29 Best Restaurants & Places in South Korea | 2024 (Top Eats!)
Through the rise of Korean dramas, South Korea has become a significant destination for travelers to encounter an entirely different world, and its exuberant cuisine is highly praised everywhere.
Ranging from its gourmet options to famous street food, South Korea has continued to see an influx of cultural and culinary enthusiasts who wish to scour every corner of it. One of the most critical missions that come while visiting an utterly unfamiliar city is to know about some decent places to eat.
That’s why we created this list of the best restaurants in Seoul, South Korea, with careful searching from overcrowded sites and other things to help you give a thorough guide to finding the finest restaurants in the city. Let’s take a look at them.
The Best Restaurants in South Korea This Year
1. Na Jeong-Sun Halmae Jjukkumi
Why it’s a must visit?
The Best Restaurants in South Korea restaurant is one of the top restaurants that specialize in jjukkumi dishes, which are incredibly spicy dishes that are made with stir-fried baby octopuses that come marinated in red chili gochugaru sauce.
The restaurant is located in Jjukkumi Alley and with one look you will be able to instantly recognize it, as it has a giant brown statue that is located just in front of the restaurant.
Anyone who has a high tolerance towards spicy food should definitely visit this restaurant as almost every single dish here comes in spicy forms that are pretty hot on the taste buds.
The restaurant was run by grandma Na Jeong-sun who opened it 35 years ago with lots of other neighboring restaurants and introduced people to delectable spicy cuisine.
Chef’s Choice
It would be a wise choice to go for their 2X fire noodle challenge that comes with tasty devilish baby octopuses that are incredibly spicy in flavor.
Also, their most famous dish here, named jjukkumi, needs to be tried, but beware as it’s incredibly hot.
The jjukkumi dish is often eaten with ssam that comes enveloped in perilla leaves and goes exceptionally well with their soju which is their typical Korean liquor that is made with barley, rice, and wheat.
Location and Contact
- 144 Muhak -ro, Yongdu-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Website
- Phone:- +82 2-928-0231
2. Noryangjin Fish Market
Why it’s a must visit?
The Noryangjin Fish Market was started in 1927, and decay became one of the largest seafood markets in Seoul, South Korea, that displays an innumerable variety of seafood ranging from octopus, scallop, prawn, crab, sea urchin, lobster, and abalone.
It remains one of the most famous places in Seoul to try several exquisite seafood dishes that taste heavenly.
Also, it’s important to remember that one should definitely bargain the prices of the food here as the place usually sells foreigners its products at a much larger price and therefore needs to be settled at a median price.
The most incredible aspect about this restaurant is that one can buy any choice of seafood that they like and go upstairs to any of the restaurants that are laid in the lane to make a dish that would suit your palate.
Chef’s Choice
The most irresistible dish that you can try here which is also pretty popular is their sannakji witches octopus sashimi which has a marvelous flavor.
The dish comes in four pieces but is worth trying as it’s something that should definitely not be missed.
Also, try their abalone and chopped octopus which is also a lovely dish, but the price goes a little bit up if it’s been cooked by a professional.
Other than that, it would be a wise decision to complement the octopus with soy sauce and Wasabi, which feel lovely on the tastebuds.
Also, make sure that when you are eating the octopus by, be extremely careful with the tentacles as they usually get stuck in the throat and probably need to be carefully eaten.
Location and Contact
- 674 Nodeul-ro, Dongjak-gu, 서울특별시 South Korea
- Website
- Phone:- +82 2-2254-8000
3. Han Chu Korean Fried Chicken & Beer
Why it’s a must visit?
The Han Chu Korean Fried Chicken & Beer restaurant is considered to be even of the top-rated restaurants in Seoul for its tasty Korean fried chicken, which remains the most adored dish here.
The restaurant makes sure that it offers the most unique and exceptional pairing method by sampling both chicken and beer so that it becomes the most fantastic combo dish to be experienced.
Also, this restaurant has been serving consistently good quality food for over 20 years and remains one of the most famous restaurants in the city that is also visited by local celebrities.
Chef’s Choice
Without having any second thoughts, go for their Korean fried chicken, which is double fried, gives it it’s crunchy covering but is non-greasy as well.
Also, their juicy fried chicken deserves to be tried, too, as it comes in highly crispy forms and melts in the mouth in seconds.
Chug it down with a special drink of their ice-cold beer, which goes exceptionally with their fried green peppers that come with pork and feel divine on the taste buds.
Location and Contact
- 68, Nonhyeon-ro 175-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06029 South Korea
- Phone:- +82 2-3446-5778
4. Yeontabal BBQ Restaurant
Why it’s a must visit?
The Yeontabal BBQ restaurant remains a prominent food destination primarily for its mouthwatering barbecue food choices that introduce people to the magical taste of Korea with the most delectable non-veg variety.
The reason why this place remains hugely famous among the crowd is that it is cooked over charcoal, which gives it an enticing aroma and smokiness that is truly drool-worthy.
It’s so famous that it has almost four branches in Seoul but the Gangnam one is also pretty good.
But it’s important to know that meat remains unusually expensive in Korea and that’s why the menu here might also come a bit on the pricier side.
Chef’s Choice
One of the best things that you can try here is the prime cuts of meat, like their tasty bulgogi, which is thinly sliced beef sirloin or tenderloin that comes marinated.
Their galbi which is marinated beef short ribs is also a flavorsome dish that also offers people the option to either grill the food on the table or use charcoals.
Korean BBQ is their most famous dish and remains so renowned here that one usually needs vouchers in advance to book a seat here.
The Korean BBQ comes with tiny bits of caramel that gives it both a savory and sweet taste, along with a smoky aroma that feels like a heavenly combination.
Location and Contact
- 24 Namdaemun-ro 9-gil, Da-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Phone:- +82 2-720-9263
5. Gwangjang Market
Why it’s a must visit?
The Gwangjang Market has a history of getting established in the year 1905 and is one of the oldest markets in South Korea; that serves traditional meals in the most delectable form by having more than 5000 shops in its area.
They even serve small live octopuses, which are exotic dishes to try if you ever visit Korea.
Also, the Korean vendors here are very polite and let people know if they have run out of produce. Also, the food here is extremely cheap, which is perfect for any traveler if they are on a tight budget.
Chef’s Choice
One of the most popular things that remain in high demand here is their mug bean pancakes and bindaetteok, which is a must try here as several stalls sell it here.
Besides serving the freshest food choices along with seafood, the place is also known for offering a myriad of unique Korean dishes like Kimbap, tteobboki, soondae, and a lot more which are also globally famous dishes.
Also, it’s one of the best places to eat in Seoul, South Korea, to try traditional Korean breakfast at an affordable price.
Location and Contact
- 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Website
- Phone:- +82 2-2267-0291
6. Imun Seolnongtang
Why it’s a must visit?
The Seolnongtang restaurant is considered to be one of the oldest restaurants in South Korea that specializes in delicious ox bone soup and seolnongtang for more than 120 years.
Ever since its opening in the year 1904, this restaurant was one of the many first restaurants to win a license, which has made it a pretty big highlight in the city.
The soups here are the most popular dish, which is comforting and tasty at the same time, especially when it’s winter season.
Chef’s Choice
One of the first things that you should order here is their signature ox bone soup, which is created by adding boiled beef shank bones for several hours soaked in water, which gets followed by a simmering process that takes out the flavors from the bone that makes the stew look the milky white and cloudy. After that, some small sections of beef and brisket are added with soft wheat noodles and rice making it a soulful dish.
Also, remember to add a seasoning of chopped spring onions, salt, and ground black pepper to the soup as per your preference.
Also, their seolnongtang is a healthy and hearty soup that is ideal for cold days and is the reason why they remain such a hit in Korea as it warms one’s stomach in the best way.
Another thing that should definitely be tried here is their makgeolli which is a sweet plus sour alcoholic drink that comes with wheat or rice blended with nuruk, which is often recommended here as a Korean fermentation appetizer.
Just like the soup, this drink has a cloudy color and contains more alcoholic content than beer, so be careful to take a friend with you if you are planning to drink a lot.
Location and Contact
- 38-13, Ujeongguk-Ro, Seoul 03149 South Korea
- Website
- Phone:- +82 2-733-6526
7. Jalppajin Memil
Why it’s a must visit?
The Jalppajin Memil restaurant is situated across Jalppajin Memil on Klook and has raved reviews for its delectable cuisine that comes in several forms that deviate from typical Korean cuisine.
One gets to have a memorable experience here through its many unique dishes, and the service here is terrific with a kind staff and owner who were also featured on a popular Korean food show which explains why it remains such a famous place to visit.
Other than that, the restaurant makes sure that a lot of professionalism is followed in creating and presenting its dishes in a beautiful manner, and this is the reason why it’s one of the many great restaurants in South Korea.
Chef’s Choice
One of the fascinating dishes that you can try here is their klook which contains boiled pork pieces that come dipped in pomelo sauce which gives it a luscious flavor.
The klook dish is excellent for 2 to 3 people as it comes in both large and medium sizes.
Give their unique fusion dishes a try as they come with lovely fermented shrimp along with a tasty citrusy sauce that feels divine if combined with their pork or their salty shrimp that gives one both a sweet and sour taste.
Location and Contact
- 41-1, Jahamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03036 South Korea
- Phone:- +82 70-4142-1214
- Email:- smilechefmin@gmail.com
8. Tosokchon
Why it’s a must visit?
The Tosokchon restaurant is synonymous with a famous soup named samgyetang, which is a healthy soup that is made from a whole young chicken that comes stuffed with glutinous rice and soaked in Korean ginseng with lots of other nutritious choices like ginger, jujube fruit, garlic and other forms of continents and herbs.
It’s been operating for over 30 years and is known for serving the best soup in Seoul and is often frequented by lots of famous personalities.
Also, it’s just some walks away from gyeonnbokgung so that one can appease their hunger here after exploring the palace.
It’s one of the nicest places to visit during summer as the many dishes here cater to seasonal varieties and, therefore, must be tried.
Chef’s Choice
The samgyetang soup here is mainly a summer dish that is often considered the most nutritious form of a meal as it helps people rejuvenate themselves and boost their energy, especially believing in the catchphrase of ‘fighting heat with heat’ that remains a significant headline in several Korean medicinal principles.
It’s a fantastic soup and remains one of the many adored Korean dishes of the local people here, who feel energized after eating it as it comes with either regular or black chicken.
Location and Contact
- 5, Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03041 South Korea
- Website
- Phone:- +82 2-737-7444
- Email:- info@tosokchon.com
9. Yuktongryeong
Why it’s a must visit?
The Yuktongryeong restaurant is probably one of the best Korean BBQ restaurants in Myeongdong, which remains famous for its outstanding non-veg varieties that keep attracting tourists.
It’s located nearest shopping complex and therefore gets a lot of visitors who often come here to revitalize themselves.
Basically, if you are a huge carnivore, then you will love this place as the wide variety of non-veg here will swoon you away.
Chef’s Choice
The restaurant specializes in tasty Jeju black pork and a thick slab of tender ribeye steak, which are pure non-veg choices.
No matter what you order, don’t forget to try their Korean BBQ, which is the most famous specialty and definitely does not deserve to be missed.
But if you want to experience grilling meat over charcoal, then you can always go over their large trumpet mushrooms, whose aromatic taste will keep you hooked to it.
Location and Contact
- 37-2, myeongdong8na-Gil, Seoul South Korea
- Phone:- +82 2-778-8592
10. Grandma Yu’s Bibimbap
Why it’s a must visit?
Grandma Yu’s Bibimbap restaurant is a well-celebrated bistro in Korea that is also appreciated globally has it known mainly for its colorful dishes that come beautifully served in a heavy stone black pot.
It’s basically one of the best bibimbap restaurants in Seoul, South Korea, and it’s perfect for couples to visit.
The restaurant has a large following, especially with local people who know its authenticity over serving quality dishes for more than 40 years in the most delicious form that feels hearty.
The wide range of bibimbap here is the reason why it’s so adored all over South Korea, along with its immersing royal court-type interior that takes inspiration from the Joseon dynasty.
Chef’s Choice
Its barbecue, bibimbap, and japchae are the most loved dishes here and come in several colorful flavors.
Besides those dishes, there makes the rice which basically goes by the name of bibimbap is made from warm white rice that comes seasoned with several ingredients in the form of sautéed and seasonal vegetables like mushroom, cucumber, radish and zucchini, and a lot more.
It also comes with Korean chili paste, known as gochujang has beef, egg, or any other form of sliced meal in either simple or fried form, which is mixed together and eaten.
The bibimbap here also comes in two ranges here, either in dolsot bibimbap or hot stone pot or their yukhoe bibimbap which is basically created from beef tartare.
Their jenonju bibimbap also gets praise from the Lord for its flavorful ingredients like sesame oil, gochujang, and Jeolla-do bean sprouts which come in crispy forms.
These dishes are incredibly nutritious, crispy, and healthy and need to be ordered as early as possible as the local people usually make them run out of ingredients.
Location and Contact
- 12-2 Bukchang-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Phone:- +82 2-752-9282
11. Manjok Ohyang Jokbal
Why it’s a must visit?
The Manjok Ohyang Jokbal is known for serving the finest jokbal in town and has one solid rating from lots of local people and winning streak awards for serving the most refined forms of dishes.
It’s a fabulous place to have gourmet Korean dishes in the most extravagant sense that come loaded with flavors.
Everything here will swear you away with either its beauty or decadent flavors and will make visiting here worth your time.
Chef’s Choice
There jokbal remains the most famous dish here, which is pigs trotters that are cooked in soy sauce and lots of spices like garlic, ginger, and rice wine with other condiments like black pepper, leaks, onion, and cinnamon.
These feet come soaked in a soup-like form, are incredibly tender in texture, and come in lots of spicy ranges and versions.
They also have a Blossom menu that showcases various voucher dishes like their blossom or jokbal that come wrapped in lettuce with lots of veggies in sauces and should definitely be paired with either soju or beer.
The staff here also provides people with a dipping sauce that contains garlic and cabbage, which makes the dish a lot tastier.
Besides that, their pork is also a delicious dish to go for as it comes in a highly tender form and contains various spices to it that make it a perfect place to go.
Location and Contact
- 134-10, Seosomun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul 04514 South Korea
- Phone:- +82 2-753-4755
12. Myeongdong Kyoja
Why it’s a must visit?
The Myeongdong Kyoja is one of the best restaurants near me that has been operating for more than 50 years and is known for serving the most delectable knife cut noddles or kalguksu in South Korea.
It’s a fantastic place to stop by after shopping and exploring as it helps people to rejuvenate their energy through their many healthy food choices that are perfect as summer dishes but can be eaten at any time of the year.
It’s a perfect place as the affordable rates here as well as its convenient location along with comfort food options, have already made it one of the best places to eat in Seoul South Korea.
Chef’s Choice
Try their knife-cut noodles, which come soaked in broth with eggs and wheat flour that are rolled thinly in the form of long strips.
The soup contains several ingredients like shellfish, kelp, and dried anchovies that are boiled for several hours and then gets added to the noodles and veggies.
The Kalguksu is also a typical summer dish but can be eaten all year round as well, as their kyoja’s steamed mandu is also an excellent choice to go for if you are a big fan of Korean-style dumplings.
Location and Contact
- 29-1, Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu Myeongdong Kyoja #1, Seoul 04537 South Korea
- Website
- Phone:- +82 2-776-5348
13. Myeongdong Food Street
Why it’s a must visit?
The Myeongdong Food Street is a perfect place to go to for anyone who craves tasty and spicy Korean street food that lights up during evening hours and provides people with lots of street food options that are difficult to choose from.
Make sure that you mark this as a must visit spot in your Seoul itinerary, as the street food here is hard to forget and deserves to be visited.
Also, it’s important to remember that even though it’s street food, it’s much more expensive than other street Food markets or food joints as the quality here isn’t compromised.
Chef’s Choice
Try some of their favorites, like their chicken with tteokbokki, which is a famous Street dish, as the chicken pieces here come in generous portions, which makes it indeed an irresistible meal.
Another one that is equally delicious is their lobster tails which come in grilled forms and has blow torched meat that comes with shredded cheese that melts perfectly under the Zaigle and finishes off incredibly well with their spicy red sauce that is made entirely from gochujang.
Also, their tasty pancake-like dessert named gyeranppang or egg bread is also a fabulous treat to go for as it resembles waffles and comes with whole eggs in an oblong shape that gives it its brown plus golden color and feels amazing on the tastebuds.
One gets to relish the tasty and crispy egg snack that has definitely become a favorite of many people.
Location and Contact
14. WooSung Galbi
Why it’s a must visit?
The WooSung Galbi diner is one of the top barbecue restaurants in Seoul, South Korea, and has become a significant hit spot among the local people and several Korean food bloggers who love its vibrant menu that displays several delectable options.
The restaurant stays true to its catchphrase of not disappointing its non-Korean customers as every single dish year comes in familiar forms and tastes incredibly well.
As we mentioned above, meat is somehow costly in South Korea, but you can always visit this place if you want to have inexpensive meat with quality.
Chef’s Choice
Don’t forget to grab their pork galbi which one can cook by themselves over a sharp charcoal grill, and the taste would be perfect.
In the same way, trying their pork rinds will be a superb option as it comes in gummy and soft flavors but still feels crispy, like chicharron.
Also, their sweet marinade comes in the form of pork Galbi which also comes with a side dish of wasabi dipping sauce that is perfect to have with a bottle of beer.
Location and Contact
- 372-40 Sindang-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Phone:- +82 2-2231-6722
15. Woo Lae Oak
Why it’s a must visit?
The one place that should definitely not be missed is this Woo Lae Oak restaurant which is also considered to be among the many oldest restaurants in South Korea as it was established in 1946.
A lot of people might expect an old restaurant to be made in a rustic style, but this restaurant exceeds expectations with its two-story building made in an upscale manner that continues to deliver quality service.
The restaurant has several branches globally, one in the US also that remains highly popular among the crowd for introducing people to many exotic dishes.
Chef’s Choice
This restaurant is basically a BBQ Korean restaurant, but it also offers other exotic varieties that can’t be found anywhere else.
The restaurant is primarily known for offering to type two varieties of naengmyeon – bibim naengmyeon and mil naengmyeon which have less soup in them but a lot of spice that is made from gochujang and they are all served cold before one can mix up their ingredients.
Their buckwheat noodles are a tasty dish to try as they come with a seasoning of gochujang and remains a famous dish not only in South Korea but in North Korea as well.
Both these dishes get served in a stainless steel bowl with a tasty iced brought and stay true to their cultural value as one can see beef, donchimi, and chicken pieces dipped in the noodle soup.
Basically, their buckwheat noodles remain the star of the menu and should definitely be tried if anyone wants to revitalize themselves with goodness.
Location and Contact
- 118-1, Jugyo-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul South Korea
- Phone:- +82 2-2265-0151
16. Yonggeumok
Why it’s a must visit?
The Yonggeumok restaurant is another one of the oldest Seoul restaurants that were opened in 1932 and have become one of the third oldest restaurants in Seoul, South Korea that, serves the most authentic chuetang for more than 90 years.
At this place, you won’t see a lot of foreigners, but it’s our personal recommendation that one should definitely try visiting this place as the food here is something that stays due to its generational recipe and might be good to experiment with.
It’s one of the cool places to eat in Seoul, South Korea if one is coming here during the winter season and wants to feast on hearty dishes, especially on colder days.
Chef’s Choice
One of the must have dishes here is their chuetang which is entirely made from Pond Loach, which is a specific type of freshwater Mudfish, and then gets boiled in water till it becomes soft and is snatched all skin and bones.
The fish meat, after boiling, then gets mixed with their beef or chicken broth and comes with the seasoning of gochujang, which is basically a red chili paste, doenjang as a soybean paste, grated ginger pieces, and ground black pepper.
The dish comes in two varieties, first in complete simple form or with soup; one can order it as per their liking if they prefer things a little bit soupy or dry.
It’s a pretty healthy alternative to other dishes as it comes with a balanced amount of veggies and noodles like rice, tofu, and mushrooms.
Location and Contact
- 41-2 Jahamun-ro, Tongin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Phone:- +82 2-777-4749
17. Wonjo Masan Halmae Agujjim
Why it’s a must visit?
The Wonjo Masam, Halmae Agujjim restaurant, is perhaps one of the most thrilling diners in South Korea that are especially raved about among foreigners but can come off as a bit more expensive than the others.
The reason why its dishes are so expensive it’s probably due to the complex recipes and food that are offered here that deviate from conventional Korean dishes and stick to gourmet ones.
It’s one of those restaurants people go to if they want to experience extravagant dining in an exotic city without worrying about the price.
Chef’s Choice
Try their gejang, which are marinated fresh raw crafts that come slathered in ganjang along with lots of chili pepper powder.
It’s one of the most complex dishes in Korea and thereby demands such a high price for it as the crabs in it are efficiently cleaned and put in their earthenware crock for about six hours and then are blended with sesame oil, garlic, fresh red chili pepper, soy sauce, sugar and ginger over the salted crabs.
It’s one of the most complicated dishes to make as the process is repeated consistently till the food gives out a gelatin consistency and feels cold, sweet, and decadent with a bit of a salty taste.
Also, that pair it with their sticky Korean rice will give it a caramel-like flavor which is a divine combination that should definitely be experimented with.
The restaurant also provides complementary ssam vegetables with rice and ganjang that one can wrap around its leafy parcels that somehow bring out the inner goodness of the dish.
Location and Contact
- 10 Gangnam-daero 99-gil, Seocho-gu Masan Halmae Agoojjim, Seoul 06526 South Korea
- Phone:- +82 2-547-2774
18. Sigol Bapsang
Why it’s a must visit?
The one place that any tourist or traveler should definitely visit to relish decadent Korean cuisine is the Sigol Bapsang restaurant which is known for its generosity and for offering complementary dishes in small forms with the main course.
Also, the location of this restaurant is pretty convenient and is located near a convenience store which explains its unpretentious atmosphere that feels entirely out of place, especially in a vast city like Itaewon.
Even though Seoul is a cosmopolitan city, this restaurant will take you back to the old Korean age with its vintage ambiance that features several rustic themes.
Also, the restaurant remains open 24 hours a day which makes it a spectacular place to grab late-night snacks.
Chef’s Choice
The biggest highlight of this restaurant goes to its Banchan dishes which are served in an entrée form here which probably isn’t common in South Korea.
It comes with rice and a boiling pot of jjigae, which is fermented soybean beef stew and does not even need refilling as it appeases all cravings with one bite.
So if you want to have your favorite banchan dishes in a complete course form that comes in plentiful portions, then visiting this place will definitely be a wise option.
Location and Contact
- 235 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Phone:- +82 2-793-5390
19. BBQ Olive Chicken Cafe
Why it’s a must visit?
The BBQ Olive Chicken Cafe restaurant remains one of the most popular BBQ restaurant chains that have several branches across Seoul and remains trendy for its K-drama-like atmosphere that showcases its visitation of several influential film drama characters like Goblin, which has made it rise in popularity.
The place is known for offering a vast variety of BBQ fried chicken that comes in several sauces and spices that should be tried one by one.
In a nutshell, it basically remains famous for its tasty food choices and its prominence in K-dramas, which gives it its praised image.
Chef’s Choice
The restaurant is known for offering the widest variety of Korean fried chicken that comes in several flavors according to one’s preference.
The flavor that it arrives in ranges from soy garlic to golden olive flavors and lots of other tastes that make the most of its appreciation.
Order their sweet potato fries as a flavorful side dish to add more variety to your feast and make it tastier.
Location and Contact
- 119, Jongno3-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul South Korea
- Phone:- +82 2-2275-0388
20. Sulbing
Why it’s a must visit?
The Sulbing restaurant has more than 100 branches in South Korea and thereby remains one of the most popular food chains that specializes in comfort food choices and especially their bingsu.
This restaurant is basically a café and is known for its delectable treats, especially desserts that come in several delicious forms and thereby are worthy of being mentioned.
All of its dishes are a treat to the taste buds, and thereby remains one of the 5-star restaurants in the city.
Chef’s Choice
At this place, one should not miss out on their special bingsu, which is a category of shaved iced dessert that comes with various toppings like Matcha, red beans, chocolate, chopped fruits, and other treats.
Also, try their tiramisu bingsu, which comes in such significant portions that it can be shared between 2 to 6 people and thereby remains one of the best dishes here.
Their honeydew melon bingsu is also a pretty good alternative if one is not in the mood for tiramisu.
Location and Contact
- 22, Myeongdong 4-gil, Jung-gu 2F, Namgyeong Bldg., Seoul 04536 South Korea
- Phone:- +82 2-752-2232
21. Lotteria
Why it’s a must visit?
The Lotteria restaurant is basically the number one fast food chain in South Korea and is also a fused brunch between Japanese and Korean conglomerate Lotte group.
It’s one of those places people go to if they want to relish Korean plus Japanese cuisine, with several delicate Asian dishes coming from Taiwan, Korea, Myanmar, Vietnam, Korea, and Japan.
It’s a pretty affordable restaurant that offers people a wide range to choose from and remains consistent in its high-end value.
Chef’s Choice
One of the best familiar options that when you can try here is their mozzarella bacon burger which is a pretty filling option to go for.
The reason why the burger taste so good is because of his cheese bowl and mozzarella batty that feels divine on the tastebuds while maintaining an authentic taste of Korea in them.
Other than that, one can also go for their most famous burger option named Hanwoo Bulgogi which is highly praised here for its sumptuous fillings.
Location and Contact
- 43-205, Dongja-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul South Korea
- Website
- Phone:- +82 2-393-9375
22. Pojangmacha
Why it’s a must visit?
The Pojangmacha restaurant is not just a diner but is an entirely different culinary experience that gives people a fascinating taste of South Korean street food with the most rejuvenating beverages, as the title still gives away its unique meaning of ‘covered wagon.’
There are lots of different kinds of restaurants of this name in South Korea that serve basically every type of street food that one can think of, and because of that, the price remains much cheaper than gourmet dishes.
It’s an attractive choice for anyone to visit if they want to simply explore the street food of Korea at affordable rates in several delicious forms.
Chef’s Choice
There are lots of street food dishes that should not be missed in this area, like soondae, mandu, and tteokbokki, which are the most famous Street food dishes that can come either in octopus, bacon, chicken, or lamb varieties.
Also, the beers or the famous soju here are a lot cheaper than drinking at a specified bar or restaurant, which somewhat fulfills its goal of providing taste with affordable rates.
Location and Contact
- 539-1, Sinsa-dong, Seoul South Korea
- Phone:- +82 2-545-4376
23. Han-Wadham
Why it’s a must visit?
The Han-Wadam restaurant is another one of the oldest restaurants in Seoul; that was established in 1939 and has earned a high reputation for serving the nicest beef bone and gomtang soup in town.
This restaurant is located in the heart of Myeongdong, which is a famous shopping district and a fascinating place to have lunch after a heavy day of exploring and shopping.
Every dish here is super delicious and needs to be tried as it’s made from traditional Korean recipes and therefore has a unique charm to it.
Chef’s Choice
As we mentioned above, the restaurant is basically famous for its soups, like its gomtang and beef bone, which come and lots of varieties as well.
Its other varieties, like ox head, ox bones, oxtail, ribs, and brisket, are cooked over a loaf flame till the stew becomes whitish in texture which gives it its gracious flavor.
Not only is the soup extracted from the meat and bones, but rice is also added to it along with minced green onions and salt that one can season as per their liking.
Location and Contact
- 65-1, Dokseodang-ro, Yongsan-gu 2F, Seoul 04419 South Korea
- Phone:- +82 2-749-7905
24. Braai Republic
Why it’s a must visit?
The Braai Republic restaurant is ideally situated in South Korea that provides mouthwatering African cuisine in the barbecue forms at this restaurant.
It’s rare to find an exotic restaurant in South Korea where this diner excels pretty well with its homestyle cooking that feels hearty and delicious.
The restaurant introduces people to celebrate traditional and tasty south African cuisine choices that are drool-worthy and needs to be visited at least once.
Chef’s Choice
All of the non-veg dishes here that come in meat forms are the best here, mainly because they are barbecued to the core and thereby have an enticing smokey aroma to them.
Its pies are also a decadent treat to the taste of birds that infuses the flavor of both South Africa and South Korea in it.
Location and Contact
- 19, Itaewon-ro 14-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 04391 South Korea
- Website
- Phone:- +82 70-8879-1967
- Email:- braairepublicseoul@gmail.com
25. The Parkview
Why it’s a must visit?
The park view restaurant introduces people to several global flavors covering all of Asia and international cuisine in the most flavorsome way.
It also remains one of the most famous Sunday brunch spots in South Korea, which is undoubtedly unmatchable in its value.
No matter what you eat here, you are sure to have a pleasant time dining without any complaints.
Chef’s Choice
Because of its vast menu covering global varieties, the restaurant allows people to choose from a myriad of options that remain its most significant checkpoint.
It’s also pretty accommodating to the needs of special diets by introducing vegan and vegetarian options so one can eat at peace here.
Besides all that, the restaurant is known for providing the best buffet options in Seoul, South Korea, which is hard to match against.
Location and Contact
- 202 Jangchung-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul 04614 South Korea
- Website
- Phone:- +82 2-2230-3374
26. Jungsik Seoul
Why it’s a must visit?
The Jungsik Seoul restaurant is situated in South Korea and remains one of the most sophisticated restaurants in South Korea that serves people delectable authentic Korean food choices that are made with full enthusiasm and dedication.
Another plus point about this restaurant is that it’s pretty affordable as the rates are relatively cheap here in comparison to other luxury restaurants.
One is bound to have a fabulous dining experience here as the restaurant was mentioned to be one of Asia’s 50 best restaurants for its exquisite menu.
Chef’s Choice
The restaurant stays true to its cultural value and provides tasty traditional Korean cuisine made with generational recipes.
It’s worth noting that this place uses all traditional ingredients to create its dishes but makes them in a contemporary sense to give them a familiar yet authentic flavor.
Location and Contact
- 11, Seolleung-ro 158-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06014 South Korea
- Website
- Phone:- +82 2-517-4654
- Email:- seoul@jungsik.kr
27. Sanchon
Why it’s a must visit?
The Sanchon restaurant was started by a Buddhist monk and remains one of the top vegan restaurants in South Korea that follows a sustainable approach to creating its dishes.
All of its dishes are made from sustainable ingredients and thereby remain one of the healthiest alternatives to go for anyone who follows a special diet.
Also, the atmosphere of the restaurant is pretty, immersing with lanterns and unique music that makes people feel at peace while eating.
Chef’s Choice
The restaurant creates all of its dishes from organic ingredients, and there is no use of any preservatives in its meals, which makes it quite worthy of its image.
Also, the restaurant not only offers Korean fare but also showcases a menu that covers other Asian specialties as well.
The immersing music, dance performances, and the overall interior of the restaurant make a trip to this diner worthy of one’s time.
Location and Contact
- 14, Gwanhun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul South Korea
- Website
- Phone:- +82 2-735-0312
28. Gurkha Indian Restaurant
Why it’s a must visit?
The Gurkha Indian restaurant, despite having an Indian name, the restaurant covers various regional specialties of India, China, and Nepal by providing delectable dishes in exotic varieties.
Even though exotic food can come at a pricier side in many restaurants, this diner defies the odds by offering people tasty cuisine at affordable prices.
Also, the ambiance lives up to the expectations of the people with its unique layout and lively aura.
Chef’s Choice
One of the most remarkable aspects of this place goes in its creation of traditional cuisine, which comes in several wide varieties.
Also, by trying Indian, Nepalese, and Chinese cuisine, one gets to explore the cuisines of various regional states at a reasonable price.
Location and Contact
- 16-1, Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu 5F, Seoul 04536 South Korea
- Website
- Phone:- +82 2-775-8860
- Email:- gurkha8848@gmail.com
29. La Yeon
Why it’s a must visit?
Get the original taste of Korea in gourmet fashion by immersing indulging yourself in their delectable traditional varieties inside a sophisticated atmosphere.
It’s one of the top-rated restaurants in South Korea that has a rating of three Michelin stars and thereby remains of the most revered places to eat at.
It has a breathtaking interior that leaves its customers stunned with its eye-catching details and beauty.
Chef’s Choice
This restaurant stuns people with its barbecued dishes that come in beautiful presentation forms and leaves its customers wanting more.
The tasty dishes here are created by professional chefs who pay equal attention to the presentation details, and it’s the creation of masterpieces as well.
Location and Contact
- 249, Dongho-ro, Jung-gu 23F, The Shilla Seoul Seoul, Seoul 04605 South Korea
- Website
- Phone:- +82 2-2230-3367
Famous Food to Try in the City
Korean BBQ Chicken – Korean BBQ chicken remains the most famous dish in Korea mainly because it often gets featured in lots of K-dramas which show people relishing tasty and saucy BBQ chicken with full enthusiasm. The barbecue chicken here is quite distinctive in flavor from conventional American BBQ chicken as it comes slathered in various spices and sauces, which gives it its crispy and savory flavor.
Tteobboki – Tteobboki is a famous Korean street food dish that remains a globally celebrated dish; that comes with a thick consistent gravy and contains either octopus, beef, egg, or chicken pieces with rice cakes that make the dish extraordinarily flavorful and relish-worthy, which one can find it at any simple food joint at an affordable price.
Bibimbap – Bibimbap is another favorite South Korean dish that also remains popular internationally for its exuberant quality that balances both veggies and meat in the most spectacular form by adding lots of dips and sauces to it to give it a tasty finger-licking flavor. The dish comes with lots of simmered veggies with either egg or chicken pieces which are further blended by hand along with the rice, making the dish a mouthwatering treat to the taste buds.
Final Thoughts
Seoul is a fabulous city in South Korea that has become a significant destination mark with the rise of K-dramas and K-pop, which often intrigue people with their great cultural essence and beauty.
Not only is the place famous in the cinematic framework and music industry, but the culinary scene here is also rising among the international audience who constantly seek to visit the place solely to encounter its authentic South Korean cuisine.
Therefore we created this list of the best restaurants in Seoul, South Korea, to help you explore the city to the core without any extra hassle. We hope you have taken a look above, as the research has been done with thorough execution and understanding.
