Seoul, a vibrant metropolis where ancient traditions beautifully intertwine with cutting-edge modernity, is also a global culinary powerhouse. From Michelin-starred fine dining to beloved street food, the city offers an unparalleled gastronomic adventure. If you’re planning a trip to Seoul, navigating its vast dining scene can be overwhelming.
Fear not, food adventurers! While choosing just 10 from a “Top 100 Seoul Restaurants” list is a delicious challenge, I’ve curated a diverse selection to give you a true flavor of what the city has to offer. Get ready to indulge!
1. Gaon (가온)
- Cuisine: Modern Korean Fine Dining (Michelin 3-Star)
- Why visit: For an exquisite journey through contemporary Korean haute cuisine. Gaon elevates traditional Korean flavors with refined techniques and stunning presentation, offering set courses that are a true work of art. It’s an experience for special occasions.
Description: An exquisite journey into modern Korean haute cuisine, renowned for its refined techniques and stunning presentation. Representative Dishes: Multi-course tasting menus showcasing seasonal Korean ingredients. Address: 317 Dosan-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (B1F Horim Art Center) Website:gaonkr.com
2. Mingles (밍글스)
- Cuisine: Contemporary Korean (Michelin 2-Star)
- Why visit: Chef Kang Mingles blends Korean ingredients and Jang (fermented sauces) with Western culinary techniques. Each dish is a creative masterpiece, offering innovative interpretations of Korean flavors in a sophisticated setting. Don’t miss their signature “Jang Trio” dessert.
- Description: Where Korean ingredients and fermented sauces meet Western culinary artistry, offering innovative interpretations of traditional flavors.Representative Dishes: Korean Jang Trio dessert, unique seasonal tasting menus.Address: 19 Dosan-daero 67-gil, Gangnam-gu, SeoulWebsite:restaurantmingles.com
3. Jungsik (정식당)
- Cuisine: New Korean Cuisine (Michelin 2-Star)
- Why visit: A pioneer in “New Korean” cuisine, Jungsik offers playful and artistic dishes that reinvent traditional Korean elements. Their famous “Gulbi (dried yellow croaker)” and “Jeju Island-style dishes” are must-tries, presented with flair and precision.
Description: A pioneer in “New Korean” cuisine, celebrated for its playful, artistic dishes that reinvent Korean culinary elements.Representative Dishes: Sea Urchin Bibimbap, signature “Gulbi” (dried yellow croaker), Jeju Island-inspired dishes.Address: 11 Seolleung-ro 158-gil, Gangnam-gu, SeoulWebsite:jungsik.kr
4. Moktan (목탄장)
- Cuisine: Korean BBQ (Pork)
- Why visit: For an authentic and delicious Korean BBQ experience focusing on expertly grilled pork. Moktan is known for its high-quality cuts and lively atmosphere. A must-visit for juicy samgyeopsal and moksal, grilled to perfection at your table.
Description: A popular spot for an authentic and lively Korean BBQ experience, specializing in premium grilled pork.Representative Dishes: Samgyeopsal (pork belly), Moksal (pork neck).Address: 12 Nonhyeon-ro 175-gil, Gangnam-gu, SeoulNote: Often requires a wait, known for its vibrant atmosphere.
5. Gwangjang Market (광장시장)
- Cuisine: Traditional Korean Street Food
- Why visit: An absolute must for any food lover! Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere and try an incredible array of traditional Korean street foods like Bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), Mayak Gimbap (addictive mini gimbap), Tteokbokki, and various noodles. It’s a sensory overload in the best way.
Description: Not a single restaurant, but a historic market famous for its bustling atmosphere and incredible array of traditional Korean street food.Representative Dishes: Bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), Mayak Gimbap (addictive mini gimbap), Tteokbokki.Address: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, SeoulNote: A must-visit for an immersive local food experience.
6. Tosokchon Samgyetang (토속촌 삼계탕)
- Cuisine: Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup)
- Why visit: A legendary spot for Samgyetang, a nourishing chicken soup filled with ginseng, sticky rice, jujubes, and garlic. It’s a comforting and healthy dish, especially popular on hot summer days. Be prepared for a queue, but it’s worth the wait.
Description: A legendary establishment serving classic, nourishing ginseng chicken soup, a comforting dish for any season.Representative Dishes: Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup).Address: 5 Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, SeoulNote: Expect a line, especially during peak hours.
7. Bukchon Son Mandu (북촌손만두)
- Cuisine: Korean Dumplings (Mandu)
- Why visit: Craving delicious and authentic Korean dumplings? This spot is famous for its handmade mandu, offering a variety of steamed, fried, and even soup dumplings. Perfect for a casual yet satisfying meal.
Description: Renowned for its freshly handmade Korean dumplings, offering a variety of preparation styles.Representative Dishes: Steamed Mandu, Fried Mandu, Mandu-guk (dumpling soup).Address: Multiple locations; a prominent one is at 42 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
8. Baekjeong (백정 – Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong)
- Cuisine: Korean BBQ (Beef & Pork)
- Why visit: Another highly popular Korean BBQ chain known for its vibrant energy and excellent quality meat, particularly their beef cuts. It’s a favorite among both locals and tourists for a classic BBQ experience.
Description: A highly popular Korean BBQ chain known for its energetic ambiance and high-quality beef and pork cuts, especially well-marbled meats.Representative Dishes: Aged Prime Beef Ribeye, Pork Belly.Address: Multiple locations; a popular one is at 10 Gangnam-daero 102-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
9. Onjium (온지음)
- Cuisine: Traditional Korean (Michelin 1-Star)
- Why visit: For a taste of royal court cuisine and traditional Korean gastronomy. Onjium focuses on preserving and reinterpreting historical Korean recipes with meticulous detail, offering a glimpse into Korea’s culinary past.
Description: Dedicated to preserving and reinterpreting historical Korean royal court and traditional recipes with meticulous detail.Representative Dishes: Seasonal tasting menus showcasing traditional Korean flavors.Address: 38 Bukchon-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (on the 4th floor of Onjium building)Website:onjium.org
10. Myeongdong Kyoja (명동교자)
- Cuisine: 칼국수 (Kalguksu – Korean Knife-Cut Noodles) and Mandu
- Why visit: A truly iconic establishment in Myeongdong, famous for its rich, garlicky Kalguksu (hand-cut noodle soup) and delicious mandu. It’s a simple menu, but executed to perfection, making it a beloved spot for both locals and tourists for decades.
Description: An iconic institution in Myeongdong, famed for its rich, garlicky knife-cut noodle soup and perfectly crafted dumplings.Representative Dishes: Kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup), Mandu (dumplings).Address: 29 Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, SeoulNote: Limited but expertly executed menu, a must-try for a classic Seoul experience.
