Must-Try Foods In Dongdaemun Design Plaza (Seoul) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Dongdaemun Design Plaza

The Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), situated in the heart of Seoul, is not just an architectural marvel; it has become a cultural hub for both the arts and gastronomy. Being in Dongdaemun, an area well-known for its 24-hour shopping and historic marketplaces, the DDP is surrounded by a rich culinary scene that reflects the diverse and dynamic character of Seoul. The area is famed for its street food stands and traditional Korean eateries that have served locals and tourists alike for decades. The fusion of historic and contemporary culinary offerings around the DDP creates a unique food history that mirrors the design ethos of the plaza itself.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Dongdaemun Design Plaza

1. Tteokbokki (Non-Veg): Spicy stir-fried rice cakes, a beloved Korean street food, often with fish cakes and vegetables.
2. Kimbap (Veg/Non-Veg): Korean sushi rolls that can be filled with vegetables, egg, or meat, tailored to your preference.
3. Mandu (Veg/Non-Veg): Korean dumplings that come in various fillings including vegetables, kimchi, or seafood.
4. Bibimbap (Veg/Non-Veg): A mixed rice bowl with sautéed vegetables, chili pepper paste, and can be topped with a fried egg or meat.
5. Hotteok (Veg): Sweet Korean pancakes filled with sugar, honey, chopped peanuts, and cinnamon.
6. Pajeon (Veg/Non-Veg): A savory pancake that can be made with green onions and a choice of seafood or kimchi.
7. Sundubu-jjigae (Non-Veg): A hot and spicy stew made with uncurdled tofu, vegetables, sometimes seafood or meat, and gochujang (chili paste).
8. Japchae (Veg): Stir-fried glass noodles with vegetables, typically seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil.
9. Samgyetang (Non-Veg): A ginseng chicken soup, which is a whole young chicken filled with garlic, rice, jujube, and ginseng.
10. Bindaetteok (Veg): Mung bean pancakes that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, often served with a soy dipping sauce.

Top Famous Restaurants in Dongdaemun Design Plaza

• Name: Bukchon Son Mandu Dongdaemun
  Address: 345 Jong-ro, Jongno 5.6(yuk)ga-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
  Famous Food: Mandu (Veg/Non-Veg), Steamed and fried dumplings with a variety of fillings.
• Name: Jinokhwa Halmae Wonjo Dakhanmari
  Address: 18-4 Jong-ro 40-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
  Famous Food: Dakhanmari (Non-Veg), Simple yet delicious whole chicken soup with noodles.
• Name: Neutinamu Seolleongtang
  Address: 242-29 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
  Famous Food: Seolleongtang (Non-Veg), A rich and hearty ox bone soup typically served with rice.
• Name: Migabon
  Address: 56 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
  Famous Food: Juk (Veg/Non-Veg), A range of traditional Korean porridges that offer both vegetarian and meat options.
• Name: Gwangjang Market
  Address: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
  Famous Food: Various street foods (Veg/Non-Veg), Gwangjang Market is known for its wide array of street food stalls offering authentic Korean bites.