In lively Seoul, you can find delicious Korean food almost anywhere, from elegant restaurants in five-star hotels to street vendors along tiny alleyways. Only Korean royal families used to eat several of these treats, which have been around for more than 2,000 years.
Korean cuisine is now so well-liked that both residents and visitors characterise it as flavourful, spicy, filling, and healthy treats that are perfect for any time of day. We’ve put together a list of the 5 best Korean dishes in Seoul that you simply must try when visiting the capital of South Korea.
1. Bibimbap
Another must-try when visiting Seoul is bibimbap, a hearty and nourishing dish that can be found in many restaurants, food courts, and street markets. Bibimbap can be served as a meat-based or vegetarian dish, depending on the region and ingredients used. The most popular bibimbap is made with warm rice topped with raw egg, beef or chicken, mixed vegetables, soy sauce, and a dollop of chilli pepper paste for seasoning. For those who prefer seafood, there is a variation of this Korean mixed rice dish called hoedeopbap, which substitutes raw seafood like octopus, salmon, or tuna.
2. Jjigae
While there are many distinct types of jjigae in Seoul, this Korean stew often consists of meat, seafood, or vegetables in a broth seasoned with soybean paste, fermented miso (gaenjang), salted fermented prawns (saeujeot), or spicy pepper paste (gochujang). Jjigae, which resembles a western stew in substance, is typically served as a palette cleanser in between heavier courses. Budae jjigae, or army stew, is one of the most well-liked jjigae meals in Seoul. It includes rice cakes, ramyeon noodles, and gochujang paste for a spicy taste, along with bacon, sausages, and Spam pork.
3. Kimchi
Kimchi, a traditional Korean dish, has been around for over 2,000 years, dating back to the Shilla Dynasty. It is made by fermenting Korean cabbage, radish, pumpkin, onion, ginger, and scallion with chilli powder, crushed garlic, and salted seafood. With over 200 variations available in Seoul, it is eaten on its own or with white rice, and added into porridges, soups, and rice cakes.
4. Samgyetang
Samgyetang (chicken ginseng soup) is a popular summer dish in Korea. It consists of a small spring chicken stuffed with chestnuts, garlic, dried jujubes, ginseng, glutinous rice, and gingko nuts. The soup is slow-cooked until the meat is tender and the thick broth permeates.
5. Bibim Nengmyun
Bibim nengmyun is served in a stainless steel bowl and includes a cold broth, julienned cucumbers, Korean pear slices, boiled egg, and cold boiled beef. The long and thin noodles are produced from flour, buckwheat, or sweet potatoes, although seaweed and green tea are also used in some varieties. The noodles, which represent longevity and good health, are generally delivered uncut, although diners can request that servers cut the noodles according to their preferences.