We don’t usually post about food. But we would go back to South Korea just for the food! It is THAT GOOD! Where we live in Australia, eating Korean food usually mean eating BBQ meat, kimchi or bibimbap.

In South Korea the food variety is amazing! Each region has its own unique specialty. It goes way beyond the typical deep fried street food and pretty desserts you find in tourist spots. There are plenty of choices even for young children and pickiest eaters.

Ordering food was made easy to by using downloading Papago app. Simply take photo of the menu and the Korean hangul alphabets are magically translated (there is also the regular type and translate feature like in Google translate). So no need to ask for English menu or go into restaurants with picture menu!

Here are our list of must try foods in South Korea:

SEOUL

Kalguksu at Kyoja, Myeongdong

Affordable Michelin star restaurant?? Yes Please! This establishment has been around since 1966 and it only has 4 items on the menu – all amazing! The kalguksu (handmade knife cut noodle), dumplings and spicy noodle are all fabulous.

Myeongdong night market

Too many choices of street food here but our favourites were the grilled fat octopus, the lamb skewers and the Bungeoppang (Korean Fish Shaped Pastry filled with red bean).

Korean BBQ at Wangbijip, Myeongdong

Fantastic meats and service with even better exhaust system (so you don’t come out with smelly clothes or need to wash your clothes afterwards).

Hotteok at Gwangjang market

These Korean sweet pancakes (you can choose your filling of red bean, honey or cheese). Fantastic deep fried goodness at only $2 each!

Dumplings & kalguksu at Gwangjang market

So many stalls to choose from. We picked stall number 22 and the ajumas are very sweet.

SOKCHO

Squid & abai sundae at Abai Village

Squid sundae is stuffed with a mixture of clear noodles, tofu, vegetables, and squid. If you are more adventurous try the local sundae which is blood sausage mixed with noodles and glutinuous rice

Makgeolli bread at Sokcho market

This Korean liquour bread stall had the longest line and good 30-minute wait. The bread is super fluffy, highly addictive and the candied beans on top just the icing of the cake.

Seorak Mountain Cafe break at The Ambrosia

Views from this place is amazing. Plenty of yummy cakes and ice lattes to choose from. It is located inside hotel Sono Felice Delpino, and they welcome non guests.

Seafood goodness at ChungChosoo Seafood restaurant

This was our highlight of the WHOLE trip! ChungChosoo has the best mulhoe (COLD spicy raw fish soup) and abalone soup we have ever had in our lives. The sashimi is next level fresh!

This multi level restaurant is huge, super efficient and has a dedicated waiting marquee outside. Come early to get your ticketed entry number.

JEONJU

Bimbimbap at Hankook Jib

As Jeonju is the birthplace of bimbimbap, this restaurant has been around since 1952! And it was THE first ever restaurant to serve Jeonju bimbimbap.

Banchan experience at Hanulbapsang

Just look at all the plates on our table – all the side dishes are included with the main meal, and you can always ask for free refills! Our favourite side dish was the marinated raw crab.

Breakfast at Hyundaiok Nambusijang

Located deep within the Jeonju market is this place that only sells a local dish kongnamul gukbap (bean sprouts and rice soup). Made famous by the Netflix show A Nation of Broth, we simply can’t miss this place. This hearty breakfast was our 8 year old’s favourite dish in South Korea.

BUSAN

Pork gukbap at Miryangjip, Bupyeong Kkangtong Market

This fabulous Busan restaurant serves rich soup mixed with pork (and spare parts) is definitely more for the adventurous eaters.

Fish cake galore at Bupyeong Kkangtong Market

Big breakfast of fish cakes and noodle soups are just the perfect combo to fuel up for the rest of the day.

Bibim Dangmyeon at Bupyeong Kkangtong Market

Aka spicy glass noodle, This dish is one of the most famous market foods in Busan.

Chicken buldak

Korean fire chicken with cheese is super famous amongst young people. Perfect for sharing, and generally super generous portion size and affordable price, this dish can be found everywhere and was another memorable dish from our trip.

Remember to download Papago app, take photo of the menu and order away!

For other places we have visited, checkout our website’s travel Destinations section. We buy our travel essentials online via Ebay