South Korea
Eating in South Korea: from mountain breakfast to dinner by the sea
In South Korea, you eat differently than at home, and that is exactly the intention. Wake up early, eat where locals eat, and know where to tip and where not to. This guide follows you from morning to night.
7 September 2026 · Wayloha editorial · 3 sources
Breakfast: early and nutritious
South Koreans eat breakfast early. In smaller villages near historical sites or close to Seoraksan National Park, the day already begins for many locals before tourists are even awake.
The meal is not light. You get rice, soup, and various small side dishes. It gives you energy for a long hike in the mountains or a day full of sightseeing.
Plan in advance what you want to eat in the morning.
- Breakfast is a nutritious meal - eat enough for an active day.
- In small towns, it is better to order for the next day in the evening.
Korean food tastes quite different when you taste it in the right place at the right time.South Korea
Coffee: a moment to recover in the city
In Seoul and other large cities, coffee is a culture. Everywhere you find cafés where you can sit for a moment, plan your day, and escape the crowds.
This is also the moment to be careful. In busy places, people leave their belongings behind. A common mistake is picking up something from the ground that you see lying there. In South Korea, this can legally be seen as theft, even if you mean well.
- Watch your belongings carefully in busy city centres.
Lunch: eat where the locals eat
Around midday, travellers often seek out the tourist restaurants. Big mistake. You get the best lunch in the simple eateries outside the neon-lit areas, especially if you have just come from a hike in Seoraksan or a visit to islands such as Ulleungdo.
Here you eat what real Koreans eat, at fair prices, and the dish is always what you need after physical exertion. Look for the local spots, not the place with the beautiful menu.
- Skip the restaurants with photos in the window - go where there are no tourists sitting.
Drinks: the coast and the social moment
Towards the evening, especially along the coast near Busan or on the islands close to Incheon, it is lovely to pause for a drink. The sea, the salty air, and local guests discussing their day: this is the social moment of the day.
While you listen and observe, you will hear remarks and conversation topics pass by. Make sure you know how to behave respectfully in these situations. Learn beforehand what is and is not appropriate in Korean culture.
- Prepare yourself well by picking up some basic knowledge of Korean etiquette and social rules.
Dinner and the night
This is when you taste the real Korean dishes, and many of them are spicy.
A final tip: tipping is unusual, it is not necessary and not expected.
- Tipping is unusual - it is not necessary and not expected.
