What to eat in Korea the first time: 8 safe dishes, their average price and how to order
Bibimbap, kimchi-jjigae, samgyeopsal, gimbap… 8 easy dishes to start with, the official 2026 average prices and the traps (dishes for two, spiciness).
Machine translation from French, being reviewed. Read the French version (reference)
Korean food is quick to discover, as long as you know where to start. Here are eight easy-to-find dishes, with their average price when an official source exists.
Average prices in 2026
The Korea Consumer Agency publishes the average price of common dishes every month (참가격). National averages for August 20261:
| Dish | Average price |
|---|---|
| Kimchi-jjigae with rice (김치찌개 백반) | ₩9,080 |
| Bibimbap (비빔밥) | ₩10,314 |
| Naengmyeon, cold noodles (냉면) | ₩10,845 |
| Kalguksu, knife-cut noodles (칼국수) | ₩9,057 |
| Jajangmyeon, black bean noodles (짜장면) | ₩7,230 |
| Samgyetang, ginseng chicken soup (삼계탕) | ₩16,868 |
| Samgyeopsal, 200 g (삼겹살) | ₩17,877 |
In Seoul, gimbap (김밥) cost ₩3,800 on average in April 20262. These are averages: a restaurant in a tourist area can be more expensive.
8 dishes to start with
- Bibimbap (비빔밥): rice, vegetables, egg and chilli paste that you mix yourself. Ask for the sauce on the side if you fear spice.
- Kimchi-jjigae (김치찌개): kimchi stew, often with pork, served with rice. Everyday comfort food.
- Samgyeopsal (삼겹살): pork belly grilled at your table. Many restaurants serve from two portions.
- Gimbap (김밥): rice rolls in seaweed, perfect for a quick meal or a train ride.
- Tteokbokki (떡볶이): rice cakes in a sweet, spicy red sauce. The street food classic.
- Naengmyeon (냉면): cold noodles in an icy broth, mostly in summer.
- Samgyetang (삼계탕): a small whole chicken stuffed with rice and ginseng, mild and not spicy.
- Fried chicken (치킨): to share, often with a beer (치맥, "chimaek").
Traps to avoid
- "For two" dishes: barbecue, some stews. If you are alone, ask before you sit down.
- Spiciness: say "덜 맵게 해 주세요" (less spicy, please).
- Hidden pork: broths and stews often contain it. In Dari, each dish says whether it does.
- Markets: at Gwangjang Market, a Korea Times test found no overcharging, and every vendor visited displayed prices3. Look at the displayed price before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a simple meal cost in Korea?
In August 2026, kimchi-jjigae with rice cost ₩9,080 on average and bibimbap ₩10,314 in Korea1.
Can I eat Korean barbecue alone?
Restaurants often serve from two portions. Ask before you sit down, or choose a single dish such as bibimbap or kimchi-jjigae.
Sources
- WikiTree, prix moyens nationaux 한국소비자원 참가격, août 2026 (17/09/2026) · checked on 25 October 2026
- WikiTree, prix moyens à Séoul 한국소비자원 참가격, avril 2026 (26/05/2026) · checked on 25 October 2026
- The Korea Times, test des prix au marché de Gwangjang (06/03/2025) · checked on 26 October 2026