The largest city in South Korea, this cutting-edge capital is a cityscape of steel and glass, towering over traditional wooden houses in village-like districts. One of the world’s most futuristic and forward-thinking cities, Seoul is a sensational destination for business growth and travel. With an array of busy streets and secret alleyways, the pace of life here is electric and the food in Seoul effectively fuels such a lifestyle. Distinctive and aromatic, traditional tea houses nestle alongside bustling Korean Barbecue restaurants, so any visitors are spoilt for choice. A city that takes great pride in tradition, Seoul pays homage to and respects quintessential dishes while simultaneously striding beyond the boundaries. Join us in exploring the long-established food favourites of Seoul as we showcase what this striking city has to offer.
Kimchi
One of the oldest, most essential dishes in Korean cuisine and easy to find when looking for food in Seoul, Kimchi consists of fermented vegetables such as cabbage, radish, and ginger. Its unique, spicy yet sour flavour makes it a popular dish amongst foreigners as well as locals for its high nutritional value, fibre content, and great taste. Brimming with healthy, healing probiotics, the benefits of eating kimchi are almost endless. For Koreans, it is most popular due to its significant cultural value as without kimchi, a dinner is considered incomplete. Visitors can pick up this delicious side in a multitude of restaurants in Seoul and see what all the buzz is about for themselves.
Dakgangjeong - Korean Fried Chicken
Unlike many, Korean fried chicken is a double-fried dish that results in a crunchier skin than many Western alternatives and pairs perfectly with an ice-cold mug of beer. The term chimaek was specifically formulated to describe this world-class combination. HanChu has been a thriving business for over 20 years and is frequently listed as one of the top-rated restaurants in Seoul for Korean Fried Chicken. Set apart from competitors by the addition of fried peppers, diners can select their spice intensity and cut the sweetness with a chili infusion. This destination is the ideal Friday night dinner and definitely worth visiting when eating in Seoul.
Tteokbokki
Tteok (pronounced “tok”) are glutinous tubular rice cakes, typically submerged in a red chilli pepper sauce called gochujang. This dish fuels Korean life, sold at every other food stall and frequently eaten standing up, trying a bite is a must when eating in Seoul. To get the authentic Tteokbokki experience, head over to the Sindang neighbourhood where numerous restaurants elevate this dish with the addition of cabbage, onions, noodles, and fish. Mabongnim Tteokbokkie, founded in 1953, is one of the oldest eateries in the city and a standout destination for this traditional Korean delicacy.
Korean BBQ
One of the most popular things to do in Seoul is to unwind at a Korean BBQ restaurant or ‘gogi-gui’ as locally known. Dotted around the city, this method of cooking is a popular social activity and caters to a variety of tastes and flavours. Here, a charcoal grill is located at your table and meat is prepared in a marinade of spices for you to cook to your own satisfaction. For a luxurious yet traditional experience, head to Maple Tree House and enjoy premium Korean BBQ with an authentic, flavoursome menu. As the sun goes down, the windows open up to allow a cool breeze to sweep through the space and immerse the diners in the sensory experience that is the food in Seoul.
Kimbap
This Korean sushi roll is an exceedingly popular food in Seoul and is a well-loved lunchtime dish for Koreans of all ages. Kimbap is quite different to Japanese sushi, seasoned with sesame oil rather than rice vinegar, it maintains a different flavour to that of many familiar Japanese specialities. While the assortment of fillings ranges far and wide, Kimbap is usually stuffed with vegetables like carrots or pickled radish and a protein like beef or crab. Affordable, healthy, and portable, Kimbap is the perfect meal for lunchboxes and easy to grab on the go from markets and street vendors across the city.
Dakgalbi
Dakgalbi is a marinated, spicy chicken, stir fried with gochujang (chili paste), tteok (rice cakes), cabbage, sweet potato, and onions. A sociable dish, this is to be ordered with a group of colleagues or friends as portion sizes tend to be generous. Traditionally, servers bring a skillet to the table and prepare the dish before those in attendance. When guests have almost finished, you can request for the server to make fried rice with the remaining Dakgalbi, transforming the stir-fry into a whole new dish. If searching for a Dakgalbi restaurant in Seoul, visit Dak-E-Ro-Ga. Established for over 15 years and located in the heart of Gangnum, it is popular with everyone, including many K-Pop stars so be aware it can draw quite the crowd.
Sannakji
Opening in 1927, Noryangjin Fish Market is one of Korea’s largest seafood markets. Here, guests will find hundreds of stalls that offer a wide variety of live seafood such as lobster, crab, prawn, and octopus. Occupying an entire warehouse, the first floor is flooded with market stalls and on the second are numerous restaurants that will cook your fresh produce. This spot is one of the most popular places in Seoul to try sannakji, Korea’s infamous dish of octopus sashimi that’s bought to customers live before being chopped up and served raw. One of the few traditional foods in Seoul that is not for the faint hearted!
Hotteok
To round off a busy workday with something sweet, wander the streets of Seoul and pick up some Hotteok. This small, circular Korean pancake is usually served piping hot, with a crispy exterior and filled with warm, caramelised, cinnamon sugar syrup. While these pillowy clouds make delicious desserts covered in honey and nuts, they are also available with savoury fillings like vegetables or noodles for a lunchtime alternative. Considered one of the most popular Korean winter street foods, the quaint restaurant in Seoul, ‘Teolbo’s Hotteok’, sells a variety of these premium treats in numerous flavours and spices.
Now that you’re prepared to dine in Seoul, feel free to explore more of what this city has to offer in our recent blog, First Business Trip to Seoul? Everything You Need to Know
Give us a call or make an enquiry and SilverDoor will find you the ideal accommodation for your business travels to this historic city.
