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

Food History of Insadong, Seoul, South Korea

Insadong is a vibrant and historic district of Seoul known for its traditional culture, art, and of course, its cuisine. The area has a long history that dates back to the Joseon Dynasty when it was primarily an area for antiques and artworks. Over time, Insadong has become a melting pot of traditional Korean culture and reflects this in its food offerings. From street food stalls to traditional tea houses and family-run restaurants, Insadong provides a culinary experience that focuses on classic Korean flavors and ingredients, often presented with a touch of elegance and nostalgia.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Insadong, Seoul

• Tteokbokki (non-veg) - A spicy and sweet dish made from rice cakes, fish cakes, and a red chili sauce, it is a staple street food in Korea.
• Bibimbap (can be veg/non-veg) - A mixed rice dish with a variety of vegetables, egg, and sometimes meat, all stirred together with a spicy gochujang sauce.
• Japchae (can be veg/non-veg) - Glass noodles stir-fried with a variety of vegetables and sometimes slices of beef, seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil.
• Kimbap (can be veg/non-veg) - Korean sushi rolls filled with vegetables, pickled radish, and sometimes pieces of fish cake or meat, all wrapped in seaweed.
• Pajeon (can be veg/non-veg) - A savory pancake containing green onions and other ingredients such as seafood or kimchi.
• Mandu (can be veg/non-veg) - Korean dumplings filled with minced vegetables, tofu, and sometimes seafood or chicken, steamed or fried.
• Sundubu-jjigae (non-veg) - A hot and spicy stew made with uncurdled tofu, vegetables, and sometimes seafood or beef, served in a stone pot.
• Hotteok (veg) - A sweet pancake filled with brown sugar, honey, chopped peanuts, and cinnamon, popular especially in the winter months.
• Kimchi (veg) - Fermented vegetables, typically spicy cabbage, which is a staple side dish in Korean cuisine.
• Bungeoppang (veg) - A fish-shaped pastry filled with sweetened red bean paste, commonly found at street food vendors.

Top Famous Restaurants in Insadong, Seoul

• O'sulloc Tea House
  12, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

  Famous Food: Traditional Korean Tea, Green Tea Desserts (veg)

• Sanchon
  30, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

  Famous Food: Temple Cuisine (veg)

• Tosokchon Samgyetang
  5 Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

  Famous Food: Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup) (non-veg)

• Miss Lee Café
  Gwanhun-dong 144, Jongno-gu, Seoul

  Famous Food: Dosirak (Korean Lunch Box, can be veg/non-veg)

• Gung
  38, Gwanhun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

  Famous Food: Tteokgalbi (Grilled Short Rib Patties), a non-beef alternative (non-veg)

• Insadong Chatjip
  62, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

  Famous Food: Traditional Korean Set Menu (Hanjeongsik, can be veg/non-veg)

• Nakwon Kimbap
  38, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

  Famous Food: Kimbap (can be veg/non-veg)

• Jilsiru
  45, Gwanhun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

  Famous Food: Traditional Korean Rice Cakes (Tteok, veg)

• Jeonju Jungang Hoegwan Restaurant
  24, Insadong 10-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

  Famous Food: Bibimbap (can be veg/non-veg)

• Cafe Bora
  75-1, Yulgok-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

  Famous Food: Sweet Potato Desserts (veg)