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The 13 Best Budae Jjigae in Seoul

For those craving a taste of authentic Korean cuisine, Seoul is the place to be. With its bustling food scene, one dish that stands out is budae jjigae, a savory stew that blends the flavors of Korea and the US military.

Whether you're a newcomer to Seoul or a seasoned resident, finding the best spot for budae jjigae can be a daunting task. To help you in your search, we've compiled a list of the best places to enjoy this hearty dish in the city. From traditional eateries to modern twists on the classic recipe, you're sure to find a spot that satisfies your cravings.

How this guide is ordered

Finding the right budae jjigae in Seoul shouldn't take ages, so we shortlisted businesses with proven experience, positive feedback, reliable contact details and a convenient address.

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#1
Hannam Budaejjigae
4.390 reviews
#2
Deoksugung Budaejjigae & Soft Tofu
4.358 reviews
#3
Junhone Budaejjigae SKKU
4.346 reviews

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Compare 13 local options

Hannam Budaejjigae, Seoul#1
What stands out

  • Authentic and delicious food

  • Warm and friendly service

  • Generous portions

Hannam Budaejjigae

4.390 reviews
36 Daesagwan-ro 5-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea

Hannam Budaejjigae is a popular Korean restaurant located in Seoul, South Korea. They offer a variety of services and amenities such as dine-in options, alcohol, and lunch and dinner choices. The atmosphere is described as casual, perfect for groups looking to enjoy a delightful meal together.

Customers have left glowing reviews for Hannam Budaejjigae, highlighting the following key points:

Whether you're a fan of Budaejjigae or other Korean dishes, the menu at Hannam Budaejjigae has something for everyone. Come experience the flavors and hospitality for yourself at this cozy spot in Seoul!

Deoksugung Budaejjigae & Soft Tofu, Seoul#2
What stands out

  • Simple restaurant with a minimum order for 2 people, ideal for those craving a satisfying meal.

  • Great value for the price, generous portions, delicious flavors, and friendly staff.

  • Popular spot for budaejjigae lovers, with refillable rice and noodles.

  • Excellent quality and affordable prices, making it a go-to place for a satisfying meal.

Deoksugung Budaejjigae & Soft Tofu

4.358 reviews
217 Sunhwa-dong, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea

Deoksugung Budaejjigae & Soft Tofu is a popular restaurant situated in Sunhwa-dong, Seoul, South Korea. Offering a variety of services, customers can enjoy dine-in or opt for takeaway options, making it convenient for all preferences. Known for its delicious budaejjigae and soft tofu, this restaurant provides a casual atmosphere, perfect for groups looking to enjoy a hearty meal.

With a 4.3 rating based on 58 reviews, customers rave about their dining experience at Deoksugung Budaejjigae & Soft Tofu. Here are some key points from the reviews:

If you're in Seoul and craving some comforting Korean dishes, Deoksugung Budaejjigae & Soft Tofu is a must-visit spot for a memorable dining experience.

Junhone Budaejjigae SKKU, Seoul#3
What stands out

  • Great food with affordable prices

  • Comfortable dining atmosphere for solo diners

  • Generous portions and unlimited refills of rice, beverages, and potato tarts

  • Friendly and attentive staff

Junhone Budaejjigae SKKU

4.346 reviews
9 Sungkyunkwan-ro 5-gil, Myeongnyun 3(sam)-ga, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea

Junhone Budaejjigae SKKU is a popular Korean restaurant located in Seoul, South Korea, known for its delicious food and welcoming atmosphere. This establishment offers a variety of services and features, such as takeaway and dine-in options, making it convenient for customers with different preferences. The restaurant is praised for its affordable prices and generous portions, with free self-serve rice, soda, soup, and kimchi available for diners.

Customers have left positive reviews about their experiences at Junhone Budaejjigae SKKU, highlighting a few key points:

Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, Junhone Budaejjigae SKKU is a fantastic choice for authentic Korean cuisine in a casual setting.

Nolboo Bossam Nolboo Budaejjigae(Euljiro 6-ga Branch), Seoul#4
What stands out

  • The soup was refreshing and tasty, with attentive and friendly staff.

  • Great experience with welcoming service and delicious food.

  • Food quality met expectations and service was good.

Nolboo Bossam Nolboo Budaejjigae(Euljiro 6-ga Branch)

4.1152 reviews
서울특별시 중구 을지로43길 34, 18-103 Euljiro 6(yuk)-ga, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea

Nolboo Bossam Nolboo Budaejjigae(Euljiro 6-ga Branch) is a renowned Restaurant in Seoul, South Korea. The establishment offers various amenities, including Lunch and Dinner options, Alcohol and Beer service, and has a Casual atmosphere which caters to Groups. Additionally, the restaurant Accepts reservations and payment via Credit cards.

Customers have left positive feedback, summarizing the reviews as:

With a solid rating of 4.1, Nolboo Bossam Nolboo Budaejjigae(Euljiro 6-ga Branch) stands out as a must-visit dining spot in the heart of Seoul.

흥부네부대찌개, Seoul#5
What stands out

  • Surprised by the tasty food even after Covid, good portion size, and affordable prices with rice included

  • Best Budae jjigae around with homely feels and soul-warming food

  • Delicious dishes but may be a bit salty for some

흥부네부대찌개

4.1231 reviews
South Korea, Seoul, Mapo-gu, Wausan-ro 29ma-gil, 10 흥부네부대찌개

흥부네부대찌개 is a popular Budae-jjigae restaurant located in Seoul, South Korea. They offer a variety of services, including Kerbside pickup, Takeaway, and Dine-in. Customers can enjoy their delicious food options for Lunch and Dinner in a casual atmosphere that is great for groups.

With a rating of 4.1 stars, 흥부네부대찌개 has received positive reviews from many customers. Some key points from the reviews include:

Overall, customers have praised the delicious food, cozy atmosphere, and friendly service at 흥부네부대찌개. If you're a fan of Budae-jjigae, this restaurant is a must-visit in Seoul!

Itaeri Budaejjigae Hakdong Branch, Seoul#6
What stands out

  • Good to visit if you like salty and spicy dishes. The food has a rich history dating back to the Korean war, providing a satisfying meal.

  • Cool stew that pairs perfectly with buttered rice, creating a taste like no other.

  • Delicious, generous portions of Budae-jjigae. Easy self-service options for customizing the meal to your liking. Ideal for those looking for a filling and satisfying dining experience.

  • While the taste of the stew is ordinary, the restaurant offers good value for its hearty portions, making it a popular choice among locals and office workers.

Itaeri Budaejjigae Hakdong Branch

4.0258 reviews
15 Hakdong-ro 33-gil, Gangnam District, Seoul, South Korea

Itaeri Budaejjigae Hakdong Branch is a popular Budae-jjigae restaurant located in Gangnam District, Seoul, South Korea. The restaurant offers a variety of services and features to cater to its customers, including takeaway and dine-in options. Customers can enjoy a casual atmosphere while dining in and can pay using credit cards for convenience.

The restaurant is known for its flavorful Budae-jjigae, which is a delicious and hearty stew perfect for those who enjoy salty and spicy flavors. Customers praise the stew for its unique taste and quality ingredients. Here are some summarized customer reviews:

Experience the delicious flavors of Budae-jjigae at Itaeri Budaejjigae Hakdong Branch and indulge in a savory meal that will leave you craving for more.

Myeongdong Budae Jjigae, Seoul#7
What stands out

  • Friendly staff with helpful portion sizes

  • Mouth-melting amazing pork

  • Exquisite and tasty local food

  • Great service, especially from the owners

Myeongdong Budae Jjigae

4.0149 reviews
25-7 Myeongdong-gil, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea

Myeongdong Budae Jjigae is a Korean traditional full course meal restaurant located in the heart of Seoul, South Korea. The restaurant offers a variety of services and features to enhance the dining experience. Customers can enjoy a delicious full course meal in a casual atmosphere, either for lunch or dinner. The restaurant accepts reservations for those looking to plan ahead, and they offer credit card payments for convenience.

With a rating of 4.0 based on 149 reviews, Myeongdong Budae Jjigae has received positive feedback from customers. Some key points from the reviews include:

If you are looking for a cozy restaurant serving authentic Korean cuisine, Myeongdong Budae Jjigae is the place to visit!

Sinuiju Budaejjigae City Hall, Seoul#8
What stands out

  • Staight foward all you can eat Korean pork BBQ. The place where local eats. Warm atmosphere, Great flavors.

  • Not bad.

  • Cool.

  • Pretty good.

Sinuiju Budaejjigae City Hall

3.9219 reviews
20 Sejong-daero 18-gil, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea

Sinuiju Budaejjigae City Hall is a popular Korean restaurant located in the heart of Seoul, South Korea. They offer a variety of services and features to ensure an enjoyable dining experience for their customers. Some of the key offerings include Dine-in service, a wide selection of Alcohol and Beer, as well as Late-night food options for those looking for a delicious meal late in the evening. The restaurant provides a warm and casual atmosphere perfect for groups, with the convenience of accepting reservations and credit card payments.

With a solid 3.9 rating from 219 reviews, customers have shared their thoughts on their experiences at Sinuiju Budaejjigae City Hall. Here are some summarized comments:

These reviews showcase the overall positive sentiment from customers who have visited the restaurant, highlighting the delicious food and inviting atmosphere that makes Sinuiju Budaejjigae City Hall a must-visit spot in Seoul.

Myeongdong Songtan Budaejjigae, Seoul#9
What stands out

  • Warm and friendly service from the owners

  • Delicious and authentic army stew with generous portions

  • Top-notch customer service with attentive staff

Myeongdong Songtan Budaejjigae

3.9155 reviews
35-20 Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea

Myeongdong Songtan Budaejjigae is a cozy and homely restaurant located in Seoul, South Korea. They offer a variety of dining options such as Lunch and Dinner, with Takeaway and Dine-in services available. Customers can enjoy a casual atmosphere and group gatherings are welcomed.

Some of the offerings at this restaurant include Alcohol and Beer, ensuring a delightful dining experience. They accept Credit cards for payment convenience. Amenities like clean toilets are also provided for customers.

According to numerous positive customer reviews, here are the key points summarized:

SLocal option
#10
What stands out

  • Delicious and affordable budae jigae, with popular lunch options like duruchigi.

  • Generous portions and a wide variety of side dishes, especially loved the unlimited egg fried rice.

  • Strong flavors with plenty of gochujang, may be too salty for some palates.

  • Good service and pleasant dining experience overall.

Sinuiju Budae Jjigae

3.981 reviews
1층 Sinuiju Budae Jjigae, 엘림빌딩 9 Eonju-ro 134-gil, Gangnam District, Seoul, South Korea

Sinuiju Budae Jjigae is a popular Budae-jjigae restaurant located in Gangnam District, Seoul, South Korea. This restaurant offers a variety of services and features to their customers, including Takeaway and Dine-in options, as well as a casual atmosphere perfect for groups. Customers can enjoy delicious Budae-jigae that is both affordable and tasty. The restaurant accepts credit cards and reservations, making it convenient for diners.

Here are some key points from customer reviews:

NLocal option
#11
What stands out

  • Great food quality

  • Convenient location for office workers

  • Good for lunch reservations

  • Excellent service

nolboo

3.810 reviews
40 Namdaemun-ro 9-gil, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea

nolboo is a popular Budae-jjigae restaurant located in the heart of Seoul, South Korea. Known for its delicious dishes and welcoming atmosphere, nolboo offers a variety of services and features to its customers.

Customers have praised nolboo for several key points:

With a rating of 3.8 and 10 reviews, nolboo strives to provide a memorable dining experience for all guests. Whether you're craving traditional Korean cuisine or looking to try something new, nolboo has something for everyone. Come dine in and experience the flavors of Seoul at nolboo!

Songtan Budae-jjigae, Seoul#12
What stands out

  • The special sausage stew with ramen is a must-try and too good to resist.

  • The staff and owners are incredibly friendly, making customers feel like family.

  • The stew is served on a table with a gas fire, allowing customers to control the temperature.

  • Customers appreciate the tasty side dishes and unique rice mix served at the restaurant.

Songtan Budae-jjigae

3.8499 reviews

Open 24 hours

7-1 Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam District, Seoul, South Korea

Songtan Budae-jjigae is a popular Korean restaurant located in Gangnam District, Seoul, South Korea. They offer a variety of services and features to enhance the dining experience. Customers can enjoy Takeaway or Dine-in options, and they accept Credit cards for payment. The restaurant provides a Casual atmosphere that is perfect for dining with Groups.

The specialty dish at Songtan Budae-jjigae is the spicy sausage stew, known as Budaejjigae. Customers rave about the delicious flavors and generous portions of sausage and ham in the stew. The restaurant has been serving this authentic dish for over 20 years, staying true to its original taste.

Here are some key points from customer reviews:

Nolboo Budaejjigae, Seoul#13
What stands out

  • Helpful staff and personalized service

  • Delicious food with the perfect level of spice

  • Spacious dining area, ideal for quick meals

  • Typical, but satisfying Budae-jjigae experience

Nolboo Budaejjigae

3.526 reviews
23 Saemunan-ro 9-gil, Dangju-dong, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea

Nolboo Budaejjigae is a popular Budae-jjigae restaurant located in Seoul, South Korea. The establishment offers a variety of dining options including lunch and dinner, with the option for takeaway or dine-in service. Customers can enjoy a casual atmosphere suitable for individuals or groups.

The restaurant is known for its tasty Budae-jjigae (Army Base Stew) made with quality ingredients. Reviews highlight several key points:

Overall, Nolboo Budaejjigae has received positive feedback from customers, attracting both locals and tourists alike. With its convenient location and tasty offerings, it's a must-visit spot for those craving traditional Korean comfort food.

Summary

The comparison at a glance

#BusinessRatingReviews
#1Hannam Budaejjigae 4.390
#2Deoksugung Budaejjigae & Soft Tofu 4.358
#3Junhone Budaejjigae SKKU 4.346
#4Nolboo Bossam Nolboo Budaejjigae(Euljiro 6-ga Branch) 4.1152
#5흥부네부대찌개 4.1231
#6Itaeri Budaejjigae Hakdong Branch 4.0258
#7Myeongdong Budae Jjigae 4.0149
#8Sinuiju Budaejjigae City Hall 3.9219
#9Myeongdong Songtan Budaejjigae 3.9155
#10Sinuiju Budae Jjigae 3.981
#11nolboo 3.810
#12Songtan Budae-jjigae 3.8499
#13Nolboo Budaejjigae 3.526

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Map and areas

Map of Budae Jjigae in Seoul

Seoul is known for its vibrant food scene, and one dish that stands out is budae jjigae. This spicy broth-based stew is a popular comfort food that combines a variety of ingredients such as spam, sausage, instant noodles, and vegetables. To help you navigate the city's numerous budae jjigae restaurants, take a look at the map below to find the best spots to try this delicious dish.

How to choose Budae Jjigae in Seoul

  1. Location.
  2. Price.
  3. Quality of ingredients.
  4. Atmosphere.
  5. Menu variety.

Frequently asked questions

What is Budae Jjigae?

Budae Jjigae is a popular Korean stew that originated during the Korean War when food scarcity led people to create a dish using surplus Army rations. The name translates to "army stew" in English, and it typically includes a spicy broth base with ingredients such as spam, hot dogs, instant noodles, tofu, vegetables, and kimchi. The dish has evolved over time with various additions and modifications, but it remains a comforting and hearty meal beloved by many Koreans.

Where can you Find the Best Budae Jjigae in Seoul?

When it comes to finding the best Budae Jjigae in Seoul, there are countless restaurants and eateries that offer their take on this iconic dish. Some popular spots known for their delicious Budae Jjigae include Myeongdong Kyoja, Jingogae, and Daepaedang. These establishments are frequented by locals and tourists alike, making them must-visit destinations for anyone craving a flavorful bowl of Budae Jjigae.

Is Budae Jjigae a Spicy Dish?

Budae Jjigae is typically known for its spicy and savory flavor profile, thanks to the inclusion of ingredients such as kimchi, red pepper paste, and gochugaru (Korean chili flakes). However, the level of spiciness can vary depending on the restaurant and personal preference. Some establishments offer milder versions of Budae Jjigae for those who are sensitive to heat, while others crank up the spice for adventurous eaters seeking a flavorful kick.

What are Some Tips for Enjoying Budae Jjigae in Seoul?

When dining on Budae Jjigae in Seoul, there are a few tips to enhance your experience. Firstly, be sure to mix all the ingredients in the stew thoroughly to ensure each bite is packed with flavor. Secondly, pair your Budae Jjigae with a side of rice or ramyeon (Korean instant noodles) to enjoy a well-rounded meal. Finally, don't forget to add extra toppings such as cheese or egg for a decadent twist on this classic dish.

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