Must-Try Foods In Changdeokgung Palace (Seoul) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Changdeokgung Palace and Its Food History

Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Seoul, South Korea, is not just renowned for its architectural beauty but also for its cultural significance, which extends to the country's culinary customs. The Joseon Dynasty, which built Changdeokgung, had a unique royal cuisine that bears many traditional dishes we see today. At the palace, royal feasts often featured a variety of dishes, including soups, meats (excluding beef), rice cakes, and an assortment of side dishes made from local ingredients. Vegetarian dishes were also notable due to Buddhist influences and seasonal vegetable-focused court cuisine called "sachal eumsik."

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes Near Changdeokgung Palace

1. Kimchi (Non-Veg/Veg): No Korean meal is complete without this fermented vegetable dish, typically made with cabbage and a variety of spices.
2. Bibimbap (Non-Veg/Veg): A mixed rice dish with sautéed vegetables, chili paste, and a fried egg. It can also include meat, but there are vegetarian options available.
3. Japchae (Veg): A savory and slightly sweet dish made with stir-fried glass noodles, vegetables, and sometimes egg or mushrooms.
4. Tteokbokki (Veg): These are spicy stir-fried rice cakes, a popular street food that has both non-vegetarian and vegetarian versions.
5. Pajeon (Veg): A traditional Korean pancake loaded with green onions; seafood or just vegetables can be added to suit different dietary preferences.
6. Doenjang Jjigae (Non-Veg/Veg): This hearty soybean paste stew often contains vegetables and tofu, with optional seafood or meat.
7. Sundubu-jjigae (Non-Veg/Veg): A spicy tofu stew that comes with various additions such as seafood and vegetables, but can also be made vegetarian.
8. Mandu (Non-Veg/Veg): Dumplings filled with a mixture of ingredients including vegetables and sometimes meat or seafood.
9. Gimbap (Non-Veg/Veg): Seaweed rice rolls that are handy for a snack or meal, with fillings ranging from vegetables to eggs, and fish cakes.
10. Hobakjuk (Veg): A sweet and velvety porridge made from pumpkin, often topped with red beans and rice cakes.

Top Famous Restaurants Near Changdeokgung Palace

While Changdeokgung Palace itself does not house restaurants, the area around it boasts a variety of dining establishments where visitors can sample Korean cuisine:

Okdongsik

Address: Jongno-gu, Seoul
Famous for: Japchae (Veg), Bibimbap (Non-Veg/Veg)

Gwanghwamun Jip

Address: Jongno-gu, Seoul
Famous for: Kimchi jjigae (Non-Veg), Doenjang jjigae (Non-Veg/Veg)

Nakwon Kimchi Jjigae

Address: Jongno-gu, Seoul
Famous for: Kimchi Jjigae (Non-Veg)

Bongraeheon

Address: Insadong, Seoul
Famous for: Royal Cuisine Set Menu (Non-Veg/Veg options available)

Sanchon

Address: Insadong, Seoul
Famous for: Temple Cuisine (Veg)

Kong Story

Address: Jongno-gu, Seoul
Famous for: Banchan varieties (Veg)

Mugyodong Bugeokukjib

Address: Jongno-gu, Seoul
Famous for: Bugeokuk (Non-Veg, but can have Veg options)

Insadong Sujebi

Address: Insadong, Seoul
Famous for: Sujebi (Veg)

Tosokchon Samgyetang

Address: Jongno-gu, Seoul
Famous for: Samgyetang (Non-Veg)

Imun Seolnongtang

Address: Jongno-gu, Seoul
Famous for: Seolnongtang (Non-Veg)