Food History of Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul, South Korea
Cheonggyecheon Stream, once an overpass burdened with traffic, was transformed into an urban oasis after a massive restoration project in 2005. Although the stream itself doesn't have a food history, it is surrounded by bustling neighborhoods that have been gastronomic hotspots for years. Streets like Gwangjang Market, which is located near the stream, have been a culinary destination for over a century, offering traditional Korean dishes. The market and the surrounding areas have maintained food traditions and seen the evolution of Korean street food influenced by the fast-paced lifestyle of Seoul.
Must Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul, South Korea
- Bibimbap (Non-Veg) - A well-known Korean dish featuring a bowl of rice, sautéed vegetables, chili paste, and usually topped with a fried egg and sliced meat.
- Kimbap (Veg/Non-Veg) - Seaweed rice rolls filled with vegetables, egg, and sometimes with slices of meat or fish, a popular picnic and snack food.
- Tteokbokki (Veg/Non-Veg) - Spicy stir-fried rice cakes with vegetables; often fish cakes are added, making it non-vegetarian.
- Pajeon (Veg/Non-Veg) - A savory pancake with green onions, seafood, or kimchi.
- Japchae (Veg/Non-Veg) - Stir-fried glass noodles with vegetables and sometimes beef.
- Sundubu-jjigae (Non-Veg) - A hot and spicy stew made with uncurdled tofu, vegetables, and usually seafood or beef.
- Mandu (Veg/Non-Veg) - Korean dumplings filled with minced meat or vegetables, which can be steamed, boiled, or fried.
- Kimchi (Veg) - Fermented vegetables, traditionally cabbage or radish, seasoned with various spices.
- Naengmyeon (Non-Veg) - Cold buckwheat noodles served in a chilled broth, sometimes with slices of beef or dongchimi (radish water kimchi).
- Hoeddeok (Veg) - Sweet syrupy pancakes, a popular Korean winter snack that is typically filled with cinnamon and brown sugar.
Top Famous Restaurants in Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul, South Korea
Mugyodong Bugeokukjip
Address: 38 Mugyo-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
Famous for: Bugeoguk (fish soup) (Non-Veg)
Nakwon Arcade
Address: 2-3 Nakwon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Famous for: Assorted traditional Korean dining options, from Tteokbokki to Mandu. (Veg/Non-Veg)
Gwangjang Market
Address: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Famous for: Various street food and traditional specialties like Bibimbap and Kimbap. (Veg/Non-Veg)
Jongno Pocha Street
Address: Jongno 3(sam)-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Famous for: Street food stalls offering a wide selection from seafood pancakes to Korean BBQ. (Veg/Non-Veg)
Sanchon
Address: 14 Gwanhun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Famous for: Korean temple cuisine (Vegan)
With an exquisite blend of traditional and modern Korean cuisine, Cheonggyecheon Stream is not only a location to admire nature and history in the heart of Seoul but also a place to embark on a delightful culinary journey.