Finding Authentic Korean Cuisine in Seoul
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Seoul is a city renowned for its vibrant and diverse culture, and Korean cuisine is at the heart of it all. From traditional street food to innovative modern eateries, Seoul offers a great variety of dining options for visitors and locals alike.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best Korean restaurants in Seoul, showcasing the very best of the city’s gastronomic offerings. From Michelin-starred fine dining to casual local joints, these restaurants are sure to delight your taste buds and give you a true taste of Korea.
1. Myeongdong Kyoja Main
We start our list with a legendary restaurant in Myeongdong, renowned for its handmade kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup) and mandu (dumplings).
Myeongdong Kyoja has been serving up these classic Korean dishes for over 50 years and has gained a loyal following of locals and visitors alike. The noodles and dumplings are made fresh daily, and the broth is simmered for hours to develop its rich and savory flavor.
 Address |
29 Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea |
|---|---|
 Business Hours |
10:30 – 21:30 |
 Official Website |
http://www.mdkj.co.kr/en/ |
2. 853
853 is a trendy Korean restaurant that specializes in modern interpretations of traditional Korean cuisine. The restaurant’s sleek and minimalist decor sets the stage for a dining experience that is both stylish and sophisticated.
The menu features a range of creative dishes made with high-quality ingredients and presented with artistic flair. Some of the standout dishes include the beef tteokgalbi and the sea urchin bibimbap. 853 is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the innovative and exciting side of Korean gastronomy.
| Address |
16 Insadong 12-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea |
|---|---|
| Business Hours |
11:30 – 22:00 |
3. Tosokchon Samgyetang
Tosokchon Samgyetang is a famous Korean restaurant that is known for its signature dish, samgyetang, a traditional chicken soup made with ginseng and other medicinal herbs.
The restaurant has been serving this nourishing and flavorful soup for over 35 years and has gained a reputation as one of the best places to try it in Seoul. The chicken is cooked to perfection and the broth is rich and fragrant.
| Address |
5 Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea |
|---|---|
| Business Hours |
10:00 – 22:00 |
| Official Website |
http://www.tosokchon.co.kr/index.php?lug=en |
4. Jihwaja
Jihwaja is a traditional Korean restaurant that is known for its beautiful hanok architecture and authentic dishes. The restaurant is located in the historic Bukchon Hanok Village and offers a serene and picturesque setting for a meal.
The menu features a range of classic Korean dishes, including galbi jjim (braised short ribs), dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken), and doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew). If you’re looking to experience the timeless charm and delicious flavors of Korean cuisine in a unique and memorable setting, this may be your place.
| Address |
125 Jahamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea |
|---|---|
| Business Hours |
11:30 – 21:30 |
| Official Website |
http://www.jihwajafood.co.kr/eng/ |
5. Jinmi Sikdang
Another popular Korean restaurant is Jinmi Sikdang. This restaurant specializes in jokbal, a traditional Korean dish made from boiled pig’s feet.
In addition to jokbal, the restaurant is also known for its delicious crab dishes. One of the most popular dishes is the gejang, a spicy marinated crab dish that is a favorite among locals. The restaurant also serves other crab dishes, including crab soup and crab stew.
| Address |
186-6 Mapo-daero, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea |
|---|---|
| Business Hours |
12:00 – 20:00 |
| Official Website |
https://thejinmi.modoo.at/ |
6. Jungsik
Jungsik is a modern Korean restaurant that offers a contemporary take on traditional Korean cuisine. The restaurant’s sleek and stylish decor sets the stage for a dining experience that is both elegant and innovative.
Jungsik is also included in the prestigious Michelin Guide, a testament to its exceptional quality and creative approach to Korean gastronomy. The menu features a range of dishes that blend Korean flavors with modern techniques and presentation, making Jungsik a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of Korean cuisine at its most cutting-edge.
| Address |
11 Seolleung-ro 158-gil, Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea |
|---|---|
| Business Hours |
12:00 – 23:00 |
| Official Website |
https://www.jungsik.kr/ |
7. Nekkid Wings
Nekkid Wings is a popular restaurant that specializes in chicken wings. The restaurant’s casual and laid-back atmosphere is perfect for a fun night out with friends.
The menu features a range of flavors, from American-style buffalo wings to unique Korean-inspired options like soy garlic and spicy gochujang. The wings are cooked to perfection and served with a variety of sides, including fries, onion rings, and mac and cheese.
| Address |
34-8, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea |
|---|---|
| Business Hours |
weekdays 16:30 – 22:45 / weekends 11:30 – 22:45 |
8. Onjujeong
Onjujeong is a charming Korean restaurant that is known for its delicious homemade tofu and traditional dishes. The restaurant’s warm and welcoming atmosphere makes it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
The menu features a range of classic Korean dishes, including the popular haemul pajeon (seafood pancake) and the savory sundubu jjigae (soft tofu stew). Onjujeong’s homemade tofu is a standout dish, made fresh daily and served in a variety of preparations.
| Address |
32 Changgyeonggung-ro 8-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea |
|---|---|
| Business Hours |
11:30 - 22:00 |
9. Parc
Parc is a contemporary French-style Korean restaurant in Seoul that offers a sophisticated dining experience. The restaurant’s elegant decor and attentive service create a refined atmosphere for diners to enjoy.
The menu features a wide variety: from classic French dishes to Korean dishes. The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list, with a focus on French varietals. Another thing that makes this restaurant appealing is the fact that the vegetables that they use in their dishes are organic.
| Address |
26-5 Itaewon-ro 55ga-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea |
|---|---|
| Business Hours |
11:30 – 21:00 |
| Official Website |
https://www.parcseoul.com/ |
10. Jin Ok Hwa Original Chicken Restaurant
And lastly, on our list, we have Jin Ok Hwa Original Chicken Restaurant. This restaurant is a beloved Korean restaurant that is famous for its crispy and flavorful fried chicken. The restaurant has been serving up its signature dish for over 30 years and has gained a loyal following of locals and visitors alike.
The chicken is cooked to perfection and coated in a variety of sauces, including sweet and spicy options. The menu also features a range of classic Korean dishes, making Jin Ok Hwa Original Chicken Restaurant a very popular place to experience Korean cuisine.
| Address |
18 Jong-ro 40ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea |
|---|---|
| Business Hours |
10:30 – 0:30 |
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Born and raised in Costa Rica, I started living in Tokyo from college. I love traveling within Japan & around the world. Since I wasn’t born in Japan, I know the cultural impact that you can get when visiting Japan for the first time and what you might be worried about before your trip. And I’ve lived long enough to somewhat understand the nuances of the Japanese culture that make this country such an attractive place to visit. Hopefully I can provide to you both the information you’re looking for and the information you didn’t know you needed to know.
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