This remarkable box, which can either be a single-order or an ongoing subscription, is packed with a variety of snacks and other exciting goodies directly sourced from South Korea. The service offers an intriguing way of exploring the Korean food culture from the comfort of your home.

Daebak’s SnackFever Box is not one-size-fits-all; it provides several snack box options tailored to cater to different preferences. The versatility of the subscription boxes ensures that everyone’s tastes are adequately addressed. Let’s delve into the various choices available:

1. Regular Box: Ideal for those new to Korean snacks, it typically contains a mix of 10-12 snacks and Korean ramen.

2. Deluxe Box: An upgrade from the regular box, it includes 15-20 items ranging from premium Korean snacks to fun cultural merchandises, and beauty products.

3. Halal Box: This is specially created for the Muslim customers, featuring snacks that are Halal certified.

Notwithstanding just snacks, Daebak also offers other subscription boxes to fully immerse you in Korean culture:

1. The Beauty Box: Pamper yourself with popular Korean skincare and beauty products.

2. The Drama Box: Get closer to your favorite K-drama with signature items from the shows, including jewelry, accessories and trinkets.

Whether it’s for an adventurous snack sampling or a gift to someone special, Daebak’s SnackFever offers an array of intriguing options. Dive in and enjoy a savory journey into the world of Korean snacks!

Introduction to Daebak

Daebak is a dynamic subscription-based service that curates and delivers boxes filled with popular Korean products directly to customers worldwide. Established in 2015, Daebak was created with the mission to promote Hallyu and Korean food culture to international enthusiasts. By moving their headquarters from Los Angeles to Seoul in 2018, Daebak strengthened its ties with Korean suppliers, ensuring access to the most recent and exceptional products for their subscribers.

The company provides its subscription boxes at a reasonable price, around $100 USD per quarter, presenting a cost-effective and distinctive opportunity for customers to experience Korean culture without having to leave their home.

Daebak collaborates with several of the most reputable companies in Korea to provide top-of-the-line items in their boxes. Premium cosmetic and skincare brands like Etude House and Mediheal are sourced to enhance your beauty routine. In the realm of food and home decor, industry leaders such as CJ, GS Retail, and Nara Home Deco are tapped to supply high-quality products.

Daebak currently provides their subscribers with two unique box services:

• SnackFever – SnackFever is a monthly subscription box committed to delivering 13 or more of the latest and tastiest Korean snacks every month. This box is ideally suited for culinary enthusiasts who crave an authentic taste of Korea, regardless of their geographical location.

• Daebak Box – The Daebak Box is a quarterly subscription box filled with more than 10 handpicked K-beauty, K-pop, K-drama, and K-fashion goodies. This sought-after subscription box is a fan favorite among those passionate about the multifaceted Korean culture. An added twist is that each month’s box is adorned with a different design, inspired by various Korean landscapes.

Seize the chance to make your Korean snack box purchase even more economical. Use the special discount code BEMARIEKOREA10 to enjoy a 10% price reduction on your order.

Daebak’s SnackFever Box: Your Korean Snack Paradise

If you are a fan of Korean culture, you know the value of a good snack while watching your favorite K-drama. With Daebak’s SnackFever box, you no longer have to worry about these cravings because now, you can have authentic Korean treats conveniently delivered straight to your doorstep! This monthly snack subscription box offers a wide range of Korean snacks, beverages, and meals ensuring you get to taste something different each time. Make your Korean show binge-watching sessions more flavorful and genuine with SnackFever box.

The SnackFever box caters to everyone and is available for monthly, yearly, and single-time purchases. Here is a deep-dive into what this incredible box offers:

SnackFever Subscription Box

The SnackFever Deluxe box is the upgraded version of the original, loaded with more scrumptious treats perfect for a midnight binge. It comes with a range of 10 to 13 distinctive snack and drink items. What makes the SnackFever box stand out is its consideration of the changing seasons. In the summer, for instance, chilled noodles replace the typical hot, spicy ramen, ensuring you have a flavorsome ride throughout the year.

However, please note, due to COVID-19 constraints, SnackFever boxes are presently shipping only to select countries including Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Taiwan, the U.S (excluding Guam and Puerto Rico), and Singapore.

Here’s a peak into the variety of snacks that you can expect in the Deluxe Box:

What Was Included:

Savory Snacks

• Sesame Crackers (하비스트) – A combination of wheat and sesame offering a moderately salty taste with a dash of butter.
• Dried Ramen Snack (미니뿌셔) – Savour raw ramen punched with a tasty beef seasoning.
• Shrimp Chips (구운새우) – Experience a taste of the Korean seaside with these flavorsome shrimp chips.

Sweet Snacks

• Cream Cookies (쿠크다스) – Enjoy soft cookies with a chocolate cream decoration and a sweet vanilla cream filling.
• Peach Tart Cookies (플랑) – Vanilla cookies packed with a sweet peachy jam filling.
• Granola Ppeppero Sticks (빼빼로) – Enjoy a hint of oats with the newest flavor of famous Ppeppero sticks.
• Lemon Cookies (사브레) – Savor the hard cookies with a delicate blend of sugar and lemon.
• Dalgona Crackers (달고나 짱구) – Relive the Dalgona Coffee Challenge with Dalgona crackers, flavored with traditional honeycomb dessert.

Meals

• Spicy Cold Noodles (비빔면) – Cook just like ramen, rinse with cold water and refrigerate for a delicious snack later!

Drinks

• Earl Grey Peach Ade – A refreshing blend of Earl Grey and Peach, perfect for a summer cooler.

Please be aware, several snacks included may not align with Halal, vegetarian, or vegan preferences. For more details regarding the ingredients, feel free to connect with the Daebak team through their contact forum.

SnackBox Fever Subscription Pricing and Shipping

The SnackBox Fever subscription offers a 12-month plan at $444 USD. This flexible pricing plan allows you to pay the full amount upfront or in 4 interest-free payments of $111 USD each. This amounts to $37 USD per month, saving you a full month’s worth of boxes. Remember, the subscription automatically renews itself every 12 months. To learn more about the cancellation and refund policies, refer to Daebak’s Terms of Service.

Boxes usually ship within 10 business days of order placement via DHL and FedEx, and you can expect them to arrive within 3-5 business days.

Students can consider taking advantage of the 10% discount offered by Daebak, and becoming a member of the Daebak family lets you earn Daebak rewards for additional discounts on purchases. Learn more about these benefits here and here.

Comprehensive Review

My experience with the SnackFever Deluxe Box was nothing short of exceptional. Even though I’ve spent considerable time living in Korea, the snack box presented a variety of fresh snack options I had not previously encountered. Initially, I was anticipating a cache of familiar treats. However, the folks at Daebak truly surpassed my expectations by incorporating the latest and most popular Korean snacks, prime examples being the delightful dalgona chips and the crunchy-granola Ppeppero!

What elevated my experience with the Daebak Subscription Box was the evident attention to detail. There was evident effort put into the packaging – it was not only robust and stylish but also ensured that the snacks arrived at my doorstep in perfect condition with no unfortunate breaks or damage. The selection of snacks seemed methodically planned to cater to varying tastes, with different flavor profiles represented. The standout for me was the authentic cup ramen – a must-have for anyone looking to embark on an authentic gastronomical journey through Korean snack culture.

If you’re curious or keen about immersing yourself in the Korean snack scene, subscribing to this service would be a fantastic place to start your adventure.

Loved this review of the Daebak Korean Snack Box? Don’t forget to pin it and share this discovery!

Have any queries about the Daebak Korean Snack Box? Ever tried this or another Korean snack box? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below.

Please note, this article is sponsored by Daebak. The reviews and views expressed here are subjective, based on my personal interactions and experiences.

The rich combination of ginseng, chicken, jujube, garlic, and glutinous rice that forms Samgyetang offers not only a burst of flavor but also provides wholesome nourishment. This being a common summer tradition among Koreans, it may lead one to question as to why they prefer a hot dish during the warmest days of the year. The answer lies in the Korean Sibok-Sibok principle, which has counterparts in other cultures as well. “Sibok-Sibok” entails consuming hot foods or drinks to cool the body during hot weather — it helps increase the body’s perspiration, ultimately cooling down the individual.

Below are some of the most recommended places in Seoul to taste the best Samgyetang:

• Tosokchon Samgyetang: This restaurant, near Gyeongbokgung Palace, is famous for its samgyetang. Tosokchon has become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. They’re well-known for their ginseng chicken soup, which they prepare from scratch using local ingredients.

• Baeknyeon Tojong Samgyetang: This place offers a delectable samgyetang dish and other traditional Korean cuisine. Their samgyetang broth contains medicinal herbs and is cooked for over 12 hours, resulting in a rich and flavorful soup.

• Jonga Jip: For the most affordable yet authentic samgyetang in town, head to Jonga Jip in Euljiro. Despite the affordable price, they don’t compromise the taste and authenticity of their dishes.

Each serving of Samgyetang manages to capture the essence of traditional Korean cuisine, making it a must-try dish for anyone looking to explore the gastronomy of Korea. So, even if you find it a bit counter-intuitive to consume hot food in the blazing summer, do like the Koreans do and “Fight Fire With Fire”.

Essential Points to Remember Before Travelling to Seoul

Before embarking on your journey to the vibrant city of Seoul, it’s crucial to keep in mind certain factors for a seamless and enriching experience.

• Discounts for Foreigners in Seoul Restaurants: Numerous dining establishments in Seoul offer enticing discounts to foreign tourists, provided they make their reservations online. An excellent platform to seize these discounts is Klook. Klook is a user-friendly website that boasts of a broad array of restaurants providing special offers for foreign visitors. By using Klook, you can not only save some money but also explore a wide variety of culinary delights in Seoul.

• Online Restaurant Reviews: In an effort to appreciate authentic Korean food at its finest, it helps to read fellow traveler’s reviews and recommendations. You can find detailed food blog posts about traditional Korean food and an exhaustive compilation of reviews about restaurants in Seoul on my blog, ‘Be Marie Korea.’ These posts give an in-depth understanding of various Korean dishes, popular eateries for tourists, and tips for a unique gastronomic journey in the city.

Please remember that these are initial guidelines to help you prepare your visit to Seoul. The city has much more to offer, and each day spent there can reveal significant cultural aspects, beautiful scenery, and delightful culinary experiences.

Understanding Korean Chicken Soup: A Historical and Cultural Evolution

Korean chicken soup, popularly known as Samgyetang, traces its roots to the era of The Three Kingdoms around 4 BC. During this period, the soup was made by simply boiling a whole chicken without any added seasoning, which was considerably different from the seasoned savory version we relish today.

It wasn’t until the Japanese occupation of Korea when the recipe saw significant changes. It was during this timeline that certain noble Korean families began the practice of infusing ginseng in boiled chicken, laying the foundation for modern-day Samgyetang. In 1950, following these alterations, the first-ever Samgyetang-specialized restaurant sprang up in the bustling capital city of Seoul.

Originally known as ‘계삼탕(Gyesamtang)’, the dish underwent a name alteration in 1960 to ‘삼계탕(Samgyetang)’, such a name change is evident of the ever-evolving Korean cuisine. Since then, Samgyetang skyrocketed in fame, and today it’s counted among Korea’s most iconic dishes.

Contemporary Preparation and Serving of Samgyetang

Today’s Samgyetang is a gastronomical delight that is not just pleasing to the taste buds but is also a feast to the eyes. The chickens are specifically reared to fit snugly into special small bowls in which the dish is served. The preparation process too has a unique charm. Prior to boiling, the chicken is stuffed with glutinous rice, a chestnut, a Korean dried date, and ginseng, and then slow-cooked. Once the dish is ready, the fall-off-the-bone chicken meat is a testament to the lengthy, meticulous cooking process.

Samgyetang: A Seasonal Delicacy and Post-Surgery Meal

Renowned for its high-calorie content, Samgyetang is highly sought-after during the three traditionally hottest days of the summer as per the lunar calendar. Korean locals flock to the widespread Samgyetang restaurants nationwide, firm in their belief that this hot soup replenishes nutritional losses incurred due to sweating amid the humid hot summers.

Beyond seasonal popularity, Samgyetang is recommended as an ideal post-surgery meal. Each ingredient is carefully selected for its health benefits, such as providing an energy boost, strengthening immunity, and aiding in recovery. Consuming Samgyetang post-surgery is beneficial for its nutritional composition, which contributes to hastening the healing process. Furthermore, its warm and comforting qualities make it a beloved choice among medical tourists in Korea. Combining the advantages of traditional medicine with the pleasure of relishing authentic Korean cuisine makes Samgyetang an integral part of their recovery routine.

The Best Samgyetang in Seoul

Seoul, in particular, is known for its abundant selection of samgyetang (Korean ginseng chicken soup) restaurants since the 1960s. Korean restaurants focusing on samgyetang go to great lengths adapting the traditional recipe to cater to the different preferences of customers. To appeal to the older generation, some restaurants incorporate Korean medicinal herbs into the soup. Other establishments serve samgyetang with a twist by adding abalone for a more savory taste. A growing number of these restaurants emphasize using high-quality chicken for an elevated dining experience. In response to the evolving culinary landscape, here are Seoul’s top five samgyetang joints, each its own rendition of the delicacy:

Dining tip: The soup can be extremely hot when it arrives at your table. To avoid burning your mouth, divide the chicken into separate pieces and set them aside in another dish to cool off. You can incorporate salt, pepper, or even kimchi juice for added spiciness.

1. Tosokchon Samgyetang Seoul (토속촌 삼계탕)

The reputed Tosokchon Samgyetang is situated close to the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace. Set in a traditional Hanok-style architecture, the restaurant radiates a homely ambiance thanks to its numerous cozy rooms. Established as one of Seoul’s most celebrated samgyetang restaurants, Tosokchon is virtually a culinary landmark in the city. The establishment delivers a captivating culinary experience by introducing chestnuts to the soup for a sweet, nutty aroma. Patrons are also treated to a complimentary cup of Insamju (Ginseng Liquor) before their meal for an authentic Korean dining experience.

• Address: 5 Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Sajik-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• Price: 16,000 KRW
• Opening Times: Every day from 10:00 AM – 22:00 PM

2. Goryeo Samgyetang (고려삼계탕)

Having set up shop in 1960, Goryeo Samgyetang bears the distinction of being Korea’s oldest samgyetang restaurant. It has also earned a recommendation in the Michelin Guide for Seoul. The restaurant serves a classic samgyetang in a traditional soup bowl, incorporating ginseng, garlic, dates, and a mix of herbs. A small shot of ginseng accompanies the samgyetang dishes. Other unique variations on the menu include a soup enriched with abalone or wild ginseng.

• Address: 1 Seosomun-ro 11-gil, Seosomun-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Price: The prices range from 16,000 – 22,000 KRW depending on the dish
• Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 21:00 PM

3. Gang-Wonjeong (강원정)

Originally opened in 1978 by a North Korean lady, Damoa Gang-Wonjeong has become famous for its distinctive samgyetang recipe, which includes sweet rice, dates, chestnuts, ginkgo nuts, ginseng, and whole garlic cloves stuffed inside the chicken. The soup is garnished with a smattering of shredded spring onions, sunflower seeds, and black sesame seeds. The stand-out feature of the establishment is that it only uses chickens aged a minimum of 50 days.

• Address: 13-10 Wonhyo-ro, 89-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
• Price: The average cost of the dishes is 14,000 KRW
• Hours of Operation: 11:30 AM – 20:30 PM with a break period from 15:00 PM to 17:00 PM

4. Hosu Samgyetang (호수 삼계탕)

Hosu Samgyetang sets itself apart by serving a soup that more closely resembles a ginseng chicken stew or porridge. This complex taste comes courtesy of added perilla seed powder and glutinous rice powder, giving the soup more body. The one dish on the menu is perilla seed samgyetang, so ordering is straightforward. Alongside the soup, guests are served fresh peppers and cucumbers. The restaurant has gained such popularity that it now operates a second location in Seoul, expanding its reach from Yeongdeungpo to the stylish Gangnam district.

• Address: 342-325, Singil-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
• Price: The samgyetang is priced at 15,000 KRW
• Opening times: 11:00 AM – 21:30 PM, with last orders accepted at 21:00 PM

5. Baekje Samgyetang (백제 삼계탕)

Baekje is another samgyetang restaurant known for serving its soup with a shot of ginseng liquor. Patrons can either take the shot directly or pour it into their soup for a more potent ginseng flavor. Conveniently located in Myeongdong, the restaurant is particularly popular with foreign visitors. It has been recognized in numerous television programs, publications, and travel guides appealing to tourists from countries like Japan and China.

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• Address: 30-1 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Price: The dishes start at 15,000 KRW
• Opening Hours: Every day from 9:00 AM – 22:00 PM

Samgyetang Cooking Classes in Seoul

Enrich your travel experience in Seoul by not only indulging in the local delicacies but also learning to whip them up yourself! Savour the taste of the classic Korean dish, Samgyetang, in Seoul’s patchwork of eating spaces, or better yet, enroll in a cooking class and master the culinary skills to prepare it back home. Below is an in-depth review of some of the most popular cooking classes in Seoul, particularly those with a focus on the art of preparing Samgyetang. Additionally, here’s a sneak-peak into the classes dedicated to crafting other Korean dishes.

Explore Korean Culinary Arts with Samgyetang Cooking Classes

For those yearning to understand and imitate the art of Korean cuisine, embarking on a Samgyetang cooking class in Seoul can be a riveting experience. Samgyetang, an age-old Korean soup, boasts a rich concoction of a whole chicken, filled to the brim with ginseng, jujubes, garlic, and glutinous rice, stewed in an aromatic broth.

In these cooking classes, participants gain hands-on experience in preparing the chicken, packing it with the specified ingredients, and simmering it until it reaches savory perfection. Moreover, these lessons provide insight into the therapeutic attributes of the soup components, known to enhance energy levels and fortify immunity. With a refreshed understanding of Korean culinary traditions and an array of impressive cooking techniques, you’ll undoubtedly be able to replicate this magnificent recipe back home.

Immerse in Delectable Experiences with these Samgyetang Cooking Classes:

• Hongdae Cooking Class: Trazy delivers unique evening cooking classes situated near Hongdae Station. In the course of the three-hour-long class, you’ll not only acquire the skills to create Samgyetang but also the popular dish Kimchi. Culminating the session, embark on a tour of a local conventional market under the guidance of your instructor. For further details and prices, click here.

• Gangnam Cooking Class: Situated in Janet’s Cooking Studio in Gangnam, this extensive 4-5 hour class is a sensational excursion into the world of Korean cuisine. Alongside Janet, engage in the selection of fresh ingredients from a nearby market for the dish of the day. To tailor your lessons to your interests, ensure you convey your preferences beforehand. For additional information and prices, visit this link.

Try Your Hand at Other Signature Korean Dishes

Moving beyond Samgyetang, why not expand your culinary repertoire by venturing into making other staple Korean dishes?

• Insadong Cooking Class: Each day brings a unique recipe to the table, from seafood pancakes and tofu stew kicking off the week, to Bibimbap and salads on Wednesday. For those seeking a deeper dive, join the Monday or Wednesday intermediate classes featuring Korean BBQ and temple cuisine, respectively. For class schedules and prices, see here.

• Myeongdong Cooking Class: Within the span of one hour, this class in Myeongdong specializes in making Kimchi and Tteokbokki. Post-class, participants can choose to wear a traditional Korean Hanbok. More price details are available here.

• Bukchon Village Cooking Class: This class set in Bukchon Village grants you the choice to prepare classic dishes such as bibimbap, seafood pancakes, or Bulgogi. For pricing information and more, see here.

Recipe: Make Korean Chicken Ginseng Soup At Home

Can’t make a trip to Seoul to learn how to make Samgyetang? Worry not! There is a myriad of easy-to-follow recipes that’ll guide you on a delightful culinary tour to create this soulful, traditional Korean dish in the comfort of your home.

1. Samgyetang Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Required Ingredients

For the stuffing of the chicken, you would require:

• Sweet Rice
• Korean Ginseng
• Garlic Cloves
• Dried Jujube
• Ginkgo Nuts
• Chestnuts

Method of Preparation

Samgyetang preparation involves easy and clear-cut steps. Initially, the chicken requires thorough cleaning before filling it up with a concoction of glutinous rice, garlic, and ginseng. Following this, the stuffed chicken is then placed in a pot brimming with water and other ingredients like jujube, ginger, and scallions. The mixture should be simmered for about an hour until the chicken is cooked to perfection and turns tender.
Lastly, the steaming hot samgyetang is ready to be served, decorated with a dash of finely chopped scallions and a pinch of salt for the perfect tangy kick.

For an interactive learning experience and more information, check out this detailed Samgyetang recipe at My Korean Kitchen.. This user-friendly recipe is sure to help you concoct a wonderfully delicious Samgyetang that satiates your appetite and invigorates your soul.

Are you a fan of this post about the finest Korean samgyetang restaurants in Seoul? Why not pin it to refer back to later?

Have you dined at any of these popular Korean chicken soup with ginseng restaurants in Seoul? Or perhaps you have queries about sourcing the best Samgyetang in Seoul? Do you have suggestions for remarkable restaurants that should be incorporated into this list? Please share your thoughts, experiences, and suggestions in the comment section below. Your input will be invaluable for others planning their culinary journey in Seoul.

Grocery stores in Korea are an integral part of the country’s food culture. Known for their impeccable cleanliness, variety of fresh produce, and affordable prices, Korean grocery stores cater to the needs of both locals and expats.

Supermarkets like E-mart, Lotte Mart, and Homeplus dominate the market, offering everything from fruits, vegetables, and meats to household items, electronics, and clothing.

In addition to large chain stores, smaller neighborhood markets such as traditional outdoor markets (known as “jangteom”) and convenience stores (such as CU and GS25) are also popular. These smaller stores offer quick and convenient shopping experiences, often open 24 hours a day, and provide essential items for daily life.

The popularity of online grocery shopping has also grown rapidly in recent years, with many stores offering online ordering and delivery services. Overall, grocery stores in Korea offer a unique and diverse shopping experience that reflects the country’s food culture and values.

Things To Know About Grocery Stores In Korea

• Membership cards: you can get a membership card at any of the supermarkets listed below. If you are a frequent visitor, this card will help you save points and get extra discounts.
• Closing days: every major supermarket is closed on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month.
• Delivery service: if you go shopping to a major supermarket, you can have your shopping bags delivered to your house if you buy over a certain amount of money (in Emart the minimum is 50 000 krw)
• Tax refunds: many supermarkets offer Tax refunds for tourists who buy over 30 000 won or more.
• Food courts: every single major supermarket has a food court attached to it and the food is pretty good, so if you are hungry, why not give it a try.
• Plastic bags: plastic bags are not free in South Korean supermarkets, so why not bring your own reusable shopping bag?
• Online groceries: Are you stuck in quarantine? Can’t go out for getting your groceries or are just feeling lazy? Then you can easily order groceries online. Click here for more info about ordering groceries online and having them delivered to your house.

Major Grocery Stores In Korea

There are 4 main Korean grocery store chains in South Korea, all sell a similar type of products and their prices are competitive. You probably want to pick your go-to grocery store based on where you are located and which grocery store is the closest to you. If you are based in Seoul, you probably find many different franchise grocery stores in Seoul of which you can pick from. In smaller cities, the variety of stores is way smaller. If you are looking for the closest Korean grocery store near you, just search in Google for ‘Korean grocery stores near me’.

1. Lotte Mart

Lotte Mart is a huge company in Korea that has owns all kinds of businesses including Lotte Mart, Lotte Department Store, Lotte World, Lotte Hotel and much more. In Lotte Mart you’ll find a wide range of groceries, clothing, toys, electronics and much more. If you are shopping in Lotte Mart, you’ll definitely get some great discounts. What’s great about Lotte is that they offer a selection of different brands but also their house brand Lotte. Must try Lotte products are Binch Cookies, Choco Pies, Custard Cream Cakes, 2% Peach Drink, Milkis Strawberry Drink and much more.

It is said that one of the best places to buy good quality meat is Lotte Mart.

Some unique things to buy in Lotte Mart are tteokbokki crackers, binggrae banana flavoured milk, orion moist and chewy cake, seaweed and much more!

You can sign up for a special Lotte Membership card at any information desk in the Lotte Department stores. Click here find out how to use the L.Points.

When shopping at Lotte Mart, you can ask for domestic and even international EMS delivery (depending on the Lotte Mart).

Find all the Lotte Mart locations here.

Apart from big Lotte grocery stores, there are also many Lotte Korean mini marts.

2. Emart

Emart is part of the Shinsegae group and is one of the largest retailers in South Korea. It was first founded in 1993 and is therefor the oldest supermarket chain in the country. You can buy almost everything in Emart including groceries, clothes, cosmetics, pet supplies, gardening tools, electronics and toys.

Some must buy Emart items are dried seaweed, instant coffee, No Brand products, western brands and western alcohol.

Sign up for a Shinsegae membership which will help you save points and give you extra discounts. Click here for more info about the Shinsegae membership program.

If you buy over 50 000 krw at Emart you are legible for free delivery (limited to certain areas). Some Emarts have multiple floors and are considered to be some of the biggest grocery stores in Korea.

Find all the Emart locations here.

3. Homeplus

Established in 1999 by Samsung and Tesco. The original name of the supermarket chain was Samsung Tesco but this was changed over time and Homeplus is now the 2nd biggest retailer in South Korea. You can buy anything in Homeplus from groceries, toys, furniture, clothing, toys, electronics and more.

Just like the supermarkets listed above, Homeplus also has its own membership program. You can easily sign up for the membership program at any information desk in Homeplus. Click here for more info about My Homeplus.

You can have your groceries delivered to your house after shopping in Homeplus. The cost is 3000 krw for purchases under 40 000 krw and free for purchases over 40 000 krw.

Find all Home Plus locations here.

4. Costco

You all know Costco as being a popular American supermarket chain, but Costco has no less than 16 stores in South Korea (with 9 of them being in Seoul). It is a super popular store among Koreans but only people with a membership can enter the store. The price of the Costco membership starts are 33 000 krw and can be used in any Costco around the world!

The products available at Costco are quire different from what you can buy in any other Korean grocery store and visiting a Costco is a unique shopping experience in its own. You can literally buy anything in Costco and you can buy it in bulk including all kinds of groceries, toys, foreign products, electronics, furniture and much more!

If you are looking for unique things to buy in Costco Korea then make sure to try one of the following items bulgogi bake, terarosa coffee or dried fish.

Find all Costco locations here.

5. No Brand

The No Brand chain is relatively new compared to all the chains mentioned above and is part of the same Shinsegae group as Emart. You can compare No Brand with Lidl or Aldi as it is the cheapest grocery store in Korea. The brand focuses on selling simple products and here are some must buy items: Choco Ring Cereal, Purple Sweet Potato Chips and Chocolate Chip Cookies.

The stores are pretty small compared to the huge chains mentioned above but you can buy all the groceries you need, including house hold items, groceries, home decoration, clothing and more.

6. Department Stores

Department stores in Korea are highly popular and well-known for their top-notch quality products, excellent customer service, and luxurious shopping experience. These department stores offer a wide range of products including clothing, cosmetics, electronics, home appliances, and much more. Some of the most popular department stores in Korea include Lotte Department Store, Shinsegae Department Store, and Hyundai Department Store. These stores are not only known for their high-end products, but also for their amazing food courts and restaurants that offer a wide range of delicious Korean and international cuisines. Additionally, department stores in Korea often hold various events and promotions, making them a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

Small Grocery Stores In Korea

Like every country, Korea has a bunch of small grocery stores that sell the every day groceries like veggies, fruit, dairy, bread, cleaning products, meat, etc. As fruit can be quite expensive in major supermarkets, it is highly recommended to buy your fruit in smaller fruit stores or marts.

Korean Convenience Stores

If you just need some small items (instant food, snacks, beer, soju, makgeolli, dairy, drinks) you can get them at convenience stores (any time, any day). They are a bit more expensive than supermarkets and grocery stores but they are extremely convenient. Listed below are some of the most popular chains.

1. GS25

One of the number 1 convenience store chains in Korea. You can literally find one on every corner of every street. Some must try items in GS25 are Orion Chocopie House, Pengsoo Half and Half Gimbab, strawberry tart, porridge and Viyott.

Get yourself a GS25 membership and enjoy exclusive deals and additional discounts. Click here to find out more about the membership program.

2. CU

CU is another very popular convenience store chain which can be found all over the country. It is owned by BGF retail and was established when the Family Mart franchise licence ended. Some must try items in CU are macarons, smoked chicken thigh and dumpling with ultrathin dough skin and fillings.

Sign up for a CU membership here and enjoy additional discounts.

3. 7-Eleven

7/11 or 7-Eleven is an American convenience store chain which can be found all over the world and especially in Asian countries. In South Korea, 7-Eleven partnered up with Lotte, which means you can use your L.Point Lotte Membership in 7/11 convenience stores.

Click here for more information about the membership.

4. Emart24

Emart24 is a relatively new convenience store and is like Emart, part of the Shinsegae group, so you can use your Shinsegae membership card in this convenience store. Many of the product which you can buy in Emart24 are from the Emart housebrand No Brand. One of the yummiest things to try is the Sweet Potato Mochi.

Click here for more info about the membership program.

5. Ministop

This is probably the least popular convenience store and they have way less venues than all the other franchises. Ministop is actually part of the Japanese Group ÆON. The first Ministop opened in Korea in 1990.

Traditional Markets In Korea

The last option to get all your groceries is to go to a traditional market. You can find at least one traditional market in every city and each traditional market has its own speciality. The prices of food items at these type of markets are usually way cheaper than any supermarket or mart.

Some of the most famous markets in South Korea are:

• Gwangjang Market – One of the oldest and biggest covered traditional markets in Seoul. You’ll find a lot of street food vendors but also lots of Korean food or fermented and dried products.
• Noryangjin Market – The biggest fish market in Seoul! If you are looking to buy good quality fish at a reasonable price, this is the place to be. It is definitely a unique experience to visit this place.
• Garak Market – Garak Market is one of the biggest wholesale markets in Seoul. you can buy every kind of fruit, vegetable, meat or fish and you can buy it in bulk. Click here for more info about Garak Market.
• Jeju Dongmun Traditional Market – The most popular traditional market in Jeju and you’ll find a lot of very local Jeju products, like seafood, omegi-tteok, hallabong or gogi-guksu.
• Suwon Paldalmun Market – This market is absolutely huge and it includes 9 different parts. Suwon Paldalmun market is famous for its red peppers.

Frequently Asked Questions

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When thinking about Myeongdong, the first things popping to mind are street food, cosmetic stores and an abundance of restaurants and cafes. Myeongdong is the place to go for food after a long day of sightseeing. Read on to find what to eat in Myeongdong and the best restaurants in Myeongdong on this Korea food travel guide.

About Myeongdong

Myeongdong is an area in Seoul between Chungmu-ro, Eulji-ro, and Namdaemun-ro, 3 major stations in Seoul. It is known for being one of the main tourism districts especially when it comes to shopping, restaurants and accommodation. The main things to do in Myeongdong are Nanta performance and Myeongdong Cathedral. Nanta is a famous Korean cooking performance that involves all kinds of acrobatics, magic tricks and a lot of humour. It is easy to reach Myeongdong from all parts of Seoul and from Incheon Airport. Check how to go to Myeongdong station here.

Best Restaurants In Myeongdong Seoul

The central area, Myeongdong is filled with restaurants and food carts during the Myeongdong night market, serving foreign and Korean food. The quality differs quite a bit between the different Myeongdong food stalls and restaurants, so make sure to check in advance. Eating Myeongdong street food at the Myeongdong street market, as delicious as it might look, is not recommended in this area. A better market to eat Korean street food is Gwangjang Market.

Many hidden local restaurants serving Korean cuisine can be found in the area, serving traditional Seoul food. Including kalguksu, gomtang, seolleongtang, dumplings, bbq, chicken, etc. Many foreign food restaurants can also be found in Myeongdong. This food guide focuses on introducing recommended food in Myeongdong

TIP! To make it easier for foreign guests, there is a website that allows you to reserve and choose your menu online in advance. This will save you from having to communicate in Korean.

What To Eat In Myeongdong: Korean Food

Many Korean food restaurants are located in the Myeongdong area. Read on for a list of the Myeongdong best food.

If you are looking for cheap restaurants in Myeongdong, then stick to Korean food. The local restaurants are very affordable and serve very delicious food.

1. Myeongdong Kyoja

Myeongdong Kyoja has two branches of the same restaurant in the same street in Myeongdong. The Myeongdong restaurant is specialized in Korean knife cut noodles and dumplings. This family owned restaurant has been running since 1966 and was featured on multiple talk shows, including TvN Wednesday Food Talk.

This is one of the best Kalguksu in Myeongdong, make sure to try its signature dish, the kalguksu. Extra rice and noodles is free. This is honestly some of the best food in Myeongdong.

Rating: 9/10
Address: 29 Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu
Opening Times: 10:30 – 21:30
Main menu: Kalguksu / 칼국수, Mandu / 만두, Bibimguksu / 비빔국수, Kongguksu / 콩국수

2. Halmeoni Guksu

A local Korean restaurant in a back alley of the vibrant Myeongdong. The small restaurant which is quite popular among locals is the perfect place to go for lunch or light dinner. Especially for travelers that are looking to try local ‘old’ restaurants.
Even though this restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes, the guksu is a must try. There are different types of guksu available, but the original or tofu guksu are by far the best.

Prices for the noodles go as low as 4500 won, which includes one main dish and two side dishes. Other dishes on the menu are jeons, all sorts of rice dishes and different stews.

Rating: 7/10
Address: 17-3, Myeongdong 9-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul / 서울 중구 명동9길 17-3
Opening Times: 06:00 – 21:00
Main menu: halmeoni guksu /할머니국수, kim mari /김말이, dubu guksu /두부국수, tteokboki /떡볶이, kimbap / 김밥

3. Hadongkwan

Hadong Kwan, a family-owned restaurant located on a bustling side street in Myeong-dong, has been welcoming customers since 1939 with its signature beef bone soup. Served in traditional brass bowls, this hearty dish features rice in piping hot broth that’s been simmered to perfection, boasting a rich sweetness derived from hours of slow-cooking beef. Operating with a no-frills approach, this restaurant opens its doors early in the morning and stays open until the last drop of soup is savored.

Renowned for its culinary legacy, Hadong Kwan stands as one of Seoul’s oldest dining destinations. Recognized in the Michelin Guide and celebrated throughout the Myeongdong district, it has garnered widespread acclaim. Additionally, with four other branches scattered across Seoul, the legacy of Hadong Kwan continues to enchant diners citywide.

The restaurant specializes in serving Gomtang, which is a Korean style beef broth soup served with slices of the brisket and beef intestines.

Rating: 8,5/10
Address: 12 Myeongdong 9-gil, Jung-gu
Opening Times: 07:00 – 16:00 (Closed on holidays and 1st & 3rd Sundays of the month)
Main menu: Gomtang /곰탕, suyuk 수육

4. Gangnam Myeonok

A cozy and simple traditional Korean restaurant. A must go place for eating Galbi Jjim, which are braised short ribs. The meat is extremely tender and just falls of the bone. Another branch is located in Garosugil, Gangnam. Together with the galbi, order Naengmyeon, which is Korean cold noodles. The restaurant was featured in the Korean variety show ‘Return of Superman’.

Rating: 8/10
Address: Seoul, Jung-gu, Myeongdong 1(il)-ga, 48-2
Opening Times: 11:00 – 22:00
Main menu: Galbitang /갈비탕, galbijjim / 갈비찜, manduguk / 만두국, naengmyeon /냉면

5. Juyubyeoljang Myeongdong

This Korean fusion pub restaurant is well known for its variety of fusion drinks available, including makgeolli, makgeolli slush and mojito soju. If you are looking to drink modern traditional Korean alcohol and have some pub food at the same time, this is the place to go! The modern interior give this restaurant an upscale feel.

Rating: 8/10
Address: 100 Toegye-ro, Hoehyeondong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening Times: Weekday 11:30 – 23:30 (break time 15:00-17:30); Weekend 12:00 – 24:00
Main menu: 고추장닭불고기밥 / gochujang dalgbul gogi bap, gamjajeon / 감자전, 꽃게살양념비빔밥 / kkotgesal yangnyeom bibimbab, hangjeongsalgu-issam / 항정살구이쌈, 리코타 치즈 떡볶이 / ricotta cheese tteokboki, 전 / jeon, makgeolli / 막걸리

6. Miseongok

Hidden in the back alleys of Myeongdong, this Seollongtang restaurant is most popular among local Korean workers. The restaurant has been open since 1966 and still looks the same as when it just opened. An old style restaurant serving amazing Seolleongtang. This is perfect for breakfast or lunch as the soup is very light.

Rating: 8,5/10
Address: 54-5 Myeongdong 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul.
Opening Times: 06:00 – 22:00
Main menu: Seollongtang / 설렁탕, Suyuk / 수육

7. Yoogane Myeongdong

Yoogane Myeongdong serves yummy spicy Korean fried chicken dishes. The dishes know as dakgalbi are served with vegetables, rice, rice cakes, gochujang sauce and other ingredients. The restaurant is very cheap and filling.

There are two branches of the same restaurant located in the same street. The two restaurants are basically the same.

Rating: 8/10
Address: 7-4, Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu Seoul
Opening Times: 10:30 – 23:00
Main menu: Dak galbi / 닭갈비, Dak galbi cheolpanbokk eumbab 닭갈비 철판볶음밥

8. Myeongdong Hamheung Myeonok

Naengmyeon is a very popular Korean dish during the summer months, especially the mul naengmyeong which has crushed ice in it. This restaurants serves different kinds of cold noodles. If you are visiting Seoul during summer and looking for a way to cool down, then this is the place to go! The buckwheat noodles are thin and the broth is really thick and tasty.

Rating: 8,5/10
Address: 35-19 Myeongdong 10-gil, Myeongdong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
Opening Times: 09:30 – 21:30
Main menu: hwi naengmyeon 회냉면, mul naengmyeon / 물냉면, bibim naengmyeon 비빔냉면

9. Chadol Bakhin Jjukkumi

This restaurant is especially for spicy food lovers. This restaurant serves stir fried beef brisket, baby octopus and some kind of cheese fondue. On most weekends there is a massive queue outside the restaurant.

The most popular item on the menu is Hajjoo flame grilled special (차쭈 스페셜 직화구이). Other dishes are baby octopus stir fry, fish cake stews and Myeongdong dumplings.

Rating: 8,5/10
Address: 7-3 Namsandong 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
Opening Times: 11:00 – 23:00
Main menu: Chajju bulgogi / 차쭈불고기, Chajju gui 차쭈 구이, Jjukkumi bibimbap / 쭈꾸미 비빔밥, muppyeodalkbal hanjeobsi / 무뼈닭발 한접시

What To Eat In Myeongdong: Foreign Food

Between all the Korean restaurants are many foreign food restaurants, this ranges from Taiwanese, Chinese to American style hamburgers or pizza.

1. The Sic-ddang

The Sic-Ddang restaurant serves all kinds of fusion food, including pizzas, lobster and a couple of Korean dishes like bulgogi and naenguksu. If you are travelling with your loved one, opt for the couple set, which lets visitors try different kinds of dishes;

Rating: 7,5/10
Address:  36 Myeongdong 10-gil, Myeong-dong
Opening Times: 11:00 – 23:00
Main menu: Lobster / 랍스타, Gorgonzola Pizza / 고르곤졸라 화덕피자, Bulgogi / 불고기, Naenguksu / 냉국수

2. Myeongdong Donkaseu

This Donkaseu restaurant is famous for its thick and very crunchy batter. Two kinds of cutlets are available: pork and seafood. This restaurant is very suitable for solo travelers, as they can be seated at the bar on the ground floor. The restaurant was founded in 1983 and has been featured in many TV shows. This is a must try restaurants in Myeongdong.

Rating: 9/10
Address: 59-13 Myeongdong 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening Times: 11:00-21:30 ; Sunday 11:00 – 21:00
Main menu: Cordon bleu / 코돈부루, Rosukaseu / 로스가스, Hirekasu / 히레가스, Saengseonkasu / 생선가스, Saeuhurai / 새우후라이,

3. Battery Park

Battery Park is a fusion Korean – Italian restaurant. The somewhat unexpected dishes are extremely delicious. Main dishes on the menu are pizzas, burgers, pasta dishes and risotto. This is a good option when craving for Italian food.

Rating: 8,5/10
Address: 88, Hoehyeon-dong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea
Opening Times: 11:00 – 22:00 (Break time 15:00 – 17:00)
Main menu: Pasta / 파스타, Pizza / 파스타, Burger / 버거, Maekju (beer) 맥주, Risotto / 리조토

4. Din Tai Fung

The giant Din Tai Fung restaurant is a Taiwanese restaurant specializing in xiao long bao dumplings. The restaurant is located in the same building a the Hotel28 Myeongdong. Other dishes are soups, stir fried rice and spicy meat dishes. When visiting Din Tai Fung, ordering dumplings are a must.

Rating: 7,5/10
Address: 13 Myeongdong 7-gil, Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
Opening Times: 11:00 – 22:00
Main menu: Xiao long bao /샤오롱바오, mandu / 만두

5. Inaniwa Yosuke

Address: 6 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
Opening Times: Weekdays 11:00 – 14:00 & 17:00 – 23:00; Saturday 11:00 – 14:00  & 17:00 – 23:00. Closed on Sundays
Main menu: Udon /우동, Yeoneo salad / 연어 샐러드, Karaage / 카라아게, ebi cream croquette / 에비크림 고로케, yasai tempura / 야사이 텐푸라

6. Haidilao

This Chinese style restaurant solely focuses on serving shabu shabu hot pot. Each of the tables in the huge restaurant has its own built in hot pot which can be used to cook the vegetables and meat. It is a little pricier than other restaurants as you’ll end up paying around 25 000 won person.

Upon arrival there is a waiting area where you can have some popcorn, snacks and even have your nails done! A must try when in Seoul.

Address: 78 Namdaemun-ro, Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul,
Opening Times: 10:00 – 03:00
Main menu:  Shabu shabu – set menu with various vegetables, meat, noodles, etc.

7. James Chicago Pizza

Address: 22-12 Chungmuro 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
Opening Times: 11:00 -23:00
Main menu: Pasta / 파스타, Pizza / 파스타, Risotto / 리조토

8. Myeongdong Croquette 32G

A Myeongdong must eat!

Address: 83 Myeongdong-gil, Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
Opening Times: 08:30 – 18:00 (Break time 11:00 – 12:00 ; Closed on Mondays)
Main menu: gamja croquette 감자고로케, pat croquette 팥고로케, yakche croquette 야채고로케, cream cheese croquette 크림 치즈

9. KITCHEN LAB

A Myeongdong must eat Italian cuisine restaurant in the heart of the shopping district. KITCHEN LAB serves everything from authentic steak, pasta, and pizza. Special sets are available for 2 to 3 people.

Address: 35-20, Myeongdong 10st, Jung-gu, Seoul
Opening Times: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Main Menu: Steak, pasta, pizza
Online Reservations: here

Halal Food In Myeongdong

A list of all the certified Halal restaurants in Seoul was created by the government. Browse to the official list of premises here. Many non-certified restaurants have signs saying they serve Halal food. The restaurants listed below are Muslim friendly, please make sure to check to official Halal website in case of doubts.

1. Myongdongjeong

Address: 1F, 299, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
Opening Times: 11:00 ~ 23:00 (Reservation required)
Main menu: Myongdong Jeongsik, Gwibinsang, Surasang

2. Hamchoganjanggejang

Address: B1F, 27, Myeongdong 8ga-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Opening Times: 11:00 ~ 23:00
Main menu: Ganjanggejang, Ganjanggejang Set, Haemultang, Hamul Pajeon

3. Taj

Address: 1F, 299, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
Opening Times: 11:00 ~ 23:00 (Reservation required)
Main menu: Myongdong Jeongsik, Gwibinsang, Surasang

4. Gurkha Restaurant

Address: 73, Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Opening Times: 11:30-22:00(Break time 14:30-17:30)
Main menu: Chicken tikka masala, Chicken biryani, Tandoori chicken

Korean BBQ Myeongdong

Below is a list of the best Korean BBQ in Myeongdong. BBQ is a must eat in Myeongdong. Different restaurants from self grilling to having staff grill your meat can be found in the area.

1. Wangbijib

Address: 13 Myeongdong 9-gil, Myeong-dong, Seoul
Opening Times: 11:30 – 23:00
Main menu: yangnyeom wang galbi / 양념왕갈비, ansim hanwoo saengdeungsim / 안심한우 생등심,, chadolbag ijeongsik /  차돌박이정식

2. Yuk Tong Ryeong

This myeongdong BBQ restaurant serves Jeju black pig meat. If you haven’t tried Jeju black pig before than this is the best BBQ in Myeongdong.

Address: 37-2 Myeongdong 8na-gil, Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
Opening Times: 11:30 – 00:30
Main menu:  heuk dwaeji ogyeopsal / 흑돼지 오겹살, gajeongsik myeongpum kimchi jjigae jeong sik / 가정식 명품김치찌개정식, heukdwaeji moksal / 흑돼지 목살, heuk dwaeji sogeumgui / 흑돼지 소금구이, samgyeopsal 삼겹살

Breakfast In Myeongdong

Don’t know what to eat in Myeongdong for breakfast, read on for the best recommendations.

1. Miseongok

Hidden in the back alleys of Myeongdong, this Seollongtang restaurant is most popular among local Korean workers. The restaurant has been open since 1966 and still looks the same as when it just opened. An old style restaurant serving amazing Seolleongtang. This is perfect for breakfast or lunch as the soup is very light.

Rating: 8,5/10
Address: 54-5 Myeongdong 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul.
Opening Times: 06:00 – 22:00
Main menu: Seollongtang / 설렁탕, Suyuk / 수육
Trip Advisor Reviews: here

2. Isaac Toast

Rating: 7/10
Address: 105 Toegye-ro, Chungmuro 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
Opening Times: 07:00 – 20:00 (closed on Sundays)
Main menu: toast

3. Migabon

Address: 56 Myeongdong-gil, Myeongdong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
Opening Times: 08:00 – 22:00
Main menu: porrige

Cafes In Myeongdong

1. Cafe Kinnor

Brunch and desserts, that’s what Cafe Kinnor specializes in. This is a popular and very cozy breakfast, brunch and coffee place. The recommended dish is their pancakes or a traditional style Patbingsu (Korean Ice flakes). The last one is a very popular Korean dessert that is served with different toppings.

Address: 1-2F, 2-2, Myeongdong 2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
Opening Times: Monday-Saturday: 9:30am-11:00pm
Main menu: Pancakes, Bingsu or brunch set.
Book online: Reservations can be made online, this also allows you to skip the queues. Check more info here. 

2. Poem (café) / 포엠

Address: 54-7, Myeong-dong 2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul / 명동2가 54-7
Opening Times: 10:00 – 23:00
Main menu: Waffle / 와플, Parfait  파르페, Egg bacon sandwich / 에그베이컨샌드위치, Coffee /커피, Cha (tea) /차

3. O’Sulloc Tea House

Address: 47-1, Myeong-dong 1-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul / 명동1가 47-1
Opening Times: 10:00 – 23:00
Main menu: Green tea roll cake / 롤케익, ice cream / 아이스크림, Tea latte / 티 리떼, Bingsu / 빙수 Green tea milk spread / 녹차밀크스프레드

4. You Are Here Café Myeongdong

This sulbing Myeongdong cafe serves desserts and pastries prepared with high quality ingredients imported from France. This place is mainly known for being a sulbing Korean dessert cafe Myeongdong. Sulbing is a typical Korean dessert that is prepared with flakes of frozen milk.

This is probably one of the best sulbings in the area! Three different flavours are available, namely mango, red bean and green tea.

Rating: 9/10
Address: 23 Myeongdong 9-gil, Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening Times: 07:30 – 23:00
Main menu: Mille-feuille / Tiramisu / Bingsu / Coffee / etc.

5. Dessert  Yeonguso

This cafe serves some of the most beautiful desserts and drinks. The perfect place to go for that perfect Instagram picture. The desserts and drinks are rather pricey and are extremely sweet.

Rating: 7/10
Address: 28, Myeong-dong 4-gil , Jung-gu, Seoul / 서울 중구 명동4길 28
Opening Times: 11:00 – 23:00
Main menu:  Cheesecake, tiramisu, coffee, tea, smoothie, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Are you planning visit some of the best restaurants in Myeongdong? Have any questions about what to eat in Myeongdong? Have any suggestions on must try Myeongdong food? Let me know in the comment section below.

Things To Know When Visiting Myeongdong

• Best restaurants: not only does Myeongdong have a lot of yummy street food, it also has some amazing restaurants. The best restaurants in Myeongdong include both foreign and Korean food.
• What To Do: apart from shopping and eating, there are lots of things to do Myeongdong. Check Klook or Trazy for the best deals. If you have the Discover Seoul Pass, you can get loads of discounts when shopping in Myeongdong.
• What To Wear: this obviously depends on the season you’ll be visiting Myeongdong. In summer, bring light clothes and in winter make sure to layer up. Check the best Korea packing list here.
• Tipping In Korea: there is a no tipping culture in Korea, except for taxi drivers and tour guides that work together with foreigners.
• Getting To Myeongdong: getting from Incheon airport to Myeongdong, as well as from Hongdae, Gangnam, Dongdaemun, etc is quite straight forward. There are 4 options including train, bus, subway and taxi.
• Traveling In Seoul: When traveling around Seoul, you need a T Money Transport card for using public transport.

Myeongdong Night Market

Before the Japanese occupation, Myeongdong used to be a residential area, but this quickly changed to a shopping district during the occupation. After the war the fashion and cosmetic stores skyrocketed. Now the district is filled with great hotels, restaurants and cafes. In the late afternoon, the street stalls start to open up. With over 200 vendors, Myeongdong night market is one of the biggest street food markets in Seoul.

Apart from finding street food vendors in Myeongdong, you’ll also find clothing stores that sell socks or accessories and vendors with the latest trends like Bubble Fidget Sensory Toys.

1. Opening Times

The outdoor street market starts at 4 pm on Monday to Friday, during the weekend and on Korean holidays the market starts around 2 pm (times might change). Usually the street food market finishes around 11 pm, but this again depends on the vendors. Some might close earlier or later.

NOTE: since 2020 there are no fixed times for the vendors to be at Myeongdong Night Market. It depends on individual stalls.

2. Price

The night market is free to enter, just pay for the snacks you want to eat. Most snacks are quite cheap, ranging between 2000 krw and 6000 krw. Make sure to have cash as most stands won’t accept card.

3. Food Tours In Myeongdong

Want to find the more local stalls in Myeongdong? Then why not take a food tour of the area. It is a great way to sample different dishes and get to know the local history of Myeongdong and Namdaemun market.

Recommended tour: Food tour in Myeongdong & Namdaemun. Sign up here and get up to 44 000 krw discount on your first booking.

4. Cooking Class

Why not learn to make some of these delicious snacks yourself during a Korean cooking class. At the Myeongdong cooking school you’ll learn to make dishes like tteokbokki and kimchi. More info here.

Best Street Food In Myeongdong Night Market

When visiting Myeongdong night market, you’ll have a wide array of street food options to pick from. Listed below are some of the best dishes to try at the street food market.

The street food night market takes place in the two main streets of central Myeongdong (Myeongdong-gil and Myeongdong-8-gil). It starts at Myeongdong station and goes all the way to Lotte department store. It is a car free zone, but bikes are allowed to go through, so watch out where you are walking.

1. Tteokbokki

Tteokbokki is a must try Korean dish, especially in one of the many markets, like Myeongdong night market. It is made with fish cakes, boiled eggs, scallions and a spicy red sauce.

2. Hotteok

Hotteok is quite different from what it sounds like. It is not like a western hot dog, far from. It is a kind of Korean pancake which can be filled with a variety of things. Most commonly it is filled with sugar, honey, nuts and cinnamon, but this obviously depends on the vendor. For only 2000 krw you can get a yummy snack, perfect for late afternoon.

Tip: most halal friendly stands have some kind of sign or certificate on their stands. This hotteok snack is halal friendly.

3. Tornado Potato

Hweori Gamja or tornado potato is a very popular South Korean street food. It is a deep fried spiral cut potato, which is then dipped in all kinds of toppings. These can include cheesy, red pepper, honey or even sugar. The tornado potato is easy to eat and the perfect snack to try at Myeongdong night market.

4. Takoyaki

This one is not a typical Korean snack, but it can be found at almost every street food market in Korea. It is a Japanese ball shaped snack which is made from a flour-base batter filled with meat or fish. The takoyaki is made is a special round shaped mold.

5. Korean Fried Chicken

Korean fried chicken is like no other chicken in the world. There are lots of different types of Korean fried chicken and many different flavours. At the Myeongdong night market you’ll have the option to pick from the following flavours: sweet, spicy, soy and garlic sauces.

6. Grilled Abalone

Koreans absolutely love abalone, you’ll find many different types of this street food. At Myeongdong street food market, they grill the abalone in a butter mixture and serve it on a stick. Yummy.

7. Sundae

No, this is not an ice cream! It is a Korean style blood sausage, filled with glass noodles. It is a very popular street food in the whole of Korea. Depending on the vendor, the blood sausage can be stuffed with all kinds of vegetables.

8. Mochi With Strawberry And Red Bean

This is especially delicious in Seoul in spring as that’s the best season to try the Korean strawberries. A full strawberry is covered with red bean pasted and wrapped in pink rice flour. This Myeongdong food is super refreshing in spring and summer.

9. Egg Bread

Korean egg bread or gyeran-ppang is another popular dish to buy at Myeongdong street market, especially delicious in the cold winter months. It tastes quite similar to an egg muffin, both sweet and savory.

10. Ppopgi

This is an old fashioned sugar candy, mostly sold and made by the older Korean generation. This ppopgi candy only has 2 ingredients, baking soda and sugar, but timing and technique are key to making the perfect ppopgi. Each ppopgi has a different shape pattern, back in the days if the kids could eat around the pattern without braking it, they would get a free ppopgi from the vendor. Try it, it is harder than it looks like.

Ppopgi or dalgona became really popular due to Squidgame. You’ll find dalgona kits to make your own everywhere!

11. Grilled Cheese Lobster

Not only will you find the cheap usual Korean street food, Myeongdong has much more to offer. Grilled cheese lobster is a high end street food and it is absolutely delicious. For only 15 000 krw, you can get a whole grilled lobster, topped with melted cheese. Indulge yourself.

12. Korean Soft-Serve Ice Cream

Every must have heard of the massive Korean soft ice cream! They are huge. At Myeongdong night market, you can get a dual flavour soft-serve. Flavours include, green tea, chocolate, vanilla and strawberry.

13. Gimbap

Gimbap is a must try in Korea. You can not only find it at street food stalls, but also in many Korean lunch restaurants. At the night market, you’ll mostly find the small gimbap rolls. The seaweed and rice can be filled with all kinds of vegetables.

14. Freshly Squeezed Juice

Korea is not really the country of fresh juicy fruit, but that doesn’t mean you can’t try a delicious juice. The most common juice you’ll find is the grapefruit one. Other juices include orange and pomegranate.

15. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potato or goguma is THE Korean street food snack, you’ll find it any festival or street market. Mostly it is a roasted sweet potato, but you can also find it in form of latte, cake and candy. During the cold winter months, there is nothing better than eating a hot roasted goguma.

16. Korean Pancakes

Jeon or Korean pancake, is a dish typically eaten on rainy days. The base of the pancake is made with mixing and frying wheat flour and eggs. Other ingredients depend on the vendor, but can include spring onion, meat, fish, seafood and other vegetables.

17. Odeng

Fish cakes or odeng can be found everywhere in Korea, like at markets or even in the subway stations. Many Koreans eat fish cakes after a long day of work, as a snack on the way home. Fishcakes are mostly served on a stick and with a cup of soup.

18. Dumplings

Try yummy steamed dumplings at Myeongdong food street market. The filling inside the mandu or dumpling can be made of kimchi, meat, fish or other vegetables.

19. Grilled Cheese

Grilled cheese at Myeongdong market is served on a stick and the mozzarella alternates with pieces of rice cake. It is a filling snack that became a more popular street food over the years.

Other Myeongdong Market Vendors

Apart from food and drinks there are other vendors at the Myeongdong night market. You’ll find vendors that sell K-pop merchandise, phone case and other phone accessories, Korean souvenirs, children’s clothes, sweaters and much more.

NOTE: Many Kpop products can also be purchase in one of the many online Kpop stores.

Myeongdong Market Map & Location

Most of the stalls can be found in the main streets of Myeongdong. This is a pedestrian only street, but motorcycles can go through as well, so be careful when crossing the street.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Tofu is known all over the world as healthy, vegan friendly well being food. In America or in Europe you can often try tofu in vegetarian or vegan friendly dishes. All East Asian countries (Korea, Japan, and China) and Southeastern Asian countries enjoy to eat tofu in their daily cuisine. This article is about Bukchangdong Soondubu, which is a tofu restaurant chain in South Korea.

What Is Soondubu?

In China, there is dried tofu which is often used in Chinese hot pot. In Japan, there is silken tofu which you dip in soy sauce or to put in miso soup. And in Korea, there is also silken tofu which is used in Korean soups. This type of tofu is made by pressing curdled soybean milk. Korean tofu is famous for its softer and milder texture than other types of tofu. Koreans eat a special type of tofu called “soondubu (soft tofu)” which is extra soft silken tofu. And they cook it in a stew with vegetables and seafood. 

Tofu is called dubu in Korean and it is originally made of soybean milk. Most dubu is processed by pressing and cooling down soybean milk to make it solid. Once it becomes solid, it is then cut in a cube shape. However, soondubu is the dubu which is not pressed in the process. So that’s why it is called soft tofu. Korean soft tofu is usually served in soup or stew as one of the many ingredients. Soondubu is a bit different, and it is the main ingredient in the stew. One of the most popular stews in Korea is called soondubu-jjigae.

The origin of soondubu-jjigae comes from the Joseon dynasty. The purpose of this food was to provide it to elderly people. Later, as it is soft and mild enough to eat, this food became popular in the rest of Korea. Even though soft tofu contains more water and less nutrients than normal tofu, people can smell and taste the original soybean flavour more than in normal dubu. There are several types of soondubu-jjigae, but every soondubu-jjigae is made with seafood broth (clams, shrimps and oysters). Then usually vegetables like green onion, onion, and mushrooms are added. Meat (beef or pork) is optional.

Korean cuisine features a wide variety of tofu dishes beyond the popular soondubu. One example is dubu-jorim, a savory side dish made by simmering cubed tofu in a soy sauce-based seasoning until the tofu has absorbed the flavors. Another classic is sundubu jjigae, a spicy stew made with soft tofu, vegetables, and seafood or meat. Tofu can also be used as a filling for savory pancakes, such as bindaetteok, or sliced thin and fried for a crispy snack known as dubu twigim. And for a lighter option, dubu kimchi is a simple but flavorful dish made by mixing fresh tofu cubes with spicy kimchi. Whether enjoyed as a main dish or side, Korean tofu dishes offer a range of textures and flavors to satisfy any palate.

About Bukchangdong Soondubu

In the Seoul city hall area, there is Bukchangdong food street, where you’ll find lots of restaurants with great food. This area is also close from Myeongdong or Namdaemun, which is well known for its South Gate, national treasure number 1. This area is very easily accessible for both foreigners and Koreans.

There are quite a lot of restaurants that serve soondubu-jjigae in Seoul. But most restaurants only serve spicy soondubu-jjigae. However, at Bukchangdong Soondubu you can order both spicy or non spicy soft tofu stew.

This Seoul soondubu restaurant is owned and run by DKORE (Delicious Korean Restaurant) since 2001. The company has constantly been improving new recipes and closely supervising all their different branches. Because of this , all their restaurants serves same quality food.

All ingredients, including the soft tofu, are supplied by DKORE to each branch early in the morning.

Like most Korean restaurants, the table has a little drawer with Korean stainless steel chopsticks and spoons.

Bukchangdong Soondubu Menu

Bukchangdong Soondubu serves 12 different types of soondubu-jjigae and you can request to have it either less or non spicy. You can pick soondubu-jjigae with beef, intestines, seafood (oysters or pollack), mushrooms and more.

Seafood soondubu-jjigae is their original menu. But if you like pollack or oysters, you could order the pollack soondubu-jjigae or oyster soondubu-jjigae. Beef intestine soondubu-jjigae and brisket Soondubu-jjigae are more savoury and meaty flavour than the other dishes. The signature menu (Bukchangdong Soondubu) combines seafood and beef.

Soondubu-jjigae with soybean paste is quite a unique combination that you can probably only taste in this Seoul soondubu restaurant. Other unique dishes are the dumpling soondubu-jjigae or the ham and cheese soondubu-jjigae. Those two dishes are more foreigner friendly than the others. All types of soondubu-jjigae are served with stone pot rice.

Our Personal Review

1. The Food

During our last visit we ordered one original soondubu-jjigae, the ginseng chicken porridge, marinated grilled spicy pork with stir fried vegetables and egg omelette with cheese. Before the main dishes are served, the waitress will bring over 3 side dishes. First one is dried seaweed with soy sauce. Second one is steamed soybean sprouts. And last but not least, yummy kimchi.

Before starting to eat the soondubu-jjigae, you can put a raw egg in the stew. Raw eggs are free of charge and you can use as many as you want.This makes the soondubu-jjigae savoury and rich! It also makes it less spicy.

The marinated grilled spicy pork with stir fried pork was a bit spicy, but it had a great smoky flavour. The chicken in the ginseng chicken porridge (samgyetang), was extremely tender chicken and the smell of the ginseng was quite strong. The egg omelette with cheese was also flavorful and was our personal favourite. Inside egg omelette, they put cheddar cheese, which gives it an even richer flavour than normal egg omelette!

Then the highlight of the food was boiled scorched rice! After finishing to eat the stone pot rice, you can put hot water in the stone pot and close the lid. This will turn the nureungi into a soft porridge flavoured rice. Very delicious!

2. Overall

Overall, this restaurant is very nice not only Koreans but also for foreigners. This is a very strong point for this Seoul soondubu restaurant chain. As sometimes it’s really hard to visit restaurants in Korea. However, here is very foreigner friendly as they have an English menu and most dishes are not too spicy. You can even ask them to make the food less spicy or not spicy at all. Price wise, most of the dishes are between 8000 and 11 000 krw which is pretty standard for Korean restaurants.

How To Get To Bukchangdong Soondubu

There are quite a few Bukchangdong Soondubu restaurants in Seoul but the main one is located in the Seoul City hall area.

Address: 서울특별시 중구 태평로2가 세종대로 78

Leave City Hall Station at exit 7 and go straight for a block and the restaurant is located on your left hand side. The restaurant is located on the 2nd floor, so don’t forget to look up.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Written by Evan

Garak Market is one of the largest wholesale markets in South Korea, located in the southeastern part of Seoul. The market was first established in 1985 as a place for farmers to sell their produce. Over the years, the market has grown to become a hub for all kinds of goods, including clothing, accessories, household items, and electronics.

In the 1990s, the market underwent a massive expansion, with the construction of new buildings and facilities. Today, Garak Market occupies a vast area of over 542,000 square meters and is home to more than 17,000 shops and vendors. The market has played a significant role in the development of Seoul’s economy, as it is a major source of employment and revenue for the city.

Despite its size and success, Garak Market has also faced challenges over the years, such as competition from online shopping and the need to adapt to changing consumer preferences. However, it remains a vital part of Seoul’s cultural and economic landscape, attracting both locals and tourists alike.

Things To Know About Seoul

• Getting around: when going around Seoul it is recommended to get a T Money transport card. This card can be used on the subway, bus and in taxis.
• What to wear: this depends on the time of the year you’ll be visiting Seoul. Check what clothes to wear in Korea here.
• Seoul itineraries: use our example itineraries to plan your ultimate Seoul trip.
• Travel discounts: sites like Klook and Trazy offer big discounts for activities, museums and events for foreign travelers.
• Luggage storage: need a place to store your luggage when visiting Garak market or Seoul. Check the luggage storage options in Seoul.

About Garak Market

The market is huge, covering over 540 000 square meters and has more than 17 different buildings. The market opened first back in 1985 with agricultural and fish products. Later in 1986, livestock was added and in 1988 direct sales shops opened.

1. Agricultural Market

There are 3 main parts of the the market: agricultural, fish and livestock. The agricultural market covers 90% of all the transactions made at the market, so you can imagine how big it is. The number of different stalls is around over 1300 and daily transactions take place among wholesalers and clients. The prize of fruits and vegetables can vary day to day, based on the freshness and demand.

2. Fish Market

If you want to see the fish auctions, you’ll have to get up early or don’t sleep. These start at Garak fish market around 2 am and last until 5 am as the fish is delivered straight from the sea. Visiting the auction is a truly unique experience in Seoul. The prices of the fish are 10 to 20% cheaper that market prices.

3. Livestock Market

The meat market (livestock) covers the smallest part of the market, it is located in building 2 and is 1/3 the size of the fish market. The indoor market is filled with various sales stalls, butcher shops and convenience stores. Here auctions take place twice a day at 10.30 and 14.30.

Other sections of Garak wholesale food market include a supermarket where you can can buy everything big sized, a kitchen supply shop and restaurants on the top floor. In the restaurants you can have the fish prepared which was bought in one of the stalls. Many of the the fish stalls owners have their own little restaurant, so if you mention you want to eat it on site, they’ll take you to their restaurant and cook a delicious meal. If you are looking for a huge grocery store in Seoul, then this is the place to be.

Practical Information

Listed below is all the practical information need to visit the market.

1. Opening Times Garak Wholesale Market

The agricultural and fish section is open 24 hours, but the most exciting time to visit is during the auctions. Garak fish market auctions take place from 2 to 5 am and agricultural auctions take place during the day. The livestock market is open from 4 am to 10 pm.

The market is closed on sundays, New Year’s Day, Seollal and Chuseok. The livestock market is also closed on public holidays.

2. Getting To Garak Wholesale Market

The market is located at exit 2 of Garak Market Station on line 3 or line 8. Check Kakaomaps for time tables and travel time.

Other Things To Do In The Area

Garak market Seoul is not the only thing to do in the area. Garak Market Station is 2 stops away from the vibrant Jamsil where you’ll find the huge Lotte complex with Lotte World, Lotte Tower, Lotte Aquarium and Lotte Department Store.

1. Munjeong Rodeo Street

If you need to get some new clothes, make your way to Munjeong Rodeo Street. The street is filled with brand stores selling their products with up to a 70 percent discount. The main brands represented in on the street are Hollister, K2, Black Yak, North Face and Abercrombie & Fitch.

2. Memorial Stone for the Origin of Munjeong Village

At the end of the Munjeong Rodeo Street stands a memorial stone which explains the history of the area. The stone is only in Korean, so for those who don’t know Korean, the stone might not be interesting.

3. Lotte World

Quite different from Garak market and only 2 stops away. Lotte World is a huge indoor and outdoor theme park around Seokchon lake. The park is owned by the Lotte company and has loads of fun rides for young and old. The park can be visited any time of the year and during any kind of weather as the indoor part has 4 floors filled with different rides and roller coasters. More info here.

4. Lotte Tower

Lotte Tower, also owned by the Lotte company is the highest tower in Korea and the 5th highest tower in the world. The tower is 555 meters high and the observation decks are located on the 117th to 120th floors. From Lotte Tower you can see all over Seoul and even spot Garak Market. The views are amazing, especially at sunset. More info here.

5. Lotte Aquarium

The aquarium is located in the Lotte Department store and houses over 55 000 animals from 650 species. The most impressive animals are the belugas, a kind of white whales. Other animals include sharks, turtles, sea lions, penguins and many colourful fish. The aquarium can be compared to COEX aquarium, but is a bit smaller. More info here.

6. Olympic Park

The Olympic Park was built for the 1988 summer Olympics in Korea. The park is beautiful all year around and houses three museums: the Baekje museum, the Olympic Museum and Seoul Olympics Museum of Art.

Frequently Asked Questions

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The Korean food market scene is a vibrant and rapidly growing industry that has gained immense popularity in recent years. Korean cuisine is known for its unique flavors, vibrant colors, and healthy ingredients. In many parts of the world, Korean restaurants and street food vendors are popping up, and supermarkets are stocking up on Korean food products. Korean food exports have also been steadily increasing, with kimchi being one of the most popular and well-known Korean foods. With the rise of Korean pop culture, known as K-pop, and Korean dramas, known as K-dramas, the interest in Korean food has also increased. The Korean food market scene is expected to continue to grow as people around the world discover and enjoy the delicious and healthy flavors of Korean cuisine.

Things To Know About Seoul

• Getting Around Seoul: The Seoul public transport system is great. It is super easy to get from one side of the city to the other in less than an hour. Make sure to get a transportation card to use on the public transport.
• Tap Water: The tap water in Korea is safe to drink and it is one of the cleanest water in Asia. Make sure to bring your reusable bottle as many museums and public spaces have drinking fountains.
• What To Wear: This depends on which season you’ll be visiting Korea. Check this guide on what to wear in Korea for more info.

Why Should You Take A Seoul Food Tour?

So why should you go a food tour instead of venturing out by yourself? First of all food tours allow you to taste food risk-free. If you go out on your own you would order one dish, the chances are that you end up not liking it. With a food tour you get to try very small portions of different kind of dishes, even if you don’t like one of the dishes, you still get to sample other yummy food. Second of all your local Seoul food guide will teach you things you can not learn from a guide book. You will learn stories from the local vendors and restaurant owners, which gives your experiences an extra touch. Finally, a tour guide takes you off the beaten path to the more local hidden restaurants. Which is a great way to experience the real local culture.

The Best Seoul Food Tours

There are multiple food tours running in Seoul, each with their own theme and different location. From group Korean night food market tours to alcohol tours. There are so many districts in Seoul with great food and excellent markets. Seoul is really a foodie city!

The best places to book these food tours are through AirBnB experience, Trazy or Klook.

1. Gwangjang Market Tasting Tour

Gwangjang market located in Jongyo is the first permanent market in Korea, and is a very popular street food destination especially for local Koreans. The huge but compact market is still not that popular among foreign tourists. It is almost hard to believe that Gwangjang Market Seoul houses over 5000 shops and has more than 20 000 employees.

On a 3 hour Seoul street food tour, you will have the opportunity to try one main meal, a couple of snacks and a traditional drink.

The Seoul food guide, was born and raised in Korea but is fluent in English. His passion for food and history really reflects in his tours and in his explanation of the background and history of each dish and street vendor. If you’re brave enough the ‘live octopus’ is a must try! This is one of the most authentic food tours I’ve tried so far.

Availability: daily from 9:30 – 12:30 (I know this is quite early, but it’s better to avoid the crowds)
Price: Check latest prices here
Discount: Click here for a 30 000 won discount coupon

2. An In Depth Food Tour With Context Travel

Context travel creates tours all around the world which focus on giving a deeper context to travelers. The tours are with no more than 6 people and the guides are ‘specialists’ in the field.

Context travel has two docents on the Savoring Seoul Food Tour: Beyond Bibimbap, both equally passionate about history and food. The tour starts at 10 AM in front of Gwangjang Market. This tour is for a very small group or even private bookings.

Price: Check latest price here
Discount: Use FRIENDS10 for a 10% discount

3. Bukchon Traditional Korean Alcohol Tour With Gastro Tour

We all know that Koreans love to drink! But what exactly is it they like to consume? The most popular alcoholic drinks in Korea are soju, a distilled spirit, and Makeolli, a rice wine. These drinks can be purchased at any convenience store, but are 100 times better when made by a local brewer.

The brew master tour run by Veronica (Korean food tours master) at Gastro Tour Seoul focuses on introducing modern masters who are still brewing and distilling their own traditional Korean alcohol. During the tour you will learn the whole process of turning rice into Soju and Makeolli. On the tour you will have the opportunity to sample different kinds of alcohol which will be served alongside with some pork, seafood and side dishes.

4. Noryangjin Fish Seoul Food Tour

Noryangjin Fish Market opened originally in 1927, just next to Seoul Station but was moved to it’s current location in 1971. Around 300 tons of marine products are traded through the market each day in wholesales and in retails. The market is most lively around 3 AM as then visitors can see a live fish auction.

On this 2,5 hour tour with your local Korean food guide, you will be able to choose your own fish from one of the vendors and take it to the restaurants on the second floor to have it prepared for you. Without a local Korean guide, you will struggle buying the fish at the right price, so this tour is perfect if you like to try a local experience.

Availability: Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday 14:00 – 16:30
Price: 89 000 per person (2 people minimum)
Book: here

5. Korean Street Food and BBQ Tour

BBQ is huge in South Korea, you can’t have been to Seoul without trying a proper Korean BBQ with soju or makgeolli. During the tour you’ll have the opportunity to try different street food like Korean style egg muffin, spicy rice cake and fried pork dumplings and finish with a proper barbecue. The tour starts around Anguk station, which is at the entrance of Bukchon traditional hanok village, and ends in Insadong.

Availability: Wednesday/Thursday/Friday 13:00 – 15:30
Price: 59 000 per person
Book:here

Food Tour And Cooking Classes

Instead of taking a food tour, why not go for a market tour and cooking class? So you can learn to make all your favourite Korean dishes and show of at your next house dinner party.

1. Cooking Class And Market Tour

Spicen up your food tour by adding a cooking class to it. Learn how to make real Korean food from a professional. Every day there is a different dish on the menu, so if you are looking for a specific dish to cook then make sure to check the calendar.

Dishes include Sundubu-jigae, Haemul-pajeon, Bulgogi, Bibimbap, Doenjang-jjigae, Dakbokkeum-tang and Japchae. These are all traditional Korean dishes. The classes are designed for beginners who want to learn more about the Korean kitchen and the local cuisine.

Availability: Daily
Price: 70 000 per person
Book: here

2. Food Tours And Cooking Classes By OME

OME stands for 5 tastes. This cooking school will take you to the local Korean markets and teach you how to make the best Korean dishes including Ginseng Chicken Soup, Kimchi, Korean Pancakes, Korean BBQ, Kimbap, Ddeokbokki, Korean Tofu Pot, Boiled Pork, Cabbage Soybean Paste Stew, Nabemono and traditional Korean desserts.

Each day of the week the menu is different and during the class you’ll learn how to make multiple dishes. The cooking class and walking tour take around 4 hours from start to finish.

Availability: Daily
Price: 60 000 per person
Book: here

3. Korean Fried Chicken Market Tour And Cooking Class

Friend chicken in Korea is like an institution. It is one of the most popular things to eat among locals and foreign visitors. Like no other fried chicken in the world. This cooking class specialized just in Korean fried chicken. It starts of by going on a food walking tour in a local market and continues with a cooking class.

Availability: Thursday and Friday
Price: 100 000 per person
Book: here

Frequently Asked Questions

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Everywhere in the world people enjoy eating noodle dishes. Pasta in Italy, ramen in Japan and rice noodles in Vietnam. There are so many different types of noodle dishes in the world. But why do people like noodles? First of all, usually noodles are served quick. In a restaurant it doesn’t take too long to prepare and at home it is easy to cook. When travelling abroad there is no risk in trying a noodle dish.

Like the other Asian countries, Koreans love to eat noodles with soup. Kal guk su (which literally translates to “knife noodles”) is the one of the most famous Korean noodle dishes which is served with a soup. All dishes consist of handmade knife cut wheat flour noodles in a broth and other ingredients. Both broth and ingredients are different in each region of Korea. Read on to find out more about Korean Kalguksu noodles in Seoul.

Things To Know Before Visiting Seoul

Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, is a vibrant and exciting destination that attracts millions of visitors each year. From delicious cuisine to fascinating historical landmarks and modern attractions, Seoul has something to offer everyone. However, if you’re planning a trip to Seoul, it’s important to prepare adequately to ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable experience.

There are several things to consider when preparing for a trip to Seoul, including obtaining necessary travel documents, packing appropriate clothing, learning some basic Korean phrases, and familiarizing yourself with the local customs and culture. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, taking the time to prepare can make all the difference in your overall experience. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to ensure you’re fully prepared for your trip to Seoul.

• Discounts In Restaurants: In Seoul there are quite a few restaurants who offer special discounts for foreign visitors. Check out Klook as they offer big discounts on a wide selection of restaurants.
• Restaurant Reviews: Love Korean food and want to learn more? Check out my articles about other Korean food and about restaurants in Seoul.

What are Korean knife noodles?

The first record of Korean knife noodles was found in documents of the Goryeo era (AD 918 – 1392). At that time it was only served on special occasions. This is because wheat flour was too expensive at that time to cook often. Most of wheat flour was imported from China. In the Joseon era (AD 1392 – 1910) only the Joseon aristocrats enjoyed eating this dish. Andong city is well known for being an aristocratic city so in this city the knife noodles are still served using the same recipe as in the Joseon Dynasty. This is where you find some of the best Korean noodles.

There are many different kinds of broth which can be used in Kalguksu. In Seoul and Andong they use bone marrow to make the broth which makes the taste more savory and it is also slightly more expensive than the other soups. For the Gyeonggi-do province chicken is the main ingredient of the broth. Busan and the Gyeongsang-namdo province uses dried anchovy. This is a very common broth widely used nowadays. In Jeolla-do province it is short-necked clam and during winter they use a simmered red bean soup.

Best Kalguksu In Seoul

Nowadays people can get wheat flour much easier than before so you will definitely see a lot of Korean handmade noodles (Kalguksu) restaurants in Korea. Koreans absolutely love this food, so you can even find 24 hours restaurants which serve this food. Over the years the restaurants have come up with new knife noodle recipes: cold knife noodles for summer, kimchi kalguksu, knife noodles with spicy soup, knife noodle with dumpling soup and the like. Since Seoul and the surrounding sub cities became the greater Seoul there is a chance to taste these different kinds of regional knife noodle dishes. Below you can see our recommended for the best kalguksu in Seoul.

1. Korean knife noodle alley in Namdaemun (남대문칼국수골목)

Namdaemun market is the one of the most famous traditional markets in Seoul. It is quite hard to find this hidden alley as the whole market is so big and crowded. The easiest way to get in is by entering the market at Hoehyeon Station Exit 5. The alley is right next to the accessory street.

In the Kalguksu alley there are several different restaurants all serving the same menu. Unfortunately there is no English explanation on the menu. So just ask for Kalguksu. Once you’ve ordered the knife noodles they start by hand cutting the dough. It is an interesting experience as you can see how they prepare your dish. Like a course menu they also serve some side dishes and small portion of spicy cold noodles before you get your noodles. If you’re still hungry you can always ask them to add extra noodles which is free of charge. They use dried anchovy for the broth.

Most of the time the alley is packed so it might be tough to eat here. But it is definitely a special experience which is a must when in Korea. Another dish that is great is the bibimbap.

Consider visiting Namdaemun market on a food tour as it is a great way to discover different kinds of Korean dishes.

Address: 42-1, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Price: 5500 krw
Opening times: 06:00 – 21:00

2. Kalguksu Myeongdong Kyoja (명동교자)

Kalguksu Myeongdong Kyoja is located in the main street of Myeongdong and have been in business for about 40 years. They own a second restaurant in the same area and it is one of Michelin guide restaurants in Seoul. They cook their knife noodles using a chicken broth. On top of the soup there are four handmade dumplings and grilled ground pork with soy sauce and sesame oil. Those two ingredients give the soup a much richer and savory flavour. Together with the kalguksu they serve an extremely spicy kimchi and a small bowl of rice that can be refilled (for free). We highly recommend to order a portion of steamed dumpling as a side dish. The steamed dumplings are filled with sow meat (mother pig) and vegetables wrapped in thin dough. Make sure to go and try this Myeongdong kalguksu!

Address: 29, Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Price: 8000 krw
Opening times: 10:30 AM – 21:30 PM

3. Chanyangjip (찬양집)

Whenever you pass this restaurant you’ll see old ladies showing off their handmade noodle cutting skills. Since the early 1970’s this restaurant has attracted many customers with their Haemul Kalguksu (seafood knife cut noodles) and became a Michelin Guide restaurant in Seoul. The smell from the heated pots will definitely make you hungry and the soup is based on dried anchovy with mussels, clams and shrimps. When looking at the restaurant you will definitely see a trace of the past years. If you are looking to try Korean clam noodle soup this is the place to be.

Address: 5, Donhwamun-ro 11da-gil, Jongno gu, Seoul
Price: 6000 krw
Opening times: 10:00 – 21:00

4. Hwangsaengga Kalguksu (황생가칼국수)

This restaurant was formerly called “Bukchon Kalguksu” and is one of the most popular restaurants in Bukchon village. Hwangsaengga Kalguksu is also a Michelin Guide restaurants in Korea. Because of the location there will always be a crowd waiting in front of the restaurant.

The broth is made from ox bone marrow so the taste is rather similar with gomtang. This makes the price slightly more expensive than other knife cut noodles. Another specialty is their homemade “Wang mandu (size-up dumplings)”. When entering the restaurant you will see the workers preparing them.

Address: 78, Bukchon-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Price: 9000 krw
Opening times: 11:00 – 21:30

5. Hyehwa Kalguksu (혜화칼국수)

This restaurant has been serving Andong style knife noodles for more than 30 years. They use a bone marrow broth and add beef brisket which is simmered for 24 hours. The soup is much thicker than the knife cut noodles in Hwangsaengga Kalguksu. This restaurant is also famous for its fried cod. Seven pieces of the fried cod is quite pricey but it is great as a dinner together with Korean rice wine.

Address: 13, Changgyeonggung-ro 35-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Price: 9000 won
Opening times: 11:00 – 22:00

Frequently Asked Questions

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Things To Know Before Visiting Seoul

Korean cuisine is known for its flavorful and diverse range of dishes, and meat soups are no exception. Among the popular Korean meat soup dishes, Galbitang stands out as a classic comfort food made with beef short ribs, radish, and glass noodles in a clear broth. Another popular soup is Samgyetang, a nourishing soup made with a whole chicken stuffed with garlic, jujube, and glutinous rice. Other meat soup dishes include Seolleongtang, a beef bone soup that is simmered for hours to extract the rich flavor and nutrients, and Janchi Guksu, a chicken or beef soup with thin wheat noodles, vegetables, and sometimes dumplings. These meat soups are not only delicious, but they are also highly nutritious and perfect for cold winter days.

• Restaurant Foreigner Discounts: Quite a few restaurants in Seoul have special discounts for foreigners who make a reservation online. Check out Klook, which has a wide selection of discounted restaurants.
• Restaurant Reviews: If you want discover more Korean food reviews check out my articles about Korean food and about restaurants in Seoul.

What Is Korean Beef Broth?

Most Koreans have nice memories of homemade beef broth dating back to their childhood. Whenever Korean kids were sick their mother would prepare this fresh soup and serve this to the children. Or when parents were away for the day they would leave a batch of soup for their children. At that time, most of the kids got bored of having this food. However after growing up and leaving the nest, Koreans would start to miss this comfort food.

It takes a lot of time and effort to prepare beef broth at home. So you will find a lot of beef broth restaurants in every city around Korea. There are two different types of Korean beef broth, namely Gomtang and Seolleongtang. These two soups taste so similar that people sometimes get confused. Below you can find the explanation about these two famous Korean soups.

1. What Is Gomtang?

Gomtang (곰탕) is a soup that was originally made from the beef and ox intestines. This thick soup is cooked by boiling down beef broth from certain parts of the cow like the shank, brisket, beef leg bone or an ox tail over an extended period of time. If the restaurant puts the beef and bone together, the ox bone soup becomes thick and milky white. If they put only beef and ox intestine in the soup it becomes thick and clear.

Usually Gomtang restaurants use nicer parts of the cow than Seolleongtang restaurants. So that makes Gomtang slightly more expensive than Seolleongtang. Most Gomtang restaurants serve seasoned soup which already has soy sauce in it.

You eat gomtang using flat metal Korean chopsticks and a spoon.

2. What Is Seolleongtang?

Seolleongtang (설렁탕) is basically the same procedure, boiling down a beef broth over an extended time. What makes it different from Gomtang is that Seolleongtang is cooked by boiling down beef broth mainly using beef bone like shank or tail bone together with brisket. It is basically a Korean bone marrow soup. That’s why this soup much thicker than Gomtang.

Not a single Seolleongtang restaurant puts seasoning in the soup. You will always find ground salt, black pepper, red chili paste and chopped green onion which you should use to season the soup yourself.

Recommended Beef Broth Korean Restaurants In Seoul

Because both Gomtang and Seolleongtang are the main comfort food in Korea so there are plenty of restaurants in Seoul. But below we  introduce to you only the best Gomtang and Seolleongtang restaurants in Seoul.

1. The Best Seolleongtang Restaurants In Seoul

Listed below are our favourite Seolleongtang restaurants located in Seoul. Most of them are well known restaurants but there are a few hidden gems that are only known to locals.

1.1 이문 설농탕 (Imun Seolnongtang)

This restaurant opened in 1907 and has been serving Seolleongtang for over hundred years. This is a local famous Korean restaurant in Seoul.

It is one of the recommended Michelin guide restaurants in Seoul. On the table you will find two different types of kimchi, sea salt, black pepper, spicy chili paste and chopped green onions. Without seasoning this soup is quite bland, so don’t forget to season it before you start eating.

Our tip to make it taste better is: first season the soup with salt, black pepper and green onions without adding spicy paste or kimchi juice to the soup. Once you have finished half of the soup, add either the spicy paste or kimchi juice. This allows you to taste two different styles of soup during one visit at the Imun Seolleongtang.

Address: 38-13 Ujeongguk-ro, Gyeonji-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Price: 9,000 – 13,000
Opening times: 8:00 AM – 21:00 PM
Official Website: Check the official website here

1.2 참설농탕 (Cham Seolleongtang)

Cham Seollongtang is a 24 hour restaurant in Gangnam. Normally when people see these kind of 24 hours restaurants, they easily associate it with low quality food. But this restaurant serves a very high quality Seolleongtang alongside with 3 different types of kimchi.

The price of the soup is very reasonable compared to other restaurants in the Gangnam area. Don’t forget to season it before you start eating and once you finished half of the soup add some spicy paste or kimchi juice to mix things up.

Address: 1340, Seocho-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul
Price: 8,000 – 12,000
Opening times: 24 hours

2. The Best Gomtang Restaurants In Seoul

One of the must-try dishes when visiting Seoul is Gomtang, a hearty beef broth soup made by simmering beef bones for hours until the rich, savory flavor is extracted. While Gomtang can be found at many restaurants throughout Seoul, there are a few spots that stand out for their exceptional taste and quality. In this article, we will explore some of the best Gomtang restaurants in Seoul that you should definitely add to your foodie bucket list. From traditional hole-in-the-wall eateries to upscale dining experiences, these restaurants offer some of the most delicious and authentic Gomtang dishes you’ll ever taste.

2.1 애성회관 한우곰탕 (Aeseong Hoegwan Hanwoo Gomtang)

This amazing restaurant is located between the Myeongdong area and Seoul City Hall. You can see the owners full name in the name of the restaurant. Which means he is so proud of his Gomtang. Actually in this Seoul Gomtang they used juicy and thick pieces of Korean A+ or A++ brisket which melts in your mouth.

Among all beef broth restaurants is Seoul, this broth is the most seasoned so you don’t need to extra herbs to it. Our tip to make taste it better is: order one extra portion of noodles (they put udon noodle inside the soup).

There is also a hidden dish on the menu namely Tuk Tuk Gomtang which has three times more pieces of meat that the regular soup.

Address: 23, Namdaemun-ro 5-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Price: 8,000 – 14,000
Opening times: 10:00 AM – 21:00 PM break times is between 15:00 PM to 17:00 PM

2.2 하동관 (Hadong Kwan)

Hadong Kwan is over 80 years old, which makes this one of the oldest restaurants in Seoul. As this Michelin Guide restaurant became super popular in Myeongdong, they have opened 4 more branches in the rest of Seoul. If you don’t know what to eat in Myeongdong, this restaurant is a good option.

This Seoul ‘Kwan’ Korean restaurant serves Gomtang with not only slices of the brisket but also beef intestines. Our tip to make it taste better is: first add seasoning to the soup like salt, black pepper and green onions. Wait till you finished half of the bowl before adding kimchi juice to the soup. Plus, here you can order extra kimchi juice and eggs to put inside the soup!

Address: 12 Myeongdong 9-gil, Myeongdong 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
Price: 13,000 – 25,000
Opening times: 07:00 AM – 16:00 Pm
Official Website: Click here for official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

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