Weโre going to explore the best places to eat in Seoul! When it comes to food, Seoul is a city that never sleeps and never stops sizzling. From sizzling BBQ to steamy bowls of comfort soup, buttery street snacks to minimalist cafรฉs, the city is a feast waiting to be devoured. Whether youโre planning your first trip or a return foodie pilgrimage, this list of the best places to eat in Seoul will take you straight to where the locals (and in-the-know travelers) go.
Here are 10 unforgettable places to eat in Seoul โ a mix of classic, trendy, and totally satisfying.
1. Tosokchon Samgyetang โ For Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup
๐ Near Gyeongbokgung Palace
A legendary spot for samgyetang, Koreaโs famous ginseng chicken soup. The broth is rich, the chicken tender, and the hanok setting makes it even better.
2. Cafe Onion Anguk โ For Coffee and Industrial Chic
๐ Anguk
Cafe Onion combines rustic design with artisan bread and world-class coffee. The pandoro and open-air courtyard make it a one of the best places to eat in Seoul.
3. Dotori Garden (๋ํ ๋ฆฌ์ ์) โ Hidden Gem in Anguk
๐ Anguk Station
Tucked away in a peaceful garden, Dotori Garden serves comforting Korean dishes in a traditional hanok atmosphere. Try the dotorimuk or grilled mackerel.
4. Hotteok Namdaemun Vegetable Stall โ Iconic Street Snack
๐ Namdaemun Market
This tiny stall draws massive lines for a reason. Their vegetable hotteok is crispy, chewy, and stuffed with a savory-sweet filling. Donโt miss it.
5. Doma in Hongdae โ For Serious Korean BBQ
๐ Hongdae
A cozy spot known for premium hanwoo beef and outstanding service. Itโs a go-to for traditional BBQ in the youthful heart of Hongdae and one of the best places to eat in Seoul.
6. Mibbedong (๋ฏธ์๋) โ The Udon Everyoneโs Talking About
๐ Yeonhui-dong
A quiet star among Seoulโs noodle joints. Their tempura udon is a hit with locals who line up daily โ simple, flavorful, and perfectly balanced.
7. Keunkiwajip (ํฐ๊ธฐ์์ง) โ Traditional Korean Home-Style Food
๐ Jongno-gu
Known for its hanok setting and beautifully prepared Korean comfort dishes. The grilled pork, raw crabs, and banchan here are especially loved.
8. Jin Ok Hwa Halmae Dakhanmari โ For Chicken Lovers
๐ Dongdaemun
One of Seoulโs best-kept food secrets. Dakhanmari โ a whole boiled chicken in broth โ is comforting, hearty, and great for sharing.
9. Gwangjang Market โ Street Food Paradise
๐ Jongno 5-ga
From mayak gimbap to mung bean pancakes and raw beef, Gwangjang is an epicenter of local eats. Bring your appetite and sense of adventure.
10. Sigol Bapsang (์๊ณจ๋ฐฅ์) โ All-You-Can-Eat Banchan
๐ Itaewon
This charming restaurant offers dozens of side dishes (banchan) with every meal. Itโs an authentic experience of Korean home dining at its finest.
Honorable Mentions: More Best Places to Eat in Seoul
1. Jaha Son Mandu (์ํ์๋ง๋) โ Seochon
Delicate handmade dumplings served in a peaceful hanok setting near Buam-dong. Try the mandu-jeongol (dumpling hotpot) and clear mandu soup.
2. Baeknyeon Tojong Samgyeopsal (๋ฐฑ๋ ํ ์ข ์ผ๊ฒน์ด) โ Mapo
Known for high-quality samgyeopsal (pork belly) grilled to perfection. Clean, efficient, and a favorite among meat lovers and a top best places to eat in Seoul.
3. Onjeongmi (์จ์ ๋ฏธ) โ Gangnam
A modern Korean bistro serving refined versions of classic dishes like bossam and doenjang jjigae in a minimalist, stylish space.
4. Isaac Toast โ Various Locations
A fun, fast, and filling breakfast sandwich chain beloved by locals and tourists alike. Kids especially love the sweet-salty combinations.
5. Tteokbokki Alley in Sindang-dong (์ ๋น๋๋ก๋ณถ์ดํ์ด)
The spiritual home of spicy tteokbokki (rice cakes) โ this alley is filled with restaurants offering different takes on the fiery snack.
6. Yukjeon Hoekwan (์ก์ ํ๊ด) โ Dongdaemun
Specializes in yukjeon (beef pancakes) and Korean-style raw beef (yukhoe). A carnivoreโs dream in a casual setting.
7. Sanchon (์ฐ์ด) โ Insadong
A temple food restaurant created by a former Buddhist monk. Offers serene atmosphere and beautifully plated vegan/vegetarian Korean dishes.
8. Gopchang Jeongol at Saebyukjip (์๋ฒฝ์ง) โ Gangnam
A 24-hour favorite for Korean gopchang jeongol (beef tripe stew) and hangover-curing dishes. Great for late-night eaters and K-drama fans.
9. Janguhjin (์ฅ์ด์ง) โ Itaewon
Specializes in eel BBQ, served marinated or plain over charcoal. Energizing, flavorful, and off the usual tourist radar.
10. Cheong Jin Ok (์ฒญ์ง์ฅ) โ Jongno
Historic restaurant famous for haejangguk (hangover stew). Locals line up for their rich ox-blood broth after a night out.
Final Tips for Foodies in Seoul
- Use Naver Map or KakaoMap in Korea for better GPS accuracy.
- Many restaurants are cash/card friendly, but bring cash for street food stalls.
- Plan to wait at popular spots โ the lines are part of the experience.
