Best Food Experiences to Try in South Korea

Discover the top food experiences to try in South Korea, from sizzling barbecue to traditional markets, for an authentic taste of the country’s cuisine.

Depending on what region you are visiting, the Korean culinary experience can look entirely different and unique. Read on to find out the best places to visit in Busan, Seoul, and beyond!

Korean Barbeque

A true classic—and now popularized across the world, Korean BBQ is an interactive and social dining experience. Grilling the meat at your table, you can wrap it in lettuce along with garlic, ssamjang (spicy sauce), kimchi, and other banchan (side dishes). This is a communal experience that allows for lots of lovely conversations with the people you’re with.

Here are some top meats to order at Korean BBQ:

• Samgyeopsal (pork belly)

• Galbi (marinated beef ribs)

• Chadolbaegi (thin-sliced beef brisket)

Drinks are often paired with this meal!

• Soju

• Makgeolli (rice wine)

• Korean beers

Traditional Korean Markets

Gwangjang Market (Seoul) is famous for their bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and mayak gimbap.

Jagalchi Market (Busan) is Korea’s largest seafood market.

Tongin Market (Seoul) offers lunchbox cafes where you can pay with tokens.

Some notable foods to eat at Korean markets:

• Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes)

• Odeng (fish cake skewers)

• Hotteok (sweet pancakes)

• Live octopus (sannakji)

Be sure to bring cash—and come hungry!

Street Food

Here are our top picks for Korean street food:

• Tteokbokki with cheese

• Tornado potato skewers

• Korean corn dogs

• Grilled lobster tails or jumbo shrimp

You can find these large street vendors in Seoul, particularly:

• Myeongdong

• Hongdae

• Dondaemun Night Market

Convenience stores 

If you’ve read our other article on convenience stores, you already know how much we love this budget-friendly option for snacks and quick meals. To reiterate, here are some must-tries:

• Triangle kimbap

• Instant noodles (using the hot water/microwave station)

• Dosirak lunchboxes

• Fried chicken 

Wine and Dine

For drinking and snacks, check out Korea’s small tent bars where locals go to unwind after work or to spend time with friends. Here are some popular drinks + snacks that go with them:

• Soju, makgeolli

• Spicy stir-fried octopus, Korean fried pancakes, fish cake soup

These places can be found in many places in Seoul, and definitely near any universities.

Chicken + Beer

Korean fried chicken is known for a reason—with its crispy texture and delicious sauces, you’re guaranteed a good time. Korean fried chicken is paired with cold beer, and can make for a perfect night in or out.

Here are some popular chains for fried chicken in Korea:

• BHC

• bb.q Chicken

• Kyochon

Half-half orders are a great option to try multiple flavors! (Plus: get to try some different spice levels for people with different spice tolerances).

We hope you enjoy all these culinary experiences and make the most of your next trip to Korea!