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Money in Korea
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Read guide →Bunsik — Korean street-food snacks — evolved as affordable, filling fare for students and workers after the Korean War. Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), kimbap (seaweed rice rolls), sundae (blood sausage), and odeng (fish cake skewers in broth) are the staples. Most bunsik restaurants are fast, casual, and open late, making them a go-to for a quick hot meal at any hour.
Seodaemun-gu houses Sinchon and Ewha — university neighborhoods known for affordable food, vibrant nightlife, and a youthful dining culture. The area is dense with budget-friendly Korean restaurants, late-night delivery options, and cafés that stay open until the early hours. It's a neighbourhood where eating well on a student budget is entirely achievable.
If you're craving octopus, this is a great place. The octopus stew is fresh, and the octopus salad is delicious. Most of the side dishes are 65,000 won, and the portions are generous. The pancakes are a bit thick and not so great when cold. They're great with the cho-muchim (seasoned octopus).
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