Must-Try Foods In Tonghung Hill (Hamhung) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Tonghung Hill, Hamhung, North Korea

Tonghung Hill, located in Hamhung, the second-largest city in North Korea, is not extensively documented in the global community due to the country's isolationist policies. Hamhung, however, has its culinary traditions that reflect the region's history and culture. North Korean cuisine, in general, has been shaped through the years by the nation’s geography, climate, and historical interactions. One of the defining attributes of the regional food is its simplicity and reliance on locally sourced ingredients due to the restrained trade relations.

In Hamhung, one of the renowned specialties is the Hamhung naengmyeon (cold noodles), which is different from the naengmyeon found in Pyongyang because it often includes squid and other seafood, honoring the coastal location of the city. Although not specifically documented for Tonghung Hill, it can be assumed that the food culture overlaps with that of the greater Hamhung area.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Tonghung Hill, Hamhung, for Tourists

1. Hamhung Naengmyeon (Cold Buckwheat Noodles) - Non-Veg: A dish made from thin, chewy buckwheat noodles served in a cold broth, often accompanied by squid and other sea delights.
2. Kimchi (Fermented Vegetables) - Veg: Spicy fermented vegetables, commonly napa cabbage or radish, seasoned with chili pepper and various spices.
3. Bibimbap - Veg/Non-Veg: A mixed rice bowl that can be served with a variety of vegetable toppings and optional non-beef meat.
4. Banchan (Side Dishes) - Veg/Non-Veg: An assortment of side dishes that typically accompany a main meal, including various pickled or seasoned vegetables.
5. Sundubu-jjigae (Soft Tofu Stew) - Veg/Non-Veg: A piping hot stew made with uncurdled tofu, vegetables, sometimes seafood (minus any beef), and gochujang or chili powder.
6. Hoe (Raw Fish) - Non-Veg: Thinly sliced raw fish or seafood, similar to sashimi, often served with spicy seasonings or dipping sauces.
7. Pajeon (Green Onion Pancake) - Veg: A savory pancake filled with green onions and sometimes seafood, pan-fried to a crispy texture.
8. Tteokbokki (Spicy Stir-Fried Rice Cakes) - Veg: A popular snack made with soft rice cakes, fish cakes, and scallions in a sweet and spicy sauce.
9. Japchae (Stir-Fried Glass Noodles) - Veg: A sweet and savory dish made with translucent sweet potato noodles, stir-fried with vegetables and sometimes meat (non-beef).
10. Yakgwa (Honey Cookies) - Veg: A traditional Korean sweet made from wheat flour, honey, ginger juice, and sesame oil, deep-fried and soaked in a honey syrup.

Top Famous Restaurants in Tonghung Hill, Hamhung, North Korea

Information on specific restaurants in Tonghung Hill, Hamhung, is not readily available to the international community. Tourists may find dining options in downtown Hamhung, where local eateries would serve regional specialties like Hamhung Naengmyeon. It is advisable for tourists to consult their tour guides or hosts upon arrival in Hamhung for local dining recommendations as the city and particularly Tonghung Hill may not have widely recognized commercial establishments or addresses. In North Korea, some restaurants are located in hotels where foreigners are allowed to stay, and these may offer a blend of local and international cuisine, suited for tourist tastes and restrictions.

Additionally, certain restaurants are government-operated and designated specifically for tourists, where they can enjoy a selected variety of North Korean dishes, both veg and non-veg (excluding cow meat), sometimes complemented by traditional music and performances.

Because of the unique conditions in North Korea, it's crucial for visitors to be accompanied by a guide at all times and to keep dietary restrictions or preferences communicated beforehand to ensure a smooth culinary experience.