Introduction
When visiting a foreign country, one of the things to consider is the cost of living, particularly the cost of food. In this article, we will discuss how much it costs to have a meal in Korea. We will also look at the different types of Korean dishes and their prices.
The Average Cost of a Meal in Korea
The average cost of a meal in Korea varies depending on the type of restaurant and the dish you order. However, in general, a meal in Korea can range from 5,000 to 20,000 Korean won (approximately $4 to $16 USD). If you opt for more upscale restaurants or famous Korean dishes such as barbecue or bibimbap, the price can go up to 30,000 to 50,000 Korean won (approximately $24 to $40 USD).
Cheap Eats in Korea
If you’re on a budget, you can still enjoy delicious Korean food without breaking the bank. Street food stalls offer snacks such as tteokbokki (spicy rice cake), odeng (fish cake), and hotteok (sweet pancake) for as low as 1,000 Korean won (approximately $1 USD). Convenience stores also offer affordable meals such as kimbap (rice rolls) and instant noodles for less than 3,000 Korean won (approximately $2.50 USD).
Mid-Range Restaurants in Korea
For mid-range restaurants, expect to pay around 10,000 to 15,000 Korean won (approximately $8 to $12 USD) per person for a decent meal. You can enjoy Korean favorites such as samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) or galbi-jjim (braised beef short ribs). These restaurants often serve banchan (side dishes) that come with the meal, such as kimchi and pickled vegetables.
Up-Scale Restaurants in Korea
If you’re looking for a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around 30,000 Korean won (approximately $24 USD) and above per person. These restaurants often specialize in Korean barbecue or traditional Korean cuisine such as hanjeongsik (a multi-course meal). You can also find fusion restaurants that mix Korean and Western cuisine.
Coffee Shops in Korea
Coffee shops are ubiquitous in Korea, and they offer more than just coffee. You can enjoy baked goods, sandwiches, and even pasta dishes. Coffee shops such as Starbucks and Coffee Bean offer similar prices to their counterparts in other countries. However, independent coffee shops may offer slightly lower prices.
Alcohol Prices in Korea
Koreans love to drink, and soju (a type of Korean alcohol) is a popular choice. Soju is relatively cheap, with a bottle costing around 3,000 Korean won (approximately $2.50 USD) at convenience stores. Beer and other alcoholic beverages are also widely available in Korea, with prices ranging from 3,000 to 6,000 Korean won (approximately $2.50 to $5 USD) per bottle or can.
Korean Food Delivery
If you’re too busy to go out or prefer to stay in your hotel or accommodation, food delivery is a convenient option. Many Korean restaurants offer delivery services through mobile apps such as Baedal Minjok and Yogiyo. Delivery fees are usually around 3,000 to 5,000 Korean won (approximately $2.50 to $4 USD).
Tipping in Korea
Tipping is not customary in Korea. In fact, leaving a tip may be seen as rude or awkward. Instead, Koreans show their appreciation by saying “thank you” or “gomabseubnida” (the Korean word for “thank you”).
Conclusion
Korean food is delicious and diverse, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. Whether you’re on a budget or looking for a fine dining experience, you can find a meal that suits your taste and budget in Korea.
FAQs
What is the cheapest Korean food?
Street food stalls offer some of the cheapest Korean food, such as tteokbokki (spicy rice cake), odeng (fish cake), and hotteok (sweet pancake).
How much does it cost to eat at a Korean BBQ restaurant?
The cost of eating at a Korean BBQ restaurant varies depending on the type of meat and the number of people. In general, expect to pay around 30,000 to 50,000 Korean won (approximately $24 to $40 USD) per person.
Is tipping customary in Korea?
No, tipping is not customary in Korea. Instead, Koreans show their appreciation by saying “thank you” or “gomabseubnida” (the Korean word for “thank you”).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loOGii7_Y5U
Is it expensive to eat out in South Korea?
Compared to other international cuisines, Korean food has not gained as much global recognition. When visiting South Korea, you will have the opportunity to try many new dishes as the cuisine is not as well-known. Despite this, the cost of food in Korea is affordable and the quality is exceptional, making it a great value for travelers.
How much money do I need to take to Korea for 7 days?
If you have a mid-range budget, 120,000 Korean Won (krw) should suffice, while those with a higher budget should plan to spend at least 200,000 krw. It is advised to carry at least $200 in cash, which can be used in places where electronic payment is not accepted, or in case of emergency.
How much is a meal in South Korea in USD?
In South Korean restaurants, a meal at a low-cost establishment can cost between 6,000 to 15,000 Korean Won, which is equivalent to around 4.60 to 12 US dollars. A regular cappuccino costs around 3,000 to 6,500 Korean Won, which is equal to 2.30 to 5.10 US dollars. An espresso coffee typically costs 2,100 to 4,600 Korean Won, which is approximately 1.60 to 3.50 US dollars. A cheeseburger from a fast food restaurant costs around 1,800 to 2,600 Korean Won, which is equivalent to 1.40 to 2.10 US dollars.
Is it cheap to eat out in Korea?
Korean food is affordable, with the option of buying ingredients at a grocery store and cooking at home being even more cost-effective. It’s possible to have a meal in Korea for as little as 1000 won (0.76 USD).
How much is a Big Mac in South Korea?
In South Korea, the Big Mac is sold at over 400 locations for $3.86, which is $1.18 less than the price in the United States. This information was reported on January 4, 2017.
Do you need a lot of cash in Korea?
If you’re planning to visit South Korea, make sure to bring your credit or debit card as well as cash. South Korea is a modern and diverse country with a rich culture and exciting food scene, where all forms of payment are widely accepted, although cash is becoming less common.
Popular Korean Dishes
Korean cuisine is known for its bold flavors and unique dishes. Some popular Korean dishes include bibimbap, a rice bowl topped with vegetables, meat, and a fried egg; bulgogi, thinly sliced marinated beef or pork; kimchi, a spicy fermented vegetable dish; and tteokbokki, spicy rice cakes in a red pepper sauce. Other must-try dishes include samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly), galbi-jjim (braised beef short ribs), and jajangmyeon (noodles in black bean sauce).
Vegan and Vegetarian Options
Korean cuisine is not known for being vegetarian or vegan-friendly, as many dishes contain meat or seafood. However, there are still options for those who follow a plant-based diet. Some vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes include bibimbap without meat or egg, vegetable pancakes (jeon), and Korean-style stir-fried glass noodles (japchae) with vegetables. Additionally, some Buddhist temples in Korea offer vegan temple food (suryeon) that is both healthy and delicious.
Allergies and Dietary Restrictions
If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, it’s important to communicate this to the restaurant staff. Many Korean dishes contain soy sauce, which contains gluten. However, there are gluten-free soy sauce options available. Seafood is also a common ingredient in Korean cuisine, so it’s important to ask if a dish contains seafood if you’re allergic. Many restaurants offer menu items that cater to specific dietary restrictions or allergies.
Food Culture in Korea
Korean food culture is deeply rooted in tradition and socializing. Sharing food is an important part of Korean culture, as it symbolizes unity and harmony. When dining out with others, it’s common to order a variety of dishes and share them family-style. Korean food is also known for its health benefits, as many dishes are made with fresh vegetables and lean meats. Additionally, Korean cuisine often incorporates fermented foods such as kimchi, which is packed with probiotics and good bacteria for gut health.
