Seoul Glow Food Picks

  • Craving something comforting, traditional, and 100% Seoul-approved? These local spots have been serving up flavor for decades:

    • Mapo Ok – A Michelin Bib Gourmand favorite for ox bone soup (seolleongtang), slow-simmered for deep flavor.

    • Imun Seolnongtang – The oldest restaurant in Seoul (since 1904), specializing in classic seolleongtang.

    • Yonggeumok – A beloved spot for chueotang (pond loach soup), dating back to the 1930s.

    • Hangaram Hanjeongsik – A balanced and beautiful hanjeongsik (Korean set meal) experience.

  • Warm, restorative meals are perfect after a treatment or on a rainy day.

    • Gangnam Myeonok – Famous for Pyongyang-style naengmyeon and tender short ribs.

    • Tosokchon Samgyetang – A must-visit for samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), especially in cooler seasons.

  • Ready for something adventurous and authentically Korean?

    • Odarijip – Known for ganjang gejang (soy-marinated raw crab), a local delicacy.

    • Buchon Yukhoe – A go-to for yukhoe (raw beef tartare) inside Gwangjang Market.

  • No trip to Korea is complete without grilled meat done right. This one's a favorite:

    • Ggupdang – Trendy and delicious pork BBQ in the Sinsa neighborhood. Perfect for small groups or a stylish solo dinner.

  • Fast, flavorful, and fun, these spots are perfect for post-treatment snacking or a light meal in between shopping.

    • Hyodo Chicken – Michelin-praised Korean fried chicken with unique flavors like soy garlic and pickled chili.

    • Gwangjang Market – One of Seoul’s top food markets for bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), tteokbokki, and more.

    • Soha Salt Pond – A cult bakery in Ikseon-dong known for its salt bread and minimalist vibes.

    • Lotte Department Store Food Court (Myeongdong) – Clean, easy, and packed with great lunch options, including conveyor-belt sushi.

  • Looking to splurge on something special? These fine-dining destinations are worth the reservation:

    • Mingles (2 Michelin Stars) – A top destination for modern Korean tasting menus in Gangnam.

    • Mitou (2 Michelin Stars) – Seasonal Japanese kaiseki in a serene, minimalist setting.

    • Woo Lae Oak – Legendary for its bulgogi and naengmyeon, listed in the Michelin Guide and loved by locals.

Whether you’re fresh from a treatment or winding down after a shopping spree, this handpicked list of Seoul’s top food spots covers everything from cozy comfort food to Michelin-starred meals.

These are our favorite restaurants near Gangnam, Myeongdong, Jongno, and beyond, all vetted for quality, ease, and memorable flavor.