South Korea
Seoul
Where barbecue smoke meets back-alley soul.
A note from the editor
I’m originally from Seoul, before New York, LA and Hong Kong. Friends always asked me for recommendations, usually Korean BBQ, but there’s so much more here. Seoul is a sprawling metropolis of 25 million; easy by public transport and taxi, but you’ll want a game plan. The Korean aunties serving the best food won’t explain it in English. Let me take you around instead.
— Irene Koo, founder & editor
What's inside
Everything this guide covers
- Restaurants & establishments155
- Local food & drinks27
Abalone Porridge · Bibimbap · Kimchi · Korean BBQ · Ganjang Gyejang · Jeon · Gomtang · Naengmyeon · Hanwoo Omakase · Soondooboo · Makgeolli · Bulgogi · Gukbap · Yukhwe · Korean 🐟🦐 Heaven · Samgyetang · Gimbap · Tteok-bokki · Gujeolpan · Mandu · Eo Bok Jaeng Ban · Sannakji · Budaejjigae Army Stew · Korean (Fried) Chicken · Gamjatang · Seolleongtang · Kalguksu
- Scoop collections14
Seoul’s Natural Wine Scene · Korean Convenience Store Essentials · Deep Dive into Korean-style Taverns · Rice Wine Resurgence · Noteworthy Specialties: Few and Far Between · Mothers' Recipe: Comforting, Home-style Meals · Korean Cuisine, Re-imagined · North Korean Food in Seoul · The Truth About K-BBQ in Korea · Where to Have Chimaek (Chicken & Beer) in Seoul · Café Culture Beyond Good Coffee · Insider Spotlight: Hangover Drink Maker Lynn Ko · Must-try Korean Street Food · 2026 Korea Shopping List
- Eat-ineraries4
Gyeongbok Palace, Temple Food and Hidden Bars · Yongsan Highlights: 360 Views, Art Studio Coffee and Korean Fine Dining · Mapo-gu Highlights: Han River, Fritz and Traditional Markets · Dine, Drink and Shop in Myeongdong & Gwangjang Market
- Interactive mapIncluded
Preview
A preview of the guide
7.8 Makgeolli
(7.8 막걸리) 7.8 first gained attention thanks to their extensive collection of name:Makgeoll…
A Flower Blossom on the Rice
(꽃밥에 피다) The prettiest bibimbap you may ever eat can be found at A Flower Blossom on Rice.…
Alice Cheongdam
(앨리스 청담) Witty cocktails served in a romantic atmosphere is the name of the game at this A…
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