Hello, my dear traveler friends! 👋 It’s Your K-Friend at K.RIDE!
When you think of Korea, what’s the first food that comes to your mind? I bet many of you shouted, “Kimchi!” But did you know that for Koreans, Kimchi is more than just a side dish?
With winter approaching, Korea gets busy with “Kimjang” (김장). It is a special season where families and neighbors gather to make huge amounts of Kimchi to last through the winter.
In this guide, I’ll share the heartwarming meaning behind Kimjang, the unique tastes of Kimchi by region, and—most importantly—my top 5 local restaurants (with exact addresses!) where you can taste the most delicious Kimchi dishes in Seoul. Let’s dive into the spicy world of Korea! 🇰🇷✨
❤️ What is “Kimjang”? More Than Just Cooking
Kimjang is a culture so unique and important that it was designated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
- The Spirit of Sharing: In the past, fresh vegetables were hard to get in winter. So, late autumn became the season for making Kimchi. But here is the special part: people don’t do it alone. Whole families and villages gather to help each other.
- “Jeong” (정): After the hard work, everyone shares boiled pork (Bossam) with the freshly made Kimchi. It represents Jeong—the warm Korean heart of sharing and community.
🗺️ Kimchi Map: Tastes by Region
Just like wine in Europe, Kimchi tastes different depending on where you are in Korea!
- Seoul & Gyeonggi: The standard taste. It’s not too spicy or salty, and looks very fancy. It has a crisp and refreshing flavor.
- Jeolla Province: Famous for its rich taste! They use plenty of salted seafood (Jeotgal) and chili powder, making it spicy, deep, and savory.
- Gyeongsang Province: Since it’s warmer in the south, they make it salty and spicy to prevent spoiling. It has a strong, intense kick!
🏛️ Must-Visit: Museum Kimchikan (Insadong)
Want to learn everything about Kimchi? You must visit here!
- What to Expect: It’s not a boring museum! You can see the history of Kimchi, play digital Kimchi games, and even taste different types.
- Location: 35-4, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Museum Kimchikan 4-6F)
- Traveler Tips: I highly recommend booking a “Kimchi-making class” in advance. Making it yourself is the best souvenir! 🥬
🥘 Top 5 “Real” Kimchi Restaurants in Seoul
Now, are you hungry? Here are my personal favorite spots where you can taste the best Kimchi dishes. I’ve included the exact addresses so you can find them easily!
1. Ongdalsem (Hongdae Main Branch) – 옹달샘 본점
- What to Expect: A cozy spot famous for Gon-deure vegetable rice and Kimchi-Jjim (Braised Kimchi). The braised Kimchi is so soft it melts in your mouth!
- Location: 99, Yanghwa-ro 6-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- Traveler Tips: It’s very close to the Hongdae shopping area, so it’s perfect for lunch before shopping.
2. Seongil Jeongyuk (Seongsu) – 성일정육식당
- What to Expect: Located in the hip Seongsu area, this place serves a legendary Kimchi-Jjigae (Kimchi Stew). Since it’s a butcher shop restaurant, the pork in the stew is incredibly fresh and generous.
- Location: 9, Achasan-ro 3-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
- Traveler Tips: This is a very local spot. Try mixing the stew with rice and dried seaweed (Gim) provided on the table!
3. Yetgol (Yeoksam) – 역삼동 옛골
- What to Expect: This is a hidden gem for foodies! I strongly recommend their signature “Mukeunji Kkongchi-jjigae” (Aged Kimchi & Saury Stew). They use properly aged Kimchi (Mukeunji) and Saury fish (similar to mackerel but more savory). The deep, rich flavor of the aged Kimchi combined with the fish is an absolute “rice thief” (a dish so good you eat a lot of rice)!
- Location: 12, Bongeunsa-ro 24-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- Traveler Tips: Don’t be afraid of the fish! It adds a savory depth (umami) that pork cannot provide. It’s a unique Korean taste experience.
4. Bukchon Kimchijae – 북촌 김치재
- What to Expect: Dining in a traditional Hanok setting! Their Mukeunji Galbi-jjim (Braised Short Ribs with Aged Kimchi) is a masterpiece. The sourness of the aged Kimchi balances the fatty meat perfectly.
- Location: 8, Bukchon-ro 2-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Traveler Tips: It is located near Bukchon Hanok Village, so it’s great for a cultural day trip.
5. Nongbu Bossam – 농부보쌈
- What to Expect: Remember the “Kimjang” tradition I told you about? Here, you can taste that exact combination: Boiled Pork (Bossam) + Fresh Kimchi. The crunch of the fresh cabbage and the soft pork is heaven.
- Location: 389, Yongmasan-ro, Jungnang-gu, Seoul
- Traveler Tips: Their Kimchi is made fresh daily. Wrap the pork with the Kimchi for the perfect bite!
🚖 Stuffed with Kimchi? Let K.RIDE Take You Home!
Exploring these hidden local restaurants is amazing, but finding these specific addresses in the complex streets of Seoul can be tricky.
- “How do I type these Korean addresses into a map?”
- “I’m too full and tired to walk to the subway…”
- “Will the taxi driver understand where I want to go?”
Don’t worry! I highly recommend using the K.RIDE app. It’s the smartest way to travel to these specific food spots.
Why K.RIDE is your best travel buddy:
- ✅ Automatic destination translation: Just copy the English addresses I gave you above, and the app shows them to the driver in Korean!
- ✅ Multi-language app support: No language barrier. Use the app in English, Chinese, or Japanese.
- ✅ Foreign card-friendly: Easy payment with your overseas credit card.
- ✅ Fair pricing: Travel with peace of mind with transparent meter pricing.
Enjoy the Taste of Korea!
Kimchi is the soul of Korean food. Whether you try the unique Saury Stew at Yetgol or fresh Bossam at Nongbu Bossam, I hope you feel the warmth of Korean culture.
With K.RIDE, finding these hidden gems and getting back to your hotel is the easiest part of your journey. Eat well and ride safely!
Thanks for reading!
— Your K-Friend at K.RIDE ✨
See you on the road!
Explore Korea Like a Local 
Leave a comment