10 Must-Eat Places in Seoul

Having appeared several times on TV programs as a must-eat spot for foodies, Sunhui ’s Mung Bean Pancakes (Sunhui-ne Bindaetteok) is famous for its mung bean pancakes made with millstone-ground mung beans, as well as Korean-style steak tartare (Yukhoi) and seaweed rolls (gimbap). It’s one of the most popular spots in Gwangjang Market, so be prepared to queue up for your chance at the mung bean pancakes. The Korean-style steak tartare is served together with a live long-legged octopus (yukhoi tangtang-i) and is a match made in heaven when eaten together with traditional Korean rice wine (makgeolli). You won’t have any trouble spotting it. Just look for the long queue!

Maillet in Seorae Village proudly serves desserts made by a French pâtissier. Among the desserts that are almost too colourful and beautiful to eat, the creamy, rich mille-feuille is the most popular item that often sells out before business hours are over. The desserts here are just as much for your eyes as they are for your mouth, so they make for great casual gifts for just about anyone.

Myeongbong Shabushabu and Lamb Skewers (Myeongbong Banjeom) is one of the most popular restaurants near Konkuk University. It may be famous for its lamb skewers, but there are also many authentic Chinese dishes on the menu. The creamy shrimp, which consists of creamy sauce drizzled over fried shrimp, is something quite special. Plus, the prices here are rather reasonable. It has long business hours year-round, so try to avoid crowded times if possible.

Mongmyeok Sanbang is known for its high-quality yet affordable Korean dishes. Once a Mount Namsan staple, the restaurant has moved to another spot but is popular as ever among Koreans and foreigners. Your vegetables of choice are served on top of rice in a traditional brass bowl. It’s so popular that long queues can be seen throughout the day. Luckily, the turnover rate is high, so you shouldn’t have to wait too long to be seated.

Located in Itaewon, Oreno is known for its T-bone steak but the Bismarck pizza, infused with the aroma of truffles, deserves equal attention. This savoury pizza, which combines cheese with a poached egg and truffle sauce, goes very well with a drink. The steak comes in generous portions,  so an order of steak and a Bismark pizza should be plenty for 2 people. For dessert, the crème brûlée is highly recommended. It is very popular in the evening, so be sure to call ahead and make a reservation.

Taegeukdang Bakery first opened in Myeong-dong in 1946 and relocated to Jangchung-dong in 1973. It’s just as popular today as it was back then. The bakery offers modern creations and classic staples that made it so popular when it first opened. Their display makes it easy to pick out the ones you want. The retro interior may feel fresh for the younger crowds, but those of an older generation will certainly welcome the nostalgia.

Better Than Beef on Garosu-gil specialises in pork-based dishes that are elegant and stylish. The entrance is unassuming, but the interior is so large that you’ll question the possibility of it. Plus, its unique interior decoration will have your eyes so busy that your order will be served before you know it. The names on the menu might have you scratching your head, but they’re very delicious. Be sure to try their homegrown traditional Korean rice wine (makgeolli). Visiting with your significant other or a close friend is highly recommended.

Namdo Bunsik is a retro casual eatery located in a narrow alley in Ikseon-dong. If you’re Korean, you’ll be happy to see food served in old-fashioned green melamine bowls, and the classic radio hits playing through speakers will add to the atmosphere. The popular spicy rice cakes with dried radish (siraegi tteokbokki) aren’t too spicy, so be sure to try some. The servings are generous, perfect for ordering lots of different items with a larger group.

Woolaeoak serves North Korean-style buckwheat noodles in cold broth (pyeongyang naengmyeon). The restaurant has no break times between lunch and supper, so it’s a good idea to go between the usual meal times to avoid crowds. The dish is seasoned just right and richly garnished, meaning that it’s suitable for those who are new to this style of noodles, as well as those who enjoy Hamheung-style buckwheat noodles.

Although they have ‘spicy’ in their name, Changsin-dong Spicy Pig Trotters aren’t so spicy that those with an aversion to spicy foods can’t try it at least once. Your order comes with a good mix of sliced pork and chewy pig trotters (jokbal). If you’re a bit worried about the spiciness, add an order of steamed eggs (gyeran-jjim) to temper the hot flavour. Also, be sure to try the rice balls (jumeok-bap) to round off a solid meal.