Seoul

1. Popular Local Dishes to Try in Seoul

Seoul is a food lover's paradise, offering a wide variety of traditional Korean dishes. Here are some must-try options:

Traditional Korean Dishes

• Kimchi (김치): Fermented vegetables, usually napa cabbage or radish, seasoned with chili, garlic, and other spices. A staple side dish in every Korean meal.
• Bibimbap (비빔밥): A mixed rice dish topped with vegetables, a fried egg, and gochujang (red chili paste). Variations include dolsot bibimbap, served in a hot stone bowl.
• Samgyeopsal (삼겹살): Grilled pork belly, often enjoyed at Korean BBQ restaurants. Served with lettuce wraps, garlic, and ssamjang (spicy dipping sauce).
• Bulgogi (불고기): Marinated beef, grilled or stir-fried, with a sweet and savory flavor.
• Tteokbokki (떡볶이): Spicy rice cakes cooked in a sweet and spicy gochujang-based sauce, often sold as street food.
• Jjajangmyeon (짜장면): Noodles in a black bean sauce, a popular comfort food.
• Samgyetang (삼계탕): Ginseng chicken soup, often eaten in summer for its health benefits.
• Kimchi Jjigae (김치찌개): A hearty kimchi stew with tofu, pork, and vegetables.
• Haemul Pajeon (해물파전): A savory pancake made with green onions and seafood.

Street Food

Seoul’s street food scene is legendary, especially in areas like Myeongdong, Hongdae, and Gwangjang Market. Popular items include:

• Hotteok (호떡): Sweet pancakes filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts.
• Gimbap (김밥): Seaweed rice rolls filled with vegetables, egg, and sometimes meat or tuna.
• Eomuk (어묵): Fish cakes served on skewers, often with a warm broth.
• Bungeoppang (붕어빵): Fish-shaped pastries filled with red bean paste or custard.
• Dakgangjeong (닭강정): Sweet and spicy fried chicken bites.
• Sundae (순대): Korean blood sausage, often served with salt or spicy sauce.

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2. Recommended Restaurants in Seoul

Seoul offers a mix of traditional eateries, modern fusion restaurants, and Michelin-starred establishments. Here are some recommendations:

Traditional Korean Restaurants

• Tosokchon Samgyetang (토속촌 삼계탕): Famous for its ginseng chicken soup, located near Gyeongbokgung Palace.
• Jinokhwa Halmae Wonjo Dakhanmari (진옥화 할매 원조 닭한마리): Specializes in "dakhanmari," a whole chicken soup, in Dongdaemun.
• Gwangjang Market (광장시장): A bustling market with stalls offering authentic Korean street food like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and mayak gimbap (addictive mini gimbap).

Modern and Fusion Restaurants

• Mingles (밍글스): A Michelin-starred restaurant blending traditional Korean flavors with modern techniques.
• Jungsik (정식당): A fine-dining restaurant offering contemporary Korean cuisine, also Michelin-starred.
• Tartine Bakery Seoul: A trendy spot for brunch and pastries, located in Itaewon.

Korean BBQ

• Maple Tree House (단풍나무집): A popular chain for high-quality Korean BBQ.
• Samwon Garden (삼원가든): Known for its premium meats and spacious dining area.

Vegetarian/Vegan Options

• Plant Café & Kitchen: A vegan café in Itaewon offering burgers, bowls, and desserts.
• Loving Hut: A global vegan chain with several locations in Seoul.

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3. Dining Etiquette in Korea

Understanding Korean dining customs will enhance your experience:

• Sharing is Caring: Most dishes are served family-style, and sharing is common. Individual portions are rare.
• Use Chopsticks and Spoons: Chopsticks are for solid food, while spoons are for soups and rice.
• Wait for the Elders: It’s customary to wait for the eldest person at the table to start eating first.
• Refilling Drinks: Pour drinks for others rather than yourself, and use both hands when pouring or receiving.
• No Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Korea, as service charges are usually included in the bill.

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4. Average Food Costs in Seoul

Seoul offers a range of dining options to suit all budgets:

• Street Food: KRW 1,000–5,000 per item (e.g., tteokbokki, gimbap).
• Casual Restaurants: KRW 7,000–15,000 per meal (e.g., bibimbap, kimchi jjigae).
• Korean BBQ: KRW 15,000–40,000 per person, depending on the quality of meat.
• Fine Dining: KRW 50,000–200,000+ per person at high-end restaurants.

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5. Navigating Food Delivery Apps

Food delivery is extremely popular in Seoul, with apps offering a wide variety of options. The most commonly used apps are:

• Baedal Minjok (배달의민족): Known as "Baemin," this app offers a user-friendly interface and a wide selection of restaurants.
• Yogiyo (요기요): Another popular app with similar features to Baemin.
• Coupang Eats: Focuses on single-order deliveries, ensuring faster service.

Tips for Using Delivery Apps

• Language Barrier: Most apps are in Korean, but some (like Baemin) offer limited English support. Using a translation app can help.
• Payment Methods: Credit cards, Korean bank accounts, and some international cards are accepted. Cash on delivery is also an option.
• Delivery Fees: Typically range from KRW 1,000–4,000, depending on the distance.

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6. Dietary Accommodations

Seoul is becoming increasingly accommodating to various dietary needs:

• Vegetarian/Vegan: While traditional Korean cuisine is meat-heavy, vegan-friendly restaurants like Plant Café and Loving Hut are great options. Look for dishes like bibimbap (without meat) or temple cuisine at Buddhist restaurants.
• Halal: Itaewon is home to several halal-certified restaurants, such as Eid and Makan Halal Korean Restaurant.
• Gluten-Free: Korean cuisine naturally includes many gluten-free options, such as rice-based dishes. However, soy sauce often contains wheat, so ask for alternatives.

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7. Additional Tips and Considerations

• Water is Free: Most restaurants provide free water, either self-serve or brought to your table.
• Side Dishes (Banchan): These are complimentary and refillable at most restaurants.
• Late-Night Dining: Many eateries, especially in areas like Hongdae and Gangnam, are open late or even 24/7.
• Language Barrier: While many restaurants have English menus, smaller establishments may not. Learning basic Korean food terms or using a translation app can be helpful.
• Cash vs. Card: Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s good to carry some cash for street food or smaller vendors.

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Seoul’s food scene is a delightful mix of tradition and innovation, offering something for every palate and budget. By exploring local dishes, respecting dining customs, and taking advantage of delivery apps, you’ll have an unforgettable culinary experience in this dynamic city. Bon appétit—or as they say in Korea, 잘 먹겠습니다 (jal meokgetseumnida)!