Culinary Journey through Seoul: Top 10 Dishes and Where to Savor Them

Outside of its borders, the diverse palate of Korean cuisine often goes unnoticed, with only barbecue and kimchi causing minor excitement. However, within Korea, more so in Seoul, food is not just a necessity, it's a passion. Seoul city hides culinary 'towns' in its bustling streets -- each dedicated to a different popular Korean dish. These ‘towns’ host numerous restaurants, each with their unique take on a particular dish. We bring you the ten most intriguing 'towns' that dish out some of the exceptional yet lesser-known Korean delicacies. Each dish is a flavor-packed steal, with a maximum cost of £10 per person. Keep in mind that some dishes, such as barbecue, have a two-serving minimum, so having a companion would be ideal.

To fully immerse yourself in this fantastic culinary journey, you might consider spending a few nights in the city. There are numerous Seoul hotels at seoulhotelspage.com to choose from, allowing you to stay close to these delicious 'towns'.

Getting around in Seoul can be quite the task, especially since local landmarks and not actual streets guide your route. The top-rated way to navigate to these food havens is to use the hyper-efficient subway system (station names provided for convenience). Alternatively, having a Korean associate write down the location can prove very useful for taxi drivers to comprehend your destination faster.

Rice cakes in sauce (tteokbokki)

Delving into the Dentalight As you navigate the exciting and fast-paced lifestyle of South Koreans, acquaint yourself with tteok. These are chewy tubular rice cakes, typically smothered in gochujang, a fiery red chilli pepper dressing. Reminiscent of the ubiquity of chips in Western cultures, tteok (pronounced as "tok") can be found at every local food corner and are often enjoyed on-the-go. For a genuine tteokbokki experience, Sindang neighbourhood is your ideal destination. The area boasts of numerous dining spots that take pleasure in elevating the tteok experience by adding elements like cabbage, onions, noodles and fishcakes to the mix. You simply can't miss Mabongnim Tteokbokki, one of the most distinguished stops on this street. Established in 1953, it is one of the most enduring food joints in a city where eateries often span the lifespan of a single day. A significant note here is that tteok is not just a 'snack'; it carries the taste history of Korea, appealing to both the old and the young generation. It is an essential symbol of Korean food culture. In fact, its popularity has crossed borders, with several Asian and Western countries introducing tteok in their local markets. Navigating the gourmet trip Sindang-dong, arriving at the subway station Sindang, exit 8

Pork and potato soup (gamjatang)

The Culinary Delight Korean cuisine is deeply connected to its seasonal rhythms, and the robust and satisfying gamjatang dish perfectly captures the wintertime sentiments. This is no simple potato and pork soup -- its preparation can be a make or break affair. When gamjatang is skillfully executed, the resulting ensemble is a rich, peppery broth imbued with the distinctive tastes of garlic, onion and crushed perilla seeds, abundant potato chunks, and a generous piece of pork that effortlessly sheds its meat. A characteristic sight in numerous modest eateries along the famed Gamjatang Street is sizable pots filled with this irresistible concoction, brought to the table with the soup still bubbling enthusiastically.
The Locale The gastronomical journey takes you to Eungam-dong via the subway station Saejeol, disembarking at exit 2.

Cold noodles (naengmyun)

A Culinary Encounter: Pep up your palate with the North Korean delicacy often referred to as Pyongyang naengmyun. Typically relished during the warm summer months, this dish features frosty buckwheat noodles blanketed with meticulously diced veggies, and crowned with a sizeable smear of gochujang. Once combined, it serves up a revitalizing treat perfect for a sweltering, moisture-laden summer day. On the other hand, the soup variant, mul naengmyun, is presented in a zesty bowlful brimming with icy shards.
A Destination Worth Noting: Your gastronomic adventure begins in Ojang-dong, accessible via the Euljiro 4-ga subway station, exit 8.

Blood sausage stuffed with noodles (sundae)

Exquisite Delight: Sundae, a traditional and much-loved Korean dish, is often underappreciated due to its distinctive ingredients and presentation. It's an intriguing culinary creation, comprising pig intestine casings brimming with an amalgam of vegetables, cellophane noodles, and pig's blood. A visually less enticing plate, yet one that delivers a rich, savory taste that is exceptionally compelling. Interestingly, Sundae, commonly relished by students, promises a memorable food adventure at the lively and thriving Sundae Town, fabled for its multitude of vendors. Here, you would witness diners enjoying their meal, their chopsticks actively ferrying mouthfuls as they sip the ubiquitous soju, a popular Korean rice wine.
Taste Locale: Sillim-dong, the hidden gem of soul-soothing Korean comfort food. Hop on a subway and get off at station Sillim, exiting via exit 3.

Korean barbecue (gogi-gui)

The Essential Meal Korean Barbecue indisputably holds the title as the country's most celebrated cuisine. Its charm is straightforward - surrounded by friends, glazed in the tangy allure of soju, engage in a communal feast of sizzling pork (known locally as samgyupsal) or beef (sogogi). It's virtually impossible to miss the ubiquity of barbecue eateries dotted across Seoul. However, the Majang meat market, the largest in Korea, offers a guaranteed promise of premium meat at pocket-friendly prices. Shrewd restaurant owners have capitalized on the market's proximity, leading to a dynamic landscape of competitive offerings. Stroll around, take your pick of the best bargain, have a seat, and prepare to indulge in a gastronomical delight of tender grilled meats.

The Environs To reach Majang meat market: Use Majang subway station, take the exit 2. Considered as one of the epicenters of the Korean culinary scene, this bustling market boasts a wide variety of restaurants and food stalls, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals. So, on your next Seoul holiday, don't miss the chance to explore Majang meat market and immerse yourself in the rich, diverse flavors of Korean cuisine.

Pigs' trotters (jokbal)

The Delicacy Jokbal, or pigs' feet, may seem like an adventurous choice for some travelers. Yet, stroll down the streets of Jokbal Town and you'll witness locals devouring this specialty with gusto. Preparation involves simmering the pigs' feet in a savory broth infused with ingredients such as soy sauce, ginger, leeks, and garlic. Once tender, they are sliced and served in lettuce wrap form to create mouthwatering bite-sized morsels. Jokbal’s unique taste is not universally embraced. Nonetheless, reputed benefits like hangover relief and anti-aging properties render it a must-try item on your Seoul food exploration.

The Venue To sample this dish, head towards Jangchung-dong. Directions: Take the subway to Dongguk University station and exit through gate number 3.

Savoury pancakes (jeon)

The Delicacy Jeon, a cornerstone of Korean cuisine, is a delightful accompaniment to any social gathering or drinking session. Imagine succulent pancakes, pan-fried to golden perfection; loaded with a variety of fillings that play in harmony with each other - the spice-laced kimchi, the tenderness of pork, the briny hint of seafood, and more. These savoury pancakes make the perfect companion to makgeolli, a traditional rice wine that once defined the humble farmer's lifestyle. This milky, slightly sparkling drink is now making a splash in the realm of hipster trends. Jeon, with their pleasing umami-rich flavours, are always a sure shot with food enthusiasts. When in Jeon Town, indulge your senses and sample the array of pancakes on display that capture your curiosity best.
The Destination Gongdeok: Navigate your way to subway station Gongdeok, then proceed to exit 5.

Octopus (jjukkumi)

Signature Delight The petite marine delicacy of Korea, the mini octopus or 'jjukkumi', is lavishly used in a variety of local cuisine. Interestingly, these sea creatures, often savored raw, are indigenous to the Korean waters. They are most famously savored as 'jjukkumi bokkeum', where these mini sea dwellers are cooked and glazed with a homemade gochugang sauce, creating a dish so fiery that it’s recommended only for the most adventurous palates. The quirks of Jjukkumi Street welcome curious food lovers with a distinct bronze octopus statue, leaving an unforgettable impression with aromatic food scents wafting through the air and roughly ten superior dining points. As the most respected and long-standing establishment amongst them, Na Jeong-sun Halmae Jjukkumi holds its place at the forefront.
Exploration Spot Yongdu-dong; Key guide - Jegi subway station, exit 6

Where to stay during your culinary trip

When it comes to choosing where to stay in Seoul for an unforgettable culinary adventure, the neighborhood of Myeongdong stands out as an exceptional choice. This bustling district not only offers a wide array of delectable street food vendors and local restaurants but also provides easy access to the city's top dining destinations. To ensure a seamless and enjoyable stay, you can look for hotels in Seoul at tophotels.com.

From sizzling Korean barbecue joints to cozy eateries serving up iconic dishes like bibimbap and kimchi jjigae, Myeongdong is a food lover's paradise. Plus, it's conveniently located near many cultural attractions, making it an ideal base for exploring Seoul's vibrant street food scene. If you're looking for a hotel that merges comfort with convenience, consider staying at the Dong Seoul Hotel. Located right in the heart of Myeongdong, you'll find yourself steps away from some of the city's top food spots.

Whether you're indulging in savory street snacks or savoring a traditional Korean feast, Myeongdong ensures you're never far from the heart of Seoul's culinary delights. Or perhaps you want a stay that offers you not only a close distance to the food markets, but also a lavish and luxurious experience. In this case, the Park Hyatt Seoul Hotel could be the perfect option for you.

But if you're still unsure about where to stay during your culinary trip, don't worry. There are numerous options available for accommodation. To aid your decision-making process, you can explore a comprehensive listing of Seoul hotels on https://www.seoulhotelspage.com/en/ to cater for any budget and preference.

Raw fish (saengseon hoe)

Exploring Seoul's Gastronomy In the heart of Seoul lies a treasure trove for seafood lovers: the colossal Noryangjin fish market that operates round the clock, thrilling not only the city's demanding gastronomes but also food adventurers. Over 700 vendors unravel the ocean's riches here - fresh fish, an array of shellfish, squid, and even some marine oddities. A favorite amongst many is the tender and fresh Saengseon Hoe, or raw fish, which the vendor slices to perfection upon selection. However, if you fancy a hint of fire during your encounter with the undersea bounty, choose some sea delights and take them to any restaurant flanking the market. They will cook It for you to savor at one of their tables. Weekend timings may require patience as you wait your turn, with convivial local elders enjoying their soju-enhanced festivities. If you're willing to challenge your culinary comfort zone, this is the place to sample live octopus.

Where to Find This Culinary Wonder Setting the destination: Noryangjin fish market. The closest public transport: Noryangjin subway station. Alight here and take exit 1 to reach your seafood journey's start point. It’s worthy of noting that Noryangjin Fish Market is the largest and oldest in Seoul, originally established in 1927 and moved to its current location in the 1970s. With over 700 stalls selling seafood brought from every coast of Korea, it certainly provides an unforgettably authentic seafood experience to every visitor.

Homemade tofu (sondubu)

The culinary experience Navigating the culinary landscape of Korea can pose a challenge for plant-based eaters, given the emphasis on meat and seafood in most recipes. Tofu, whilst prevalent, typically serves as an accompaniment rather than a main feature. In the bustle of daily life in Seoul, where many individuals toil for long hours, there isn't a bounty of time to handcraft tofu from scratch. However, a secret gem awaiting to be discovered is nestled in a northern corner of Seoul, frequented by nature enthusiasts. Positioned conveniently just off Dobongsan's popular hiking trails, fresh tofu is wrought daily in an unparalleled fashion. Sample this delightful protein source crowned with soy sauce and green onions, immersed in a zestful soup or imbued with the earthiness of mugwort and the sweetness of carrots for a unique gastronomic delight.

The discovery spot Uncover this tofu treasure in the Dobong-dong neighbourhood: alight at Dobong subway station and exit from gate number 1.