Suwon

Comprehensive Guide to Korean Cuisine in Suwon, South Korea

Suwon, the capital of Gyeonggi Province, is a city rich in history, culture, and culinary delights. Known for its UNESCO-listed Hwaseong Fortress, Suwon is also a food lover’s paradise, offering a mix of traditional Korean dishes and local specialties. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate Suwon’s food scene.

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1. Popular Dishes in Suwon

Suwon is famous for its unique take on Korean cuisine, with some dishes that are local specialties. Here are the must-try dishes:

a. Suwon Galbi (수원 갈비)

• Description: Suwon is renowned for its marinated beef short ribs (galbi). The meat is tender, juicy, and grilled to perfection, often served with side dishes like kimchi, pickled radish, and lettuce wraps.
• Why It’s Special: Suwon Galbi is known for its larger-than-average rib cuts and its rich, sweet, and savory marinade.
• Where to Try: Suwon’s Galbi Alley (갈비골목) near Paldalmun Gate is the best place to experience authentic Suwon-style galbi.

b. Dakgalbi (닭갈비)

• Description: Spicy stir-fried chicken with vegetables, rice cakes, and a gochujang (red chili paste) sauce. It’s cooked on a large skillet at your table.
• Why It’s Special: It’s a communal dish, perfect for sharing with friends or family.
• Where to Try: Many restaurants in Suwon serve dakgalbi, but look for places near Suwon Station for affordable and authentic options.

c. Baekban (백반)

• Description: A traditional Korean set meal consisting of rice, soup, and a variety of side dishes (banchan).
• Why It’s Special: It’s a great way to sample a variety of Korean flavors in one meal.
• Where to Try: Local mom-and-pop restaurants (식당) around Suwon’s traditional markets.

d. Suwon Fried Chicken (수원 치킨)

• Description: Korean fried chicken is a national favorite, and Suwon has its own take on this crispy, flavorful dish.
• Why It’s Special: Suwon’s fried chicken is often paired with beer (a combination called "chimaek" - 치맥).
• Where to Try: Check out chicken restaurants in the Ingye-dong area, which is known for its nightlife and food options.

e. Hotteok (호떡)

• Description: A sweet Korean pancake filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts.
• Why It’s Special: It’s a popular street food, especially during the colder months.
• Where to Try: Vendors near Hwaseong Fortress or Suwon’s traditional markets.

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2. Dining Options and Must-Try Restaurants

Suwon offers a variety of dining experiences, from street food to high-end restaurants. Here are some recommendations:

a. Suwon Galbi Alley (갈비골목)

• What It Is: A famous street lined with restaurants specializing in Suwon-style galbi.
• Top Picks:
  • Kabojung Galbi (가보정 갈비): Known for its premium beef and excellent service.
  • Yeonpo Galbi (연포 갈비): A more affordable option with authentic flavors.
• Price Range: ₩30,000–₩50,000 per person for galbi.

b. Hwaseong Haenggung Market (화성행궁시장)

• What It Is: A traditional market near Hwaseong Fortress offering a variety of street food and local dishes.
• Must-Try Foods: Hotteok, tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), and gimbap (Korean sushi rolls).
• Price Range: ₩5,000–₩10,000 for street food.

c. Ingye-dong (인계동)

• What It Is: Suwon’s nightlife district, filled with restaurants, bars, and cafes.
• Must-Try Restaurants:
  • Chicken Plus (치킨플러스): Famous for Korean fried chicken.
  • Samgyeopsal Houses: Many restaurants here specialize in grilled pork belly.
• Price Range: ₩15,000–₩30,000 per person.

d. Bongnae-dong Pojangmacha Street (봉내동 포장마차 거리)

• What It Is: A street filled with pojangmacha (tent-style street food stalls).
• Must-Try Foods: Soondae (blood sausage), odeng (fish cake skewers), and makgeolli (Korean rice wine).
• Price Range: ₩10,000–₩20,000 for a casual meal.

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3. Dining Etiquette in Korea

When dining in Suwon (or anywhere in Korea), it’s important to follow local customs to show respect and enjoy your meal fully. Here are some key points:

a. Table Manners

• Wait for the eldest person at the table to start eating before you begin.
• Use chopsticks and spoons appropriately (chopsticks for side dishes, spoon for rice and soup).
• Do not stick chopsticks upright in your rice bowl, as it resembles a funeral ritual.

b. Sharing Food

• Korean meals are often served family-style, with shared dishes in the center of the table.
• Use the serving utensils provided, or turn your chopsticks around to take food from shared plates.

c. Drinking Etiquette

• When drinking alcohol, pour drinks for others rather than yourself. Hold the bottle with two hands when pouring for someone older or of higher status.
• When receiving a drink, hold your glass with two hands and turn slightly away from elders when drinking.

d. Paying the Bill

• In Korea, it’s common for one person to pay the entire bill, especially in group settings. However, younger people or friends may split the bill (called "Dutch pay" or 더치페이).

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4. Cultural Insights

• Banchan (Side Dishes): These are complimentary and refillable in most restaurants. Don’t hesitate to ask for more if you run out.
• Spice Levels: Korean food can be spicy. If you’re not accustomed to spicy food, ask for “덜 맵게 해주세요” (deol maepge haejuseyo), which means “please make it less spicy.”
• Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Korea. Good service is expected and included in the price.

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5. Food Streets and Markets

Suwon has several food streets and markets where you can experience authentic Korean cuisine:

a. Paldalmun Market (팔달문시장)

• What It Is: A bustling traditional market near Hwaseong Fortress.
• What to Eat: Street food like mandu (dumplings), jeon (savory pancakes), and bungeoppang (fish-shaped pastries).
• Why Visit: It’s a great place to experience local life and try affordable, delicious food.

b. Suwon Fried Chicken Street

• What It Is: A street dedicated to fried chicken restaurants.
• Why Visit: Perfect for experiencing Korea’s famous chimaek culture.

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6. Approximate Costs

• Street Food: ₩5,000–₩10,000 per item.
• Casual Restaurants: ₩10,000–₩20,000 per person.
• Mid-Range Restaurants: ₩20,000–₩40,000 per person.
• High-End Restaurants: ₩50,000+ per person.

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7. Final Tips

• Language Barrier: While many restaurants have picture menus, learning a few Korean phrases can be helpful. For example, “이거 주세요” (igeo juseyo) means “Please give me this.”
• Timing: Lunch hours (12 PM–2 PM) and dinner hours (6 PM–8 PM) can be busy, so plan accordingly.
• Seasonal Foods: Try seasonal specialties like naengmyeon (cold noodles) in summer or hotteok in winter.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy the rich and diverse culinary offerings of Suwon, South Korea. Bon appétit—or as they say in Korea, 잘 먹겠습니다 (jal meokgetseumnida)!