Must-try food and drinks:
Ginseng Chicken Soup (Samgyetang): A famous traditional dish featuring a rich, savory broth with the subtle, earthy bitterness of ginseng. Options include white or black chicken, slow-cooked with glutinous rice, ginseng, and jujubes; served with salt, pepper, and kimchi. There are restaurants right in Bukchon Hanok Village and Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Korean Beef Offal (Gopchang/Daechang): A specialty—grilled or served as a hot pot—at Jinseong Hanwoo Gopchang. It includes various cuts of beef offal (small and large intestines, etc.) paired with kimchi, chives, and steamed egg, accompanied by a signature dipping sauce. You can also order fried rice with egg and kimchi to finish the meal.
Korean BBQ: Available throughout Seoul, ranging from casual street-side spots to high-end restaurants, found on many bustling streets.
Jajangmyeon (Black Bean Noodles) & Jjamppong (Spicy Seafood Noodles): Enjoy these at a traditional noodle shop—chewy noodles coated in a rich, savory black bean sauce—often paired with Tangsuyuk (crispy fried pork in sweet and sour sauce) and a bold, spicy seafood noodle soup.
Street Food (in the Hongdae & Myeongdong areas):
Fish-shaped pastries (Bungeoppang) with fillings like red bean, cheese, or custard; fish cake skewers; Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes); and Korean-style fried chicken with spicy sauce.
Gyeran-ppang (Egg Bread) and roasted sweet potatoes.
Steamed buns (Mandu) filled with meat or kimchi.
Milk Tea & Coffee: Brown sugar pearl milk tea from HEYTEA, or iced lattes and Americanos from chains like The Coffee Bean and Paik's Coffee.
Dessert Ice Cream: Unique, novelty ice creams—such as those shaped like peaches or fried chicken drumsticks—available at convenience stores.
Korean Fried Chicken in South Korea: BHC Chicken, featuring flavors such as cheese seasoning (Bburinkle) and honey-soy sauce (Goldking).