What You’ll Regret Not Eating in Korea (And Where to Fix That)
If you’re planning a trip to South Korea and haven’t started thinking about the food yet, now’s the time. Sure, the palaces, pop culture, and high-tech cities are incredible. But it’s the food that will leave a lasting impression. Korean cuisine is bold, comforting, and often surprisingly affordable. If you miss out on some key dishes, you might end up regretting it long after your flight home.
Here’s a list of must-try Korean eats that belong on every traveler’s bucket list. And just as important, we’ll point you to where you can find the most authentic versions of each.
Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes) – Try it in Seoul
Let’s kick things off with a classic. Tteokbokki is a popular Korean street food made with chewy rice cakes and a spicy-sweet red chili sauce. It’s rich, comforting, and just the right amount of messy.
Where to try it:
Gwangjang Market in Seoul is a great place to start. The vendors here have been perfecting their recipes for years, and the atmosphere is as vibrant as the food is spicy.
Sundae (Korean Blood Sausage) – Go for It in Jeonju
Sundae might not win any beauty contests, but it’s surprisingly delicious. Made with pig’s blood and glass noodles, it’s a dish many Koreans grew up eating. For first-timers, it’s worth stepping out of your comfort zone.
Where to try it:
Jeonju’s Nambu Market is a good bet. The city is famous for its food, and locals here know how to make sundae just right. Soft, savory, and served with a punchy dipping sauce.
Hotteok (Sweet Pancakes) – Busan Favorite
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, don’t miss hotteok. These golden pancakes are stuffed with brown sugar, cinnamon, and crushed nuts. You’ll often find them sizzling on street carts during colder months.
Where to try it:
BIFF Square in Busan serves some of the best hotteok around. Their version, filled with a mix of seeds, is both crunchy and gooey in all the right ways.
Gimbap (Korean Rice Rolls) – Easy and Everywhere
Gimbap is Korea’s answer to the on-the-go lunch. It’s portable, versatile, and surprisingly filling. Think seaweed-wrapped rolls filled with rice, veggies, and sometimes tuna, bulgogi, or even cheese.
Where to try it:
Convenience stores carry basic versions, but for something more satisfying, head to a gimbap restaurant like Gimbap Cheonguk. It literally means “Gimbap Heaven” and lives up to the name.
Few things bring people together like a sizzling pan of dakgalbi at the center of the table. This dish combines marinated chicken, rice cakes, and vegetables in a spicy sauce, all cooked right in front of you.
Where to try it:
Head to Chuncheon, where the dish originated. The city even has a dedicated Dakgalbi Street filled with restaurants competing for the best recipe.
Bungeoppang (Fish-Shaped Pastry) – A Winter Treat
Despite the fish shape, there’s no seafood involved. Bungeoppang is a popular winter snack filled with sweet red bean paste. Warm, crispy, and lightly sweet, it’s a seasonal favorite.
Where to try it:
Look for street vendors in Seoul’s shopping districts like Myeongdong or Insadong. They’re easy to spot and hard to resist.
Where to Find the Best of Korean Street Food
Before you leave Korea, make sure to explore its traditional markets. These are not just places to shop—they’re cultural hubs filled with history, character, and of course, incredible food. Here are five of the best spots where your foodie adventure will truly come alive:
1. Gwangjang Market – Seoul
One of Korea’s oldest markets, Gwangjang is a feast for the senses. Try bindaetteok, mayak gimbap, and some of the most famous tteokbokki in the country.
2. Nambu Market – Jeonju
In Korea’s food capital, this market delivers classic flavors and modern twists. Be sure to explore the night market for creative bites and street-side atmosphere.
3. Seomun Market – Daegu
Famous for its noodles, hearty stews, and bustling energy, Seomun offers a genuine local dining experience and an array of regional treats.
4. Jagalchi Market – Busan
If seafood is your thing, Jagalchi is your place. Walk among tanks of live octopus and fish, then enjoy a fresh seafood meal prepared right on-site.
5. Tongin Market – Seoul
With its “lunchbox café” system, Tongin adds an interactive twist. Exchange traditional coins for a variety of small dishes and build your own dosirak (lunch set).
Don’t Just Eat, Connect
Korean food isn’t just about taste. It’s about gathering, sharing, and experiencing the culture firsthand. Whether you’re slurping down noodles in a busy market or learning how to grill meat the right way at a Korean BBQ joint, you’re part of something bigger.
So don’t stick to the familiar. Be curious, be adventurous, and let your stomach lead the way. Dishes like sundae or dakgalbi might not make it onto every tourist's radar, but those are often the foods you’ll remember most.
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