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.
Gangdong-gu in southeastern Seoul is a family-oriented district known for its community markets and traditional Korean restaurants. Cheonho Market offers one of Seoul's best selections of traditional banchan, grilled fish, and home-style Korean cooking away from the tourist circuit.
