Top 5 Places to Eat in Seoul

Written by Andrew Turner, Min-jun Park
21/08/2025
Bustling street in Seoul with vibrant signs and people walking. Captures urban life in South Korea.
Khoa Nguyen, Pexels

Seoul's culinary landscape is a dynamic blend of traditional flavors and innovative modern cuisine, catering to diverse palates from discerning foodies to casual diners.

1. Mingles

Cuisine: Modern Korean Fusion

Mingles, helmed by Chef Kang Mingoo, offers a sophisticated take on Korean cuisine, blending traditional flavors with contemporary techniques. The tasting menu, focusing on seasonal ingredients, showcases innovative fermentation and aging methods. It provides an elegant dining experience, highly regarded for its creativity and Michelin-starred status.

Price: Approximately ₩200,000 - ₩300,000 / US$174 - US$249 per person (Dinner)

Getting There: Located in the upscale Cheongdam-dong district. The address is 2F, Hilltop Building, 19, Dosan-daero 67-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

2. Jungsik Seoul

Cuisine: Modern Korean

Jungsik Seoul is a Michelin-starred restaurant where Chef Yim Jungsik redefines traditional Korean dishes with an artistic and innovative flair. Expect creative presentations and unique interpretations, such as sea urchin bibimbap and Korean beef tartare, served in an elegant environment.

Price: Approximately ₩200,000 (Lunch) / ₩300,000 (Dinner) / US$174 per person

Getting There: Situated in the upscale Cheongdam-dong district of Seoul.

3. Myeongdong Kyoja

Cuisine: Traditional Korean Noodles and Dumplings

A popular, Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient, Myeongdong Kyoja is celebrated for its freshly made kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup) and mandu (dumplings). The restaurant is often bustling with locals and offers substantial portions at a budget-friendly price. It provides a taste of authentic Korean comfort food with quick and efficient service.

Price: Around ₩20,000 / US$16.50 per person

Getting There: Conveniently located in Myeongdong, a popular shopping and entertainment district. The address is 45 Myeongdong 8na-gil, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea.

4. Gwangjang Market

Cuisine: Korean Street Food and Market Dishes

Gwangjang Market is a vibrant culinary destination offering an immersive experience of traditional Korean street food. Visitors can explore various stalls selling a wide array of dishes, including mung bean pancakes (bindaetteok), gimbap, tteokbokki, soondae, and hand-cut noodles, famously featured on Netflix. It's an excellent spot for affordable and authentic Korean flavors in a lively atmosphere.

Price: Budget-friendly, with individual dishes typically costing a few thousand won.

Getting There: Easily accessible by subway; located near Jongno 5-ga Station.

5. Tosokchon Samgyetang

Cuisine: Traditional Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup)

Tosokchon Samgyetang is highly regarded for its hearty and nourishing ginseng chicken soup. The dish features a rich, warm broth with generous pieces of ginseng. It is a well-known establishment, often drawing long queues, indicating its popularity for delivering a comforting and authentic Korean culinary experience.

Price: Mid-range; a main dish would typically be in the ₩15,000 - ₩25,000 range.

Getting There: Located at 5, Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul. It is conveniently situated near Gyeongbokgung Station.

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