Quick Info
- Area: Gyeongbokgung / Jongno, Seoul
- Type: Korean Local Food Guide
- Best For: First-time visitors, food lovers
- Price Range: ₩9,000 – ₩20,000 (≈ $7–$15)
- Distance: 5–15 minutes walk from Gyeongbokgung
Introduction
Looking for real Korean food near Gyeongbokgung Palace?
This area isn’t just about tourist spots — it’s full of hidden local restaurants that Seoul office workers actually go to every day.
Here are 5 must-try Korean food spots near Gyeongbokgung, from budget meals to iconic street food.
1. Yangji Sikdang (₩9,000 ≈ $7)
- Local hidden gem packed with office workers
- Pork stir-fry with unlimited side dishes
- Simple but very authentic Korean meal
Top 3 Best Korean Restaurants in Jongno – Near Gyeongbokgung & Jongmyo (Local Picks)
2. Jeonju Bapcha (₩10,000 ≈ $7)
- Korean buffet-style lunch
- Eat like a local with a variety of side dishes
- Great value for money
Best Cheap Korean Lunch Buffet in Jongno Local Office Workers Restaurant Near Gyeongbokgung
3. Dakhanmari (₩12,000 ≈ $9)
- Korean chicken soup (must-try in Seoul)
- Rich broth + noodles at the end
- Perfect for sharing
Best Dakhanmari in Jongno Seoul – 3 Must-Try Local Korean Restaurants
4. Gwangjang Market Food
- Famous street food market
- Try bindaetteok (mung bean pancake), yukhoe, and kimbap
- One of the most popular food spots in Seoul
Top 5 Gwangjang Market Street Foods Must-Try Korean Food in Seoul
5. Korean BBQ (Samgyeopsal)
- Grilled pork belly experience
- Cook at your table
- A must-do Korean food experience
Top 3 Korean BBQ in Jongno – Hidden Gem Pork Belly Spots in Ikseon-dong
Why This List Matters
- All spots are within walking distance of Gyeongbokgung
- Real local restaurants — not tourist traps
- Easy to combine with sightseeing
Final Thoughts
If you’re visiting Gyeongbokgung, don’t just take photos —
this is one of the best areas in Seoul to experience real Korean food.
Start with one place, and explore the rest.
Nearby Attractions in Jongno
• Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace for Korea’s most iconic royal palace
Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace Seoul Hanbok Rental, Night Opening & Royal Guard Changing Ceremony
• Visit Bukchon Hanok Village for traditional Korean houses
Best Things to See in Bukchon Hanok Village 8 Must-Visit Scenic Photo Spots in Seoul
• Visit Gwanghwamun Square for central Seoul city views
Things to Do at Gwanghwamun Square with Free K-Pop and Cultural Experiences
• Visit Insadong for shopping and cultural streets
8 Best Cultural Experiences in Insadong Seoul Must-Try Traditional Things to Do
• Visit Jongmyo Shrine for a UNESCO heritage site
Watch the Royal Ancestral Ritual Ceremony at Jongmyo Shrine in Seoul Traditional Cultural Performance You Can See Live (2026)
More Places to Eat in Jongno
• Visit a local Korean BBQ spot for grilled pork belly
Best $15 Korean BBQ Near Gyeongbokgung Local Galbi & Samgyeopsal
• Visit a Dakgalbi restaurant for spicy stir-fried chicken
The10 Best Restaurants in Jongno, Seoul: Must-Try Dakgalbi & Korean Food Near Gyeongbokgung
• Visit a Jokbal place for braised pig’s feet
Best Jokbal in Seoul’s Jongno Michelin Halmaejip Near Gyeongbokgung
• Visit a Korean lunch buffet for a budget meal
Best Cheap Korean Lunch Buffet in Jongno Local Office Workers Restaurant Near Gyeongbokgung
• Visit a local cafe for a ₩2,000 Americano
Budget Americano Near Gyeongbokgung Palace $1.50 Coffee (2,000 KRW) in Jongno Seoul
Practical Information
✔ Google Maps Location:
👉 View Gyeongbokgung Area & Walking Directions on Google Maps