Food, Culture, and Lifestyle in Seoul: A Student Guide

Seoul truly offers a special experience, blending its many food options, deep-rooted traditions, and current lifestyle. This mix of what's classic and what's new provides something exciting for everyone to explore and learn from. To truly enjoy your time in the city, knowing about the local food, how people interact, and their daily routines is essential. It helps everyone, whether you are a student exploring or just here to learn about the culture.

This guide covers a lot, from eating well without spending too much to understanding Korean coffee culture and knowing how to handle Seoul's drinking customs.

1. What is the Cheapest Healthy Food in Seoul?

Seoul is known for its vast array of food options, and fortunately, there are many healthy and affordable choices for students and expats on a budget. Here are a few options that are both nutritious and wallet-friendly:

Kimchi (김치): The staple of Korean cuisine, kimchi is a fermented vegetable dish, typically made with cabbage or radishes, and seasoned with chilli peppers, garlic, and ginger. It’s cheap, healthy, and packed with probiotics. You can find kimchi at almost every meal, and it’s often served for free at restaurants as part of the banchan (side dishes).
Bibimbap (비빔밥): A bowl of mixed rice topped with vegetables, egg, and usually a meat of choice (often beef). The vegetarian version is incredibly affordable, and the variety of vegetables makes it a nutritious choice. You can find it in most Korean restaurants at reasonable prices.
Tofu Dishes (두부): Tofu is commonly used in Korean cooking, especially in soups (like sundubu-jjigae, a soft tofu stew) or stir-fries. Tofu is inexpensive and packed with protein, making it a great option for vegetarians and vegans as well.
Banchan (반찬): Korean side dishes, often consisting of fermented vegetables, pickled radish, and stir-fried greens, are both healthy and typically offered at no additional cost when you order a main dish at many Korean restaurants.
Rice and Stews: You can also find barley rice (보리밥) or sweet potato (고구마) as low-cost, nutritious options in various local eateries. Stews like kimchi jjigae or miso-based soups are hearty and inexpensive.

2. Can Vegetarians / Vegans Manage Easily in Seoul?

While vegetarianism and veganism are not as widespread in Korea as in Western countries, the plant-based diet in Seoul is growing in popularity, and it's definitely possible to find vegetarian or vegan food if you know where to look.

Vegetarian Restaurants: Seoul has a number of vegetarian-specific restaurants, especially in areas like Itaewon and Sinchon. Popular places like Plant (in Itaewon) serve creative vegan dishes like vegan burgers, bowls, and raw cakes.
Traditional Korean Dishes: Korean cuisine, known for its abundant vegetable dishes, can easily be adapted for vegetarians. Options like bibimbap, pajeon (savory pancakes), and doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) are vegetarian-friendly. However, it's crucial to be aware of hidden animal products, such as fish sauce or chicken stock, which are often used in Korean cooking.
Vegan Supermarkets: There are specialised supermarkets such as The Amazing Korea Vegan Store in Itaewon and online platforms like Coupang or Gmarket that offer vegan products, including plant-based milks, meat substitutes, and dairy-free snacks.

3. Is Halal Food Available Near Universities?

Seoul’s diverse food scene caters to many different tastes, including those of Muslim students. While halal food isn’t as common in regular restaurants, there are several places near major universities where halal food is readily available:

Itaewon: This area is known as the international neighbourhood of Seoul, and it has a substantial Muslim population. Halal restaurants such as Makan (마칸) and Eid offer traditional dishes like biryani, lamb kebabs, and chicken tikka.
University Areas: Students from universities like Seoul National University (SNU), Korea University, and Yonsei University can find halal food near campus in areas like Sinchon or Hyehwa. There are also halal-friendly cafés and eateries offering a mix of Korean and international dishes.

4. How Expensive is Coffee Culture in Seoul?

Seoul has a thriving coffee culture, with cafés offering everything from affordable instant coffee to premium specialty brews. However, the price can vary significantly based on the type of café:

Chain Cafés: Popular chains like Café Bene, Starbucks, and Angel-in-us sell a regular coffee for around ₩2,000 to ₩4,500 (approximately £1.20 to £2.70). These cafés are abundant throughout the city, particularly near university areas like Hongdae and Sinchon.
Independent and Specialty Cafés: Seoul is home to a growing number of independent coffee shops, especially in trendy areas like Gangnam, Itaewon, and Garosugil. A cup of coffee in a speciality café can range from ₩4,500 to ₩7,000 (£2.70 to £4.30), depending on the quality of the coffee and the café's reputation.
Budget-Friendly Options: If you're looking to save on coffee, there are countless convenience stores (like GS25, CU, and 7-Eleven) offering instant coffee and iced coffees for ₩1,000 to ₩2,000 (about £0.60 to £1.20), which is an affordable option for students.

5. What Are Must-Try Foods for Students in Korea?

When in Seoul, certain dishes should be at the top of every student's food bucket list. These must-try foods represent the flavours of Korean cuisine and are easily available at restaurants or street food stalls:

Bulgogi (불고기): Marinated beef grilled on a hot plate, often served with rice and side dishes. It’s one of the most famous Korean dishes.
Tteokbokki (떡볶이): A popular street food made from chewy rice cakes in a spicy, sweet sauce. It's a student favourite because it’s both cheap and filling.
Samgyeopsal (삼겹살): Korean BBQ where you grill your own pork belly at the table. A fun social activity that's perfect for gatherings with friends.
Kimchi Jjigae (김치찌개): A rich, spicy stew made with kimchi, tofu, and pork, often served with rice. A comforting dish, especially in colder months.
Hotteok (호떡): A sweet, fried pancake filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts. A favourite snack during the winter months.

6. What’s the Etiquette for Eating and Drinking in Korea?

In Korea, food and drink come with specific cultural norms that students and expats should observe to show respect:

Chopsticks and Spoon Etiquette: In Korea, the spoon is used for rice, while chopsticks are used for side dishes. It’s important not to stick chopsticks upright into rice, as this resembles a funeral custom.
Drinking Etiquette: When drinking alcohol, especially with others, it’s customary to pour drinks for others rather than pour your own. Hold the glass with two hands when receiving a drink. Always take a small sip after clinking glasses.
Respecting Elders: Koreans are particularly sensitive to respect for elders, so when eating in a group, wait for the oldest person to begin eating before you start.

7. Where Do Students Shop for Cheap Groceries?

For students on a budget, grocery shopping in Seoul doesn’t need to break the bank. Here are some of the best places to shop for affordable groceries:

Emart and Lotte Mart: These large supermarkets offer a wide variety of products, from fresh produce to snacks, often at student-friendly prices. They also have locations near major university districts like Sinchon and Gangnam.
Traditional Markets: Seoul is home to several traditional markets, such as Gwangjang Market and Namdaemun Market, where you can buy fresh produce, meat, and Korean staples at lower prices compared to supermarkets.
Local Grocery Stores: Smaller stores such as GS25 or CU convenience stores also stock affordable snacks, canned goods, and instant meals that are perfect for students looking for quick and budget-friendly options.

8. How Do Students Handle Alcohol Culture in Korea?

Korean social culture, especially among university students. It’s common for students to engage in drinking after classes or during “hoeshik” (work dinners), which are company dinners that often involve drinking and bonding. However, it’s important to understand the customs surrounding alcohol:

Soju (소주) is the most popular alcoholic beverage in Korea, typically consumed in a group setting. Students often enjoy soju alongside beer (called “so-maek”, a mix of soju and beer) at bars or restaurants.
Pacing Yourself: Alcohol is often consumed in large quantities during social gatherings. Students should be mindful of their limits and understand that it’s customary to pour drinks for others, but never pour your own.
Drinking Responsibly: It’s important to drink responsibly in Korea. While drinking is a social norm, drunk behaviour is frowned upon, especially in public. Be sure to drink with respect and understand your limits.

Conclusion

Seoul presents a fascinating mix of old and new in its food, culture, and lifestyle. Seoul really has something for everyone when it comes to food and drink. Whether you're interested in grabbing healthy and affordable meals like kimchi and bibimbap, exploring the unique drinking customs, or checking out the rise of coffee culture, the city meets all kinds of tastes and preferences. It's true, Seoul has options for everyone, from vegetarians to students on a budget, or anyone keen to explore Korean culinary traditions.

When you truly understand the food landscape and show respect for local etiquette, you will be able to immerse yourself in the rich culture of this remarkable city. When you are in Seoul, take some time to explore the many flavors the city offers.