Seoul transforms into a neon-lit culinary paradise after midnight, serving everything from sizzling street food to hearty Korean staples. Whether you’re jet-lagged, club-hopping, or just craving octopus at 4 AM, here’s your foreigner-friendly guide to 24/7 gems:
🍜 1. Hongdae: Gopchang Story (곱창이야기)
📍 Location: Near Hongik University Station (Exit 9)
🔥 Specialty: Gopchang (grilled beef intestines) marinated in spicy sauce.
Why Go? Post-clubbing ritual spot! Sizzle your own meat at tabletop grills. English menu available. Try the makchang (pork intestines) with soju.
Pro Tip: Order cheese corn to balance the spice. Open-air seating until sunrise.
🥟 2. Dongdaemun: Heungnam Jip (흥남집)
📍 Location: Dongdaemun Market Area (near Doota Mall)
🍲 Specialty: Sundae Gukbap (blood sausage soup with rice). Hearty, peppery broth with offal goodness.
Why Go? Fuel up during late-night shopping sprees. Generous portions under ₩10,000. Staff speaks basic English—point-and-order works!
Pro Tip: Add kimchi and saeujeot (shrimp sauce) for extra kick.
🥪 3. Itaewon: Isaac Toast & Coffee
📍 Location: Itaewon Station (Exit 2)
🧀 Specialty: Korean-style sweet-savory toast. Think bulgogi, cheese, and cabbage crammed into crispy bread.
Why Go? Hangover hero! English menus, card payments, and ₩3,500 toast. Perfect for solo travelers.
Pro Tip: Order “MVP Toast” (ham, egg, cheese) + honey mustard sauce.
🥘 4. Jongno: Jinokhwa Halmae Wonjo Dakhanmari (진옥화할매 원조 닭한마리)
📍 Location: Jongno 5-ga Station (Exit 5)
🐔 Specialty: Dakhanmari—whole boiled chicken stuffed with rice, dates, and ginseng. Served with spicy radish kimchi.
Why Go? Soul-warming 3 AM comfort food. Share a pot (feeds 2-3) for ₩25,000. Staff helps foreigners with cooking steps.
Pro Tip: Drink the broth first, then shred chicken into rice.
🌯 5. Gangnam: Noryangjin Fish Market (노량진수산시장)
📍 Location: Noryangjin Station (Exit 1)
🐟 Specialty: Hoe (sashimi) platters. Pick live fish/seafood; upstairs restaurants cook it 24/7.
Why Go? Insanely fresh. Vendors haggle in English. Try kkotge (snow crab) or parrotfish.
Pro Tip: Go post-1 AM for quieter vibes. Budget ₩30,000-₩50,000/person.
🍳 6. Citywide: Kimgane (김가네) Convenience Stores
📍 Everywhere! Look for GS25, CU, or 7-Eleven.
🍱 Specialty: Ramen kits (boiling water provided), kimbap, microwaved tteokbokki.
Why Go? Cheap, quick, and open 24/7. Card-friendly. Foreigner favorites: cheese ramen + triangle gimbap.
Pro Tip: Buy banana milk (₩1,200) for a sweet chaser.
🌙 Late-Night Culture Notes
- T-Money Cards: Use for taxis/convenience stores—cashless = safer!
- No Tipping: Not expected anywhere.
- 24-Hour Apps: Download “MangoPlate” (English reviews) or “KakaoMap” (real-time directions).
- Safety: Well-lit areas are secure, but avoid dark alleys.
Seoul’s night bites aren’t just meals—they’re adventures. Slurp, sizzle, and savor the city that never sleeps! 🚕🌆🍻
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