Essentials
Money in Korea
Best exchange rates, ATMs & how to pay
Read guide →Korean cuisine (hansik) is built around balance — fermented sides (banchan), a steaming bowl of rice, and a main dish that changes with the season. Meals are served all at once rather than in courses, and sharing dishes at the table is the norm. The depth of flavor comes from slow-fermented pastes like doenjang (soybean) and gochujang (chili), which form the backbone of soups, stews, and marinades across the country.
Jung-gu sits at the geographic and commercial center of Seoul, encompassing Myeongdong (K-beauty and street food), Namdaemun Market, and the financial district. The food here spans the full range — from tourist-facing street stalls in Myeongdong to understated lunch joints serving office workers, and traditional Korean restaurants that have operated for decades without needing to advertise.
Korean blogger posts. Links open original posts on Naver.
