A lot of people are interested in visiting South Korea. Depending on the kind of time you want to have there, where you should go might be different. But this list will help you make a plan. I’ll give some general info, but since I’m a food content creator, of course I’ll drop some food tips too. This list isn’t ranked!
1. Seoul
No matter what, Seoul is South Korea. If you don’t have much time, Seoul might be your only option — and honestly, that’s fine. Food-wise, Seoul has about 99% of what you can eat across the country. If you’re looking for a luxury course meal or a good hotel buffet, Seoul’s the place. You can eat traditional dishes, street food, even tons of franchise food. The city’s huge — about 70% of the population lives in the greater Seoul area. I’ll write more about Seoul in a separate post later.
2. Jeju Island
If you want to see a rare, chill side of Korean life, Jeju is a great option. It’s less than 1 hour away by plane from the two major airports near Seoul. Sometimes, if you catch a cheap flight, it’s under $100 round trip. Jeju is super popular for its unique and diverse food.
Must-eats: Black pork BBQ, meat noodle soup, seafood (not just sashimi—grilled cutlassfish is fire), gimbap, and Omegi Tteok (a Jeju-style rice cake, but only from the right place).
3. Busan
Obviously, this is the second biggest city in Korea. It’s in the southeast, and under 3 hours from Seoul on the high-speed train. If you’re down for an ocean city vibe, this is your spot. Personally, I love visiting Busan.
Must-eats: Milmyeon (cold, spicy noodles), pork stew (I always eat this), sashimi, fish cake (best I’ve had in my life), grilled fish, grilled clams, and bakery stuff (Busan bakeries hit different).
4. Daegu
Located between Seoul and Busan. It’s under 2 hours by high-speed train from Seoul. Fun fact: Samsung started here. A day trip might be enough, but if you’re heading to Busan, it’s worth a stop. Daegu is also famous for apples.
Must-eats: Mungtigi (a kind of beef sashimi — super good), grilled beef tripe (super popular Korean BBQ), galbijjim (braised short rib — Daegu is known for spicy galbijjim), and Nabjak Mandu (flat-style dumplings).
5. Jeonju
South of Seoul, only 1.5 hours by high-speed train. Jeonju is famous for bibimbap and has a really nice traditional-style Korean village.
Must-eats: Jeonju bibimbap (most famous in Korea), sundubu (soft tofu stew — my wife’s favorite), hanjeongsik (traditional Korean set meal), tteokgalbi (grilled meat patties), bean sprout rice, and traditional snacks.
6. Yeosu
Located in the southwest. About 3.5–4 hours from Seoul. A beautiful place where you can enjoy parks, ocean views, and islands. If you’re staying in Korea for a while, this is a great spot to explore.
Must-eats: Gajami (flatfish), eel soup, abalone porridge, hanjeongsik, and soy sauce-marinated crab.
7. Gangneung & Sokcho
Two different cities, but close together on Korea’s east coast. Both have beach town vibes and lots of cultural sites.
Must-eats: Seafood, sashimi, coffee, squid sausage, snow crab, cold raw fish soup, Cheongdong soft tofu, red crab, and handmade dumpling soup.
8. Gyeongju
Used to be the capital during the Silla Dynasty. If you love history and want to see traditional Korean temples (especially Buddhist ones), this is the place. Around 2.5–3 hours from Seoul by train.
Must-eats: Gyeongju Hwangnam bread (seriously good), bulgogi, hangwa (traditional snacks), tteokgalbi, abalone porridge, and soft tofu dishes.
9. Incheon
If you’re flying into or out of Korea, you’ll probably pass through Incheon — that’s where the major airport is. But beyond that, Incheon has Korea’s biggest Chinatown and the high-tech Songdo district. It’s worth a quick visit before or after your flight.
Must-eats: Korean-Chinese food, red crab, seafood pancake, sashimi, sundae (Korean blood sausage), and street snacks.
I just wrote down some major spots in South Korea, with a focus on eating — of course. I couldn’t cover everything, but if you’re planning a trip, I’m sure this list will help a lot.
