Best Budget Eats in Cheongju, Korea, South
1. Cheongju Chicken (Cheongju galbi)
Delicious grilled chicken with special Cheongju spices. Served with rice and side dishes. Offers a taste of local flavor at an affordable price.
- Authenticity: Traditional recipe passed down for generations
- Value for Money: Affordable pricing for a generous portion size
- Unique Spices: Cheongju-specific spice blend gives it a distinctive taste
2. Bibimbap at Dongdaemun Market
Classic Korean dish made with rice, vegetables, and a spicy gochujang sauce. Customizable toppings such as meat or seafood available for a small additional cost.
- Customizability: Allows you to create your own bibimbap based on preference
- Freshness: Uses fresh, locally-sourced ingredients
- Affordable: Competitively priced, ensuring a budget-friendly dining experience
3. Jajangmyeon at Jipchun Jajangmyeon
Black bean sauce noodles served with vegetables and meat. A popular dish in Cheongju offering a hearty, filling meal.
- Famous Restaurant: Recognized as one of the best jajangmyeon restaurants in Korea
- Tasteful Sauce: Unique, rich black bean sauce recipe that sets it apart
- Portion Size: Generous portion to keep you satisfied throughout the day
4. Dakgangjeong (Spicy Fried Chicken)
Crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet and spicy sauce. Perfect for snacking or sharing with friends.
- Spice Level: Adjustable spiciness levels to cater to your taste preference
- Portion Sizes: Various portion sizes available, from small bites to family-sized servings
- Flavorful Coating: Sweet and spicy coating gives the chicken an unforgettable taste
5. Tteokbokki at Tteokbokki Gangnam Style
Spicy rice cakes stir-fried with fish cakes and vegetables. A must-try street food snack that's both tasty and budget-friendly.
- Popular Chain Restaurant: A well-known tteokbokki restaurant with multiple locations in Cheongju
- Heat Level: Adjustable spiciness levels for those who prefer mild or extra hot versions
- Portion Sizes: Varying portion sizes, from single servings to large family-sized bowls
6. Japchae at Bukchon Hanok Village
Stir-fried glass noodles with vegetables and meat served in a traditional Korean setting.
- Authentic Atmosphere: Enjoy your meal in a traditional Hanok house
- Taste: Delicious, flavorful noodles made with high-quality ingredients
- Budget-Friendly: Affordable prices for a meal that's both filling and enjoyable
7. Gimbap (Korean Sushi)
Seaweed rolls filled with rice, vegetables, and meat. A convenient, portable snack or meal.
- Portability: Perfect for on-the-go eating while exploring Cheongju
- Variety of Fillings: Multiple gimbap options to cater to individual preferences
- Value for Money: Affordable and offers great value for a satisfying snack or meal
8. Naengmyeon (Cold Buckwheat Noodles)
Refreshing buckwheat noodles served in a cold broth with side dishes. A perfect dish for Cheongju's hot summer days.
- Beats the Heat: Cool and refreshing, ideal for hot weather
- Authenticity: Follows the traditional recipe of Cheongju's famous naengmyeon
- Flavorful Broth: Rich, flavorful broth enhances the taste of the noodles
9. Mungbean Pancake (Nokdumukjeon)
A savory pancake made with mung beans and green onions. Served with a side of spicy sauce.
- Unique Ingredient: Uses mung bean flour, setting it apart from traditional pancakes
- Portion Size: Generous serving size for a satisfying meal or snack
- Affordability: Budget-friendly, making it an ideal choice for travelers
10. Korean BBQ (Gogigui)
Grilled meat dishes served at Korean BBQ restaurants. A popular social dining experience.
- Social Experience: Great for sharing and enjoying with friends
- Variety of Meats: Multiple meat options, such as pork, beef, and chicken
- Affordable Prices: Competitively priced, offering a cost-effective dining experience
11. Twisted Potato (Gireumtteok)
A popular street food made by twisting potato strips into a shape resembling a flower. Cooked in oil and dusted with seasoning.
- Unique Shape: Twisted shape makes it stand out from other street foods
- Portability: Perfect for grab-and-go eating while exploring Cheongju
- Flavorful Seasoning: Delicious seasoning adds to the taste experience
12. Fried Rice Cake (Ddeokbokki)
Stir-fried rice cakes with spicy sauce and vegetables. A classic Korean street food snack.
- Spiciness: Adjustable spiciness levels to cater to your taste preference
- Portability: Perfect for grab-and-go eating while exploring Cheongju
- Affordability: Competitively priced, offering a budget-friendly snack option
13. Sundae (Blood Sausage)
A traditional Korean dish made from cow or pig intestines stuffed with various ingredients such as blood, rice cakes, and vegetables.
- Cultural Experience: Experience a piece of Korean culinary tradition
- Unique Ingredients: Includes unusual ingredients like intestines, offering a taste adventure
- Affordability: Reasonably priced for a filling meal or snack
14. Sweet Rice Balls (Yakgwa)
Round pastry made from glutinous rice flour and filled with sweet red bean paste or honey.
- Traditional Treat: A traditional Korean dessert with a long history
- Sweet Flavors: Various sweet fillings to choose from, such as red bean paste or honey
- Portability: Easy to carry around for snacking throughout the day
15. Steamed Rice Cake (Tteok)
Traditional Korean rice cake made from glutinous rice powder and steamed. Often enjoyed during festivals and special occasions.
- Cultural Significance: A significant part of Korean culture, especially during celebrations
- Variety of Flavors: Different flavored tteok available, such as red bean or sesame seed
- Affordability: Reasonably priced for a tasty treat