The best way to experience the Best Food and Restaurants in Complete Experience for a complete Korea trip is to build your Korea 10 days itinerary around three key cities – Seoul, Busan and Jeju – and anchor each day with must-try local dishes, trusted restaurants, and safe, easy-to-navigate food streets.
In this Homejourney guide, we focus on how to structure a Korea itinerary that gives you a true complete Korea trip through food, while also helping Singapore-based travelers, expats and investors understand how these lifestyle experiences compare with living and investing in Singapore.
How Food Fits into Your Complete Korea Trip (and Why It Matters for Homejourney Users)
For many Singaporeans and expats living in Singapore, Korea is a natural comparison point – efficient public transport, strong city infrastructure and vibrant food culture, just like home.
From a real estate and lifestyle perspective, Homejourney highlights food because it is often the most honest reflection of whether you would enjoy living in a place long-term, not just visiting for a week.
This article supports our main Korea travel pillar guide Homejourney's Korea 10-Day Itinerary: Seoul, Busan, Jeju Complete Guide and zooms in on the Best Food and Restaurants in Complete Experience so that your Korea 10 days trip is both delicious and smooth, with safety, clarity and verified information at every step.
Seoul: Street Food, Traditional Markets and Cafés
As someone who has done multiple Seoul trips from Singapore, I always recommend starting your complete Korea trip with 3–4 days in Seoul – it is where you can quickly understand how locals eat, commute and spend time after work, much like comparing Orchard/Tanjong Pagar to the rest of Singapore.
Seoul Food Neighbourhoods You Shouldn’t Miss
- Myeongdong Street Food – Best in the late afternoon and evening. Expect tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), hotteok (sweet pancakes), egg bread, grilled cheese lobster and skewers. Budget around 10,000–20,000 KRW per person for a filling street-food dinner. It’s crowded but generally safe, similar to Bugis or Chinatown at night in Singapore; keep valuables close, as in any tourist area.
- Gwangjang Market – Famous for bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), mayak kimbap and raw beef bibimbap. Most stalls open from morning around 9–10am to late evening. It feels like a Korean version of a covered hawker centre; tables are shared, and you pay per dish (normally 5,000–15,000 KRW).
- Hongdae & Yeonnam-dong – Trendy cafés, dessert bars and casual dining around Hongik University. Think of it as the Korean equivalent of Tiong Bahru and Haji Lane combined – brunch cafés, specialty coffee and photo-friendly interiors.
Trusted Restaurant Styles to Look For in Seoul
- Korean BBQ (gogi-jip) – Look for busy spots with visible ventilation pipes and plenty of locals. Expect 15,000–25,000 KRW per person for pork and more for beef. Many places are open till late (often past midnight).
- Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) – Popular even with Singaporeans craving something comforting in winter. Centrally located restaurants near Gyeongbokgung and City Hall are convenient after sightseeing.
- Chimaek (fried chicken + beer) – Usually near university areas and Han River parks. Family-friendly restaurants will have clear non-smoking policies and some English menus.
Insider Tips for Singapore Travelers in Seoul
- Peak hours: Dinner crowds start from 7pm – if you’re travelling with kids, go before 6pm to avoid long waits, just like popular hawker or zi char spots in Singapore.
- Payments: Cards are widely accepted; still keep some cash for markets. For Singapore users, your bank may charge FX fees – plan ahead by checking rates on Homejourney’s financing resources Bank Rates when budgeting for overseas spending.
- Food safety: Korea’s hygiene standards in cities like Seoul are generally high, similar to Singapore, but avoid raw seafood at dodgy-looking stalls and always check opening hours on Naver Maps before going.
Busan: Coastal Seafood, Local Markets and Beach Vibes
Busan is to Korea what East Coast and Sentosa are to Singapore – sea breeze, beaches and a more relaxed pace. For a Korea itinerary covering Seoul Busan Jeju, 2–3 days in Busan is ideal if you love seafood and coastal views.
Must-Try Food Experiences in Busan
- Jagalchi Fish Market – The most famous seafood market in Korea. You can choose fresh fish on the lower level and have it cooked upstairs. Prices depend on weight and type, but expect 20,000–40,000 KRW per person for sashimi or grilled fish meals.
- BIFF Square & Nampo-dong – Street food area known for ssiat hotteok (seed-filled pancakes), odeng (fish cake skewers) and tteokbokki. It’s compact enough to walk around in 1–2 hours.
- Haeundae & Gwangalli beaches – Seafront cafés, brunch spots and seafood restaurants. Like Singapore’s Punggol or East Coast, many restaurants here trade slightly higher prices for the view.
Local Dishes Unique to Busan
- Dwaeji-gukbap (pork soup rice) – A Busan speciality, comforting and affordable (7,000–10,000 KRW). Locals eat this for breakfast, lunch or supper, especially in colder months.
- Mil-myeon (wheat noodles) – Busan’s answer to naengmyeon (cold noodles), often enjoyed in summer by the sea.
Safety and Practical Tips in Busan
- Seafood freshness: Stick to busy stalls and restaurants with high turnover – this is the same principle as picking popular stalls in a Singapore hawker centre.
- Language: English is less common than in Seoul; use translation apps for menus. Many markets display prices per 100g – ask clearly before confirming.
- Transport: Subway and taxis are safe and reliable, like in Singapore. Most key food spots (Nampo, Jagalchi, Haeundae) are directly served by the metro.
Jeju: Farm-to-Table, Black Pork and Fresh Citrus
Jeju completes the Seoul Busan Jeju triangle and is essential if you want a complete Korea trip with nature, coastal drives and unique specialties you can’t really find in Seoul.
Signature Jeju Foods
- Jeju Black Pork BBQ – Famous for its flavour and texture. Expect slightly higher prices than Seoul BBQ (20,000–35,000 KRW per person), but the quality is worth it. Look for streets that specialise in black pork in Jeju City or Seogwipo.
- Abalone porridge – Comforting breakfast or light dinner, around 10,000–18,000 KRW. Popular with older travellers and families with younger kids.
- Hallabong & Jeju mandarins – Fresh citrus, juices and desserts are sold widely at markets and roadside stalls.
Where to Eat in Jeju (By Area Type)
- Jeju City – Best for short stays and easy access from the airport. You’ll find BBQ, porridge shops and cafés within walking distance of many hotels.
- Seogwipo – Good base for waterfalls and coastal trails; food options include seafood stews, sashimi and local markets.
- Rural/Coastal guesthouses – Some stays offer simple home-cooked breakfasts; if you self-drive, you can explore smaller local eateries off the main tourist belts.
Jeju Insider Notes for Singapore-based Travelers
- Self-drive vs public transport: Public buses exist but can be infrequent. For food-focused exploring, renting a car (with proper insurance) is more efficient, similar to driving in rural Malaysia from Singapore.
- Reservations: Popular black pork restaurants can have queues in peak seasons; arrive early (before 6pm) or book through your hotel.
