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.
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.
There's usually no waiting, and the taste is average, not bad. A whole chicken dish costs about 12,000 won per person.
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