Discover 10 must-try Korean foods in Seoul, from Korean BBQ and bibimbap to tteokbokki, fried chicken, hotteok, and more.
Seoul is one of the best cities in the world for food lovers. From sizzling Korean barbecue and colorful bibimbap to spicy street food and freshly fried chicken, the city offers something delicious at almost every corner.
However, choosing what to eat in Seoul can feel overwhelming, especially on your first visit. What is spicy? Which foods are suitable for solo travelers? And how are you supposed to order Korean barbecue?
This guide introduces 10 must-try Korean foods for first-time visitors, along with their flavors, spice levels, ordering tips, and the best ways to enjoy them.
Quick Guide to Must-Try Korean Foods
| Korean food | What it is | Spicy? | Good for solo travelers? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Korean BBQ | Meat grilled at the table | Usually no | Sometimes |
| Bibimbap | Rice mixed with vegetables | Optional | Yes |
| Tteokbokki | Rice cakes in spicy sauce | Usually yes | Yes |
| Korean fried chicken | Crispy chicken with sauce | Optional | Better for sharing |
| Bulgogi | Sweet and savory marinated beef | No | Yes |
| Gimbap | Rice and fillings wrapped in seaweed | No | Yes |
| Mandu | Korean dumplings | Usually no | Yes |
| Samgyetang | Ginseng chicken soup | No | Yes |
| Bindaetteok | Crispy mung bean pancake | No | Better for sharing |
| Hotteok | Sweet filled pancake | No | Yes |
1. Korean BBQ
Korean barbecue is one of the most memorable dining experiences in Seoul. Instead of receiving fully cooked meat, you grill beef or pork directly at your table.
Popular choices include samgyeopsal, which is thick pork belly, and galbi, which usually refers to marinated ribs. The meat is commonly eaten with lettuce, garlic, kimchi, sauce, and other side dishes called banchan.
Place a piece of meat inside a lettuce leaf, add a little ssamjang sauce and garlic, and fold everything into a small wrap. This is called ssam.
Many Korean barbecue restaurants require at least two portions of meat, so solo travelers should check the ordering policy before entering. Some restaurants have single-person grills or lunch sets that are easier for solo diners.
Ordering tip: Say “Samgyeopsal i-inbun juseyo” to order two portions of pork belly.
Spice level: Usually not spicy, although some sauces and side dishes may be hot.
2. Bibimbap
Bibimbap is one of the easiest Korean dishes for first-time visitors to enjoy. It consists of warm rice topped with colorful vegetables, egg, meat, and gochujang.
The name literally means “mixed rice,” so mix all the ingredients thoroughly before eating. Add the gochujang gradually if you are sensitive to spicy food.
You may also find dolsot bibimbap, which is served in a hot stone bowl. The heated bowl creates a crispy layer of rice at the bottom.
Bibimbap is widely available, reasonably filling, and easy to order for one person. Vegetarian versions are also available, but always ask whether the sauce, broth, or toppings contain meat.
Ordering tip: If you do not want spicy sauce, say “Gochujang ppae juseyo,” meaning “Please leave out the gochujang.”
Spice level: Mild to medium, depending on how much gochujang you add.
3. Tteokbokki
Tteokbokki is one of Korea’s most famous street foods. It is made with chewy rice cakes cooked in a thick red sauce that is usually sweet, savory, and spicy.
You can find tteokbokki at traditional markets, street stalls, and casual snack restaurants known as bunsikjip. Koreans often eat it with fried vegetables, dumplings, fish cakes, or sundae—Korean blood sausage.
A popular combination is called tteok-twi-sun, which means tteokbokki, twigim and sundae. The Korea Tourism Organization also introduces this combination as a classic way to enjoy Korean bunsik.
See the official Korean street-food guide.
Be careful: the bright red color is a good sign that the dish may be spicy. Some restaurants offer mild, cheese, or cream-based versions.
Ordering tip: Ask “An maepge haejuseyo” if a milder option is available.
Spice level: Medium to very spicy.
4. Korean Fried Chicken
Korean fried chicken is known for its thin, crispy coating and wide variety of sauces. It is especially popular as chimaek, a combination of chicken and maekju, the Korean word for beer.
The two most common choices are plain crispy fried chicken and sweet-and-spicy yangnyeom chicken. Many restaurants offer banban, meaning half-and-half, so you can try two flavors in one order.
Chicken portions are often large enough for two or more people. Solo travelers can look for boneless chicken, smaller portions, or convenience-store options.
Food-delivery services may also be useful if you prefer eating at your accommodation. Some tourist-friendly delivery services accept international payment methods without requiring a Korean bank account or local phone verification.
Check the VISITKOREA delivery guide.
Ordering tip: Order “Fried ban, yangnyeom ban” for half plain fried chicken and half seasoned chicken.
Spice level: Not spicy to very spicy, depending on the sauce.
5. Bulgogi
Bulgogi is thinly sliced meat marinated in a sweet and savory sauce typically made with soy sauce, garlic, sugar, and sesame oil.
Beef bulgogi is especially popular among visitors because it is tender and usually not spicy. Depending on the restaurant, it may be grilled or cooked in a pan with vegetables and broth.
Bulgogi is often served with rice and banchan, making it a convenient introduction to a traditional Korean meal. Seoul-style bulgogi is also recognized for its distinctive preparation and flavor.
Read Michelin Guide’s introduction to Seoul’s local dishes.
Ordering tip: Look for a bulgogi set meal if you are dining alone.
Spice level: Not spicy.
6. Gimbap
Gimbap is made by rolling seasoned rice and various fillings in dried seaweed. Common fillings include egg, carrot, spinach, pickled radish and ham.
It may look similar to sushi, but gimbap is usually seasoned with sesame oil and does not normally contain raw fish. It is a convenient meal for sightseeing days, train journeys, or picnics along the Han River.
You can buy gimbap from specialty restaurants, traditional markets and convenience stores. Popular variations include tuna, cheese, vegetable and spicy pork gimbap.
Ordering tip: Basic vegetable or original gimbap is usually the safest option for first-time visitors.
Spice level: Usually not spicy; check before ordering varieties with kimchi or spicy pork.
7. Mandu
Mandu are Korean dumplings filled with meat, tofu, vegetables or kimchi. They may be steamed, boiled, pan-fried or served in soup.
Steamed mandu are soft and juicy, while fried mandu have a crispy exterior. Kimchi mandu can be noticeably spicy, so choose meat or vegetable mandu if you prefer mild flavors.
Mandu are easy to share but are also suitable for solo travelers. They are often served with soy-based dipping sauce and make a good snack or light meal.
Ordering tip: “Gogi mandu” means meat dumplings, while “kimchi mandu” means kimchi dumplings.
Spice level: Usually mild, except kimchi mandu.
8. Samgyetang
Samgyetang is a traditional Korean soup made with a whole young chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, garlic, jujube and ginseng.
Although it is served steaming hot, Koreans traditionally eat samgyetang during summer because it is considered a nourishing meal. The broth is generally mild, so salt and pepper may be provided for you to adjust the flavor.
One bowl usually contains one small chicken and is intended for one person. Be careful of small bones while eating.
Ordering tip: Dip pieces of chicken into the salt-and-pepper mixture provided at the table.
Spice level: Not spicy.
9. Bindaetteok
Bindaetteok is a thick, crispy pancake made primarily from ground mung beans. It may contain vegetables, kimchi, pork or mung bean sprouts.
The outside is fried until golden and crispy, while the inside remains soft and savory. It is often served with a simple soy-and-onion dipping sauce.
Gwangjang Market is one of the best-known places to try bindaetteok, along with tteokbokki, mayak gimbap and other Korean market foods. The market continues to be promoted as a major destination for experiencing both K-food and Seoul’s traditional market culture.
See Seoul’s official tourism update.
One pancake can be filling, so it is better shared if you plan to sample several market dishes.
Spice level: Usually not spicy, although kimchi versions may be slightly hot.
10. Hotteok
Hotteok is a popular Korean street snack made from chewy dough filled with brown sugar, cinnamon and chopped nuts or seeds.
It is fried on a griddle until the outside becomes golden and slightly crisp. The melted sugar inside can be extremely hot, so take a small bite and wait before eating more.
Hotteok is especially popular in cold weather, but it can also be found year-round in some markets and tourist areas. Savory versions filled with vegetables or seeds are also available.
Ordering tip: Keep the paper cup or wrapper around the hotteok because the filling may drip.
Spice level: Not spicy.
Useful Korean Phrases for Ordering Food
You do not need to speak fluent Korean to enjoy food in Seoul. These simple phrases can make ordering easier.
- Igeo hana juseyo — One of these, please.
- An maepge haejuseyo — Please make it less spicy.
- Gogi ppae juseyo — Please leave out the meat.
- Igeo maewoyo? — Is this spicy?
- Honja meogeul geoyeyo — I will be eating alone.
- Gyesanhalgeyo — I would like to pay.
Most restaurants require customers to pay at the counter rather than at the table. Tipping is generally not expected at ordinary restaurants in Seoul.
Where to Try Korean Food in Seoul
First-time visitors can explore several different types of food areas:
- Gwangjang Market: Bindaetteok, mayak gimbap, tteokbokki and market snacks
- Myeongdong: Street food, dumplings, noodles and tourist-friendly restaurants
- Hongdae: Korean fried chicken, barbecue and late-night dining
- Insadong: Traditional tea, desserts and Korean set meals
- Namdaemun Market: Local market meals, noodles and street food
Traditional markets can be exciting, but check prices before ordering and avoid assuming that every popular social-media stall is the best choice.
Ready to Taste Seoul?
You do not need to try all 10 dishes in one trip. Start with foods that match your preferred spice level and dining style.
Bibimbap, bulgogi and gimbap are comfortable choices for beginners. If you enjoy bold flavors, add tteokbokki and kimchi mandu. For a social dining experience, try Korean barbecue or fried chicken with friends.
The best way to experience K-food is to explore beyond the most famous dishes. Step into a small neighborhood restaurant, visit a traditional market and try something you have never ordered before.
Save this guide for your Seoul trip and discover the city one delicious meal at a time with Seoul Unnie.