A Culinary Journey Through Seoul — From Tradition to Modernity
Seoul is a city where long history meets modern sensibilities, offering a variety of gourmet experiences. Explore the culinary world of Seoul, from traditional Korean dishes to international cuisines.
🤖 Translated automatically by AI (GPT-4o-mini). Reviewed periodically.
From a Korean traveler's perspective, departing from Seoul/ICN.
Seoul is a city where long history meets modern sensibilities, offering a variety of gourmet experiences. Explore the culinary world of Seoul, from traditional Korean dishes to international cuisines.
Overview
- Traditional Korean Food: Gwangjang Market, Namdaemun Market, Hanok restaurants in Jongno
- Fusion Cuisine: Modern restaurants in Itaewon and Hongdae
- International Cuisine: Various international restaurants in Myeongdong and Gangnam
- Dessert Cafés: Popular cafés in Garosu-gil and Seongsu-dong
The Essence of Traditional Korean Cuisine
Essence of Traditional Korean Cuisine in Seoul · Wikimedia Commons
Gwangjang Market
Gwangjang Market is a representative traditional market in Seoul, where you can taste a variety of Korean dishes. Notably, the bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) and mayak gimbap (addictive rice rolls) are famous. As of 2026, a serving of bindaetteok costs about 5,000 KRW, while mayak gimbap is around 2,000 KRW per roll. Please note that restaurants in the market only accept cash, so be sure to bring some. The market is open from 9 AM to 9 PM, and it is closed every Sunday.
Namdaemun Market
Namdaemun Market is one of Korea's representative traditional markets, offering a variety of Korean dishes. The gukbap (soup with rice) and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) are particularly popular. As of 2026, a serving of gukbap costs about 7,000 KRW, while tteokbokki is around 3,000 KRW per serving. Similar to Gwangjang Market, restaurants here only accept cash, so prepare accordingly. The market operates from 9 AM to 9 PM and is closed every Sunday.
Hanok Restaurants in Jongno
Jongno features various restaurants serving traditional Korean cuisine. For instance, 'Euljiro Golbaengi' is famous for its golbaengi muchim (seasoned whelk) and makgeolli (rice wine), with golbaengi muchim priced at about 15,000 KRW per serving as of 2026. The restaurant is open from 5 PM to midnight and is closed on Mondays.
Modern Fusion Cuisine
Itaewon
Itaewon is a district filled with restaurants offering a variety of international and fusion cuisines. 'Buenos Aires' is well-known for its Argentine steak and wine, with steak costing about 30,000 KRW per serving as of 2026. The restaurant operates from 5 PM to midnight and is closed on Mondays.
Hongdae
Hongdae is popular among the younger crowd, featuring many trendy restaurants. 'Pizza Maru' is famous for its handmade pizzas and pastas, with pizzas priced at about 20,000 KRW per pie as of 2026. The restaurant is open from 11 AM to 11 PM and is closed on Sundays.
International Cuisine
Myeongdong
Myeongdong is a hub for various international cuisine restaurants. 'La Maison' is known for its French brunch and desserts, with brunch priced at about 15,000 KRW per serving as of 2026. The restaurant operates from 10 AM to 8 PM and is closed on Mondays.
Gangnam
Gangnam is densely populated with various international cuisine restaurants. 'Saigon' is popular for its Vietnamese pho and bun cha, with pho costing about 8,000 KRW per serving as of 2026. The restaurant is open from 11 AM to 10 PM and is closed on Sundays.
Dessert Cafés
Garosu-gil
Garosu-gil is known for its variety of dessert cafés. 'Café de Paris' is famous for its French macarons and cakes, with macarons priced at about 2,000 KRW each as of 2026. The café operates from 10 AM to 9 PM and is closed on Mondays.
Seongsu-dong
Seongsu-dong is filled with trendy cafés and dessert shops. 'Baking Studio' is popular for its handmade cookies and brownies, with cookies priced at about 1,500 KRW each as of 2026. The studio is open from 11 AM to 8 PM and is closed on Sundays.
Where to Stay
Seoul offers a variety of accommodation options. For example, 'Hotel Grace River' located in Myeongdong is popular for its convenient location and reasonable prices, with a night costing about 100,000 KRW as of 2026. Additionally, 'Guesthouse The Stay' located in Hongdae is suitable for young travelers, with a night costing about 50,000 KRW as of 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are there many restaurants in Seoul that only accept cash?
A. Yes, especially in traditional markets or small restaurants, many places only accept cash, so it's advisable to bring some.
Q. Do restaurants in Seoul require reservations?
A. Popular restaurants or those during weekend dinner hours may require reservations, so it's recommended to check before visiting.
Q. What time do restaurants in Seoul close?
A. Most restaurants close between 10 PM and midnight, but this can vary by location and day, so it's best to check before visiting.
Q. What is the hygiene status of restaurants in Seoul?
A. Most restaurants in Seoul maintain good hygiene standards, but it's advisable to carry hand sanitizer for personal hygiene.