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

Food History of Itaewon, Seoul, South Korea

Itaewon is a unique and diverse district in Seoul, known for its international flair and cuisine. Historically, Itaewon served as a residential area for foreign soldiers and expatriates, which has significantly influenced its food culture. This multicultural neighborhood has over the years transformed into a melting pot of culinary traditions from all over the world. Despite modern influences, traditional Korean dining and street food remain integral parts of Itaewon's food scene, offering both Korean and foreign visitors a wide array of flavors to explore.

Must Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Itaewon

1. Kimchi Jjigae (Non-Veg) - A spicy stew made with fermented cabbage kimchi, vegetables, and usually pork or tuna.
2. Tteokbokki (Veg option available) - A popular Korean snack made of soft rice cakes in a sweet and spicy sauce, sometimes combined with fish cakes or boiled eggs.
3. Korean Fried Chicken (Non-Veg) - Known locally as 'chikin', it is famous for its crispy coating and flavorful glazes, like soy garlic or spicy.
4. Haemul Pajeon (Non-Veg) - A savory pancake filled with seafood and green onions, often served with a soy-based dipping sauce.
5. Japchae (Veg option available) - A traditional Korean dish of stir-fried glass noodles with vegetables, and sometimes meat or seafood.
6. Bibimbap (Veg option available) - A mixed rice dish topped with an assortment of vegetables, a fried egg, and gochujang (chili pepper paste), often served in a hot stone pot.
7. Gimbap (Veg option available) - Seaweed rice rolls filled with various ingredients such as vegetables, egg, and ham.
8. Sundubu-jjigae (Non-Veg) - A hot and spicy stew made with uncurdled tofu, seafood, and sometimes meat, in a savory broth.
9. Mandu (Veg option available) - Korean dumplings that are filled with ingredients like minced vegetables, tofu, and noodles.
10. Samgyetang (Non-Veg) - A comforting soup made with a whole young chicken stuffed with ginseng, rice, and garlic.

Top Famous Restaurants in Itaewon with Famous Dishes

Plant Cafe & Kitchen

Address: 117 Bogwang-ro, Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Famous for: Vegan Bibimbap (Veg)

Vatos Urban Tacos

Address: 181 Itaewon-ro, Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Famous for: Kimchi Fries (Non-Veg)

Noksapyeong Brewery

Address: 243-1 Noksapyeong-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Famous for: Craft Beers and Bar Snacks (Veg and Non-Veg options)

Pier 17

Address: 736-9 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Famous for: Seafood Jambalaya (Non-Veg)

Gaon Bistro

Address: 68 Itaewon-ro 54-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Famous for: Handmade Pasta (Veg and Non-Veg options)

Petra Restaurant

Address: 34 Usadan-ro 10-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Famous for: Middle Eastern Cuisine like Falafel and Hummus (Veg)

Le Saint-Ex French Bistro & Bar

Address: 19-3 Itaewon-ro 55na-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Famous for: French Onion Soup (Veg option available)

Linus' Bama Style BBQ

Address: 136-13 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Famous for: American Style Barbecue Dishes (Non-Veg)

Maple Tree House

Address: 116-1 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Famous for: Galbi (Non-Veg)

Coreanos

Address: 455-47 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Famous for: Korean-Mexican Fusion Dishes like the "Coreano Burrito" (Non-Veg)

Please note that while some dishes traditionally contain meat or seafood, many restaurants in Itaewon offer vegetarian versions as well to cater to a diverse clientele.