Seoul, the vibrant heart of South Korea, is an incredible destination to visit, offering everything from fascinating culture and rich heritage to modern art, fashion and technology, but it’s also a playground for food enthusiasts. From traditional eateries tucked away in alleyways to modern culinary hotspots, the city offers a tantalising array of flavours waiting to be discovered.
Ahead, we unveil ten of our top picks, gleaned from our recent travels. To navigate this culinary paradise with ease, we recommend downloading Naver, South Korea's answer to Google Maps, and Kakao T, an indispensable taxi app, to ensure seamless movement throughout the city.
See also: A food lover’s guide to Busan, South Korea
Hang out at cool cafes like Grandpa Factory
Tucked away in the trendy neighbourhood of Seongsu, Grandpa Factory Cafe is a prime example of the area’s revival from its industrial past to a hub of boutiques, cafes and dining spots. Originally an abandoned factory, the two-floor space has been repurposed into an art gallery and warehouse-style cafe featuring indoor seating, a courtyard, a rooftop and a treehouse. Beyond coffee and tea, the menu also offers pastries, pasta, pizza and beer. Don’t miss the opportunity to treat yourself to one of their strawberry and cream croissants to go with your favourite brew.
Grandpa Factory CafeAddress: 9 Seongsui-ro 7ga-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Enjoy contemporary Korean cuisine at Mingles
Helmed by acclaimed chef Mingoo Kang, this culinary gem seamlessly blends traditional Korean flavours with modern culinary techniques, resulting in a dining experience that is innovative and unforgettable. Indulge in a multi-course tasting menu showcasing seasonal ingredients sourced from local artisans, ensuring each dish is a masterpiece of flavour and craftsmanship.
MinglesAddress: 2F, 19 Dosan-daero 67-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Discover top Korean beef at Byeokje Galbi
Byeokje Galbi, an esteemed establishment for Korean barbecue since 1986, is celebrated for its premium hanwoo (Korean beef), notably the famed beef short ribs which feature their signature diamond cut. Sourcing its beef exclusively from a local farm in Pocheon, the restaurant meticulously selects only the top 1% of cattle, distinguished by their high marbling score, at daily auctions and expertly grills it over charcoal. The menu offers options for elaborate barbecue feasts complete with an assortment of side dishes and other dishes such as refreshing cold buckwheat noodles.
Byeokje GalbiAddress: 1-4 Yangjae-daero 71-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Tap into Euljiro Brewing
Boasting two taprooms, opposite each other in the same alley, there’s plenty of room to enjoy its eclectic interiors and neon design elements. With an impressive list of domestic and imported craft beers on tap, including the dangerously delicious French Linen green grape cider, complemented by satisfying bar fare and stylish merchandise, a visit to Euljiro Brewing promises an illuminating journey into Seoul’s thriving craft beer scene.
Euljiro BrewingAddress: 48-16 Supyo-ro, Euljiro 3(sam)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Sample Korean street food at Namdaemun
Step into South Korea’s largest traditional market and let yourself be swept away by its vibrant energy. Navigate the bustling alleyways lined with stalls selling everything from fresh produce to aromatic spices and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells as you sample various Korean food items. From tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) to hotteok (filled pancakes) and fried mandu (dumplings), Namdaemun will satisfy every street food craving. Hidden behind a plastic sheet-covered door, kalguksu (knife-cut noodles) alley also beckons noodle enthusiasts to partake in an authentic local dining experience.
NamdaemunAddress: 21 Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Pig out at Geumdwaeji Sikdang
Geumdwaeji Sikdang, meaning golden pig restaurant in Korean, specialises in premium cuts of YBD pig—a cross of Yorkshire, Berkshire and Duroc—and offers a high-quality dining experience for samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly). Each succulent bite of the firm, meaty texture is perfectly balanced with flavourful fat, resulting in some of the best pork to be had in Seoul. Utilising a cast-iron grill atop coal briquettes ensures consistent heat, enhancing the rich flavours of the meat.
Geumdwaeji SikdangAddress: 149 Dasan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Try soy-marinated crabs at Gebangsikdang
Gebangsikdang, the brainchild of fashion marketer Bang Geon-hyuk and his parents—veterans of the soy sauce-marinated crab scene—offers a well-seasoned meal in a sleek interior, featuring an extensive selection of raw seafood delicacies including prawns and abalone. The restaurant also offers hassle-free options for those who prefer not to contend with crab shells, presenting dishes with crab flesh and roe served atop rice for ease and convenience.
GebangsikdangAddress: 17 Seolleung-ro 131-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Sip on traditional liquors at Mr. Ahn’s
Mr. Ahn’s Craft Makgeolli offers a refreshing take on banju, the Korean term for alcohol enjoyed with a meal, by seamlessly blending traditional liquors like makgeolli (unrefined rice wine) and cheongju (refined rice wine) with contemporary flair. Each sip reveals the depth of Korean spirits, especially when paired with a collection of seasonal dishes, including the popular Jirisan black pork jamon. The Korean gastropub’s attention to detail extends to the glassware, tailored to enhance the nuances of each libation, making it a destination worthy of frequent visits.
Mr. Ahn’s Craft MakgeolliAddress: 3 Hoenamu-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Find comfort at Cheongwaok
Indulge in the South Korean comfort dish of sundae gukbap (Korean blood sausage soup with rice) at Cheongwaok. Sundae, a type of blood sausage packed with different ingredients including vegetables, rice, noodles and minced meat is the main component in this hearty soup served in an earthenware bowl that keeps it warm throughout your meal. For those craving an extra kick, opt for the spicy version which is brimming with spices that make it utterly addictive.
CheongwaokAddress: 48, Wiryeseong-daero, Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Wind down the evening at Zest bar
Embracing sustainability as its ethos, Zest operates as a zero-waste establishment, crafting its own sodas, citrus stocks and spirits while repurposing leftover peels and vegetables. The bar’s chic and minimalist design evokes a modernist lab, where every ingredient is thoughtfully utilised, showcasing a dedication to minimal waste and a celebration of local flavours, exemplified by signature cocktails like the seasonal Z&T and Jeju Garibaldi, featuring the hallabong oranges and Gujwa village carrots.
ZestAddress: 26, Dosan-daero 55-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
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