Must-Try Foods In Rason (North Korea) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Rason, North Korea

The city of Rason, located in the North Hamgyong Province of North Korea, serves as a significant seaport and is known for its distinctive regional cuisine that shares influences from both Korean and Russian cultures due to its geographic proximity to Russia. The food history of Rason is deeply entrenched in local traditions and the natural resources available in the region, including an abundance of seafood from the Sea of Japan (East Sea). With North Korea's strong adherence to its cultural heritage, Rason's culinary scene reflects traditional cooking methods and recipes passed down through generations, often adjusted to make the most of the seasonal ingredients available.

Must Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Rason

1. Kimchi (Veg): No trip to Korea is complete without trying kimchi, a fermented vegetable dish, usually made with cabbage and radish, and seasoned with a mix of garlic, scallion, chili pepper, and other spices.
2. Raengmyeon (Non-Veg): A cold noodle dish made with thin, chewy noodles usually served in a chilled broth with various toppings like sliced cucumber, radish, and sometimes slices of pork.
3. Doenjang Jjigae (Non-Veg): A robust stew made from soybean paste (doenjang), vegetables, and often includes seafood or meat for added flavor.
4. Pajeon (Veg): A savory pancake filled with green onions and other vegetables. Seafood or kimchi can also be added for different variations.
5. Hoeddeok (Veg): A sweet syrupy pancake that is typically filled with cinnamon, brown sugar, and chopped nuts.
6. Yaki Mandu (Non-Veg): Korean-style dumplings that are filled with minced meat, vegetables, and then steamed, boiled, or fried.
7. Japchae (Veg): A sweet and savory dish of stir-fried glass noodles and vegetables usually seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil.
8. Bibimbap (Veg or Non-Veg): A mixed rice dish with assorted vegetables. It can be served with or without meat and is often topped with a fried egg and gochujang (chili pepper paste).
9. Naengmyeon (Non-Veg): Another variation of the cold noodle dish, which can come with slices of beef and a tangy broth.
10. Sundubu-Jjigae (Non-Veg): A hot and spicy stew made with uncurdled tofu, vegetables, sometimes seafood (such as shrimp, clams, and squid), or meat, and it is typically served with a raw egg added on top.

Top Famous Restaurants in Rason, North Korea

Rason Hotel Restaurant

Address: Sonbong District, Rason
Famous Food: Japchae (Veg)

Rajin Seafood Restaurant

Address: Rajin District, Rason
Famous Food: Grilled Fish (Non-Veg)

Grand Restaurant

Address: Haebangsan-dong, Rajin District, Rason
Famous Food: Pajeon (Veg)

Nangman Pocha

Address: Pipha Street, Rajin District, Rason
Famous Food: Doenjang Jjigae (Non-Veg)

Haeyangsan Hotel Restaurant

Address: Orangchongnyon Street, Sonbong District, Rason
Famous Food: Raengmyeon (Non-Veg)