What Food To Try in Seoul and Food Prices

김치찌개 - Kimchi Stew (spicy stew) - A hearty mix of aged kimchi, pork, tofu, and vegetables simmered for hours to develop rich flavors. Locals often enjoy it for breakfast alongside rice, making for a spicy and warming start to the day.

떡볶이 - Spicy Rice Cakes (street food) - Chewy rice cakes stir-fried in a sweet and spicy gochujang sauce, often mixed with fish cakes and veggies. You'll find this vibrant dish at street stalls, perfect for a quick, filling snack while shopping.

갈비 - Galbi (grilled beef ribs) - Tender beef short ribs marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and sugar, then grilled to perfection. It's a popular staple for dinner among families, often served with festive side dishes called banchan.

비빔밥 - Bibimbap (mixed rice) - A colorful rice bowl topped with sautéed vegetables, beef, a fried egg, and spicy gochujang sauce. Typically eaten for lunch, it’s a balanced meal that’s as healthy as it is beautiful to look at.

김밥 - Kimbap (rice rolls) - Seaweed rolls filled with rice, vegetables, and often beef or fish, rolled tightly and cut into bite-sized pieces. A common picnic food, they’re great for on-the-go meals, perfect for a scenic stroll in one of Seoul's parks.

냉면 - Cold Noodles (seasonal dish) - Buckwheat noodles served chilled in a light broth, topped with sesame seeds and slices of cucumber and pear. Best enjoyed in the summer, it’s a refreshing dish particularly sought after during hot weather.

매운탕 - Spicy Fish Stew (local specialty) - A bubbling stew featuring a variety of fresh fish and vegetables, spiced with chili and aromatics. Often enjoyed during family gatherings, this dish is perfect for sharing, bringing everyone around the table for a spicy bite.

부침개 - Korean Pancake (savory pancake) - A crispy pancake made from a batter of flour and vegetables, sometimes with seafood; it’s particularly popular during rainy days. Traditionally shared among friends with soju, but I once had it solo at a favorite rainy-day eatery!

Dalgona Coffee - 달고나 커피 (whipped coffee) - A creamy coffee drink made by whipping equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until fluffy, then served over milk. Locals love it at home, especially during the cold months when they cozy up with a cup while binge-watching K-dramas.

Patbingsu - 팥빙수 (shaved ice dessert) - A refreshing mix of finely shaved ice topped with red bean paste, fruits, condensed milk, and sometimes even ice cream. This delightful treat is perfect for hot summer days, often enjoyed in cafes filled with friends catching up during summer festivals.

Makkoli - 막걸리 (rice wine) - A slightly sweet, milky rice wine made from fermented rice and water, served in bowls rather than glasses. Often drunk during traditional celebrations and gatherings, it's a favorite among locals who also love to pair it with Korean pancakes on a sunny afternoon.

Bungeoppang - 붕어빵 (fish-shaped pastry) - This adorable fish-shaped pastry is filled with sweet red bean paste and has a crispy exterior, often enjoyed warm from street vendors. You’ll find it particularly popular during winter months when locals bundle up with a hot treat in hand.

Sikhye - 식혜 (sweet rice drink) - A refreshing sweet drink made from fermented malt and rice, served chilled with chunks of sweet rice on a hot day. It's commonly consumed after meals or during festivals (a nice way to cleanse the palate), reminding everyone of home cooking and family gatherings.