6 Must-Try Korean Foods in Hongdae

6 Must-Try Korean Foods in Hongdae

Hongdae is not only Seoul’s trendiest neighborhood but also a true food haven.
Here, dining is more than just eating—it's an experience.

In this post, I’ll introduce six of the most popular Korean foods in Hongdae,
perfect for sharing with friends from abroad.
(My YouTube video is linked below for visuals and prices.)

① Samgyeopsal – The Essence of Korean BBQ

Hongdae is filled with samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) restaurants.
Watching the meat sizzle on the grill is an essential part of the Korean dining experience.
Prices range from $9.5 to $11.4 per serving, and the flavor is as satisfying as the lively atmosphere.

(한국 대표 음식 삼겹살, 삽겹살은 직접 구워먹는 재미가 있어요. 영상을 보고 적당하게 익는 정도를 익히시면 좋아요

*Samgyeopsal, a signature Korean dish—you grill it yourself, which is part of the fun. Watch a video to learn how to cook it just right.*)

② Unlimited Pork + Spicy Chicken (Dakgalbi)

When you're extra hungry, go for all-you-can-eat BBQ.
You can enjoy unlimited pork belly and spicy dakgalbi for just $12.5 per person—
a delicious and filling choice loved by locals and visitors alike.

(삼겹살과 닭갈비 무한리필, 두가지를 한번에 구워 드실 수 있어요. 무한리필이니 맘껏 먹을 수 있죠

*All-you-can-eat samgyeopsal and dak-galbi—grill both at once and enjoy as much as you want.*)

(무한리필 간판, 홍대거리에는 이런 무한리필을 제공하는 곳이 많아요. 배고플때는 이런간판을 찾아가세요

*All-you-can-eat signs—many places in Hongdae offer unlimited refills. Look for these signs when you're hungry!*)

③ Tteokbokki – Sweet & Spicy Street Food

Tteokbokki is Korea’s signature street snack,
featuring chewy rice cakes in a sweet and spicy red sauce.
At just $3.2, it’s a flavorful bite of Korean street culture.

(먹음직한 떡복이, 붉은 색깔이지만 보기보다 맵지 않아요. 달콤한 떡볶이를 드셔보셔야죠.

*Delicious tteokbokki—it looks spicy but is actually sweet and mild. A must-try Korean snack!*)

(떡볶이는 $3.2로 저렴해서 간식으로 적당하죠

*Tteokbokki costs just $3.2—affordable and perfect as a light snack.*)

④ Gimbap – Korea’s Everyday Favorite

Gimbap is a quick and hearty Korean rice roll.
You can get a roll for $2.5 to $3.5, packed with fresh ingredients.
Perfect to enjoy on the go as you stroll the streets of Hongdae.

(한국에 오면 김밥을 드세요. 종류가 수십가지가 된답니다.

*Try gimbap when you’re in Korea—there are dozens of varieties to choose from.*)

( 김밥은 간식으로도, 한끼 식사로도 좋아요

*Gimbap is great as both a snack and a full meal.*)

⑤ Jeon + Makgeolli – A Rainy Day Pairing

Korean savory pancakes (jeon) paired with traditional rice wine (makgeolli)
make for a classic rainy-day combo.
A platter of assorted jeon costs around $14.3, and a glass of makgeolli is just $3.6.
Crispy, cozy, and perfect for sharing.

(전과 막걸리, 안주거리로 적당한 전과 막걸리를 꼭 드셔보세요. 잘 맞는 조합이랍니다.

*Korean pancakes (jeon) with makgeolli—this classic combo makes the perfect side dish pairing.*)

⑥ Takeout Coffee – Carry a Taste of Hongdae

After your meal, grab a takeout coffee for just $1.8
and enjoy a romantic walk through the streets of Hongdae.
It feels just like a scene from a movie.

(식사 후에는 아이스아메리카노

*After your meal, enjoy a refreshing iced Americano.*)

 Hongdae is more than a tourist destination—

it’s a place where Korea’s food culture, youth, and everyday life come together.
If you're planning a visit, don’t miss these must-try dishes.
Your heart and stomach will thank you.

(커피를 손에 들고 홍대 거리를 걸어 보세요. 좋은 추억을 가지실 겁니다.

*Stroll the streets of Hongdae with coffee in hand—it’ll be a memory to cherish.*)

Hope this video gives you a better sense of what Korea is like today.