What to Eat in Seoul, South Korea

The ULTIMATE Seoul travel guide of Korean food! The most amazing, cheap and must eat street foods for all foodie lovers!

So why does anyone go to Seoul? Well, obviously because of the super cheap yet amazing street food! You can find the best street food at various markets, street carts, subway stations – you name it. It’s everywhere. But these are my select few places that you must visit when you go to Seoul. Just be sure to have cash on hand and a hungry tummy!

Mr. Holmes Bakehouse Korea

Address: South Korea, Seoul, Gangnam-gu, Apgujeong-ro 10-gil, 34

The funny thing about this place is that there is a Mr. Holmes Bakehouse next to my spin studio in Larchmont. I walk by it all the time. But you still have to make a trip out here if you are in South Korea. Because where else can you get a picture saying “I Got Baked in Seoul”?

Gwangjang Market

Address: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno 1(il).2(i).3(sam).4(sa), Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

This is one of my favorite markets, hands down. It’s a super old traditional Korean market with cramped seating, plastic chairs and tons of stalls selling so much food. Try your best to buy one of everything!

Because the kimbap, or gimbap, is clearly a must.

So is bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes).

These are massive so you can try to share it with your friend, husband, boyfriend, etc. Although I could personally eat this entire thing myself. Just my two cents.

You also have to try the fish cake soup. It’s warm, it’s cozy, and it’s just so soothing.

And of course, all the dumplings in the world here. The kimchi dumplings are clearly the best. But then again, I’m also partial to them.

Myeong-dong Street Market

Address: 83-9 Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

This is another one of my favorite markets that is actually known as a cosmetics and skincare haven. But I come for the street food galore. And the 32cm ice cream cone. You’ll see down below. And again, try to eat one of each at all the food stalls. You won’t be sorry.

If your appetite will let you, the egg bread is a must! Piping hot, warm, steamed little loaves of heaven with an entire egg inside. It’s 1,000 won for 2 egg breads ($1USD) so stock up guys!

See, I told you – it’s the 32cm ice cream for 2,000 won ($2USD). It’ll be the best $2 you ever spend.

Myeongdong Kyoja

Address: 29 Myeongdong 10-gil, Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, 서울특별시 South Korea

I have had my fair share of kalguksu growing up (a Korean noodle soup with handmade knife cut noodles) but this is the best kalguksu dish I have ever had in my entire life. Whether it’s 10 degrees outside or 80 degrees outside, I will always make a trip to Myeongdong just for this. Plus, I the dumplings here are to die for. I always ask for extra dumplings with my noodles!

Hello Kitty Cafe

Address: 28 Myeongdong 4-gil, Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

There’s nothing particular great about this cup of coffee, except hello. We have a Hello Kitty face right on top! You will be surrounded by everything Hello Kitty here, which may be fun for kids or adults like me.

Namdaemun Market

Address: 21 Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Namchang-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Okay, I know I said the first two markets were my fave but this is my #1 for two reasons: more dumplings and donuts! My dream come true. You’ll find the ladies working their butts off with big smiles on their faces with so much dumplings – fried and steamed. So take your pick! You can’t miss this spot at Namdaemun – there’s always a large crowd surrounding them!

Another line you’ll see here is at the pajeon (pancakes) stall. These are hot pancakes (you can get them sweet or savory) folded into one of those tiny dental paper cups. So be prepared to walk and eat while they’re still hot because there’s nowhere to sit around here!

Oh and the sweet ones are good but the savory ones with jap chae (glass noodle filling) is truly bomb.com.

You also can’t leave this market without trying fish cake skewers! There are so many varieties so try to sample as many as you can!

Another donut stall here, with warm donuts freshly coated in sugar. Can’t say no to that. We’re sampling everything, right?

Tornado potato! Just think of this as a crispy spiralizing potato chip skewered and occasionally wrapped around a hot dog. Um, yes please.

Insadong Ssamjigil

Address: 44 Insadong-gil, Gwanhun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Insadong is another tourist hotspot that holds traditional culture and crafts. You can come here to buy hanbok (traditional clothing), hanji (traditional paper), traditional teas, pottery, and folk crafts. But I come solely for the poop emoji waffles filled with sweet red bean paste.

Butterfinger Pancakes

Address: 11 Seolleung-ro 152-gil, Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Last but not least. I mean, I wouldn’t recommend this for breakfast but, when in Rome… or, when in Gagnam really, order the Giant Alligator that comes with four different flavors of ice cream between layers of waffles, jam and whipped cream.