How to eat like local in Seoul: Where to go and what to Eat

Everything you need to know to experience Seoul like a local

When you travel to a foreign country you have to adapt to the culture, which includes not only the mannerisms, traditions and transport, but also the food.

Like anywhere else in the world, when you first arrive in South Korea it can be difficult to know where to go and what to eat. Tourist guides to Seoul can help, but nothing is better than the knowledge of a local, that's why we had a chat with Goldie, our new Korean colleague and found out lots about this wonderful city, which is so different to anything we know.

WHAT TO EAT IN SEOUL

A typical dish in Korean culture is the Korean barbecue, which is made using either pork or beef, and is served with a wide range of other dishes including salad, garlic, peppers and hot sauces.

Kimchi is a Korean vegetable and spice dish which is around 3000 years old. The dish normally features cabbage, but out of season other types of vegetable may be used.

The dish Sannakji, might seem to have an innocent Korean sounding name, but be warned, this dish is only for the brave as it contains live octopus which is served either alone or with salad and spicy sauce. Apparently you can feel the octopus moving around inside your mouth, the thought of this might make you shudder, but it doesn't hurt, right?

Seoul is also famous for its street food, like Gimbap, which is a kind of Korean sushi, and just like Japanese sushi there are many different varieties. Gimbap is also available in restaurants.

Another dish you should eat in Seoul is the Pajeon. Goldie has compared it to Italian pizza, and in fact it looks a bit like one.

The Pajeon is a sort of pancake made with beaten eggs, green onions, rice flour and meat or fish, but there are also vegetarian versions.

WHERE TO GO IN SEOUL TO EAT LIKE A LOCAL

The best places where you can taste these delicious dishes are at the Namdaemun Market, the Noryangjin Kyungdong Market, which are located in the the modern area of Gangnam, just south of the river and on the streets of Hongdae district in Jong-ro area.

WHERE TO STAY IN SEOUL

Gangnam 24 Guesthouse is a modern place, which offers bed, breakfast and WIFI. It located in the Gangnam district. Prices start at around 19 Euro per person, per night.

In the YongSangu area is the centrally located YaKorea Hostel Itaewon, which is convenient for those who plan to visit as much of the city as possible. The price starts from 12 Euros per person, per night.

But if you are looking for a hostel with night life, then we recommend the Chingu Hongdae Guesthouse - Mr. Kim's Branch in Seogyo-dong Mapo-gu to just over 8 Euro per person, per night.

Another option could be the 24Guesthouse Sinchonyonseiro, which is modern and bright, and where you won't have any difficulty meeting someone to share your adventures with over a glass of Soju.

But if you prefer a hotel, we would suggest the Design Hotel Daniel Campanella, in the Suyu area. You can choose a standard room or a Royal Suite, from less than 28 Euros for person, per night.