Cheryl TanWhile it is known as a shopping haven and a city rich in history and culture, many also flock to Seoul for its array of traditional and modern delicacies too.
From fast food to street food, to affordable restaurant and desserts, we have curated a list of places that you should try in Seoul but yet not burn a hole in your pockets. The next time you head to the capital of South Korea, do give these a try!
1. Mom’s Touch Chicken and Burger
Image credit: Mom’s Touch
Mom’s Touch Chicken and Beer has 650 outlets all over South Korea, and they are named as such because they believe in serving their customers food the way a mother would for her family. Besides fried chicken, they also serve delectable burgers ranging from 2,900 won to 4,200 won. Their Bulgalbi Chicken Burger set which comes with Cajun french fries and a soft drink will only cost you 5,100 won altogether. Their burgers are stuffed with substantial ingredients to make you feel satisfied, and you will definitely get your bang for your buck!
Myeongdong Address: 26 Myeongdong 8-gil, Myeongdong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
2. Lotteria
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Originating from Japan, Lotteria means “Lotte” and “Cafeteria” pieced together. They sell fresh and inexpensive fast food that also caters to the Asian palette, selling unique burgers such as the Bulgogi Burger. For only 4,700 won, you can get a full set accompanied with a drink and side dish.
Seoul Station Square Address: 405 Hangang-daero, Dongja-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Myeongdong Address: 81 Namdaemun-ro, Euljiro 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
3. Hansunja Handmade Noodle Soup Restaurant
Image credit: Alamae Gan
This restaurant serves handmade dishes made by locals, for locals. Although they only serve three main dishes in various styles – mainly cold noodles, hot noodles, and rice, the owners are generous with their portions and serve the other two main dishes as sides, so you actually get the best of all worlds when you dine here.
Address: Seoul, Jung-gu, Hoehyeon-dong, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, 39-1
4. Daemyung Ggogi 대명 꼬기
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Wait what, Korean BBQ for 5,000 won? Located at Sinchon, the meat served at Daemyung Ggogi is well-marinated in soybean paste and their kimchi is done perfectly too. Moreover, do not worry if you’re solo tripping and craving for some good ol’ Korean BBQ because they allow solo diners here.
Address: 46-6 Changcheon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
5. Hong Kong Banjeom Plus 0410
Image credit: Denise Lee
A bowl of warm jajangmyeon, or black bean noodles, is always comforting, any day any time. Hong Kong Banjeom is opened by the owner of the well-known Paik’s Coffee, and his flavour-packed jajangmyeon will definitely not disappoint. The best part? They are only about 3,470won! They have outlets almost everywhere, including Myeongdong and Hongdae.
Myeongdong Address: 14, Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul 04536, South Korea
Hongdae Address: 346-51 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
6. Bibimbap
Image credit: KOREA.NET
Bibimbap is an iconic Korean dish, and is sold in many eateries and restaurants. Located at Gwangjang Market, you can get a humble bowl of rice marinated with seasoned ingredients mixed together all for just 5,000 won.
Address: Gwangjang Market (광장시장): 88, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
7. Tonkatsu at Cochon Tonkatsu
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If you think that dining at university towns is your cheapest option already, the prices at Tonkatsu at Cochon Tonkatsu will blow your mind. Served with rice, miso soup and sesame sauce, their Tonkatsu set meal is only priced at a shocking 3,000 won. Even at such a low price, Cochon Tonkatsu still maintains the quality of their food, and if you’re a big eater, you can get the double Tonkatsu (6,000 won) or add another bowl of rice for 500 won. Located at Sinchon, they definitely sell the cheapest Tonkatsu in town!
Address: Myeongmul 1-gil Seodaemun-gu Seoul 03776
8. Street food at Gwangjang Market
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Gwangjang Market is known for its street food such as Korea’s very own Kimbap, Tteokbokki, and Japchae, just to name a few. Similar to sushi rolls, Kimbap is a popular rice roll from Korea which is made up of pickled vegetables and white rice rolled into a seaweed roll. You can find them here at Gwangjang Market, prices ranging from 1,000 won to 3,000 won.
Image credit: ayustety (top), Choe Kwangmo (middle), KOREA.NET (bottom)
Another one is Tteokbokki, which are spicy rice cakes stir-fried together with hot chilli sauce. For non-spicy lovers, don’t worry because spiciness is on the milder side. The prices range from 2,500 won to 3,000 won.
There is also something for all you carb monsters, because this shop sells Japchae too, a traditional dish consisting of sweet potato noodles, vegetables and mushrooms stir-fried together with some meat. It costs only 2,000 won, and with all these dishes, you can anticipate a complete meal without burning a hole in your pocket!
Address: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno 1(il).2(i).3(sam).4(sa), Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
9. Dosirak
Image credit: JunHyun Cho
“Dosirak” in Korean refers to a packed lunch box set for a full meal consisting of rice and a few side dishes. It can be found in most convenience stores in Seoul, such as E-Mart and GS25, with prices ranging from 3,500 won to 5,000 won depending on what you get. It may appear boring until you try it! It’s especially satisfying if you arrive late at night in Seoul where most shops are closed and you want a warm and comforting meal without breaking the bank.
10. Innisfree Green Cafe
Image credit: Crisxela Espinola Magbujos
You might have heard of the popular skincare and makeup brand, Innisfree. But have you heard of the Innisfree Green CAFE? Right smack in the middle of Seoul, this cafe has gained traction amongst both locals and tourists since opening a few years ago. The highlight of their menu here has got to be their Souffle Hotcake, priced at 10,000 won. However, it can easily be shared between two, thus it still amounts to 5,000 won per person.
Moreover, if you are a K-pop fan, you are in for a treat because they also have a complimentary VR experience there featuring Lee Min Ho and Yoona from Girls’ Generation. They also have a luggage storage area so it is also perfect for those who want to chill somewhere while waiting for your upcoming flight.
Address: 15 Myeongdong-gil, Myeongdong 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
11. (BONUS TREAT!) Yoogane
Image credit: Nia Dias
Known for their classic Dak Galbi, you probably would have seen Yoogane around in Singapore. However, Yoogane in Seoul has a variation of Dak Galbi with prices ranging from 8,500 won to 10,000 won. Say what, this is half of Singapore’s price for the same items! Yoogane has a few outlets in Seoul, with two in Myeongdong, and is popular amongst both locals and tourists. Moreover, what’s unique about Yoogane is that the restaurant staff will cook your food for you on the spot and you won’t have to work for your food. You will definitely not want to miss dining at Yoogane when you are at Seoul.
Myeongdong addresses:
- 8 Myeongdong 4-gil, Myeongdong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- 7-4 Myeongdong 10-gil, Myeongdong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
