If you’re eating in Seoul’s Gangnam, this is the place! Introducing cheap and delicious restaurants!

Gangnam District, located on the south side of the Han River, is a popular area among tourists. It is packed with stylish shops and hotels, from luxury brand stores to unique vintage shops. Because it’s a popular spot for tourists, prices tend to be slightly higher, but since there are also many office buildings, there are plenty of inexpensive local eateries loved by locals. Here, I’d like to introduce you to some affordable and highly recommended places to eat in Gangnam!

1. Gangnam Samgyetang

If you’re looking for cheap and delicious samgyetang in Gangnam, Gangnam Samgyetang is the place to go. It’s a long-established restaurant run by a grandmother (halmeoni) who has preserved the traditional taste for years. The soup here is clear and refreshing, allowing you to season it to your liking with salt and pepper.
It’s recommended to start with just salt. And as for the main star—the chicken—it’s huge! Inside, you’ll find sticky rice soaked in rich chicken broth, which is absolutely exquisite and quite filling! From inside the rice, you’ll find Korean medicinal ingredients such as ginseng. It’s packed with collagen and is definitely good for your body! The restaurant is also known for its delicious banchan (side dishes). Come enjoy halmeoni’s proud samgyetang in Gangnam!

2. Sorae Galmaegisal Busokgogi Gangnam Branch

Do you know galmaegisal? In Japan, when people think of Korean pork barbecue, they often think of samgyeopsal or dwaeji galbi, but in Korea, people regularly eat various cuts of pork grilled. Among them, galmaegisal (pork skirt meat) is especially popular with young Koreans, and there are many specialty restaurants for it.
If you want to enjoy cheap, large portions of delicious galmaegisal in Gangnam, we recommend Sorae Galmaegisal Busokgogi Gangnam Station Branch. The menu features galmaegisal as the main item, along with busokgogi (various cuts such as offal and skin). Try ordering both to enjoy different flavors and textures! The taste is mild and healthy, making it perfect for Japanese palates—don’t miss trying galmaegisal in Gangnam!

3. Wonjo Ssambapjip

If you’re looking for a cheap and hearty meal in Gangnam, definitely check out Wonjo Ssambapjip (Original Ssambap House). Their signature menu is the Ssambap set, which includes wrap vegetables, samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly), ssamjang (Korean soybean paste), and banchan (side dishes). All vegetables here are organic, and you’ll be amazed by the mountain of 30 types of vegetables including lettuce, dandelion, and radish leaves.
The restaurant’s unique thinly sliced samgyeopsal is wrapped in vegetables with ssamjang, and the key to the flavor is their ssamjang. Their original ssamjang is aged for over a year and served bubbling hot. For a cheap, delicious, healthy, and hearty meal in Gangnam, the Ssambap set is highly recommended!

4. Urichip Mandu

This is a popular mandu (dumpling) specialty restaurant in Gangnam. Mandu are similar to Japanese gyoza, with thin skins made from wheat or buckwheat flour filled with more than 20 types of ingredients such as kimchi, meat, tofu, and vegetables—a Korean food Japanese people are sure to love.
Typically, mandu comes in two varieties: kimchi mandu and meat mandu. However, this shop specializes in a single, very popular type—kimchi mandu with meat. You can enjoy them steamed, grilled, or in soup. Urichip’s soup mandu is especially unique: hot steamed dumplings served in a cold naengmyeon-style broth with ice. It’s particularly popular in summer. For delicious and affordable food in Gangnam, Urichip Mandu is a must!

◎ Summary

What did you think of these affordable and delicious Gangnam eateries? The cheap and tasty restaurants frequented by locals let you experience authentic local flavors. Korean food is generally very hearty, but one thing all these dishes have in common is that they include plenty of vegetables! Even if you eat a lot, it’s very healthy—so enjoy exploring the food scene of Gangnam!

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If you’re eating in Seoul’s Gangnam, this is the place! Introducing cheap and delicious restaurants!