Types of Korean Restaurants — Bunsik, Gogitjip, Gukbap and More

Snack bars 분식집

Cheap and fast: tteokbokki, gimbap, ramyeon, fried snacks. Chains like Gimbap Cheonguk have long menus and open late.

General Korean restaurants and set-meal places (백반집) serving stews, rice dishes and side dishes.

Korean BBQ: you grill at the table. Meat is sold per serving, often with a two-serving minimum.

Soup-and-rice restaurants — quick, filling and good value, many open early or around the clock.

Korean-Chinese restaurants for jjajangmyeon, jjamppong and sweet and sour pork — and the most common delivery.

Fried chicken shops, usually with beer (chimaek). Most do takeaway and delivery.

Pubs and tent bars where food is ordered to go with drinks (안주) — shared plates, not single meals.

Raw fish restaurants, often by the sea or in fish markets; fish is sold by size or weight, with a spicy stew made from the bones afterwards.

Traditional markets with food stalls — pancakes, sundae, gimbap and snacks at counters.

Street stalls and carts, especially busy in winter evenings.

Convenience stores with hot water, microwaves and a place to eat.

Cafés serve desserts like bingsu and traditional teas, as well as coffee.

Rice cake shops sell fresh tteok, best eaten the same day.

Porridge restaurants — gentle food when you are tired or unwell.