Myeongdong Hotel + Seoul Food
Seoul Foodie’s Paradise
Discovering the Real Taste of Seoul Starting from the Hotel
Seoul has always been a mysterious culinary city to me. I’d seen countless photos and videos of Korean food and dreamed of tasting it all in person. As someone who takes food seriously when traveling, I wanted a hotel that not only offered high-quality lodging but also easy access to authentic local restaurants. That’s why, while searching for a hotel in Myeongdong, I was determined to find one that could satisfy my foodie desires.
The Plaza Hotel Seoul exceeded every expectation. It wasn’t just a place to sleep—it became the perfect basecamp for a gourmet adventure in the heart of the city. From cozy, restful rooms to a neighborhood full of hidden dining gems, every meal felt like a new adventure. Let me share my real experiences—from the peaceful moments inside the hotel to the foodie hotspots I discovered on foot. If you want to enjoy both taste and atmosphere during your trip, read on!
The Start of a Tasty Adventure: The Plaza Hotel as My Foodie Navigator
During my stay at The Plaza Hotel Seoul, I fully took advantage of its unbeatable location. The moment I stepped outside, I was greeted by Myeongdong’s famous food streets, allowing me to save time and dive straight into my culinary quest. Thanks to this convenience, I didn’t need to sign up for any “popular day tours from Seoul hotels.” My food tour began right at the hotel entrance—and it was entirely my own.
Myeongdong: A Haven for Korean Street Food and Hot Spot Restaurants
(10 minutes on foot)
The walk from The Plaza Hotel to central Myeongdong takes just 10 minutes. As soon as I arrived, the streets came alive with the scent of spicy and sweet delights.
My favorite Myeongdong street eats:
Tornado Potato – The crispy spiral potato, seasoned generously, had an addictive crunch. The visual alone made me want seconds before I even finished the first one.
Egg Bread (Gyeran-ppang) – Soft bread with a whole egg inside. Warm, fluffy, and comforting—this felt like pure happiness in snack form. It was the perfect dessert-style finish to my snack lineup.
Grilled Lobster – Cooked right in front of you! The plump, tender meat paired with buttery seasoning made this a luxurious treat. I didn’t expect such high quality from street food.
Loaded Baked Potato – A large baked potato topped with your choice of generous toppings. I went with the shop owner’s recommendation: Bolognese and meatballs with cheese on top. The hearty flavors made it feel more like a meal than a snack.
Fresh Fruit Juice – I chose watermelon juice, and it tasted just-pressed and super refreshing. It was exactly what I needed to recharge after walking around.
Local Restaurant Gems Near the Hotel
Bukchang-dong Sundubu (7 min walk) – My first meal in Seoul was a bowl of spicy soft tofu stew at this local favorite. A short morning stroll from the hotel brought me to a bubbling pot of silky tofu in a rich broth, served with steaming stone-pot rice. I asked for mine a little spicier, and the flavor was deep, comforting, and utterly satisfying. A popular breakfast or hangover meal among locals—and for good reason.
Hanam Pig House, Myeongdong (15 min walk) – You can’t leave Korea without trying samgyeopsal (pork belly BBQ). This restaurant stood out because the staff grilled the meat for me. I got to relax and enjoy perfectly cooked pork belly wrapped in lettuce with grilled kimchi and garlic. The side dishes like kimchi stew and steamed eggs rounded out the meal into a full Korean barbecue course.
Evenings of Flavor + Quiet Luxury
Despite a busy schedule, I was able to explore a new restaurant each evening and return to a peaceful hotel room for total relaxation. The Plaza’s quiet, refined atmosphere—right in the heart of bustling Seoul—allowed my culinary journey to shine even more brightly.
Tips for a Successful Seoul Foodie Trip from The Plaza Hotel
Q: When is the best time to enjoy Myeongdong street food?
A: Evenings are most vibrant, especially on weekends from 6–8 PM. For a more relaxed experience, go on weekdays around 5 PM or after 9 PM. Some stalls may sell out early, so check ahead. Try a few items at a time for the best variety.
Q: Where can I research the best food spots in advance?
A: YouTube: Search “Myeongdong Street Food Tour” or “Myeongdong Mukbang” for real-time reviews and visual recommendations.
Naver Blogs: Use the keyword “Best Myeongdong Street Food” for blog reviews. Auto-translate is available for non-Korean readers.
