Forget the overpriced barbecue joints and neon-lit food courts. From sizzling stews to chewy rice cakes, Seoul’s tastiest meals are often the simplest—and the cheapest. Here’s where locals really eat on a budget.
1. Gwangjang Market Bindaetteok Stall – Jongno-gu
What Makes It Special?
A true Seoul street food staple, this market is chaos in the best way—with sizzling mung bean pancakes everywhere.
Menu Highlights & Pricing
One bindaetteok (crispy mung bean pancake) is ₩5,000–₩6,000. Add a cup of makgeolli and still stay under $10.
2. Isaac Toast – Myeongdong
What Makes It Special?
A local breakfast chain that does egg toast like nowhere else—sweet, savory, and totally addictive.
Menu Highlights & Pricing
Grab the Bulgogi MVP Toast or Ham Special for ₩3,500–₩4,800. Fast, cheap, and flavorful.
3. Myeongdong Kyoja – Myeongdong
What Makes It Special?
Family-run since 1966, famous for noodles and dumplings—no frills, just serious flavor.
Menu Highlights & Pricing
The kal-guksu (knife-cut noodles) is ₩9,000, and mandu dumplings go for ₩5,000–₩6,000.
4. Tosokchon Samgyetang – Jongno-gu
What Makes It Special?
A favorite for hearty chicken ginseng soup, especially on hot days when locals believe in “fighting heat with heat.”
Menu Highlights & Pricing
Half samgyetang portions are available for ₩10,000 or less. Share and save.
5. Gimbap Heaven (김밥천국) – Various Locations
What Makes It Special?
These casual joints are everywhere, serving fast Korean meals 24/7—locals' go-to after a night out.
Menu Highlights & Pricing
Tuna gimbap, tteokbokki, or ramen start at ₩2,000–₩5,000. Combo meals stay well under ₩10,000.
6. Namdaemun Market – Jung-gu
What Makes It Special?
This massive market has been feeding Seoul for centuries, and the street snacks here are unbeatable.
Menu Highlights & Pricing
Try hotteok (sweet pancakes), odeng (fish cake), or tteokbokki for ₩1,000–₩3,000 each. Eat as you explore.
7. Yeopgi Tteokbokki – Hongdae
What Makes It Special?
A spicy food lover’s dream, this place is famous for dangerously fiery tteokbokki.
Menu Highlights & Pricing
The tteokbokki set with noodles, fish cake, and rice cake is ₩8,000–₩9,500—perfect for two.
8. Kimbap Cheonguk – Itaewon
What Makes It Special?
Not just kimbap—these diners serve stews, fried rice, and cutlets, all at local prices.
Menu Highlights & Pricing
Kimchi bokkeumbap (fried rice) and soondubu jjigae (tofu stew) are both under ₩8,000.
9. Dongdaemun Grilled Fish Alley – Dongdaemun
What Makes It Special?
Tucked away between shops, this alley serves grilled fish platters with rice and sides—real local lunch vibes.
Menu Highlights & Pricing
Grilled mackerel sets start at ₩9,000, with full Korean banchan spread included.
10. Baekban Jip – Gangnam
What Makes It Special?
A classic baekban spot (set meal with rice and sides), popular with office workers looking for value.
Menu Highlights & Pricing
A full baekban tray with stew, rice, and 4–5 side dishes is ₩9,000–₩10,000.
Tips for Eating Like a Local
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Use Naver Maps for honest local reviews in Korea.
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Eat late—many Korean spots open till 2 a.m.
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Look for handwritten menus or locals in line (not tourists).
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Learn basic food names in Hangul—it helps big time.
Final Thoughts
Seoul is a paradise for budget eaters. With $10 in your pocket, you’re never far from something hot, homemade, and totally unforgettable.
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