From the bustling nightlife to the ancient temples, the city of Seoul is full of wonders offering something to satisfy any taste. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for an authentic experience, the city provides plenty of restaurants that cater to a wide variety of palates. Here we present the top 10 must-try dishes to try when dining out in Seoul.
Bibimbap
Often touted as the unofficial national dish of Korea, bibimbap is served in both hot and cold forms. It typically includes a mix of vegetables, rice, gochujang (chilli pepper paste), beef, and an egg on top, all mixed together in a stone bowl. The dish is said to represent harmony, with each ingredient contributing its own unique flavor and texture.
Japchae
Japchae is a Korean dish of stir-fried glass noodles, vegetables, and sometimes beef. The noodles are cooked with sesame oil and served with soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and other seasonings. Traditional japchae is usually served mixed with sweet potato noodles, but variations can include other kinds of noodles as well as vegetables and beef.
Bulgogi
Bulgogi is a popular Korean dish made from marinated, thinly sliced beef. Often served over a bed of rice, bulgogi is sweet and savory, flavored with sesame, garlic, and soy sauces. Bulgogi is often served with an array of side dishes, including kimchi, cabbage salad, and pickled vegetables.
Overall Samgyeopsal
Samgyeopsal is popular pork belly dish that consists of thick slices of pork belly grilled on a hot plate over open flames, served with a variety of side dishes such as lettuce, chili peppers, ssamjang (a spicy dipping sauce), and cho-ganjang (a fermented soybean sauce). The meat is typically cooked to juicy medium-rare. The pork belly is often served with alcoholic drinks, making samgyeopsal a popular choice for late night dining.
Sundubu Jjigae
Sundubu jjigae, or "Korean soft tofu stew", is a popular Korean soup dish made of soft, silken tofu, vegetables, and seafood. It is usually served boiling hot and full of flavor. Common ingredients include kimchi, shrimp, oysters, mushrooms, and vegetables, all simmered together in a spicy broth. Sundubu jjigae is often served with a bowl of steamed white rice.
Korean BBQ
Nothing says Korean food like Korean barbecue. In every corner of Seoul, you will find restaurants that specialize in their own style of BBQ. Thinly sliced beef, pork, chicken, and seafood are marinated with traditional flavors and grilled to perfection on a bed of charcoal or gas grills. The meats are typically served with an array of side dishes and sauces, and diners often enjoy their meal by "wrapping" the meat in lettuce wraps.
Soondae
Soondae is a traditional Korean blood sausage. The sausage is made from pig's intestines stuffed with sticky rice, barley, and a mixture of pork blood, meat, and vegetables. It is then boiled and served in a variety of ways, including with noodles and kimchi. Soondae is a popular dish during special occasions and is known to be packed with nutrients.
Tteokbokki
Tteokbokki is a popular Korean dish of spicyrice cakes stir-fried in a gochujang (red chilli pepper paste) sauce. The dish is a street food favorite and can be found in many stalls around Seoul. The dish is served with a variety of accompaniments, such as fish cakes, hard boiled eggs, and vegetables.
Haemul Pajeon
Haemul Pajeon is a popular Korean seafood pancake. The dish is made with a variety of seafood, such as clams, shrimp, and squid, as well as onions, green onions, and eggs. It is usually served with a dipping sauce made with soy sauce and vinegar. It is said to be the perfect accompaniment to a glass of makgeolli--a popular Korean rice wine.
Jokbal
Jokbal is a Korean pork dish made of pig's feet braised in a spicy sauce. It is often served with a variety of accompaniments, including garlic, leeks, onions, cucumber, and kimchi. The dish is not only popular for its flavor, but also for its nutritional benefits. In addition to being high in protein, it is also said to be good for digestion.
Trying all 10 of these dishes can be a daunting task, but it's an experience not to be missed. From the delectable kimchi to the savory grilled beef, these must-try Korean dishes are sure to please even the pickiest of diners. So the next time you're out in Seoul, make sure to check out one of the restaurants on this list for an unforgettable dining experience. Bon Appétit!