South Korea is one of those countries that have plenty of treasure in its fold for travelers. Not just for travelers, the country is also an ideal hideout for food lovers. That’s why so many people are left asking what to eat in Seoul? South Korea is arguably one of the best places when it comes to food and culture. From high-end restaurants to cheap Korean food stalls, the food comes in different varieties in South Korea and it is up to you which one you want to relish and where you are. For a wholesome experience, it is important that you give equal importance to food tours of different markets and areas of the country on your Korea itinerary. This post is all about those experiences that you should look to relish in the form of delectable food. And since you will be on a budget trip, the list will only include the dishes that are delicious and at the same time are cheap. So, let’s get into the best cheap Korean food!
Table of Contents
The Best Cheap Korean Food
Please Note: Just to let you know, food price in Korea comes in every budget range so it is advisable first ask the price and then order a dish as per your budget.
Ddeokbokki
In general, Ddeokbokki (also spelled as Tteokbokki) is Korean spicy rice cakes. It is one of the most popular street foods in South Korea. The dish is made from fish cake, soft rice cake, and sweet red chili sauce. You can find this dish not just at street snack stalls and eateries but the restaurant as well. The rice cakes in this dish are chewy and delicious along with the broth.
Recommended place to eat
Cheong-Nyun Tteokbokki, Jeonju Bibimbap, and Grandma Yu’s Bibimbap
Food Price
Between 1000 Korean Won and 8000 Korean Won
**You can find this all over Seoul especially in tourist hotspots like Jungno-go.**
Bibimbap
A list of Korean fast food is incomplete without Bibimbap. The literal meaning of Bibimbap is ‘mixed rice’ and as the meaning itself, the dish is served in a bowl with warm white rice and gochujang (Korean chili paste). Not just this, the dish also includes varieties of seasoned and sauteed vegetables, like that of soybean, cucumber, mushrooms, spinach, radish, and more. To embrace the taste of Bibimbap, an egg along with the slices meat (mainly beef) is also added. Before being eaten, all the ingredients are mix together for an impeccable taste.
Recommended place to eat
Grandma Yu’s Bibimbap
Food Price
Between 7000 Korean Won and 8000 Korean Won
** A great place to walk around and try all types of food is Hongdae and Myeongdong. **
Chimaek
Now, here comes the go-to dish for every other Korean who loves to drink. For a fact, the name ‘Chimaek’ made from two words chi-cken (which stands for chicken) and maek-ju (the Korean term used for beer). Hence, the dish is a combination of the popular duo – the Korean fried chicken and beer. Trust me, do not make a mistake to compare it with any other fried chicken as this one is special in itself. It is double-fried, and hence, is crunchier and delectable. This dish is woven into Korean food culture and typically eaten in Seoul at night.
Recommended place to eat
Oksang Dalbit and Han Chu Korean Fried Chicken & Bar and Oksang Dalbit
Food Price
Approx 20000 Korean Won
**If you are in Hongdae drinking or looking for specific dishes to try don’t miss out on what to eat in Hongdae.**
Japchae
Often touted as Banchan, Japchae is yet another fare that you should look to try on your Korean trip. This dish is nothing but stir-fried glass noodles that taste both sweet and savory. It is made with sweet potato starch cellophane noodles, which is referred to as dangmyeon in the local language and is topped with meat, assorted vegetables, and mushrooms. To give it that sweet and savory taste, sesame oil and soy sauce are seasoned on the noodles.
If there’s one thing Tah recommends is to buy Korean noodles from Sigol Bapsang
Kimchi Bokkeumbap
Wondering what it is by its name? Well, it is the mush famous Korean dish Kimchi Fried Rice. This is probably the most iconic dish you will get to try in South Korea. Kimchi is nothing but vegetable garnish. The dish includes luncheon meat or chunks of the stir-fried hot dog along with rice. Once it is prepared, it is topped with a fried egg and is garnished with toasted sesame seeds and seaweed. If you are that kind of a person who doesn’t like to experiment, then this simple yet delectable Kimchi Bokkeumbap is just made for you. Speaking of Kimchi a strange fact is that South Korea has 250 different kinds of Kimchi!
Recommended place to eat
Dotz, Gilmok, and Jangsu Bunsik
Food Price
Between 3000 Korean Won and 5000 Korean Won
**While you are walking around trying all the food the city has to offer don’t miss all the top things to do in Hongdae and the best food to try**
Bindaetteok
If you have a soft corner in your heart for pancakes, then surely you’ll fall in love with Bindaetteok. These are the Mung Bean Pancakes that are not like ordinary fried pancakes. Just to let you know, Korean pancakes are a bit salty in taste but what makes them extremely delicious is preparation method. They are fried in oil and includes tons of ingredients, the fusion of which is beyond words. If you have been to Sri Lanka and ate pancakes there, then certainly these Korean pancakes will take you back to your trip to Sri Lanka.
Recommended place to eat
Chebudong Janchijip, Hannam Bukeotguk, and Iri Oneora
Food Price
Between 3000 Korean Won and 4000 Korean Won
**During your time here don’t miss all the top attractions in Seoul!**
Soondae
You must have heard or read about it somewhere if you are planning your Korean trip for a long time. Soondae is the Korean Blood Sausage which is finger-licking good. The dish is prepared using steaming pig’s or cow’s intestines. Once they are boiled or steamed, the intestines are stuffed with various ingredients like sweet potato vermicelli and sweet rice. It is one of the most popular street food in South Korea. The gochujang-based sauce is served with the blood sausage.
Recommended place to eat
Sinuija Chapssal Sundae, Jungsik Seoul, and Myeongdong Kyoja
Food Price
Between 9000 Korean Won and 10000 Korean Won
** Before you travel Korea don’t forget to read Korea’s most strange facts!**
Gimbap
Gimbap often spelled as Kimbap, is on-the-go snack which is also eaten as a meal in the early mornings or late at night. It is undoubtedly one of the most loved fares of South Korean not just amongst the locals but tourists as well. Gimbap is more like a Japanese style hand roll. It is a combination of spinach, a few Korean pickled vegetables, sushi rice, and a ham. All the ingredients are wrapped in ham in a sheet of toasted seaweed. You can either enjoy it while standing by the road or can just eat it while walking or strolling as well.
Recommended place to eat
Seoho Gimbap, Goryun Hat-sal, and Lee Kimbap
Food Price
Between 1000 Korean Won and 1500 Korean Won
Here comes the end of this amazing list of cheap yet scrumptious Korean food. Hope you’ve liked it. For more such amazing posts on South Korea, you can check out our blog sections. Also, if you are planning a Korean food culture tour, then we recommend you to carry these travel essentials to make your vacation hassle-free.
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