A guide to the best food to eat in each Korean city
Every South Korea city boasts its own unique culinary delights. From hearty street food to refined traditional dishes, the country is a paradise for food lovers.
Here is Tofu V Travel’s guide to the best food to eat in each major Korean city, highlighting the flavours that make each place a must-visit for any foodie.
Seoul: Samgyeopsal (Grilled Pork Belly) 1
Incheon: Jjajangmyeon (Black Bean Noodles) 2
Daegu: Makchang (Grilled Beef Intestines) 2
Gwangju: Ddeokgalbi (Grilled Short Rib Patties) 2
Suwon: Suwon Galbi (Grilled Beef Ribs) 2
Andong: Jjimdak (Braised Chicken) 3
Chuncheon: Dakgalbi (Stir-Fried Chicken) 3
Jeju Island: Jeonbokjuk (Abalone Porridge) 3
Gyeongju: Ssambap (Wraps with Rice) 3
Sokcho: Ojingeo Sundae (Stuffed Squid) 3
Pyeongchang: Hwangtae Gui (Grilled Dried Pollack) 3
Gangneung: Chodang Sundubu (Soft Tofu) 4
Daejeon: Spicy Seafood Noodles (Jjamppong) 4
Gimhae: Ganjang Gejang (Soy Sauce Marinated Crab) 4
The bustling capital of South Korea is definitely famous for its vibrant food scene. Among the many dishes, Samgyeopsal stands out as a quintessential K-BBQ experience. Thick slices of pork belly are grilled at your table and served with lettuce, garlic, ssamjang (a spicy paste), and kimchi. Seoul's BBQ restaurants offer an unforgettable experience where the interactive cooking process is as enjoyable as the eating itself.
Busan, South Korea's second-largest city, is a coastal paradise known for its fresh seafood. Eomuk, or fish cake, is a must-try when visiting Busan. Often skewered on sticks and served in a hot broth, Busan’s Eomuk is particularly famous for its rich flavor and variety. Visit the city's bustling Jagalchi Market for the freshest and most authentic taste.
Jeonju is often referred to as the culinary capital of South Korea, and its most famous dish is Bibimbap. This dish is a colorful mix of rice, vegetables, beef, and gochujang (red chili paste), often topped with a fried egg. The ingredients are served separately, allowing diners to mix them according to their taste. Jeonju’s Bibimbap is renowned for its use of high-quality, fresh ingredients and its traditional preparation methods.
Incheon is known for its multicultural atmosphere, and one of its most iconic dishes is Jjajangmyeon. They even have a museum dedicated solely to Jjajangmyeon! Originating from Chinese cuisine, this dish features thick noodles topped with a savory black bean sauce, diced pork, and vegetables. Incheon’s Chinatown is the best place to enjoy this hearty and satisfying dish.
Daegu offers a unique culinary experience with its specialty, Makchang. This dish consists of grilled beef or pork intestines, marinated and cooked to perfection. It has a chewy texture and is often served with dipping sauces and side dishes like kimchi. Daegu’s Makchang streets are filled with restaurants dedicated to this delicacy, making it a must-try for adventurous eaters.
Gwangju is known for its rich history and equally rich food culture. Ddeokgalbi is a popular dish here, made from minced beef or pork ribs, shaped into patties, and grilled. It’s often served with rice and a variety of side dishes. The savory, slightly sweet flavor of Ddeokgalbi makes it a beloved dish in Gwangju, often enjoyed during family gatherings.
Suwon, a city just south of Seoul, is famous for its Galbi. Suwon Galbi is known for its large portions and tender meat, marinated in a sweet soy sauce mixture and grilled to perfection. The city’s Galbi street is lined with restaurants specializing in this dish, offering a taste of traditional Korean BBQ with a local twist.
Andong is a city steeped in tradition, and its signature dish, Jjimdak, reflects this heritage. Andong Jjimdak is a hearty dish made from braised chicken, vegetables, and glass noodles in a savory soy sauce-based broth. The dish is mildly spicy and slightly sweet, making it a perfect comfort food. It’s best enjoyed at Andong’s dedicated Jjimdak Alley.
Chuncheon is synonymous with Dakgalbi, a spicy stir-fried chicken dish cooked with vegetables, rice cakes, and sweet potatoes. The dish is prepared on a hot plate at the table, allowing diners to enjoy the cooking process. Chuncheon’s Myeongdong Dakgalbi Street is the best place to experience this iconic dish.
Jeju Island, South Korea’s largest island, is known for its unique cuisine, and Jeonbokjuk is one of its most famous dishes. This porridge is made from fresh abalone, a local delicacy, and rice, creating a dish that is both nutritious and flavorful. The creamy texture and rich taste of Jeonbokjuk make it a must-try when visiting Jeju.
Gyeongju, known as the "museum without walls," offers a dish as historic as its surroundings: Ssambap. This meal involves wrapping rice, meat, and vegetables in leafy greens like lettuce or perilla leaves. Gyeongju's Ssambap is known for its variety of side dishes and the use of fresh, locally grown ingredients.
Sokcho, a coastal city in Gangwon Province, is famous for Ojingeo Sundae, a unique dish made by stuffing squid with a mixture of noodles, vegetables, and sometimes pork. The stuffed squid is then steamed or grilled, creating a dish with a chewy texture and rich flavor. Sokcho’s markets are the best place to sample this local delicacy.
Pyeongchang, known for its cold winters and hosting the Winter Olympics, is famous for Hwangtae Gui, grilled dried pollack. The fish is dried in the cold, clean air of the region and then grilled to create a savory, slightly sweet dish that pairs perfectly with rice and soju. Pyeongchang’s specialty restaurants serve Hwangtae Gui with a variety of side dishes, making it a perfect winter meal.
Gangneung is famous for its Chodang Sundubu, a type of soft tofu made from locally grown soybeans and fresh seawater. This dish is typically served in a hot broth with a side of kimchi and is known for its delicate, smooth texture and mild flavor. Chodang Village in Gangneung is the best place to enjoy this traditional dish.
Daejeon, located in the center of South Korea, is especially known for its Jjamppong. This spicy seafood dish is characterized by its bold, fiery broth and generous portions of seafood like shrimp, mussels, and squid. Daejeon’s version of Jjamppong is particularly spicy, making it a favorite among those who love heat in their food.
Gimhae, located near Busan, is known for its Ganjang Gejang, a dish of crabs marinated in soy sauce. The crabs are left to soak in the marinade, resulting in a dish with a rich, umami flavor. The crabs are often served cold, and the meat is eaten directly from the shell. Gimhae’s seafood markets are the best place to find this delicacy.
Yeosu, a coastal city in the southern part of the country, is famous for its fresh Hoe (raw fish). The fish is often caught locally and served with a variety of dipping sauces and side dishes. The city’s proximity to the sea ensures that the fish is incredibly fresh, making it a must-try for seafood lovers.
Tongyeong is known for its Chungmu Kimbap, a variation of the traditional Korean rice roll. This dish features small, bite-sized rolls filled with only rice and served with spicy radish kimchi and a side of squid. The simplicity of the dish highlights the freshness of the ingredients, making it a popular snack in Tongyeong’s markets.
South Korea is a treasure trove of culinary delights, with each city offering its own unique flavors and specialties. Whether you’re a fan of spicy, savoury, or sweet dishes, there’s definitely something in every corner of the country to tantalise your taste buds!