Ultimate Seoul food guide: A list of the most popular and favourite Korean places that you must eat in Seoul—KBBQ, Samgyetang, Dosirak, Jjajangmyeon & more!

Thanks to the influx of the Korean Wave (Hallyu) across the globe, Korean food has been garnering the love and attention of many. From themed cafes offering decadent Korean desserts to acclaimed restaurants grilling up mouth-watering Korean barbecue, there’s no shortage of delicious South Korean cuisine. Here are some of the best restaurants in Seoul you must try:

1. Tosokchon Samgyetang (토속촌삼계탕)

Serving bowls after bowls of piping hot Samgyetang (Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup), Tosokchon Samgyetang is coined by many as the best Samgyetang restaurant in Seoul.

Dig into a wholesome bowl of signature Samgyetang and revitalize yourself in this traditional-styled Korean restaurant! Don’t be intimidated by the long queues (as expected of the best Samgyetang restaurant in Seoul), the waiting time is reasonably short and definitely worth your patience.

Must-Eat: Signature Samgyetang (KRW ₩16,000 / SGD $18)
Business Hours: 10am to 10pm daily
Address: Tosokchon Samgyetang, 5 Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Chebu-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

2. Kyochon Chicken Seoul (교촌치킨)

There’s no lack of fried chicken eateries in Seoul, but Kyochon Chicken arguably stands out as the best local fried chicken restaurant.

Endorsed by South Korean celebrity Lee Min Ho (Boys Over Flowers), Kyochon Chicken serves up freshly fried chicken prepared with less batter and oil, making it a healthier choice. The chickens are also free from drugs like antibiotics and growth hormones, so every bite is deliciously guilt-free!

Must-Eat: Honey Original Chicken (From KRW ₩16,000 / SGD $18)
Business Hours: 24 hours daily
Address: Kyochon Chicken Seoul, 464-6 Changsin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

3. Hong Kong Ban Jeom 0410+ (홍콩반점0410+)

Paired with the tangy Tangsuyuk (Sweet and Sour Pork), the indulgent Jjajangmyeon (Black Bean Noodles) smothered with thick black bean sauce is one of the most popular comfort foods in South Korea.

Owned by celebrity chef Baek Jong Won, Hong Kong Ban Jeom 0410+ is a Korean-Chinese fusion restaurant serving quality and affordable Jjajangmyeon and other Korean-Chinese fusion dishes loved by locals and tourists alike!

Must Eat: Jjajangmyeon (From KRW ₩4,500 / SGD $5) and Tangsuyuk (From KRW ₩11,000 / SGD $12.60)
Business Hours: 24 hours daily
Address: Hong Kong Ban Jeom 0410+, 44 Wausan-ro 23-gil, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

4. Jungsik Seoul (정식)

Treat yourself to a fine dining experience like no other at Michelin restaurant Jungsik—where molecular gastronomy meets traditional Korean cuisine.

Ranked first in South Korea on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, this is the best restaurant in Seoul to visit for an opulent treat! Trust me, their impressive wine list and super instagram-worthy dishes (like desserts modelled after the famous Dolhareubang rock statues in Jeju) are definitely bang for your buck.

Must-Eat: Dolhareubang dessert (included in full-course meals from KRW ₩73,000 / SGD $84)
Business Hours: 12pm to 3pm / 5.30pm to 10.30pm daily
Address: Jungsik Seoul, 11 Seolleung-ro 158-gil, Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

5. Mint Heim (민트하임)

Mint Heim is a dream come true for all mint-lovers. Decorated with a pastel mint and white interior, the mint-themed cafe serves anything and everything mint-flavoured.

Mint Lattes, Mint Americano, Mint Fudge Cakes—you name it, they probably have it in mint! For a slice of cool, refreshing minty paradise, Mint Heim is definitely the perfect go-to.

Must-Eat: Mint Oreo Cheesecake (KRW ₩6,500 / SGD $7.50)
Business Hours: 11.30am to 9.30pm daily
Address: Mint Heim, 28 Jandari-ro 6-gil, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

6. Wangbijib (왕비집)

As you walk along the streets of Seoul, there’s a high chance that you’ll smell wafts of delicious barbecued meat and smoky charcoal drifting through the air—that’s the signature smell of Korean BBQ. There’s a myriad of choices for KBBQ places in Seoul, but Wangbijib (Queen’s House) literally takes the crown.

Conceivably the best restaurant in Seoul for KBBQ, Wangbijib offers high quality cuts of melty, tender meat served with fragrant portobello mushroom. The restaurant is also very well-ventilated to minimise the dreaded after-KBBQ smell on your clothes!

Must-Eat: Assorted Premium Korean Beef (KRW ₩36,000 / SGD $41.50)
Business Hours: 11:30am to 10pm daily
Address: Wangbijib, 26 Myeongdong 8ga-gil, Chungmuro 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

7. Migabon (미가본)

Porridge might seem like an unassuming dish to have on a holiday, but at Migabon, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by their wholesome bowls of flavourful ”well-being porridges”.

With over 20 types of porridges all served with South Korean side dishes, there’s bound to be something for everyone—whether you’re feeling down, sick or simply just craving for a good meal. Remember to plan your time ahead though, Migabon sees long queues even early in the morning!

Must-Eat: Mushroom and Beef Porridge / Ginseng and Chicken Porridge (KRW ₩8,000 / SGD $9.20)
Business Hours: 8am to 9pm daily
Address: Migabon, 56 Myeongdong-gil, Myeongdong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

8. Miss Lee Cafe (별다방미스리)

Featured on many Korean television programmes, Miss Lee Cafe is a retro cafe decorated with nostalgic love letters and colourful playful decor. Needless to say, the whimsical cafe is a popular date spot for couples!

Miss Lee Cafe serves beverages with a thoughtful bowl of traditional Korean snacks for you to munch on as you catch up with your friends. While the sweet rice cakes are traditional favourites, the Dosirak (Traditional Korean Lunch Box) is also a hot item on the menu for those craving for something savoury with a homely touch!

Must-Eat: Dosirak (KRW ₩6,500 / SGD $7.50)
Business Hours: 10am to 11pm daily
Address: Miss Lee Cafe, 144 Gwanhun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Ready for a gastronomical experience in Seoul? Don’t forget to book your accommodation with your YouTrip card to enjoy up to 63% + 6% discount for hotels in Seoul! Also, remember to bring your YouTrip card along to Seoul to utilise YouTrip’s Wholesale Exchange Rates for favourable Korean Won currency exchange rates!

Read: 5D4N Seoul Itinerary Guide: Things to Do & Places to Visit

Read: Where to Stay in Seoul: Guide to 5 Best Neighbourhoods

Read: 8 Abandoned Places in South Korea Turned Instagram Hotspots

Read: Agoda | Up to 63% + 6% Off Hotels in Seoul, South Korea

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