I love Korean food as much as the next foreigner, but I was also happy to enjoy some familiar restaurants every once in awhile. We lived in Seoul for 3 years and were able to try all of these global (mostly Western) restaurant chains. Whether you’re living there long term, too, or are just visiting Seoul for a few days… you may want some familiar food for your kimchi-weary taste buds. I’ve got you covered.
I’ve already posted about the various familiar dessert chains and global fast food chains you can find in Seoul, but today I’m zero-ing in on familiar sit-down restaurants.
There are some interesting twists and slight menu changes, but you’ll mostly recognize the decor & foods offered at these restaurants. Generally speaking, you’ll find these global restaurant chains inside the large beautiful massive malls. Expect prices to be high— much higher than you’ll pay at (the majority of) Korean sit-down restaurants. But every once in awhile…it may just be worth it!
Here we go!
1. PF Changs
There are several locations around Seoul: Lotte World Mall (Songpa), COEX Mall, Songdo Triple Street (Incheon), Times Square (Yeongdeungpo), Seocho Branch
“A global Asian bistro that reinterprets Asian food in an American way” according to the website.
Come get those famous chicken lettuce wraps! Portions feel small, but the flavors were delicious. We only went here once, and TBH I’ve only been to the American version once as well.. but we had friends that loved coming here for special occasions.
2. On the Border
There are 4 locations around Seoul: Gangnam (COEX Mall), Jamsil (Lotte World Mall), Yeongdeungpo (IFC Mall), and up near City Hall/Jonggak station.
I rarely go to On the Border in the States, but really loved going in Korea. My husband and I really really missed Mexican food over in Asia. There ARE some nice Mexican restaurants over in Itaewon, and a few others scattered throughout Seoul. And although this is clearly not authentic street tacos or anything, it is predictable (American 😉 ) Mexican food. At the very least, it doesn’t have any kimchi on the menu (I love you Vatos Tacos but sometimes I just need a break).
The brightly colored decor, the expansive menu, and familiar flavors…all so happy for my heart. The chips & salsa were just like you’d hope, and I loved the chimichangas.
As you’d expect, the prices were pretty steep compared to Korean foods (ranging 14000 won to 17+ per entree), but in line with other Western restaurants. We went here multiple times, and I’m really grateful it was an option available to us!
3. Din Tai Fung
There are 3 locations in the greater Seoul area:
Jung-gu (Myeongdong): 13 Myeongdong 7-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Seocho (Gangnam): South Korea, Seoul, Seocho-gu, Seocho-daero 73-gil, 12 2층 (Near subway exits 9 & 10; it’s not on the main floor- you’ll need to walk up some stairs to get to the entrance!)
Yeongdeungpo: South Korea, Seoul, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Yeongjung-ro, 15 4층
This is a restaurant that originated in Taiwan and has since spread to the United States, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, Europe, and Thailand. For a reason! It’s incredible. Several of the Din Tai Fung restaurants have been awarded a Michelin star.
Din Tai Fung chains aren’t as widespread yet in America as some other restaurants on this list. If you haven’t been, you can find locations now in California, Oregon, Nevada, and Washington!
The xiao long bao (famous steamed pork soup dumplings) are to die for! Honestly. The green bean side dish (seriously) and fried rice were other favorites when I’d go with friends or family. Ok I’m drooling looking over this menu again. YUMMM!
4. Shake Shack
There are tons of locations throughout Seoul: 10+ in Seoul alone and over 20 total throughout the country! Locations in neighborhoods such as Gangnam, COEX, I Park Mall, Times Square, Cheongdam, Sillim, and so many more. Even the Incheon Airport.
We were living in Gangnam for Paul’s internship when the chain first came to the neighborhood in 2016! The line wrapped around and around (in the July humidity and heat) for weeks. It was madness. The craze has since cooled off, but all of these chains are always consistently busy.
We love Shake Shack, overpriced burgers and all. And honestly, the prices in Korea are about the same as you pay for Shake Shack in America ($6-7 for a burger), making it feel like a decent value for a night out in Seoul. It was a fun family outing for us when we really just needed some American burgers & fries. I also like their hot dogs actually, too!
Just like in the States, the shake & concrete flavors switch out seasonally, which is fun. The menu has slight variations (‘Gangnam’ concrete, specialty burger options with sesame seed and soy sauce flavors), but also lots of reliable favorites (burgers, chicken sandwiches, mushroom burgers for vegetarians).
Here’s the Shake Shack Korea website to learn more!
5. TGI Friday’s
There are several locations around Seoul: Gimpo Airport, Nowon Branch, Lotte Yeongdeungpo Branch, Lotte World Branch (Songpa), Jamsil Branch (Songpa), Jamsil Castle Branch (Songpa…they really like their TGI Fridays in Songpa!)
These restaurants have sports games on all the TV’s and classic American appetizers aplenty. The wings and quesadillas are everything you remember from home!
We only actually went here once, maybe twice… but their presence was felt and noticed almost daily since there are 3 locations in Jamsil, our beloved neighborhood.
Learn more on their Korean-based website.
6. California Pizza Kitchen
There are four locations around Seoul: Yeoksam Gangnam Finance Center, COEX (1st Floor), Gimpo Airport Lotte Mall, and Incheon Square One.
The Original BBQ Chicken Pizza tasted just as I remembered from the States. There’s more corn, mushrooms, & seafood found on the Korean CPK menus, but otherwise you’ll feel right at home here.
This was a great location for girls night, but beware if you’re thinking of taking your littles to eat here (pizza! familiar! fun!) … the wait times can be pretty intense.
Learn more on their Korean-based website.
Note: There are also some other pizza chains you’ll recognize (Papa Johns, Dominoes, etc.), but those aren’t sit-down restaurants…so you’ll find a separate post about all things pizza coming soon!
The End!
Am I missing any global restaurant chains in Seoul?? Which of these chains are you happy to have in Seoul?? Do any of them surprise you? Let me know in the comments below!
Cover Photo by Thomas Habr on Unsplash
Check out our other posts about food in Seoul, too!
Don’t Worry – Seoul Has 6 Familiar Dessert Chains You Know & Love!
5 Familiar Fast Food Chains you Can Find in Seoul, Korea
Seoul Expat Series: How to Shop for Groceries in Seoul, South Korea
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