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The sheer variety of dining opportunities in Seoul make it a paradise for curious eaters. Consider Michelin-starred speakeasy-type ten-seaters to rowdy tent bars serving fried eels, market stalls serving world-famous savory pancakes to the latest fad in donuts, throw in barbecue, dumpling joints, an abundance of fresh oysters, and knock-your-socks-off fried chicken and you’re barely scratching the surface of this venerable chow town.
Beyond Bibimbap: Neighborhood by Neighborhood, Bite by Bite
Our Backstreets Envoys, Always Searching for the Next Hidden Gem
Eunice, Seoul Bureau Chief
A native of Seoul, Eunice studied film in Los Angeles before returning home to pursue a career in film and TV production. In a career spanning decades, she produced an original Netflix series, TV shows and worked as a fixer for BBC and NBC. Her lifelong love of Korean food culture was always bubbling beneath the surface, though, which led to creating her own Youtube cooking channel and more recently running her own restaurant in Seoul. She brings this wealth of experience to her current role as a culinary guide and head of Culinary Backstreets’ Korea team
Jk, Seoul Photographer
A photographer and video director, Jk majored in commercial photography at Brooks Institute of Photography in the US, and worked as a filmmaker at DLC Studio in Los Angeles. He returned to Korea in 2011 and has been working on various projects ever since. As a photographer, he mainly works on advertisement photo shoots focusing on people, and also runs a profile studio. As a video director, he produces various advertisement promotional videos.
Yeonjoo, Seoul Correspondent
Yeonjoo is a Korean food editor and translator specializing in food. After majoring in law in college and preparing for the bar exam, she found her true calling as a “writer who cooks” and shifted her career path. She later studied French cuisine at Le Cordon Bleu Seoul and worked as an editor for CookAnd, a food magazine. Author of several food essay books, she now writes food columns for magazines and newspapers and works as a professional translator fluent in Korean, English, and Japanese.
Yerica, Seoul Correspondent
Born in Casablanca, Morocco, and raised in Korea, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Italy, Yerica has always had a global perspective on food and culture. She worked as an editor for the Michelin Guide Seoul, sharing the stories behind the city’s dynamic food scene. With over 20 years of experience hosting radio shows on KBS World Radio, EBS, TBS eFM, and Arirang Radio, she’s spent her career connecting with audiences through food and conversation. Yerica loves seeking out the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants and hidden gems with a story. Whether she’s traveling for new flavors or hosting dinners at home, food is always at the center of her life—and she’s always on the lookout for her next memorable meal.
CB’s work was started in 2009 by Ansel Mullins and Yigal Schleifer as a humble food blog called Istanbul Eats. The following year we published a book of our reviews, now in its fifth edition. That year we also launched our first culinary walk in Istanbul, a route we are still using today. In 2012, we realized that what we built in Istanbul was needed in other cities we knew and loved. We started CB that year with Athens, Barcelona, Mexico City and Shanghai as pioneering members of our network. In 2013, we added Rio and also launched our iPhone application in Istanbul. In 2015, Tokyo and Tbilisi came into the fold. That year we published mini-guides to Barcelona and Athens and also launched an iPhone application in those cities. Our Eatinerary service, which provides travelers with tailor-made culinary travel itineraries, was also launched in 2015. In 2016, Lisbon – the latest city to kindle our curiosity – joined the CB network. In 2017 we added Naples and Queens, NY – two places with very compelling stories to tell – to our roster and also published full-size eating guides to Athens and Barcelona. In 2018, Porto joined the list of cities we cover.
Where is Seoul?
Seoul is the capital city of South Korea and located in the northwestern part of the country. It’s right on the Han River, which has played a big part in making it a center of politics, culture, and economics for centuries.
What are the best things to do in Seoul?
When it comes to the best things to do in Seoul, it’s hard for us not to dive right into eating! But on top of all the great food, there are the grand palaces like Gyeongbokgung, traditional Hanok villages like Bukchon, or non-stop nightlife in areas like Hongdae.
When is the best time to visit Seoul?
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-October) are generally considered the best times to visit Seoul. The weather is great, with cherry blossoms in spring and beautiful foliage in autumn. It can be a bit busier then, but well worth it.
What’s the weather like in Seoul?
Seoul has four distinct seasons. Be prepared for hot, humid summers (June-August) with humidity and rains, and temperatures averaging in the 80s (°F), sometimes even reaching the low 90s. Winters (November-March) are cold and dry, with temperatures often dipping below freezing, and occasional snow. Spring and autumn are milder and comfortable with temperatures in the high 50s to 70s.
Is Seoul expensive?
Seoul can be affordable if you know where to look. There are plenty of budget-friendly options for food and accommodation, as well as some fancier choices if you’re looking to splurge. A decent 3-star hotel might cost $70-150 per night. Coffee is around $3-5, a beer about $4-7, and a sit-down meal $10-25 or more. Street food is cheaper, from $2-10. Public transport is very affordable, around $1-2 per ride.
Is Seoul safe?
Seoul is considered a very safe city with a low crime rate. Like anywhere, it’s good to be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
What’s the best food in Seoul?
There’s endless thing to eat in Seoul. Start with the obvious: Korean BBQ, bibimbap, and kimchi jjigae (stew). Then expand into all the incredible street food, like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and odeng (skewered fish cakes) at Gwangjang Market, which we visit on our food tour.
Where’s the best place to stay in Seoul?
Myeongdong and Hongdae are popular spots for first-timers, with lots of shopping, food, and easy access to transportation. Insadong is great for traditional vibes, and Gangnam is where you’ll find a more upscale atmosphere.
What’s the COVID-19 situation in Seoul?
South Korea currently has no COVID-19 testing, proof of vaccination, or quarantine requirements for entry. It’s always a good idea to check the latest South Korean government guidelines before you travel, as things can change.
Can Americans travel to Seoul?
Generally, US citizens can visit South Korea without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism. Double-check the current travel advisories before you go.
Can I fly directly to Seoul?
You can fly directly to Incheon International Airport (ICN) from many international cities. Within Korea, the high-speed KTX takes about 3 hours from Busan.
Are there beaches near Seoul?
While Seoul itself isn’t on the coast, there are beaches within a few hours’ travel by public transportation, such as Eurwangni Beach and Daecheon Beach.
Is Seoul suitable for children?
Seoul is a fantastic destination for families. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, including museums and theme parks like Lotte World and Everland. The city also has plenty of outdoor spaces, like the Han River Parks, and a lot of food kids from all over will dig. Seoul’s efficient public transportation system makes it easy to get around.
Is Seoul accessible for folks who use wheelchairs or have limited mobility?
Seoul is continuously improving its accessibility. The subway system is generally well-equipped with elevators and ramps, and many tourist attractions have accessible facilities. However, some older areas and smaller establishments might still present challenges. It’s always a good idea to check accessibility information in advance, and Visit Seoul has a guide answering common accessibility questions.
