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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.
Nowon-gu in northeastern Seoul is a large residential district known for its community-focused dining culture. Local restaurants here serve the kinds of meals families eat daily — doenjang jjigae, guk-based soups, grilled fish — without the theatrics of trendier areas. It's a neighbourhood that rewards those looking for genuine everyday Korean food at prices that haven't been adjusted for tourists.
The kimbap and ramen are all delicious. I liked that they included large dumplings instead of tiny ones. The side dishes are self-service, but there's a lot of variety and they're delicious. There's no other place in the area that serves breakfast like this.
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