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Best Places to Eat in Seoul: 10 Must-Try Spots for Food Lovers

We’re going to explore the best places to eat in Seoul! When it comes to food, Seoul is a city that never sleeps and never stops sizzling. From sizzling BBQ to steamy bowls of comfort soup, buttery street snacks to minimalist cafés, the city is a feast waiting to be devoured. Whether you’re planning your first trip or a return foodie pilgrimage, this list of the best places to eat in Seoul will take you straight to where the locals (and in-the-know travelers) go.

Here are 10 unforgettable places to eat in Seoul — a mix of classic, trendy, and totally satisfying.


1. Tosokchon Samgyetang – For Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup

📍 Near Gyeongbokgung Palace
A legendary spot for samgyetang, Korea’s famous ginseng chicken soup. The broth is rich, the chicken tender, and the hanok setting makes it even better.


2. Cafe Onion Anguk – For Coffee and Industrial Chic

📍 Anguk
Cafe Onion combines rustic design with artisan bread and world-class coffee. The pandoro and open-air courtyard make it a one of the best places to eat in Seoul.


3. Dotori Garden (도토리정원) – Hidden Gem in Anguk

📍 Anguk Station
Tucked away in a peaceful garden, Dotori Garden serves comforting Korean dishes in a traditional hanok atmosphere. Try the dotorimuk or grilled mackerel.

Best Places to Eat in Seoul: Dotori Garden

4. Hotteok Namdaemun Vegetable Stall – Iconic Street Snack

📍 Namdaemun Market
This tiny stall draws massive lines for a reason. Their vegetable hotteok is crispy, chewy, and stuffed with a savory-sweet filling. Don’t miss it.


5. Doma in Hongdae – For Serious Korean BBQ

📍 Hongdae
A cozy spot known for premium hanwoo beef and outstanding service. It’s a go-to for traditional BBQ in the youthful heart of Hongdae and one of the best places to eat in Seoul.

Doma KBBQ

6. Mibbedong (미쁘동) – The Udon Everyone’s Talking About

📍 Yeonhui-dong
A quiet star among Seoul’s noodle joints. Their tempura udon is a hit with locals who line up daily — simple, flavorful, and perfectly balanced.

Mibbedong in Seoul

7. Keunkiwajip (큰기와집) – Traditional Korean Home-Style Food

📍 Jongno-gu
Known for its hanok setting and beautifully prepared Korean comfort dishes. The grilled pork, raw crabs, and banchan here are especially loved.

Keunkiwajip

8. Jin Ok Hwa Halmae Dakhanmari – For Chicken Lovers

📍 Dongdaemun
One of Seoul’s best-kept food secrets. Dakhanmari — a whole boiled chicken in broth — is comforting, hearty, and great for sharing.


9. Gwangjang Market – Street Food Paradise

📍 Jongno 5-ga
From mayak gimbap to mung bean pancakes and raw beef, Gwangjang is an epicenter of local eats. Bring your appetite and sense of adventure.


10. Sigol Bapsang (시골밥상) – All-You-Can-Eat Banchan

📍 Itaewon
This charming restaurant offers dozens of side dishes (banchan) with every meal. It’s an authentic experience of Korean home dining at its finest.



Honorable Mentions: More Best Places to Eat in Seoul

1. Jaha Son Mandu (자하손만두) – Seochon

Delicate handmade dumplings served in a peaceful hanok setting near Buam-dong. Try the mandu-jeongol (dumpling hotpot) and clear mandu soup.


2. Baeknyeon Tojong Samgyeopsal (백년토종삼겹살) – Mapo

Known for high-quality samgyeopsal (pork belly) grilled to perfection. Clean, efficient, and a favorite among meat lovers and a top best places to eat in Seoul.


3. Onjeongmi (온정미) – Gangnam

A modern Korean bistro serving refined versions of classic dishes like bossam and doenjang jjigae in a minimalist, stylish space.


4. Isaac Toast – Various Locations

A fun, fast, and filling breakfast sandwich chain beloved by locals and tourists alike. Kids especially love the sweet-salty combinations.


5. Tteokbokki Alley in Sindang-dong (신당동떡볶이타운)

The spiritual home of spicy tteokbokki (rice cakes) — this alley is filled with restaurants offering different takes on the fiery snack.

Cafe Onion

6. Yukjeon Hoekwan (육전회관) – Dongdaemun

Specializes in yukjeon (beef pancakes) and Korean-style raw beef (yukhoe). A carnivore’s dream in a casual setting.


7. Sanchon (산촌) – Insadong

A temple food restaurant created by a former Buddhist monk. Offers serene atmosphere and beautifully plated vegan/vegetarian Korean dishes.


8. Gopchang Jeongol at Saebyukjip (새벽집) – Gangnam

A 24-hour favorite for Korean gopchang jeongol (beef tripe stew) and hangover-curing dishes. Great for late-night eaters and K-drama fans.

Jajang mien noodles

9. Janguhjin (장어진) – Itaewon

Specializes in eel BBQ, served marinated or plain over charcoal. Energizing, flavorful, and off the usual tourist radar.


10. Cheong Jin Ok (청진옥) – Jongno

Historic restaurant famous for haejangguk (hangover stew). Locals line up for their rich ox-blood broth after a night out.


Final Tips for Foodies in Seoul

  • Use Naver Map or KakaoMap in Korea for better GPS accuracy.
  • Many restaurants are cash/card friendly, but bring cash for street food stalls.
  • Plan to wait at popular spots — the lines are part of the experience.