Growing up in a household with two cooks, food has become my obsession in life. Everywhere in the world I travel, food is the thing I engage with the most. As a chef once said “if you want to know people, know their food” and that motto has stuck with me. Every city has its own specialties, every market has its own flavors, and some of the best meals are found in the most unexpected places. During my recent trip through Seoul, Gyeongju, and Busan, I made it a mission to try as many local dishes and snacks as possible. From Michelin-recognized dumplings to sizzling Korean BBQ and bustling market food stalls, every stop offered something memorable.
Seoul: Tradition, Flavor, and Street Food
Korean BBQ and Naengmyeon at Maple Tree House
No trip to Korea is complete without Korean BBQ, and Maple Tree House in Seoul was the perfect introduction. This was the first meal we had in Korea, and it was so good that we returned for our final meal before heading home. The format is awesome! You sit around a small charcoal fired grill and order meat. We enjoyed two of Korea's most beloved meats: Samgyeopsal, thick slices of grilled pork belly, and Galbi, marinated beef short ribs known for their rich, sweet-savory flavor.
While the barbecue itself was excellent, what stood out most to me was the incredible variety of banchan, the assortment of small side dishes that accompany nearly every Korean meal. Our table quickly filled with dishes including kimchi, pickled vegetables, scallion salad, and my personal favorite, a spicy radish dish coated in Korean chili paste that delivered the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and crunch. Each side dish offered a different flavor and texture, turning the meal into much more than simply grilled meat.
We also enjoyed Naengmyeon, a cold noodle dish traditionally served alongside Korean BBQ. The chilled broth and chewy buckwheat noodles provided a refreshing contrast to the rich, smoky flavors coming off the grill. While the barbecue brought us in, it was the combination of the banchan and naengmyeon that made the meal feel uniquely Korean and memorable.
Michelin-Recognized Dumplings at Gaeseong Mandu Koong
One of my favorite meals in Seoul came at Gaeseong Mandu Koong, a restaurant recognized by the Michelin Guide and famous for its traditional North Korean-style dumplings.
The handmade dumplings were delicate yet hearty, packed with flavorful fillings and served with minimal fuss. Alongside them, we ordered Buchu Jeon, a crispy Korean pancake made with garlic chives. Golden brown on the outside and tender inside, it was simple comfort food at its finest and one of the unexpected highlights of the trip.
Exploring Gwangjang Market
For anyone interested in Korean street food, Gwangjang Market is a must-visit destination. The market is a feast for the senses, with vendors cooking and serving dishes right in front of you.
Among the foods we tried were:
The market atmosphere itself was as memorable as the food, with locals and visitors sitting shoulder-to-shoulder at communal counters enjoying dishes that have been served here for generations.
Gyeongju: Comfort Food and Local Snacks
Korean Fried Chicken
Korean fried chicken has earned a worldwide reputation, and after trying it fresh in Korea, it's easy to understand why. We were also introduced to Chimaek (chicken and beer) and of course lots of Soju and pickled daikon.
The chicken was incredibly crispy while remaining juicy inside, with a light batter that differed from the heavier coatings often found elsewhere. Whether enjoyed plain or coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, Korean fried chicken is one of those foods that lives up to the hype.
Oranda
One of the more surprising discoveries was Oranda, a traditional Korean snack made from tiny puffed grains bound together with a sweet syrup coating.
The texture is light, crunchy, and slightly chewy all at once. It reminded me of a nostalgic cereal treat, but with a more delicate sweetness. Found in local shops and markets, it's the kind of snack that's easy to overlook but well worth trying.
Busan: Coastal Flavors and Market Favorites
Kalguksu and Sundae in Gamcheon Culture Village
The colorful hillside neighborhood of Gamcheon Culture Village offered more than just incredible views. It was also home to some wonderful local comfort food.
We stopped for a bowl of Kalguksu, Korea's famous hand-cut noodle soup. The thick noodles are made fresh and served in a rich broth, creating a simple but satisfying meal.
Alongside it was Sundae, Korea's traditional blood sausage. Filled with glass noodles and seasonings, it has a unique texture and flavor that reflects Korea's long culinary history.
Haeundae Market: A Street Food Paradise
If Gwangjang Market is Seoul's street food showcase, Haeundae Market serves the same role in Busan.
Here we sampled a variety of local favorites:
The market perfectly captured Busan's energetic food culture, where seafood, street food, and local specialties all come together in one place.
Final Thoughts
South Korea's food scene is every bit as impressive as its history, culture, and scenery. What stood out most during the trip was the incredible variety. One meal could be a carefully prepared Michelin-recognized specialty, while the next might be a humble market snack served from a tiny stall.
Whether it was grilling Galbi in Seoul, tasting fresh octopus at Gwangjang Market, enjoying handmade noodles in Gamcheon, or wandering through the food stalls of Haeundae Market, each dish offered a deeper connection to the places we visited.
For travelers planning a trip to Korea, my advice is simple: come hungry, be adventurous, and don't be afraid to try something you've never heard of before. Some of the most memorable experiences may come from the dishes you almost didn't order.
Hungry for more? Check out our South Korea e-Brochure for more K-flavors!