South Korea is the only country I’ve been to where I loved every food I ate. No exaggeration. Masarap talaga. From side dishes to the main dish, walang tapon. I’ve listed some of the food and restaurants I’ve tried and maybe you can also check it out when you go to Korea. 🙂
- Street food at Namdaemun Market
If you love street food, this is one of the places to be. Hotteok, or Korean sweet pancake, price varies on which filling you choose. I chose the basic brown sugar filling which costs ₩1,000. There is also a japchae-filled hotteok. 🙂
For those of us who loves watching Kshows, another must try is Odeng (₩500) and Tteokbokki (₩3,000). Perfect pantawid gutom for all the walking you’ll be doing in Seoul. Oh, and while you’re there, don’t forget to try Sikhye (sweet rice punch) for only ₩1,500.
How to get there: Take the subway Line 4, and get off at Hoehyeon Station, exit 5.
- Grilled Fish at Dongdaemun Market
Since we are all familiar with grilled korean meat, why not try something new and try their grilled fish instead? I can’t remember what types of fish I ordered but all costs ₩8,000 including rice. I loved it cause it has a clean taste (di malansa, gets? haha). Also, ang bait nung mga ahjumma. 🙂
How to get there: Take the subway Line 4, and get off at Dongdaemun Station, exit 9.
- Kalguksu at Myeongdong Kyoja
Myeongdong Kyoja has been the home of Kalguksu (knife-cut noodles) for more than 40 years. When I went there, they only have 2 items on their menu, kalguksu and mandu (dumplings), both priced at ₩8,000.
Medyo rush yung atmosphere dun. Pag upo mo tatanungin ka agad ng order, pero kasi, 2 items nga lang nasa menu. So siguro alam mo na dapat order mo. Hahaha.
How to get there: Take the subway Line 4, and get off at Myeongdong Station, exit 8.
- Bibimbap at Hanguk Jib
Jeonju is said to be the home of the best bibimbap. So, when we went there, I knew that I have to try their bibimbap.
We went to Hanguk Jib. This restaurant has been selling bibimbap since 1952 so I think they might be the bibimbap experts. 😛
There are 3 types of bibimbap there: Jeonju bibimbap, yukhoe bibimbap and dolsot bibimbap. Jeonju bibimbap (₩11,000) comes in a gold-colored bowl, that is prepared like a royal court dish. Yukhoe bibimbap (₩13,000) comes with raw beef or tartare instead of bulgogi. Dolsot bibimbap (₩11,000) is served in a hot stone pot.
I ordered yukhoe bibimbap. I’ve always wanted to try tartare, because of watching too much of 2D1N. 😀
How to get there: Take KTX, and get off at Jeonju Station. Then take Bus 79, and get off at Jeondong Cathedral Station.
- PNB Bakery’s Choco Pie
Since I’m already in Jeonju, I can’t miss the choco pie of the famous PNB Bakery. Unlike the usual choco pie, it’s filling is made of cream and strawberry jam. The bakery also has other bread and cookies but I only bought choco pies for ₩1,600 per piece.
I saw two branches in Jeonju, one in hanok village and the other one at Jeonju station.
How to get there: Take KTX, and get off at Jeonju Station. Then take Bus 79, and get off at Jeondong Cathedral Station.
- Seafood Tteokguk at Samcheongdong
One of my favorites. Sobrang sarap with mussels, shrimps, octopus and crab, tapos ₩13,000 lang. I forgot the name of the restaurant 🙁 but it’s right in front of Monologue – Samcheongdong branch. We didn’t really plan on eating there. We got so hungry walking around Bukchon Hanok Village and Samcheongdong that we decided to eat at the first restaurant we saw. Di naman kami nagsisi. 🙂
BONUS: I was watching Touch Your Heart when I noticed a familiar place. I checked with Naver Maps and confirmed. Bonus filming location na. Malapit na din to sa “We are young” mural (While You Were Sleeping) and Dalssi Market (Goblin) 🙂
How to get there: Take the subway Line 3, and get off at Anguk Station, exit 1
- Grilled Lobster at Myeongdong
There are many street foods in Myeongdong but this is my favorite. A bit pricey at ₩15,000 pero sulit naman. 🙂 Perfect for chilly nights haha! Their stall is right beside Uniqlo.
How to get there: Take the subway Line 4, and get off at Myeongdong Station, exit 6.
- Jeju Black Pork and Rib Eye Steak at Sisikkot
Sisikkot is the restaurant owned by Kim Jong Min and since I’m a big 2D1N fan, it is a part of my itinerary. The restaurant has a prison theme and you get to eat inside your own “cells”. It is also a bit pricey, but given that it is located in Gangnam, it’s expected. Our total bill is ₩51,000 pero sulit sa sarap and yung side dishes, panalo! 🙂 The steak does really melt in your mouth and the Jeju black pork is so tasty. Ano kaya kinakain ng mga baboy dun? Hahaha!
Sisikkot is located beside Koraebul. Di kasi masearch sa Naver maps.
How to get there: Take the subway Line 2, and get off at Yeoksam Station, exit 3.