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Seoul (Street) Food
Seoul
Seoul proudly parades its gastronomic prowess in the streets! Everywhere you go, there’s a restaurant or open-air stall ready to satisfy any craving. You’ll want to try everything you see; and, the city’s local markets are your best bet for South Korean delicacies. Bring an empty stomach, an adventurous palate, and lots of loose change—you’re in for a delicious treat!
Seoul’s oldest and largest bazaar, Namdaemun Market consists of over 10,000 stalls hawking a wide range of clothing, souvenirs, and equipment! On the food front, the area impresses with several alleys, each dedicated to a specific local fare. Galchi Jorim (spicy braised beltfish) Alley and Kalguksu (Korean noodles) Alley are the most famous ones; but, drop by Foodie Alley for a variety of street food such as tteokbokki (stir-fried rice cakes) and dakkochi (chicken skewers)!
- +82 2 753 2805
Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 중구 남대문시장4길 21- http://www.namdaemunmarket.co.kr
Myeong-dong Shopping Street is Seoul’s beauty capital, attracting make-up enthusiasts from all over the world. When the sun goes down, however, the place transforms into foodie heaven! By 5:00 PM, kiosks start setting up to feed visitors with unique treats like cheese-covered lobsters, tornado potatoes (deep-fried spiral cut potatoes), and fried milk! Wash it all down with a refreshing cup of pomegranate juice before diving back in for more!
83-9 Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Seoul’s fashion center, Dongdaemun Market spoils trendsetters with thousands of specialty shops selling clothes, accessories, and textiles. Many stores operate until the wee hours so to keep the fashionistas going, Meokja Golmok (also known as “Let’s Eat Alley”) welcomes hungry shoppers in need of a little refueling. Sample signature South Korean snacks, plus an array of international favorites and photo-worthy desserts! Visit on a weekend night to see the area in full blast, complete with pop-up fashion shows and dance performances!
- +82 2 2236 9135
04564 253, Jangchungdan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- http://dfwm.kr/main/view
Located just a stone’s throw away from Gyeongbokgung Palace, Tongin Market is one of the city’s long-standing traditional markets! It was originally set up for Japanese residents who lived in the neighborhood during the Japanese rule in Korea. Years later, it was taken over by local vendors who turned it into a marketplace. Within Tongin Market, you'll find the popular Dosirak Cafe—a cafeteria that lets you build your own dosirak (lunch box)! For only KRW5,000 (around USD5), you’re given an empty tray to fill up with small portions of different fares. You’re also supplied with 10 yeopjeon pieces (Korean brass coins) which are used to pay vendors in lieu of actual cash!
- +82 2 722 0911
18, Jahamun-ro 15-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 종로구 자하문로15길 18 (통인동)- http://tonginmarket.co.kr
Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market is a series of seasonal weekend-only night bazaars that take place simultaneously in various locations in the city. The outpost in Yeouido Hangang Park hosts the World Night Market where food, handicrafts, and festivities from all over are celebrated! Scour through stalls carrying artisan-made souvenirs and one-of-a-kind artwork; then, make your way to the food trucks serving local and international favorites. Check out their website for future operating dates!
Yeouido Hangang Park, Yeouidong-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- https://www.bamdokkaebi.org/yyd-introduce
Brave the fishy aroma and wet floors of Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market for fresh seafood! Navigate the area to find sea creatures of all kinds, shapes, sizes; then, bargain your way to get a hold of cheaper prices. Once you’re happy with your haul, head to one of the restaurants at the second floor to have it prepared the way you like! The market is open 24 hours, but pop in at around 3:00AM for exciting fish auctions!
- +82 2 2254 8000
13-6, Noryangjin 1-Dong, Dongzak-gu, Seoul, South Korea
서울특별시 동작구 노들로 674- https://www.susansijang.co.kr/
Set up entirely out of shipping containers, Common Ground is Seoul’s new go-to hangout spot! Its collection of trendy mid-sized retail and designer stores primarily target the fashionable crowd; but, it also houses a number of local food merchants. Scrumptious fusion fare await in the third floor terrace, while a bunch of food trucks stay parked in the courtyard outside the mall. Dine al fresco on a weekend to pair your after-shopping meal with a small concert!
- +82 2 467 2747
200, Achasan-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, South Korea
서울특별시 광진구 아차산로 200 (자양동)- https://www.common-ground.co.kr/
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