Top 10 Restaurants You Must Visit When Traveling to Seoul

If you're planning a trip to Seoul, South Korea, get ready to indulge in some of the most delicious and diverse culinary experiences. Seoul is a food lover's paradise, offering a wide range of traditional Korean dishes, trendy fusion cuisine, and international flavors. To help you make the most of your gastronomic adventure, here are the top 10 restaurants you must visit when traveling to Seoul.

1. Jungsik

• Cuisine: Modern Korean
• Location: 11 Seolleungro 158-gil, Gangnam-gu
• Jungsik is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant that elevates traditional Korean flavors with a modern twist. With its elegant ambiance and meticulously crafted dishes, Jungsik offers an unforgettable dining experience that combines creativity and culinary excellence.

 

2. Gwangjang Market

• Cuisine: Street Food
• Location: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu For a taste of authentic Korean street food, head to Gwangjang Market. This bustling market is famous for its endless array of stalls serving up delicious treats like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), and gimbap (seaweed rice rolls). Don't miss the opportunity to try some of Seoul's most iconic street food dishes.

 

3. Mingles

• Cuisine: Korean Fusion
• Location: 757 Seolleung-ro, Nonhyeon 1(il)-dong, Gangnam-gu
• Mingles is a Michelin-starred restaurant that seamlessly blends traditional Korean ingredients with modern cooking techniques. The chef's innovative approach to Korean cuisine creates dishes that are not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor. Be prepared for a unique culinary adventure at Mingles.

 

4. Jaha Son Mandu

• Cuisine: Dumplings
• Location: 49-14 Myeongdong 10-gil, Myeongdong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu
• If you're a fan of dumplings, Jaha Son Mandu is a must-visit. This small eatery in the heart of Myeongdong serves up some of the best mandu (Korean dumplings) in Seoul. Whether you prefer them steamed, boiled, or pan-fried, Jaha Son Mandu offers a variety of mouthwatering options to satisfy your dumpling cravings.

 

5. Tosokchon

• Cuisine: Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup)
• Location: 5 Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Sajik-dong, Jongno-gu Tosokchon is renowned for its traditional samgyetang, a nourishing Korean dish made of a whole chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, ginseng, and other medicinal herbs. The rich and flavorful broth, tender chicken, and aromatic herbs make this restaurant a go-to spot for a hearty and healthy meal.

6. Jangeo-gui Alley

• Cuisine: Grilled Eel
• Location: 13 Jangchungdan-ro 13-gil, Jangchung-dong, Jung-gu
• For seafood lovers, Jangeo-gui Alley is a hidden gem. This narrow alley is lined with small restaurants specializing in jangeo-gui, or grilled eel. The eel is marinated in a savory sauce and grilled to perfection, resulting in a delicious and succulent dish that pairs perfectly with steamed rice.

7. Myeongdong Kyoja

• Cuisine: Kalguksu (Knife-Cut Noodles) and Mandu (Dumplings)
• Location: 29 Myeongdong 10-gil, Myeongdong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu
• Myeongdong Kyoja has been serving comforting bowls of kalguksu and plump dumplings since 1966. The hand-cut noodles in a flavorful broth and the juicy dumplings are beloved by locals and tourists alike. This humble eatery offers a taste of Seoul's culinary history and is a must-visit for noodle enthusiasts.

 

8. Maple Tree House

• Cuisine: Korean BBQ
• Location: Multiple branches across Seoul
• No visit to Seoul is complete without trying Korean BBQ, and Maple Tree House is a popular choice for meat lovers. This upscale restaurant offers a wide selection of premium cuts of beef, pork, and chicken, which you can grill at your table. The high-quality ingredients and the interactive dining experience make Maple Tree House a top spot for Korean BBQ.

 

9. Balwoo Gongyang

• Cuisine: Temple Food
• Location: 56 Ujeongguk-ro, Gyeonji-dong, Jongno-gu
• For a unique culinary experience, consider visiting Balwoo Gongyang, a Michelin-starred temple food restaurant. Balwoo Gongyang specializes in vegetarian cuisine based on Buddhist principles. The beautifully presented dishes, made with fresh seasonal ingredients, offer a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.

 

10. Bukchon Son Mandu

• Cuisine: Mandu (Dumplings)
• Location: 30 Gye-dong, Jongno-gu Bukchon Son Mandu is a small family-run restaurant that has been serving handmade mandu for over 30 years. The menu features a variety of mandu, including classic options like pork and kimchi as well as unique creations like shrimp and pumpkin. With its cozy atmosphere and delicious dumplings, Bukchon Son Mandu is a delightful place to satisfy your mandu cravings.

 

  Make sure to include these top 10 restaurants in your itinerary when traveling to Seoul. From upscale fine dining to humble street food, Seoul's food scene offers something for everyone. Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable culinary adventure in this vibrant city. Bon appétit!