Considered a melting point of diverse, vibrant cultures and fascinating traditions, Seoul is the beautiful capital of South Korea and the largest metropolis in the state. With elating food traditions which extend back to the golden days, from the uplifting vegan fare of its sophisticated Buddhist temples to the hearty bowls of bone soup found in its home-like restaurants, Seoul is fast becoming an international attraction among globetrotters looking to experience the marveling culture, and with that comes an increase in restaurants offering a variety of foods. Whether it’s for cultural reasons or just a personal preference, this region has an abundance of tasty food with a mix of dominant flavors from the West. If you’re looking to try out some of these delicious South Korean treats, then check out this curated list of best Korean restaurants in Seoul, South Korea.
1. Saebyukjib
Treat yourself to a tantalizing burst of delicious Asian flavors at Saebyeogjib and make an elating discovery of Korea’s nutritious food culture. Being one of the most comprehensive Korean restaurants nesting in the heart of the city, this is an exquisite spot where you can sit and dine on a wide array of ridiculously delicious Korean delicacies. It boasts some of the best quality meat in the city and features a stellar selection of stews and late-night favorites like the mouthwatering doenjang stew, which is known for curing acute hangovers. To tickle your taste buds, grab a bite of their thick yook-hwe bibimbap, which is arguably the best dish in Seoul.
Saebyukjib
Address: 6 Dosan-daero 101-gil, Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Website: Saebyukjib
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
2. Mingles
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Invite your friends, family, or work colleagues to join you in sampling some of the best Korean dishes and delicacies at Mingles restaurant. Located conveniently in the buzzy streets of Cheongdam-dong district, this eatery is a cornerstone restaurant and a favorite spot to many, as it serves modern Korean dishes that are true to traditional Korean tastes. It has an inviting interior with a brilliant twist of simplicity that adds to its allure and features the famous chef Mingoo Kaan who steers the helm of kitchen operations. So, not only are you guaranteed a delightful culinary experience but also an authentic taste of South Korea’s most sought-after dishes.
Mingles
Address: 19 Dosan-daero 67-gil, Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Website: Mingles
Opening hours: 12pm - 2pm, 6pm - 9pm (daily)
3. Song Jook Heon
If you are new in Seoul and you’re looking for a nice restaurant to enjoy a sumptuous dining experience, then make your way to Song Jook Heon, and immerse yourself in some of Korea’s mouth-watering meals and dishes. Enjoying a convenient location across the street from the beautiful garden of Changdoek Palace, Song Jook Hoen is a classic, well-established purveyor of the Hanjeongsik tradition and makes a thrilling introduction to more opulent aspects of Korean cuisine. Most of the exquisite dishes served in this lovely restaurant have their roots and origins from royal palaces and aristocratic homes of South Korea.
Song Jook Heon
Address: 17 Yulgok-ro 6-gil, Unni-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
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4. Si Wha Dam
If you are a keen food connoisseur in Seoul and you are yet to visit the legendary Si Wha Dam, then you have no idea what you are missing out on. A unique self-proclaimed museum of uplifting Korean cuisines, this exotic restaurant is the place to be for a flavorful experience of Korea’s exciting meals and dishes. While its name translates as ‘poetry, painting, and discussion,’ the innovative cuisines offered here live up to these artistic qualities and feature a meticulous and a refined, eclectic approach to presentation. This restaurant also features a stocked bar with a plethora of drinks, from matured brandy to intriguing bottles of wine, and everything else in between.
Si Wha Dam
Address: South Korea, Seoul, Yongsan-gu, Hannam-dong, Itaewon-ro, 254 2층
Website: Si Wha Dam
Opening hours: 11:30am - 10pm (daily)
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5. Byeokje Galbi
If you are a food enthusiast with a liking for beef delicacies, then make your way to Byekoje Galbi restaurant and savor some of the best beef meals in Seoul. Known for its tantalizing taste in both local and exotic beef dishes, this astounding restaurant welcomes diners looking to enjoy a wide array of mouthwatering authentic beef cuisines from Korea. Come on in and try their world-famous galbi, which is thinly sliced pieces of beef, barbecued on a table in front of the diners, and served with a plethora of high-quality side dishes, in a relaxed atmosphere with a lavish vibe.
Byeokje Galbi
Address: 26 Eonju-ro 30-gil, Dogok 2(i)-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Website: Byeokje Galbi
Opening hours: 11:30am - 10pm (daily)
6. Tosokchon Samgyetang
Take fun to new heights and pamper yourself to a world-class dining experience at the Tosokchon Samyetang restaurant. Located near Gyeongbkgung Palace, in the picturesque confines of Bukchon Hanok village, this prestigious restaurant in Seoul is popularly known among locals and tourists alike, for serving a delicious chicken ginseng soup known as samgyetang, which has been its signature dish for over 30 years. A popular summertime delicacy, this tantalizing dish consists of chicken stuffed with rice, garlic, nuts, Korean dates, and ginseng. To bring more flavor to your culinary adventure, have your samgyetang with a bit of insam-ju, and let your palate explode with some of Korea’s fascinating flavors.
Tosokchon Samgyetang
Address: 5 Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Chebu-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Website: Tosokchon Samgyetang
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)
7. Congdu
For most diners and food connoisseurs, dining in the same space as the last emperor of Joseon is a mere dream but at Congdu restaurant, you not only get to feel like royalty, you also get a chance to dine like one too. Located in the alluring Seoul Museum of Natural History, this seamless restaurant offers a spacious, brightly lit interior with an intimate setting. It emanates a casual atmosphere with a lavish vibe and inviting ambiance where you can sit to enjoy a remarkable culinary experience. On a good day, when the weather is favorable enough, the main dining room becomes an open terrace and makes an ideal spot for a romantic dinner date under the starry skyline of Seoul.
Congdu
Address: 16-1 Deoksugung-gil, Sogong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Website: Congdu
Opening hours: 11:30am - 3pm, 5:30pm - 10pm (daily)
8. Jung Sik Dang
Make a fun discovery of Korea’s food culture and visit Jung Sik Dang restaurant to enjoy an exquisite dining experience. Conveniently located adjacent to the buzzy Apgujeong Rodeo Street, this lovely eatery offers you a serene place to enjoy a variety of Korean delicacies in a relaxed atmosphere with a casual ambiance. Boasting a simple but modern interior decor, Jung Sik Dang is all about authentic taste, exquisite cuisines, neatness, and creativity. Come in and try their mouth-watering signature dishes like their finger-licking Sea Urchin Bibimbap.
Jung Sik Dang
Address: 11 Seolleung-ro 158-gil, Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Website: Jung Sik Dang
Opening hours: 12pm - 3pm, 5:30pm - 10:30pm
9. Jinju Jip
Pulsating with the spirit of providing authentic Korean meals, Jinju Jip was designed to be the perfect home restaurant to visit anytime you want to grab something delicious to eat. An exquisite family-friendly restaurant with an inviting casual ambiance, this outlandish food establishment takes pride in providing visitors with a wide range of quality Korean dishes, drinks, and delicacies. Specializing in Korean gastronomy, this restaurant is the ideal spot for lunch or dinner, offering visitors an exciting menu using wholesome and authentic ingredients from traditional Korean recipes. Food lovers looking to try a bit of everything will love the brilliant combination of the all-day buffet, served with its alluring seolleoangtang (oxtail soup).
Jinju Jip
Address: 33 Gukjegeumyung-ro 6-gil, Yeoeuido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 9pm; Sat: 10am - 7pm (closed on Sun)
10. Yong Su San
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
A must-visit restaurant for its long-term experience in the nutritious and delicious Korean delicacy, Yong Su San is an exhilarating restaurant that has enjoyed a frequent visit from the majestic Korean president, to Hollywood celebrities, many who come from as far as across the globe to take part in and enjoy authentic Hanjeonsik (Korean traditional course meal). Deriving its name from a majestic mountain in Kaesung, capital to ancient Koryo Dynasty, this fascinating restaurant is simply a treat on its own, specializing in Kaesung and Royal Court cuisines, which are now very special and rare to come by even in Korea.
Yong Su San
Address: South Korea, Seoul, Jung-gu, Taepyeongno 1(il)-ga, 84
Website: Yong Su San
Delight in Korea's intriguing flavors
With this list of exquisite restaurants to check out in Seoul, South Korea, you are spoilt for choice. So, if you are planning a visit to this beautiful city, be sure to check them out and savor a plate of delicious Korean food that will leave you coming back for more.
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