If you are planning the ultimate Korea adventure and want to discover the Best Food and Restaurants in Korea Adventure, focus first on Seoul, Busan and Jeju, then build a flexible Korea 14 days (two weeks) route around key food districts like Myeongdong, Hongdae, Seongsu and Seomyeon.
This guide is written from the perspective of a Singapore-based traveller who visits Korea frequently and helps overseas buyers on Homejourney compare lifestyle, food culture and real estate opportunities across Asia, especially between Korea and Singapore.
How this Korea food guide fits into Homejourney’s travel & property pillar
This article is a focused cluster guide under our broader Korea travel pillar, which includes the full Korea 14-Day Itinerary: Ultimate Korea Adventure Guide Korea 14-Day Itinerary: Ultimate Korea Adventure Guide | Homejourney .
Here, we zoom in on food: the best areas, must-try dishes, and trusted restaurants for your Korea two weeks itinerary, plus what Singapore-based buyers and investors can learn about lifestyle and neighbourhood vibes when comparing Korea and Singapore real estate using Homejourney.
Destination overview: Why food should anchor your Korea adventure
Korea is one of the easiest and safest destinations for Singapore travellers to explore deeply through food. Streets stay busy late, public transport is reliable, and most food districts feel as safe at 11pm as central Singapore does after dinner around Tanjong Pagar or Bugis.
Best time to visit for food:
- Spring (Apr–May): Ideal for street food walks; cool enough for hot stews and BBQ.
- Autumn (Sep–early Nov): Peak for night markets; less humidity than Singapore.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Best for jjigae, hotteok and hearty barbecue, but short daylight.
From Singapore, non-stop flights to Seoul (ICN) are about 6–7 hours, similar to a late-night flight to Tokyo, and prices often range from S$500–S$1,000 economy return depending on airline and season (based on recent published fares from major carriers; always check latest prices).
Currency & payment tips for Singapore travellers:
- Currency: South Korean won (KRW). Everyday meals in local eateries often range from 8,000–15,000 KRW (about S$8–S$15 at recent rates).
- Card vs cash: Cards widely accepted, but many small pojangmacha (tent stalls) and traditional markets still prefer cash.
- For investors comparing costs, Homejourney supports multi-currency thinking when you evaluate Singapore property prices in your home currency, including KRW Bank Rates .
Top food districts & experiences in Seoul (must-do for any Korea 14 days itinerary)
On a Korea 14 days or Korea two weeks trip, most Singapore travellers spend at least 5–7 nights in Seoul. Think of Seoul’s food districts like Singapore’s neighbourhoods: each area has a strong “personality” similar to Tanjong Pagar (K-BBQ cluster), Katong (local comfort food) or Holland Village (chill cafes).
Myeongdong – night market street food & first-timers’ base
Why go: Best place to try a wide spread of classic Korean street food in one compact area, similar to squeezing a few hawker centres into one long, walkable stretch.
What to try (prices indicative):
- Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes): ~4,000–6,000 KRW per portion.
- Hotteok (stuffed pancake): ~2,000–3,000 KRW.
- Grilled cheese lobster or skewers: tourist-priced but fun, ~10,000–15,000 KRW.
Insider tip: Go between 6pm–9pm for the fullest selection. Many stalls operate like Singapore’s pasar malam—set-up is staggered and some close early on rainy days, so always have a backup sit-down restaurant nearby.
Hongdae – youth culture, late-night snacks & cafes
Why go: If you love the energy of Bugis Street plus Haji Lane, this is your Seoul equivalent. Great for fried chicken, street snacks and themed cafes that stay open late.
Food highlights:
- Korean fried chicken chains (e.g. bbq Olive Chicken, BHC, Kyochon) with beer.
- Dessert cafes serving bingsu (shaved ice) and croffles.
- Fusion Korean-Western eateries similar to Dempsey-style dining but at lower price points.
Insider tip: Book fried chicken spots for weekends after 7pm, just like popular Korean BBQ outlets in Singapore’s Tanjong Pagar. Lines can exceed 30–40 minutes during peak university exam breaks and K-pop concert periods.
Seongsu & Hannam – trend-setting restaurants & lifestyle dining
These areas feel like the Seoul version of Tiong Bahru and Joo Chiat: gentrifying neighbourhoods with design-forward cafes, craft bakeries and creative Korean dining rooms.
Expect:
- Brunch spots with Korean twists (gochujang eggs, kimchi grilled cheese).
- Modern hansik (Korean cuisine) tasting menus in reworked industrial buildings.
- Neighbourhood wine bars serving Korean-inspired small plates.
Budget 25,000–50,000 KRW per person for dinner at mid-range modern spots, equivalent to a nice evening at a mid-tier Korean restaurant in Singapore like those highlighted on local lists of top Korean dining rooms.[1][2]
Best regional food cities: Busan & Jeju for the ultimate Korea adventure
For a true ultimate Korea food journey, don’t stop at Seoul. In a two-week trip, you can comfortably add Busan and either Jeju or a smaller city like Jeonju.
Busan – seafood capital with local market energy
Must-visit markets:
- Jagalchi Fish Market: Similar to visiting Jurong Fishery Port in the past, but built for tourists and locals together—fresh sashimi, grilled fish and live seafood tanks.
- BIFF Square & nearby streets: Tteokbokki, seed hotteok and skewers in a compact area.
Insider tip: For sashimi platters, compare prices across stalls. Many charge per person; watch for upselling of premium fish. Singapore travellers used to clear price boards at hawker centres will find the system familiar—always check weight and portion before confirming.
Jeju – black pork, abalones and slow-travel vibes
Jeju’s food scene is less dense but rewards patience. Think black pork BBQ streets, abalone porridge and seaside cafes with floor-to-ceiling views, similar to Sentosa Cove but on a larger, more natural scale.
What to prioritise:
- Black pork BBQ (heuk-dwaeji) along dedicated streets in Jeju City and Seogwipo.
- Abalone: grilled, in porridge, or part of seafood hotpot.
- Hallabong-based desserts and drinks, unique to Jeju’s citrus farms.
Practical travel & safety tips for food-focused trips
Singaporeans are used to high food hygiene standards and strict public health regulations. Korea generally maintains strong standards, but be slightly more cautious with raw seafood and tent-style stalls.
Visa requirements: Singapore passport holders have typically enjoyed visa-free short stays in Korea; however, requirements and K-ETA rules can change, so always verify with official Korean embassy or government sites before you book.
Transport:
- Seoul subway functions like an expanded version of Singapore’s MRT, with T-money cards similar to EZ-Link.
- Most popular food streets are within a 5–10 minute walk from subway exits (e.g. Myeongdong Station Exit 6 to main food street is under 5 minutes on foot).
Safety considerations:
- Drink responsibly around soju-heavy BBQ dinners; late-night districts can be rowdy but are generally safe.
- Check latest travel advisories from the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs when planning.
- Trust your instincts at street stalls: if turnover looks low or cleanliness seems below Singapore hawker standards, choose another stall.
