Begin with kimchi
Kimchi includes many vegetables and styles, with flavours that change by recipe and season. Museum Kimchikan in Insadong offers a food-culture stop before you sit down to eat.
Try a market-sized snack
Gwangjang Market is associated with mini gimbap, alongside pancakes, dumplings and other dishes. A few small orders give you room to explore the market without turning lunch into a checklist.
Compare hot and cold bowls
Samgyetang is chicken soup with ingredients such as rice, ginseng and jujubes. Naengmyeon offers chewy noodles in chilled broth or with a spicy sauce: two contrasting Korean meals.
Leave room for a casual evening
Korean fried chicken is another everyday favourite. Choose a setting that suits your group, check portions and ingredients, and use the meal as time to slow down after sightseeing.