Quick Info

Area: Gyeongbokgung, Gwanghwamun & Jongno, Seoul
Food: Gomtang, Jokbal, Dakgomtang, Korean Buffet, Gukbap, Jjimdak & Samgyeopsal
Price Range: Budget to Mid-Range
Best For: Travelers looking for Korean food around Gyeongbokgung and central Jongno
Nearest Subway: Gyeongbokgung, Jonggak & Jongno 3-ga Stations

If you are visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace and wondering where to eat afterward, there are plenty of Korean restaurants around Gyeongbokgung, Gwanghwamun and Jongno.

I have personally visited these restaurants, and each one offers a different type of Korean food.

Some are just a few minutes from Gyeongbokgung Station, while others are farther into Jongno and work well if you continue your trip toward Jonggak or Jongno 3-ga.

Here are seven places to consider, starting with restaurants closest to the Gyeongbokgung area.

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1. Sundae Silrok – Korean Gukbap

Continue toward Jonggak and you can find Sundae Silrok.

This restaurant specializes in Sundae-guk, a hot Korean soup served with sundae, pork and rice.

I usually like the Traditional Sundae Soup, but there are also milder lean-pork options and a spicy Gopchang Sundae Soup.

For groups, the Sundae and Gopchang Hot Pot is another option to share.

Best for: Gukbap and traditional Korean soup.

Best Korean Restaurant Near Gyeongbokgung – Gukbap & Haejangguk in Seoul

2. Halmaejip – Traditional Korean Jokbal

Halmaejip is a long-running local restaurant near Gyeongbokgung Station known for jokbal, Korean braised pork trotters.

The restaurant has a traditional atmosphere, and the jokbal is served with garlic, chili peppers, salted shrimp sauce, perilla leaves and other side dishes.

This is a better choice for two or more people because the main jokbal order is designed for sharing.

Best for: Jokbal and a traditional Korean dinner.

Best Jokbal Food in Jongno – Halmaejip Near Gyeongbokgung

3. Wonchang Sikdang – Local Dakgomtang

Wonchang Sikdang is tucked inside a small alley in Seochon.

Its Dakgomtang is a light Korean chicken soup with shredded chicken, and the broth has a clean and mild flavor.

I like eating it the Korean way: put the rice directly into the hot soup, mix it together and eat it with kimchi.

Best for: A light Korean meal around Seochon.

Best Chicken Soup in Jongno – Hidden Seochon Spot Near Gyeongbokgung Palace

4. Jeonju Bapcha – Korean Lunch Buffet

Jeonju Bapcha is different from the other restaurants on this list.

Instead of ordering one dish, you can choose from a self-service Korean lunch buffet.

The dishes change, but you may find Korean favorites such as pork bulgogi, spicy pork, vegetables, kimchi and other side dishes.

You can also make your own bibimbap and cook a fried egg at the self-service egg station.

This is the kind of lunch restaurant commonly used by local office workers in central Seoul.

Best for: Trying several Korean dishes in one meal.

Best Cheap Korean Lunch Buffet in Jongno Local Office Workers Restaurant Near Gyeongbokgung

5. Naju Gomtang – Beef Soup Near Gyeongbokgung

Naju Gomtang is one of the easiest restaurants to reach from Gyeongbokgung Station.

It is only about a minute from Exit 3 and serves Naju-style beef soup with a clear broth.

I tried both the Naju Gomtang and Galbitang. The Gomtang comes with rice already inside the soup, while the Galbitang comes with larger beef ribs and rice served separately.

During lunchtime, Dongdongju is also available from the self-service area.

Best for: Gomtang, Galbitang and a simple Korean lunch.

Naju Gomtang Near Gyeongbokgung Palace – Korean Gomtang & Galbitang in Seoul

6. Bongchu Jjimdak – Korean Braised Chicken

Bongchu Jjimdak is located inside Jongno Tower near Jonggak Station.

Jjimdak is braised chicken cooked in a savory soy-based sauce with vegetables and glass noodles.

It is especially good for sharing because the chicken, noodles and sauce are served together on a large plate.

After eating some of the chicken, I like mixing the sauce with rice.

Best for: Couples, families and travelers who want to share Korean-style braised chicken.

Jjimdak Near Gyeongbokgung – Where to Eat in Jongno, Seoul

7. Myeongryun Jinsa Galbi – Unlimited Korean BBQ

If you want to enjoy Korean BBQ without worrying about ordering more meat, Myeongryun Jinsa Galbi is a good option.

This popular Korean BBQ restaurant is known for its all-you-can-eat style, with pork galbi, samgyeopsal and other cuts of meat available to grill at the table.

You can cook the meat yourself and enjoy it with Korean side dishes, lettuce, garlic and dipping sauces.

The unlimited BBQ format makes it a good choice for travelers who want to try different types of Korean grilled pork in one meal.

Best for: Unlimited Korean BBQ, pork galbi, samgyeopsal and a filling meal in Seoul.

$15 Korean BBQ Buffet in Jongno Near Gyeongbokgung Palace – All-You-Can-Eat

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Which Restaurant Should You Choose?

For a quick meal close to Gyeongbokgung Station, Naju Gomtang and Wonchang Sikdang are easy choices.

For a traditional Korean dining experience, try Halmaejip.

Jeonju Bapcha works well if you want to sample several Korean dishes at once, while Sundae Silrok is a good introduction to Korean gukbap.

For a meal to share, Bongchu Jjimdak works well for chicken, while Hando Samgyeopsal offers the classic Korean BBQ experience.

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More Places to Visit Near Gyeongbokgung

1. National Palace Museum of Korea

Located next to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Palace Museum of Korea is an easy place to visit before or after exploring the palace.

The museum focuses on the history and culture of Korea’s Joseon royal family, with royal artifacts and exhibitions that add more context to what you see inside Gyeongbokgung.

National Palace Museum of Korea – Best Things to Do Near Gyeongbokgung Palace

2. Gwanghwamun Square

Walk south through Gwanghwamun Gate and you will reach Gwanghwamun Square.

It is one of the main public spaces in central Seoul and an easy stop to combine with Gyeongbokgung.

Things to Do in Gwanghwamun Square with Free K-Pop and Cultural Experiences

3. Seochon Hanok Village

Seochon is located on the western side of Gyeongbokgung Palace.

The neighborhood mixes old houses and narrow alleys with small cafés, restaurants, galleries and shops.

It is also easy to combine Seochon with a visit to Tongin Market.

Things to Do in Seochon Seoul – Hidden Gem Near Gyeongbokgung Palace

4. Bukchon Hanok Village

Bukchon is on the opposite side of Gyeongbokgung.

The neighborhood is known for its traditional hanok houses and hilly streets, with several walking routes between Gyeongbokgung, Samcheong-dong and Changdeokgung.

Remember that Bukchon is also a residential neighborhood, so keep noise down while walking through the area.

Best Things to Do in Bukchon Hanok Village – Must-Visit Photo Spots in jongno

5. Gyeongbokgung Palace

If you came to the area mainly for food, Gyeongbokgung Palace should still be part of the route.

It was the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty and remains one of the major historical attractions in central Seoul.

After exploring the palace, you can easily continue toward Gwanghwamun, Seochon or Bukchon for the rest of the day.

Best Things to Do Near Gyeongbokgung Palace – Hidden Food Spots & 1 Day Seoul Itinerary (2026)

6. Seoul 1-Day Trip – Gyeongbokgung, Daehangno, Naksan Park & Dongdaemun

If you want to explore Seoul in one day, this route combines history, local neighborhoods, scenic views and the city at night.

Start at Gyeongbokgung Palace, then head to Hyehwa and walk through Daehangno, one of Seoul’s best-known theater and university districts.

From Daehangno, walk up to Naksan Park and follow the Seoul City Wall while enjoying views across the city.

What to Do in Seoul – 1-Day Itinerary: Gyeongbokgung, Naksan Park & DDP

Stay around Naksan Park until evening to see the Seoul skyline and city lights from the hillside.

Finish the day in Dongdaemun, where you can explore Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), shopping streets and the lively nighttime atmosphere.

This 1-day Seoul route takes you from a historic royal palace to local streets, a scenic Seoul night view and modern Dongdaemun.

7. Seoul 1-Day History Route

If you want to explore Seoul’s history in one day, this route connects four important historical sites in the city.

Start at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty, and then visit the National Palace Museum of Korea nearby to learn more about Korea’s royal history.

Continue to Seodaemun Prison History Hall, where you can see exhibitions about Korea’s independence movement and the Japanese colonial period.

Seoul 1-Day Itinerary: Gyeongbokgung, Seodaemun Prison & Deoksugung – History Route

Finish the day at Deoksugung Palace, known for its historic palace buildings and stone-wall road.

This 1-day route takes you through royal history, the independence movement and modern Korean history in central Seoul.

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Final Thoughts

The Gyeongbokgung area is not only about the palace.

Within the wider Gyeongbokgung, Gwanghwamun and Jongno area, you can try very different Korean meals — from Gomtang and Dakgomtang to Jokbal, Gukbap, Jjimdak and Samgyeopsal.

I have visited these restaurants myself, and each one offers a different way to experience everyday Korean food in Seoul.

Combine one of these restaurants with Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Palace Museum, Seochon, Bukchon or Gwanghwamun Square, and you can easily turn lunch or dinner into a half-day or full-day route around central Seoul.

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