Broken down by a few of our must-visit districts in Seoul, bookmark some of these eateries the next time you find your way through the bustling streets of one of our favorite destinations.
DONGDAEMUN-GU DISTRICT
Na Jeong-sun Halmae Jjukkumi
Here you’ll have the most specialized jukkumi – a Korean dish composed of highly spicy fried baby octopuses. The whole street is known for Jukkumi and is even known as jukkumi street. There is even a bronze statue on the street just in case you forgot you are about to have a taste of the best jukkumi in the world. Remember, don’t try this if your tolerance for spices isn’t that high. This restaurant run by Grandma Na Jeong-sun offers the best jukkumi on the street that offers the best jukkumi. The address is 144, Muhak-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
DONGJAK-GU
Noryangjin Fish Market
This is the place to get all the seafood you want in Korea. It has been around since 1927. You can find scallops, crab, lobster, crab, prawn, sea urchin and prawn. You can also have the best sannakji in the whole of Seoul here; Sannakji – an infamous Korean octopus dish. Like anywhere else, you’ll be quoted higher for being a foreigner – don’t be scared to bargain.
The sannakji is infamous due to the apparent movement of the tentacles when the octopus is served – many think it’s because the octopus is still alive. Deaths due to choking by these tentacles have been recorded. The market is open 24 hours and you can find it at address 688 Nodeul-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
GANGNAM-GU
Han Chu Korean Fried Chicken & Beer
Here you can have the best chimaek in Seoul. Chimaek is a compound word for chicken and maek-ju. Maek-ju is the Korean word for beer. Korea offers the best crunchy fried chicken you’ll ever taste. They normally double fry their chicken for the extra crunchy feel. The address for this joint is 68 Nonhyeon-ro 175-gil, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
Yeontabal BBQ Restaurant
Still in Gangnam-Gu is the Yeontabal BBQ Restaurant. Here you’ll have a taste of the Korean barbeque. Meat is expensive in Korea, so expect to cough a few dollars to enjoy this delicacy. It is located at 1317-16 Seocho-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
JONGNO-GU
Gwangjang Market
This market dates back to over 120 years ago. It is a traditional Korean market with over 5000 shops under its roof. It specializes in sea food and other fresh food produce. Here vendors will offer you an array of Korean foods including Korean dishes like soondae (blood sausage), kimbap (Korean sushi rolls), and tteokbokki (rice rolls). You can get the popular bean pancake locally known as the bindaetteok here. The address is 88, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
Imun Seolnongtang
Still in Jongno-gu you’ll find Imun Seolnongtang. Here they specialize in seolnongtang or ox bone soup. The restaurant has been offering services for over 100 years so you can be sure they are sure about what they do. It is the oldest restaurant in South Korea. Their address is 38-13 Ujeongguk-ro, Gyeonji-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea.