Seoul’s culinary scene is a thrilling mosaic where every district (gu) boasts iconic dishes reflecting its history and vibe. From sizzling street food to royal cuisine, here’s your passport to eating like a local across Seoul’s vibrant neighborhoods:
Jongno-gu: Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup)
Why it’s iconic: Nestled near historic palaces, Jongno’s alleys house century-old restaurants serving this nourishing dish.
The dish: A whole young chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, simmered in broth with ginseng, jujubes, and herbs. Served piping hot in a stone pot.
Foreigner tip: Eat it year-round! Koreans love it in summer to combat heat with “yi yeol chi yeol” (fight heat with heat). Dip chicken in salt-pepper sauce.
Mapo-gu: Mapo Sundae (Blood Sausage)
Why it’s iconic: Born in Mapo’s bustling markets, this street food is the district’s namesake.
The dish: Steamed pork intestines stuffed with glass noodles, blood, and veggies. Chewy texture with savory notes.
Foreigner tip: Try it at Mapo Agujjim Alley—served with spicy stir-fried squid (agujjim). Pair with soju!
Gwangjang Market (Jongno-gu): Bindaetteok (Mung Bean Pancakes)
Why it’s iconic: Gwangjang is Seoul’s oldest market, where bindaetteok sizzles at stalls since 1905.
The dish: Crispy pancakes made from ground mung beans, veggies, and kimchi. Fried golden brown.
Foreigner tip: Eat it hot with makgeolli (rice wine). Watch vendors grind beans on stone mills—it’s a live cooking show!
Gangnam-gu: Hanwoo BBQ (Premium Korean Beef)
Why it’s iconic: Gangnam’s upscale vibe shines in its luxury BBQ joints serving top-tier Hanwoo beef.
The dish: Marbled short ribs (galbi) or sirloin grilled tableside. Tender, buttery, and subtly sweet.
Foreigner tip: Visit Seorae Village (Little France) for Galmaegisal—a prized cut from the beef diaphragm.
Myeongdong: Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)
Why it’s iconic: Myeongdong’s neon-lit streets are synonymous with fiery red tteokbokki stalls.
The dish: Chewy rice cakes in sweet-spicy gochujang sauce, often with fish cakes and boiled eggs.
Foreigner tip: Order “rabokki” (ramen + tteokbokki) for extra carbs. Cool your palate with sugar-filled “hotteok” nearby!
Hongdae: Hotteok (Sweet Stuffed Pancakes)
Why it’s iconic: Hongdae’s artsy energy fuels creative street food, but hotteok remains a winter staple.
The dish: Fried dough filled with melted brown sugar, cinnamon, nuts, and seeds. Crispy outside, gooey inside.
Foreigner tip: Try modern twists like cheese or green tea fillings. Best enjoyed cold-weather nights!
Dongdaemun: Jokbal (Braised Pig’s Trotters)
Why it’s iconic: Dongdaemun’s 24/7 shopping marathons demand hearty fuel—enter jokbal.
The dish: Tender pork feet stewed in soy sauce, ginger, and rice wine. Sliced and served with fermented shrimp sauce.
Foreigner tip: Wrap meat in lettuce with kimchi and garlic. Post-shopping groups share platters at Jokbal Alley.
Insadong (Jongno-gu): Royal Cuisine
Why it’s iconic: Insadong’s teahouses and hanok restaurants revive dishes once served to Joseon kings.
The dish: Multi-course meals (e.g., sinseollo—royal hot pot) with seasonal veggies, meats, and delicate sauces.
Foreigner tip: Book a tteoksik (set menu) experience. Sip omija tea afterward in a traditional courtyard.
Pro Tips for Foreign Foodies:
- Etiquette: Use spoon for rice/soup, chopsticks for banchan (side dishes). Don’t lift bowls off the table!
- Adventure Level: Sundae/jokbal might challenge beginners—start with tteokbokki or hotteok.
- Vegetarian? Bindaetteok is often egg-free; confirm “gogi eopseoyo” (no meat).
Seoul’s districts turn dining into cultural exploration. Follow your nose down alleyways—every gu tells a story through its flavors. Gourmet Seoul awaits! 🥢✨