Best Budget Eats in Seoul, Korea, South

Seoul, Korea, South, Seoul, Food & Drink, Best Budget Eats

Best Budget Eats in Seoul, Korea, South

Gwangjang Market

1. Gwangjang Market

Gwangjang Market is a bustling traditional market famous for street food, where you can try popular dishes like mayak gimbap and mung bean pancakes. It solves the challenge of finding authentic Korean street food on a budget. The lively atmosphere also offers a true Korean market experience.
  • Authentic Experience: Immerse in traditional Korean market culture.
  • Wide Variety: Choose from a range of delicious, affordable dishes.
  • Local Interaction: Chance to meet and eat with locals.
  • Central Location: Conveniently located in the heart of Seoul.
  • Historic Market: One of the oldest traditional markets in Seoul.
Tongin Market Dosirak Cafe

2. Tongin Market Dosirak Cafe

At Tongin Market, visitors can use traditional brass coins to curate their own dosirak (lunchbox) from various stalls. This option provides a budget-friendly, DIY meal experience. The thrill of selecting and "buying" different local foods makes it unique.
  • DIY Experience: Customize your own lunchbox meal.
  • Budget-Friendly: Low-cost options for travelers.
  • Unique Currency Use: Use traditional brass coins for purchases.
  • Variety of Choices: Wide selection of authentic Korean dishes.
  • Local Vendor Support: Engage directly with market sellers.
Myeongdong Street Food Alley

3. Myeongdong Street Food Alley

Known for its vibrant street food scene, Myeongdong offers treats like tteokbokki, hotteok, and fish cakes. This solves the need for quick, budget-friendly snacking while exploring Seoul’s bustling shopping area. The variety and flavor are perfect for food adventurers.
  • Diverse Offerings: Experience multiple street foods in one place.
  • Snack-friendly: Ideal for quick bites.
  • Popular Shopping District: Eat while you shop.
  • Easily Accessible: Located in a well-known tourist area.
  • Late-Night Availability: Open until late for night owls.
Kimbap Cheonguk

4. Kimbap Cheonguk

This budget-friendly chain serves kimbap and other Korean comfort foods like jjigae and noodles. It solves the issue of finding fast, affordable meals across the city. Easy availability makes it ideal for both breakfast and lunch.
  • Affordable Meals: Wallet-friendly dining options.
  • Comfort Food: Enjoy classic Korean comfort dishes.
  • Nationwide: Multiple locations across Seoul.
  • Quick Service: Perfect for those in a rush.
  • Consistent Quality: Reliable meal options any time of day.
School Food

5. School Food

Offering a modern take on Korean snacks, School Food is known for their innovative twists on gimbap and tteokbokki. It's a budget-friendly choice for those looking for familiar tastes with a creative edge. This chain provides a youthful, vibrant atmosphere for dining.
  • Innovative Dishes: Try trendy variations of traditional foods.
  • Modern Vibe: Enjoy a lively, contemporary setting.
  • Value for Money: Stylish meals at reasonable prices.
  • Convenient Locations: Easily found in popular districts.
  • Quick Meal Option: Rapid service for travelers on the go.
Isaac Toast

6. Isaac Toast

Popular for their unique toast sandwiches, Isaac Toast is perfect for starting your day with a Korean twist on breakfast. It solves the challenge of quick, tasty food for those traveling or exploring the city. Affordable prices make it a go-to option for many.
  • Unique Breakfast: Try a Korean twist on classic toast.
  • Quick Service: Ideal for a fast breakfast or snack.
  • Affordable Pricing: Enjoy without breaking the bank.
  • Multiple Locations: Easily find one around the city.
  • Delicious Flavors: Enjoy unique flavors in every bite.
Jaws Tteokbokki

7. Jaws Tteokbokki

Known for their spicy and flavorful tteokbokki, Jaws Tteokbokki is a favorite among locals and tourists looking for a budget-friendly spicy meal. The mix of rice cakes and fish cakes offers a satisfying texture and taste. It's perfect for those craving spice.
  • Spicy Specialty: Enjoy renowned spicy tteokbokki.
  • Satisfying Meal: Filling dish suitable for lunch or dinner.
  • Affordable Spicy Food: Budget-friendly spicy fix.
  • Easy to Find: Several locations across Seoul.
  • Popular among Locals: Taste tested by locals themselves.
BBQ Olive Chicken

8. BBQ Olive Chicken

Favored for its delicious and crispy fried chicken, BBQ Olive Chicken provides satisfying meals at a reasonable price. It solves the craving for fried comfort food without the high cost of regular dining establishments. The modern setting is a bonus.
  • Crispy Delight: Sink your teeth into crispy fried chicken.
  • Filling Option: Great for a substantial meal.
  • Affordable Dining: Enjoy dining without stress on your wallet.
  • Local Favorite: Well-loved by locals and tourists alike.
  • Cozy Ambiance: Relax in a comfortable dining environment.
Bamdokkaebi Night Market

9. Bamdokkaebi Night Market

This night market provides a range of affordable eats from food trucks and stalls offering cuisine from all around the globe. It addresses the need for late-night food adventures in Seoul. The market atmosphere is lively and bustling, perfect for night explorations.
  • Global Flavors: Diverse international food offerings.
  • Night-time Adventure: Ideal for late-night food outings.
  • Affordable Choices: Budget prices for global dishes.
  • Social Atmosphere: Enjoy in a lively, night market setting.
  • Entertainment: Often mixed with performances and events.
Kyochon Chicken

10. Kyochon Chicken

Known for delicious, double-fried premium chicken, Kyochon Chicken is ideal for a flavorful, satisfying meal. This chain addresses the need for consistently good, budget-friendly fried chicken. The soy-garlic flavor is particularly famous.
  • Flavorful Sauce: Unique and tasty soy-garlic blend.
  • Double-Fried: Delightfully crispy texture.
  • Affordable Excellence: High-quality chicken at good prices.
  • Consistent Quality: Reliable dining at each location.
  • Popular Chain: Ease of access across Seoul locations.
Kim’s Diner

11. Kim’s Diner

Known for hearty Korean stews and rice dishes, Kim’s Diner provides warm meals that will fill you up without emptying your wallet. It solves the problem of finding homely meals at low prices. Friendly service makes it feel like a local dining experience.
  • Hearty Meals: Get full on delicious stews and rice.
  • Low-Cost Dining: Eat well for less.
  • Home-Like Feel: Experience the warmth of local hospitality.
  • Diverse Menu: Offers a wide range of Korean dishes.
  • Local Gem: Popular among native Seoulites.
Hongdae Dak Galbi

12. Hongdae Dak Galbi

Famous for its delicious dak galbi, a spicy stir-fried chicken dish, this spot provides a hearty meal at manageable prices. Ideal for those craving something substantial and spicy. Serving sizes are generous and perfect for sharing.
  • Spicy Chicken: Taste the savory dak galbi.
  • Generous Portions: Great for sharing amongst friends.
  • Budget-Friendly: Full meal without breaking the bank.
  • Social Dining: Ideal for groups and meeting new friends.
  • Trendy Area: Located in the vibrant Hongdae district.
Yeolbong Andong Jjimdak

13. Yeolbong Andong Jjimdak

Known for Andong jjimdak, a savory braised chicken dish, this eatery provides large servings perfect for sharing. It solves the issue of finding satisfying group meals on a budget. Great for meat lovers and anyone seeking rich flavors.
  • Group Dining: Generous portions ideal for sharing.
  • Traditional Recipe: Authentic Andong-style jjimdak.
  • Affordable Sharing: Split the cost of a large dish.
  • Flavorful Experience: Deeply savory and flavorful.
  • Consistent Quality: Recognized and trusted eatery.
Sindangdong Tteokbokki Town

14. Sindangdong Tteokbokki Town

This area is famous for its numerous tteokbokki restaurants, serving the famous spicy rice cake dish cooked at your table. It addresses the desire for interactive dining experiences on a budget. Each restaurant offers its unique spin on the dish.
  • Interactive Dining: Cook and enjoy tteokbokki at your table.
  • Variety of Flavors: Each place offers a twist on tteokbokki.
  • Budget-Friendly: Enjoy a shared meal at low cost.
  • Social Experience: Perfect for dining with friends.
  • Traditional Area: Explore an entire neighborhood dedicated to a single dish.
Jjukkumi Alley

15. Jjukkumi Alley

Specializing in grilled small octopus known as jjukkumi, restaurants here serve it spicy and tasty. Solves the search for exotic, budget-friendly seafood in Seoul. The lively atmosphere adds to the dining experience.
  • Unique Seafood: Enjoy specialty small octopus dishes.
  • Spicy Option: Satisfy your spicy food cravings.
  • Affordable Seafood: Rarely found under budget elsewhere.
  • Flavor Adventure: Try something truly different.
  • Cultural Experience: Join locals in a popular dining alley.
Ottogi Ramyon Paek

16. Ottogi Ramyon Paek

This is a one-stop-shop for every kind of ramyeon (Korean instant noodles), where you can find all varieties to suit your mood and budget. Ideal for the solo traveler wanting a quick and budget-friendly meal. It's a must-visit for any noodle enthusiast.
  • Instant Variety: Wide range of instant noodle options.
  • Quick Meal: Perfect for when you're in a hurry.
  • Budget-Friendly: Extremely affordable meal solution.
  • Casual Atmosphere: Low-key dining option.
  • Fun Experience: Discover new flavors and combinations.
Samcheongdong Sujebi

17. Samcheongdong Sujebi

Known for sujebi, a hand-torn noodle soup with a rich and hearty broth, this place is great for a warm, comforting meal. Solves the craving for traditional, homemade Korean fare without high costs. The quaint, cozy setting is ideal for chilly days.
  • Comfort Dish: Experience homemade Korean comfort food.
  • Affordable Warmth: Hearty bowls at a good price.
  • Traditional Flavors: Enjoy authentic hand-torn noodles.
  • Charming Setting: Perfect atmosphere for relaxing.
  • Winter Favorite: Especially popular in colder months.
Onigiri and Igyudon

18. Onigiri and Igyudon

Known for their tasty rice balls and beef bowl, Onigiri and Igyudon provides quick and filling meals at an affordable price. The simple, no-fuss menu addresses hunger promptly. Perfect for those on-the-go.
  • Quick Meals: Quick and easy food for busy travelers.
  • Filling Options: Satisfying rice-based meals.
  • Budget Pricing: Low-cost meals you can enjoy every day.
  • Portable Food: Convenient for take-out and picnics.
  • Consistent Quality: A reliable choice in Seoul.
Mangwon Market

19. Mangwon Market

This traditional market offers a range of affordable Korean street foods, including tteokbokki, hotteok, and odeng. Solves the struggle to find budget-friendly local treats in a traditional setting. The neighborhood feel is welcoming and intimate.
  • Traditional Atmosphere: Explore a genuine Korean market.
  • Street Food Galore: Sample various local street foods.
  • Affordable Treats: Enjoy delicious bites for less.
  • Local Vibes: Experience daily life among Seoulites.
  • Neighborhood Gem: Hidden spot away from tourist crowds.
Eoul Madang

20. Eoul Madang

Known for their budget-friendly yet delicious gopchang (grilled intestines), this place is perfect for adventurous eaters on a budget. It solves the craving for unique Korean dishes that are still affordable. The lively and vibrant atmosphere of this grill house is an added bonus.
  • Exotic Meat: Try unique Korean grilled intestines.
  • Adventure Dining: Perfect for the culinary explorer.
  • Friendly Prices: Enjoy without large expenses.
  • Lively Venue: Energetic atmosphere adds excitement.
  • Group-Friendly: Ideal for dining with friends.