Quick answers — eating in Seoul
- Best restaurant overall
- Mosu
- Best value
- Imosikdang (20,000-40,000 KRW / 15-30 USD)
- Strongest cuisines
- Korean, Modern European, Japanese
- Dishes to try
- Bibimbap, Korean BBQ (Samgyeopsal), Korean Fried Chicken (Chimaek), Budae Jjigae (Army Stew)
- Booking window
- For MICHELIN-starred restaurants, book 1-3 months in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Use restaurant websites or concierge services.
Booking well in advance, often weeks or months for top establishments, is essential. Dress codes typically range from smart casual to formal. Tipping is not customary in Korea and is generally not expected or included. Dinner service usually begins around 6:00 PM or 6:30 PM and concludes by 10:00 PM.
Korean
Best Korean restaurants in Seoul
Korean tables are built for sharing: banchan arrive first, grilled meat or stews follow, and the fermented elements — kimchi, doenjang, gochujang — carry the flavour.
Mosu
Three MICHELIN StarsModern Korean · Gangnam-gu · 400,000-500,000 KRW / 300-380 USD
Sung Anh
Chef Sung Anh's Mosu offers a meticulously crafted modern Korean experience rooted in exceptional ingredients and precise technique. The tasting menu features refined, seasonal dishes with subtle global influences, presented in an elegant, minimalist setting. It's a journey of sophisticated flavors and textures.
Order: Dried Abalone Tart, Perilla Oil Noodles
Kwon Sook Soo
Three MICHELIN StarsModern Korean · Gangnam-gu · 250,000-380,000 KRW / 190-290 USD
Kwon Woo-joong
Kwon Sook Soo reinterprets traditional Korean cuisine with a contemporary lens, emphasizing regional ingredients and time-honored cooking methods. The multi-course 'Imperial' table d'hôte experience is presented with grace, offering nuanced flavors in a serene, refined atmosphere. Expect dishes that are both comforting and innovative.
Order: Yukhoe (Beef Tartare), Gyeran Jjim (Steamed Egg Custard)
Mingles
Two MICHELIN StarsModern Korean · Gangnam-gu · 250,000-350,000 KRW / 190-265 USD
Kang Ming-goo
Mingles offers 'Mingling' of Eastern and Western culinary traditions, guided by Chef Kang Ming-goo's exceptional vision. Seasonal Korean ingredients are transformed through precise techniques, resulting in harmonious and aesthetically pleasing dishes. The intimate dining room provides a sophisticated backdrop for this innovative gastronomy.
Order: Jang Trio (Soy Sauce, Gochujang, Doenjang) Crème brûlée, Daegu-ssal bap (Cod Rice)
Onjium
Two MICHELIN StarsRoyal Korean Cuisine · Jongno-gu · 200,000-300,000 KRW / 150-230 USD
Cho Eun-hee, Park Sung-bae, Kim Eun-hee
Housed within a cultural research institute, Onjium revives and presents traditional Korean royal and noble cuisine with meticulous authenticity. Their refined tasting menus reflect historical recipes and seasonal ingredients, providing a profound journey into Korea's culinary heritage. The elegant setting complements the scholarly approach.
Order: Gujeolpan (Nine-sectioned Platter), Seasonal Jjim (Steamed Dish)
Gaon
Three MICHELIN StarsRoyal Korean Cuisine · Gangnam-gu · 350,000-500,000 KRW / 265-380 USD
Kim Byeong-jin
Gaon offers an unparalleled experience of traditional Korean royal court cuisine, presented with exquisite artistry and precision. The restaurant is dedicated to preserving and elevating authentic flavors through premium ingredients and meticulous preparation. Dining here is a cultural immersion into Korea's culinary legacy, in a private, luxurious setting.
Order: Seasonal Porridge, Bibimbap with Premium Ingredients
Imosikdang
Bib GourmandKorean Traditional · Jongno-gu · 20,000-40,000 KRW / 15-30 USD
Imosikdang (literally 'Aunt's Restaurant') is a beloved institution serving comforting, homestyle Korean dishes. Famous for its hearty Kimchi Jjigae, the flavors are deep and authentic, reminiscent of home cooking. It's a casual, bustling spot where locals flock for a warm, satisfying meal in a lively atmosphere.
Order: Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Stew), Jeon (Korean Pancakes)
Modern European
Best modern European restaurants in Seoul
Modern European is the catch-all for kitchens that borrow technique from France, produce from their own region and ideas from everywhere — usually tasting-menu only.
DOBBY
One MICHELIN StarModern European · Gangnam-gu · 150,000-200,000 KRW / 115-150 USD
Kim Do-kyun
DOBBY, led by Chef Kim Do-kyun, presents a refined interpretation of European cuisine with a distinctive Korean sensibility. The tasting menu showcases seasonal produce transformed into imaginative, artfully plated dishes. The dining room offers a contemporary, stylish ambiance, ensuring a sophisticated and memorable experience for guests.
Order: Seasonal Fish with White Asparagus, Beef Tenderloin with Truffle
Japanese
Best Japanese restaurants in Seoul
Japanese rooms range from counter omakase, where you eat whatever the chef cut that morning, to kaiseki menus built around the season. Counters are small — book early and arrive on time.
Alla Prima
One MICHELIN StarJapanese Kaiseki · Gangnam-gu · 250,000-350,000 KRW / 190-265 USD
Kim Jin-hyuk
Alla Prima presents an intimate and innovative Japanese kaiseki experience, where Chef Kim Jin-hyuk blends traditional techniques with modern culinary flair. The seasonal tasting menu emphasizes pristine ingredients, resulting in dishes that are both delicate and deeply flavorful. The minimalist decor highlights the culinary artistry.
Order: Seasonal Sashimi Platter, Uni Pasta
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in Seoul
Gwangjang Market
A historic market known for street food. Try mayak gimbap (addictive mini seaweed rolls), bindae-tteok (mung bean pancakes), and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes). Most dishes are 5,000-10,000 KRW.
Myeongdong Kyoja
Famous for kalguksu (hand-cut noodles) and mandu (dumplings). Their rich, flavorful broth and perfectly chewy noodles are a must-try. Expect to pay around 10,000-15,000 KRW per dish.
Bongchu Jjimdak
Specializes in jjimdak, a spicy braised chicken dish with vegetables and glass noodles. Portions are generous and perfect for sharing, offering a delightful balance of sweet and savory. A large serving is about 30,000 KRW for two to three people.
Tosokchon Samgyetang
A renowned restaurant for samgyetang, ginseng chicken soup. Their traditional recipe with a whole young chicken stuffed with glutinous rice and ginseng is nourishing and flavorful. A bowl typically costs 19,000-25,000 KRW.
Hwapo Sikdang
Serves excellent Korean barbecue, particularly their aged pork belly (samgyeopsal). The meat is high quality and grilled to perfection, accompanied by various banchan. A meal for two is roughly 40,000-60,000 KRW.
Local dishes
What to eat in Seoul
Bibimbap
A vibrant and healthy rice dish topped with assorted seasoned vegetables, meat (often beef), a fried egg, and gochujang (chili pepper paste). It's typically served in a hot stone bowl (dolsot bibimbap) where the rice crisps up. Find excellent versions at Jeonju Yuhwa Garden in Insadong for a traditional experience.
Korean BBQ (Samgyeopsal)
Thick slices of pork belly (samgyeopsal) or marinated beef (galbi) grilled at your table, then wrapped in lettuce leaves with garlic, kimchi, and ssamjang (a spicy dipping sauce). It's a communal and interactive dining experience. Many quality restaurants dot the Myeongdong area, offering premium cuts.
Korean Fried Chicken (Chimaek)
Crispy, juicy Korean fried chicken, often served with various sauces (sweet and spicy, soy garlic, original) and paired with cold beer (maekju), a combination known as 'Chimaek.' It's a popular late-night snack or casual meal. BHC Chicken is a well-known chain with consistent quality.
Budae Jjigae (Army Stew)
A hearty and spicy Korean stew made with kimchi, instant noodles, tofu, vegetables, and processed meats like ham and sausages, a legacy from the Korean War. It's a comforting and flavorful dish, perfect for sharing, especially in cooler weather. Nolboo Budae Jjigae is a renowned chain.
Tteokbokki
Spicy stir-fried rice cakes, a popular street food and comfort dish. The chewy cylindrical rice cakes are cooked in a gochujang-based sauce with fish cakes, boiled eggs, and scallions. It ranges from mildly spicy to fiery hot. Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town is famous for its unique versions.
Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup)
A nourishing and restorative soup made with a whole young chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, ginseng, jujubes, and garlic, then simmered in a clear broth. It's considered a health food, especially in summer. Tosokchon Samgyetang is famous for its traditional preparation.
Bindaetteok (Mung Bean Pancake)
A savory pancake made from ground mung beans, vegetables, and sometimes meat, pan-fried until golden and crispy. It's a popular street food, particularly at traditional markets. Gwangjang Market is renowned for its freshly made, delicious bindaetteok, often enjoyed with makgeolli.
Jjajangmyeon
A beloved Korean-Chinese noodle dish featuring thick wheat noodles topped with a rich, savory black bean sauce (chunjang) containing diced pork or seafood and vegetables. It's a comforting and affordable meal, widely available across the city. Try it at a classic Chinese-Korean eatery.
How to book a table in Seoul
- · For MICHELIN-starred restaurants, book 1-3 months in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Use restaurant websites or concierge services.
- · Many high-end restaurants require a deposit or full prepayment, which is non-refundable for cancellations within a specified period, typically 48-72 hours.
- · Consider lunch menus for a more affordable fine-dining experience. They often offer a similar quality and style of cuisine at a significantly lower price point.
- · Be aware of strict no-show policies. Confirm your reservation and arrive on time; late arrivals or no-shows can result in charges or loss of your booking.
FAQ
Seoul restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in Seoul?
Mosu in Gangnam-gu is the benchmark table — Modern Korean, led by Sung Anh, three michelin stars, around 400,000-500,000 KRW / 300-380 USD per person. Order the Dried Abalone Tart, Perilla Oil Noodles
Where is the best Korean restaurant in Seoul?
Mosu in Gangnam-gu is the Korean table to book in Seoul (400,000-500,000 KRW / 300-380 USD per person). Other strong options: Kwon Sook Soo, Mingles, Onjium.
Where is the best modern European restaurant in Seoul?
DOBBY in Gangnam-gu is the modern European table to book in Seoul (150,000-200,000 KRW / 115-150 USD per person).
Where is the best Japanese restaurant in Seoul?
Alla Prima in Gangnam-gu is the Japanese table to book in Seoul (250,000-350,000 KRW / 190-265 USD per person).
Where can I eat well in Seoul without spending a fortune?
Imosikdang is the best-value table on this list at roughly 20,000-40,000 KRW / 15-30 USD per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to Gwangjang Market, Myeongdong Kyoja, Bongchu Jjimdak.
How far in advance should I book restaurants in Seoul?
For MICHELIN-starred restaurants, book 1-3 months in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Use restaurant websites or concierge services. Many high-end restaurants require a deposit or full prepayment, which is non-refundable for cancellations within a specified period, typically 48-72 hours.
What food is Seoul famous for?
Bibimbap, Korean BBQ (Samgyeopsal), Korean Fried Chicken (Chimaek), Budae Jjigae (Army Stew), Tteokbokki — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. A vibrant and healthy rice dish topped with assorted seasoned vegetables, meat (often beef), a fried egg, and gochujang (chili pepper paste). It's typically served in a hot stone bowl (dolsot bibimbap) where the rice crisps up. Find excellent versions at Jeonju Yuhwa Garden in Insadong for a traditional experience.
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