Best Budget Eats in Seoul for Under $5

 

“Korean street food under $5, including gimbap, tteokbokki, instant ramen, and a food truck in Seoul.”

💸 Delicious doesn’t have to be expensive

Seoul is full of food options that can easily break your wallet—but dig just a little deeper, and you’ll discover that some of the best meals in the city are also the cheapest. Whether you're a broke traveler, a student, or just someone who loves value, here are the best places to eat in Seoul for under $5.

🥢 1. Gimbap Heaven (김밥천국)

Kimbap Heaven is a budget eater’s paradise. From tuna gimbap to spicy tteokbokki, you’ll find full meals here for ₩3,500–₩5,000.

Recommended combo: Tuna Gimbap + Tteokbokki
Bonus tip: Ask for "eomuk-tang" (fish cake soup)—it's free in most locations!

🍲 2. Convenience Store Meals (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven)

Today’s Korean convenience stores are next-level. You can find rice bowls, ramen, and even Korean BBQ dosirak for less than $5.

Must-try:

  • Triangle Kimbap (삼각김밥)

  • Bulgogi Lunch Box

  • Microwaveable Jjajangmyeon

Tip: Look for the microwave and hot water station near the cashier.

🍜 3. Street Food Carts (분식 포차)

Wandering near subway stations or local markets? Keep an eye out for street carts selling tteokbokki, hotteok, odeng, and sundae.

Budget classic combo: Tteokbokki + fish cake stick + a soda = under ₩5,000

🥟 4. Local Bunsik Restaurants (분식집)

Found all over the city, these diners serve comfort Korean food like ramyeon, sundae, mandu (dumplings), and kimchi fried rice.

Local tip: Look for handwritten signs and plastic benches—that’s where the good stuff is.

🧊 5. Korean Cold Noodles (냉면) Joints

Naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles) is not only refreshing but often surprisingly cheap at local chains.

Price range: ₩4,500–₩5,000
Try it with: A boiled egg and vinegar-mustard sauce

🍥 6. Egg Toast from Street Stalls

For breakfast on-the-go, Seoul’s signature Korean egg toast is unbeatable. Think sweet-savory sandwiches with cabbage, ketchup, and fried egg on toast.

Where to find: Myeongdong, Gangnam, Hongdae
Cost: ₩3,000–₩4,500

✅ Final Thoughts

The myth that Seoul is expensive for food? Busted. With just a few bills in your pocket, you can eat like a local, experience authentic Korean flavors, and still have change left for a coffee.


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