대한민국 서울 구별로 즐기는 지역 특색음식 안내(Seoul Food Guide by District)
This post is written with the purpose of guiding travelers visiting Korea.
Hello, friend! Congratulations on arriving in Seoul! This city is filled with unique flavors and traditions in every corner, waiting for you to explore. This time, I’ve prepared a list of must-try local foods and restaurants by district in Seoul. Let’s enjoy the local vibe and delicious meals together! Each district’s brief introduction and the history of its foods are organized under subheadings, so you can dive in with even more excitement.
✨ Jongno-gu - A Blend of Luxury and Tradition in Northern Seoul ✨
Jongno-gu, located in northern Seoul, is home to historic palaces like Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung. Having developed as a royal and commercial hub since the Joseon Dynasty, it has deep roots in traditional Korean cuisine. Bindaetteok and Seolleongtang originated from royal court dishes, while Pyongyang Naengmyeon was introduced by migrants after the 1940s war.
🍲 Bindaetteok: A crispy mung bean pancake enjoyed since the Joseon Dynasty, especially popular on rainy days (Ingredients: mung bean flour, meat, vegetables, perilla powder / Preparation: pan-fried until crispy).
🥣 Seolleongtang: A milky broth made by simmering ox bones and brisket since the 19th century, originally for nutrition (Ingredients: ox bones, brisket, green onions / Preparation: boiled for over 10 hours)
🍜 Pyongyang Naengmyeon: A refreshing dish from Pyongyang, brought to Korea after the 1940s war, with a perfect balance of broth and buckwheat noodles (Ingredients: buckwheat noodles, beef broth, pear, cucumber / Preparation: served cold)
✨ Jung-gu - Vibrant Commerce and Market Culture in Eastern Seoul ✨
Jung-gu, located in eastern Seoul, is famous for bustling areas like Namdaemun Market and Myeongdong. As a commercial center since the 14th century, it fostered market culture and popular dishes like Kalguksu and Mandu. Jeonju Bibimbap, originating from Joseon court cuisine, became widespread in the 20th century.
🍜 Kalguksu: A simple meal that started among Namdaemun merchants in the 1960s (Ingredients: wheat flour noodles, meat, vegetables / Preparation: boiled with broth)
🥟 Mandu: A 60-year tradition of handmade dumplings that began in Myeongdong in the 1960s.
🍚 Jeonju Bibimbap: A signature Korean dish from Joseon court cuisine (Ingredients: rice, assorted vegetables, meat, gochujang / Preparation: mixed with toppings)
✨ Mapo-gu - Youthful and Trendy Along the Han River in Western Seoul ✨
Mapo-gu, in western Seoul, is known for its youthful vibe along the Han River and Hongdae area. With commercial growth following the mid-20th-century Han River development, meat dishes like Samgyeopsal and Dakhanmari became popular, while Gopchang emerged as a unique food culture in the 1990s.
🥩 Samgyeopsal: A meat dish popularized in the 1980s with Korea’s economic growth (Ingredients: pork belly, ssamjang, ssam vegetables / Preparation: grilled on a pan)
🍗 Dakhanmari: A refreshing broth dish that began in rural areas in the 1970s (Ingredients: chicken, potatoes, ginseng / Preparation: boiled with broth)
🍖 Gopchang: A chewy dish that gained popularity in Mapo in the 1990s (Ingredients: beef or pork intestines, seasoning / Preparation: grilled)
✨ Yongsan-gu - A Multicultural Hub in Central Seoul ✨
Yongsan-gu, in central Seoul, is a multicultural area famous for Itaewon and Hannam-dong. The fusion of 20th-century U.S. military bases and Islamic culture led to the development of Jajangmyeon and Halal food, while Yukhoe, a noble dish from the Joseon era, became widespread.
🍜 Jajangmyeon: Introduced by Chinese immigrants in the early 20th century (Ingredients: noodles, pork, onions, black bean paste / Preparation: stir-fried with sauce)
🥙 Halal Food: A dish that evolved in Itaewon with Islamic culture since the 2000s (Ingredients: Halal meat, vegetables, spices / Preparation: cooked according to Halal rules)
🥩 Yukhoe: A raw beef dish from Joseon-era nobility (Ingredients: beef, pear, pear juice / Preparation: sliced raw with seasoning)
✨ Gangnam-gu - Luxury and Modernity in Southern Seoul ✨
Gangnam-gu, in southern Seoul, is known for its modern, luxurious image as a wealthy district. Developed in the 1970s, it reinterpreted traditional dishes like Bulgogi and saw the rise of fusion Korean cuisine and dessert culture in the 2000s.
🥩 Bulgogi: A soy-marinated beef dish dating back to the Goryeo Dynasty (Ingredients: beef, soy sauce, sugar, garlic / Preparation: grilled)
🍴 Fusion Korean Cuisine: A modern reinterpretation of Korean food since the 2000s (Ingredients: traditional ingredients + modern seasonings / Preparation: creatively plated).
🍦 Cotton Candy Ice Cream: A trendy dessert (Ingredients: ice cream, cotton candy / Preparation: wrapped with cotton candy)
✨ Gangbuk-gu - Quiet and Natural Northern Seoul ✨
Gangbuk-gu is nestled near Bukhansan Mountain and is known for its quiet residential neighborhoods. The area is home to hearty meals like Dakdoritang and Korean grilled fish, perfect after a mountain hike.
🍲 Dakdoritang: Spicy braised chicken stew, perfect after hiking (Ingredients: chicken, potatoes, chili / Preparation: simmered in spicy sauce).
🐟 Grilled Mackerel: Charcoal-grilled fish, served with doenjang stew (Ingredients: mackerel, salt / Preparation: grilled). Great at local markets.
✨ Dobong-gu - Mountain Trails and Comfort Food ✨
Dobong-gu is popular for its mountain trails and temples. Visitors enjoy traditional hangover soups and simple banchan dishes in local restaurants after long walks.
🥣 Haejangguk: A rich hangover stew popular near hiking areas (Ingredients: beef, radish, ox blood / Preparation: boiled spicy).
🍚 Baekban: Traditional Korean set meal with rice and side dishes. Find authentic baekban restaurants around Changdong Station.
✨ Nowon-gu - Student-Friendly Northern District ✨
With universities like Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Nowon-gu has many affordable eateries and snacks for students, including spicy tteokbokki and budget meals.
🌶️ Cheese Tteokbokki: Spicy and cheesy street food (Ingredients: rice cakes, gochujang, cheese / Preparation: boiled and melted).
🥘 Dolsot Bibimbap: Rice served in a sizzling hot stone pot (Ingredients: rice, vegetables, meat / Preparation: mixed hot).
✨ Jungnang-gu - Riverside Calm and Local Eats ✨
Located along the Jungnangcheon Stream, this district offers scenic views and local comfort foods like sujebi and kalguksu, loved by families and elders.
🍜 Sujebi: Hand-torn dough soup (Ingredients: flour dough, broth, zucchini / Preparation: simmered in anchovy stock).
🥟 Gunmandu: Crispy pan-fried dumplings filled with pork and vegetables.
✨ Seodaemun-gu - A Blend of Scholarship and Tradition in Northwest Seoul ✨
Seodaemun-gu, in northwest Seoul, is a scholarly area with universities and historic sites. Udon came from Japan with 20th-century university culture, while Haejangguk and Sogalbi became local favorites since the 1950s.
🍜 Udon: Adapted from Japan in the 1980s (Ingredients: wheat flour noodles, kelp broth / Preparation: boiled with toppings).
🥩 Yeonnam Seoseo Galbi: A classic dish since the 1950s (Ingredients: beef ribs, soy marinade / Preparation: grilled over charcoal).
🥣 Haejangguk: A hangover cure popularized in the 1970s (Ingredients: ox offal, radish, chili powder / Preparation: boiled spicy).
✨ Seongdong-gu - Trendy Cafés and Food Streets in Southeast Seoul ✨
Seongdong-gu, in southeast Seoul, is a trendy district famous for Seongsu-dong cafés and spots like Gentle Monster. Starting as an industrial area in the 1960s, it developed Galbi and Yangkkochi, with desserts gaining popularity in the 2010s café boom.
🥩 Galbi: A charcoal-grilled dish that began in Seongsu-dong in the 1960s (Ingredients: beef ribs, charcoal / Preparation: grilled).
🍰 Café Desserts: Popular since the 2010s café culture boom (Ingredients: milk, tea, dessert toppings / Preparation: served cold or warm).
🍢 Yangkkochi: A dish from China that settled in Huayang-dong in the 2000s (Ingredients: lamb, chili powder, cumin / Preparation: skewered and grilled).
✨ Dongdaemun-gu - Where Tradition Meets Youth in Northeast Seoul ✨
Dongdaemun-gu, in northeast Seoul, blends traditional markets with the youthful vibe of Huigye-dong. Market culture grew after the 1950s war, popularizing Pajeon and Tongdak, while Kimbap originated from Japanese food culture in the 1930s.
🍳 Pajeon: A savory pancake that became a drinking snack after the 1950s war (Ingredients: flour, seafood, green onions / Preparation: pan-fried until crispy).
🍗 Tongdak: A chicken dish that started the fried chicken trend in the 1970s (Ingredients: chicken, frying batter / Preparation: fried).
🍱 Kimbap: Evolved from Japanese cuisine in the 1930s (Ingredients: rice, seaweed, pickled radish, tuna / Preparation: rolled and sliced).
✨ Yeongdeungpo-gu - Business and Markets in Southwest Seoul ✨
Yeongdeungpo-gu, in southwest Seoul, is a business and shopping hub with Yeouido and Times Square. Industrialization in the 1960s shaped worker culture, leading to Gamjatang and Gopchangjeongol, while Noryangjin Fisheries Market has been a seafood hub since the 1950s.
🥣 Gamjatang: A pork bone soup that gained popularity among workers in the 1960s (Ingredients: pork bones, potatoes, chili powder / Preparation: simmered until rich)
🍲 Gopchangjeongol: A deep-flavored dish that developed in Yeongdeungpo markets in the 1980s (Ingredients: intestines, vegetables, chili / Preparation: boiled in broth).
🐟 Seafood: Fresh sashimi and stews available since the 1950s at Noryangjin Fisheries Market(Ingredients: fresh fish, seafood / Preparation: sliced raw or boiled as spicy stew).
✨ Songpa-gu - Family-Friendly Vibes in Southeast Seoul ✨
Songpa-gu, in southeast Seoul, is a family-friendly district known for Lotte World and Jamsil Sports Complex. Developed in the 1980s, it hosts Udon and Hanjeongsik, while Kimchi Jjigae became a household favorite in the 1950s.
🍜 Udon: Introduced from Japan and settled in Jamsil in the 1990s (Ingredients: wheat flour noodles, kelp broth / Preparation: boiled with toppings).
🍽️ Hanjeongsik: A refined meal from Joseon court cuisine (Ingredients: rice, side dishes, meat / Preparation: served with multiple banchan).
🥘 Kimchi Jjigae: A spicy stew that became a home dish in the 1950s (Ingredients: kimchi, pork, tofu / Preparation: boiled spicy).
✨ Gwanak-gu - A Hub of Academia and Student Culture in Southwest Seoul ✨
Gwanak-gu, in southwest Seoul, is an academic area famous for Seoul National University and Sinlim-dong. University culture in the 1970s fostered Sundae Gukbap, chicken, and Bunsik, with simple dishes gaining popularity among students in the 1960s.
🥣 Sundae Gukbap: A hearty dish that began in Sinlim markets in the 1970s (Ingredients: sundae, offal, broth / Preparation: boiled as soup).
🍗 Chicken: Popularized by franchise booms in the 1980s (Ingredients: chicken, frying batter / Preparation: fried).
🍢 Bunsik: A quick meal that caught on with students in the 1960s (Ingredients: tteok, fish cake, gochujang / Preparation: boiled spicy).
✨ Seocho-gu - Sophisticated and Upscale in Southern Seoul ✨
Seocho-gu, in southern Seoul, is a sophisticated district known for courts and upscale residences. The 1980s growth brought fine dining with French brunch and Hanjeongsik, while Yang Galbi rose as a luxury dish in the 2010s.
🥐 French Brunch: A Western breakfast that started in Seorae Village in the 2000s (Ingredients: bread, coffee, fruit / Preparation: baked or served cold).
🍽️ Hanjeongsik: A refined dish from Joseon court cuisine (Ingredients: rice, side dishes, seafood / Preparation: elegantly plated).
🍖 Yang Galbi: A premium dish that gained popularity in upscale restaurants in the 2010s (Ingredients: lamb ribs, herbs, wine / Preparation: oven-roasted).
✨ Dongjak-gu - Academia and Tradition in Southern Seoul ✨
Dongjak-gu, in southern Seoul, blends academia with tradition, famous for Noryangjin and Sadang-dong. Market and academy culture in the 1960s popularized Chueotang and Dwaeji Gukbap, while Pyongyang Naengmyeon spread with migrants in the 1940s.
🥣 Chueotang: A loach soup that evolved in Seoul as a hangover cure in the 1960s (Ingredients: loach, beef bone, chili / Preparation: boiled spicy).
🥘 Dwaeji Gukbap: A hearty soup from Busan that settled in Noryangjin in the 1980s (Ingredients: pork, bones, garlic / Preparation: simmered).
🍜 Naengmyeon: A refreshing dish from Pyongyang brought by migrants in the 1940s (Ingredients: buckwheat noodles, beef broth, pear / Preparation: served cold).
✨ Gangdong-gu - Nature and Residential Life in Southeast Seoul ✨
Gangdong-gu, in southeast Seoul, combines nature and residential areas, famous for Cheonho-dong and Gangil-dong. Housing development in the 1970s boosted Jokbal and Hoe, while Doenjang Jjigae traces back to Joseon-era home cooking.
🥖 Jokbal: A chewy dish popularized in the 1970s (Ingredients: pig’s feet, soy marinade / Preparation: boiled and seasoned).
🐟 Hoe: A fresh dish that grew with seafood markets in the 1960s (Ingredients: fresh fish / Preparation: sliced raw or boiled as spicy stew).
🥘 Doenjang Jjigae: A traditional stew from Joseon-era homes (Ingredients: soybean paste, tofu, vegetables / Preparation: boiled until savory).
✨ Seongbuk-gu - Cultural Layers of Old and New ✨
Seongbuk-gu features hanok villages, embassies, and a blend of Korean and international cuisine. It’s a go-to for kalguksu and royal-style jeon.
🍳 Yachaejeon: Vegetable pancake, crispy and savory (Ingredients: cabbage, chives, flour / Preparation: pan-fried).
🍜 Kalguksu: Knife-cut noodle soup loved in residential alleys and markets.
✨ Eunpyeong-gu - Gateway to Bukhansan and Healing ✨
Eunpyeong-gu lies near Bukhansan Hanok Village and is filled with healing cafés and clean-eating restaurants. Vegan bibimbap and tofu stew are especially popular.
🥗 Vegan Bibimbap: Mixed rice dish with seasonal vegetables (Ingredients: rice, greens, gochujang / Preparation: raw or lightly blanched).
🥣 Soft Tofu Stew: Spicy stew made with silken tofu and mushrooms.
✨ Gwangjin-gu - Riverside Leisure and Concert Zones ✨
Gwangjin-gu, home to Children’s Grand Park and Konkuk University, blends green leisure with student culture. Chicken feet and spicy octopus dishes are famous late-night eats.
🌶️ Chicken Feet (Dakbal): Spicy grilled or stir-fried feet (Ingredients: chicken feet, red pepper paste / Preparation: grilled or braised).
🐙 Jjukkumi Bokkeum: Stir-fried baby octopus with fiery sauce.
✨ Guro-gu - Industrial Roots and Vibrant Work Culture in Southwest Seoul ✨
Guro-gu, in southwestern Seoul, developed as an industrial hub during Korea’s rapid economic growth in the 1970s. With the Guro Digital Complex and dense residential areas, it became a district of workers and small businesses. Hearty and affordable dishes like Kimchi Jjigae, Budae Jjigae, and Jjolmyeon became staples of the local food culture.
🥘 Kimchi Jjigae: A beloved home-style stew that became common in factory workers’ homes in the 1970s (Ingredients: kimchi, pork, tofu / Preparation: boiled spicy).
🍲 Budae Jjigae: A fusion dish that evolved in post-war Korea and was popularized in urban zones like Guro (Ingredients: sausage, ham, kimchi, ramen / Preparation: boiled together in a spicy broth).
🍜 Jjolmyeon: A spicy cold noodle dish popular among young workers in the 1980s (Ingredients: chewy noodles, vegetables, gochujang / Preparation: mixed cold).
✨ Geumcheon-gu - A Young District Blending Industry and Modern Living ✨
Geumcheon-gu, located in the southwest, separated from Gwanak-gu in 1995 and quickly evolved into a residential and industrial zone. With many tech startups and logistics centers, simple and energy-packed foods like Gukbap, Gimbap, and Tteokbokki are favorites among workers and students.
🍲 Kongnamul Gukbap: A hearty bean sprout soup ideal for busy mornings (Ingredients: bean sprouts, garlic, broth / Preparation: boiled quickly).
🍱 Gimbap: A quick and affordable lunch that suits student and office worker lifestyles (Ingredients: rice, seaweed, pickles, eggs / Preparation: rolled and sliced).
🌶️ Tteokbokki: A spicy rice cake snack popular in Geumcheon school zones (Ingredients: rice cakes, fish cake, chili paste / Preparation: boiled with sweet and spicy sauce).
✨ Gangseo-gu - Residential Comfort and Airport Proximity in Western Seoul ✨
Gangseo-gu, bordering Gimpo Airport, is a key residential area with parks and development zones like Magok. Its food culture is influenced by its suburban feel—featuring dishes like Doenjang Jjigae, Bossam, and Makguksu that balance tradition and convenience.
🥘 Doenjang Jjigae: A traditional soybean paste stew loved in Gangseo homes (Ingredients: doenjang, tofu, vegetables / Preparation: boiled until savory).
🥩 Bossam: A pork belly wrap dish enjoyed during gatherings (Ingredients: pork, napa cabbage, garlic / Preparation: boiled and served with sauce). /p>
🍜 Makguksu: A buckwheat noodle dish with a cool tangy flavor (Ingredients: buckwheat noodles, vinegar, mustard / Preparation: served cold).
✨ Yangcheon-gu - Comfortable Family Life and Market Culture in West Seoul ✨
Yangcheon-gu, developed alongside Mok-dong’s residential complexes in the 1980s, is a family-friendly area with large parks and schools. The local food scene revolves around hearty comfort dishes like Dakgalbi, Janchi Guksu, and Gamjatang.
🍗 Dakgalbi: Spicy stir-fried chicken popular in family restaurants (Ingredients: chicken, gochujang, cabbage / Preparation: stir-fried on a pan).
🍜 Janchi Guksu: A light noodle soup served during celebrations (Ingredients: thin wheat noodles, anchovy broth / Preparation: boiled and served warm).
🥣 Gamjatang: A spicy pork bone soup for busy households (Ingredients: pork bones, potatoes, sesame leaves / Preparation: simmered with chili paste).
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Additional Tips
- Gwangjang Market (Jongno-gu) offers a variety of street foods like Tteokbokki, Bindaetteok, Yukhoe, and Mayak Kimbap—loved by foreign visitors too!
- Namdaemun Market (Jung-gu) and Seongsu-dong Galbi Alley are affordable, hearty spots cherished by locals and tourists alike.
Conclusion
Friend, explore these restaurants to fully experience Seoul’s local food culture! Each district offers unique charm and history, so add them to your travel itinerary. Feel free to ask me if you have any questions. Wishing you a delicious time in Seoul!
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