South Korea Culinary Adventure: A Foodie's Guide to Seoul

Join us on a gastronomic journey through the vibrant streets of Seoul, South Korea, where culinary delights await at every corner. From traditional Korean staples to innovative fusion cuisine, this guide will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

A Culinary Paradise:

Seoul is a melting pot of flavors, offering a diverse range of culinary experiences. From Michelin-starred restaurants to bustling street food stalls, the city caters to every palate.

Must-Try Delicacies:

  • Bibimbap: A colorful rice dish topped with seasoned vegetables, meat, and a fried egg.
  • Kimchi: A staple fermented cabbage dish with a spicy and tangy flavor.
  • Korean BBQ: Marinated meats grilled to perfection at your table.
  • Tteokbokki: Spicy stir-fried rice cakes in a gochujang sauce.
  • Korean Fried Chicken: Crispy and flavorful, often served with a variety of dipping sauces.

Hidden Gems:

Venture beyond the tourist hotspots to discover hidden culinary gems. Explore local markets for fresh produce and authentic street food. Ask the locals for their favorite restaurants and be prepared to be surprised by the hidden treasures you uncover.

Cultural Immersion:

Food is an integral part of Korean culture. Embrace the opportunity to learn about traditional cooking methods, dining etiquette, and the significance of food in Korean society.

A Culinary Adventure Awaits:

So, pack your bags and prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable culinary adventure in Seoul. From the bustling street food stalls to the Michelin-starred restaurants, this vibrant city offers a feast for the senses.

Let the adventure begin!

Kaew traveled to South Korea for a business trip in early December of last year. Due to the nature of the trip, there wasn't much time for sightseeing. Therefore, Kaew decided to explore and review delicious food options after work hours.

Traveling with KOREA AIRLINE (the flight attendants are super cute!) is a must-try experience. The flight takes about 4-5 hours with clear skies, good air quality, and minimal turbulence.

We have now arrived at Incheon Airport in South Korea.
The temperature here is -4 degrees Celsius, which is quite chilly.

To warm up, I ordered a hot coffee at the airport. It cost 6,200 won.


The journey has begun, and we need to eat. We stopped at a rest stop near the airport. The first menu item is...

This dish features Korean-style udon noodles served with tteokbokki, crab sticks, and an egg. The broth is not overly salty and is served warm, making it perfect for a cold winter day. The price is affordable at 3,800 won.

Before starting work, Kaew decided to seek good fortune in the Thai way by visiting a temple. The temple she chose was located in the heart of Seoul, Bongeunsa Temple, which is directly opposite COEX MALL, where she would be working on this trip.

Bongeunsa Temple: A Tranquil Oasis in the Bustling City

Bongeunsa Temple, nestled amidst the vibrant city of Seoul, offers a serene escape from the urban clamor. While not as crowded as other popular temples, it remains a must-visit destination for tourists seeking a moment of tranquility. The temple's peaceful atmosphere is accentuated by the rhythmic chanting of Buddhist devotees, predominantly elderly individuals, as the younger generation in Korea largely identifies as non-religious.





Wishing stones are a belief that if someone comes to pray for success in various aspects of life,
they must arrange the stones in a pile. If the pile does not collapse, their wish will be granted.


Before starting work, Kaew had a little time to explore the Gangnam district during the day.

I came across Bonchon here. I asked a Thai friend, and they said that Bonchon here is tastier than in Thailand.
It's also served with cold beer. And now I've found the next menu item I want to try.

Menu 2: Ginseng Chicken Soup (Ginseng Chicken Soup)

This ginseng chicken soup is a famous dish and is perfect for the cold weather in Korea. When served, one person will eat a whole chicken, which contains sticky rice. One bowl is enough to fill you up. The taste is good, with a ginseng scent. After eating, you will feel warm and can continue your sightseeing. The cost is 12,000 won.

COEX MALL (COEX CONVENTION & SHOPPING MALL)

Okay, I'm full. I'm going to work now. See you later this evening for more food!

Hello! I'm done with work. It's already dark, but I'm hungry. I'm ready to go hunting for more food now!

Rivera Hotel (Gangnam)

Ready to explore? Let's find some authentic local eats!

Following the local approach to food, we'll embark on a culinary adventure to discover the true flavors of this place. Our goal is to experience the everyday dishes that residents enjoy, immersing ourselves in the local food culture.

Menu 3: Bulgogi Pork


Once cooked, the dish will look like this, unlike the dry-style Korean BBQ we are familiar with. Bulgogi will have a small amount of sauce, and the flavor will become increasingly salty as more meat is added (similar to Korean BBQ restaurants in our country). It is served with various side dishes such as kimchi, fermented beans, etc. The cost is 15,400 won per person.

The night is still young, so แก้ว and her gang continue their journey. After a satisfying meal, they decide to try some soju, a popular Korean alcoholic beverage.

I came across this restaurant near the RIVERA Hotel, about 4 buildings away. The name of the restaurant is Flowers, or something like that. I apologize, I forgot the exact name. We ordered Soju to drink and needed some snacks to go with it.

Menu 4: Salt-grilled snails
I couldn't read the menu, so I had to ask the owner to show me pictures of other customers' orders.
Then I came across this one. What the heck is that huge snail? I had to try it. Later I found out that
it was a snail. Can you really eat it? I was a little scared, but when I tried it, wow, it was amazing!
Damage, including soju: 24,200 won

That's it for today. I'm going back to the hotel to rest my stomach for a bit. We'll continue tomorrow.

Okay, it's morning. Let's go to work first. I'll see you at noon.


A cup of coffee for warmth. Starbucks here is priced similarly to Thailand, but for some reason, the taste is better.


Let me take a quick photo before I head into work. This statue is located in front of COEX MALL.

We happened to visit COEX during an event, so there were cute cartoon characters all over the mall. Anyway, let's find something to eat. The food court is located in the basement, and there are plenty of food options. I ended up trying several different restaurants.

Menu 5: Dumplings with Kimchi Filling

These dumplings are round in shape and are boiled until tender but not mushy. The taste is delicious and I personally enjoyed them.

Menu 6: Kimchi Fried Rice

This kimchi fried rice is a real crowd-pleaser, with a satisfyingly spicy kick. The kimchi used here is not overly sour, as kimchi flavors can vary significantly from restaurant to restaurant in Korea.

Menu 6: Bibimbap

Bibimbap, or Korean mixed rice, is served in a hot stone pot, which helps keep the rice warm for a long time. Personally, I didn't like this menu very much, but my friend who came with me said that the taste was much better than in Thailand. You could say that if you come here, you have to try it.

The total cost for these 3 menus was only 22,700 won.

Tonight we came to Itaewon, the most bustling district, like Khao San + Siam of Seoul.

Our goal tonight is to try San-nakji, the live octopus dish. Since we're in Korea, we have to give it a shot!

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Dish 7: Spicy Kimchi Stir-Fried Squid

Tenderly blanched squid is stir-fried with spicy, aromatic kimchi and served on a sizzling hot plate. This dish is a true delight for the senses.

This dish is known for being dangerous, but we decided to give it a try. The octopus tentacles were chopped up but still squirming and suctioning.

We dipped the tentacles in sesame oil and spicy Korean chili sauce. The taste was excellent, and the suction wasn't as strong as we expected. It was actually quite enjoyable.

Want to see how much it wiggles? Click here.


The total cost of this meal for 6 people is 120,000 won. Not bad at all!

On our last day of tasting, we will take you to taste the food at Myeongdong.

Myeongdong is a well-known shopping and street food district in Seoul, South Korea.

Walking along, buying souvenirs for everyone, I stumbled upon a roadside fried chicken stall with an irresistible aroma.

Menu 9: Fried Chicken with Sauce + Tteokbokki

I'm not sure what the actual name of this dish is, but it was delicious. The sweet and spicy sauce paired perfectly with the crispy tteokbokki. It cost 2,500 won.


Menu 10: Pork Ribs Wrapped in Cheese (James Cheese)

This final menu item of our trip is a must-try at the famous James Cheese restaurant. It features two large pork ribs placed on a sizzling hot pan filled with cheese. As the cheese melts, diners wrap the melted cheese around the ribs and enjoy them together.

74,000 won damage with 2 bottles of soju, enough for 3 people.

We walked around eating until we were tired lol 55 5 but it was fun. I hope that many people who are going to Korea will prepare themselves and their stomachs to try it out. When traveling abroad, I will use a simple trick to find delicious food: go to a restaurant that is crowded but small, you will usually find delicious food there. See you on the next trip, goodbye! Kamsahamnidaaaaaaaaaa

Thank you for reading.
[ About the Author ]

My name is "Kaew". I love traveling, exploring, and taking photos. I've been passionate about it since I was a child.

The reason I write reviews and create a Fanpage is to share my love with others.

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#south korea
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