy it as a gift for your loved ones.

Korean Seaweed

When talking about the land of kimchi, seaweed is a must-mention. Seaweed is widely sold in Vietnam. However, if you buy domestic seaweed, or buy it directly from farms as a gift, it will be very meaningful.

It is impossible to taste all the delicious dishes in one trip to Korea, but with Klook tours, it is not a matter. And do not forget that the land of kimchi has never disappointed travel enthusiasts with its tourist attractions and new and unique experiences. Do not forget to pocket the Korean travel deals on Klook to make your trip more economical!

The post first appeared on Klook Vietnam and was translated and edited by Living Nomads. If you find any images or text that belong to you, please contact us, so we can credit you or give us permission to use them. Thank you very much!

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