Where Is the Best Korean Restaurant in Saigon Now

Looking for the best Korean restaurant in Saigon? From sizzling bulgogi and flavorful kimchi stew to endless spreads of banchan, Saigon’s Korean dining scene offers both authenticity and variety. Whether in District 1, the lively Koreatown of District 7, or the boutique dining hubs of Thao Dien, travelers can explore venues that match every budget and style. With Vietpower Travel, a licensed Vietnam tour operator, you can enrich your journey by pairing cultural tours with unforgettable dining experiences.

1. Exploring Saigon’s Korean Food Scene by Area

You can find more posts related to this topic in our Vietnam food & cuisine category. Explore traditional dishes, street food highlights, and insider recommendations for your next culinary journey.

District 1 – Central Hotspots for Travelers

If you are staying in the downtown area, District 1 is the most convenient place to enjoy Korean food. This district is home to some of the best restaurants District 1, offering both casual and upscale dining experiences. Two names consistently stand out: Arirang BBQ and Kyung Bok Gung.

Arirang BBQ

• Address: 3rd Floor, 2 Dong Khoi Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1.
• Opening hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
• Price range: 300,000 – 600,000 VND per person.
• Highlights:
  • A long-standing favorite in Saigon for classic Korean BBQ dishes such as bulgogi, marinated pork belly, and soybean paste stew.
  • Generous portions of banchan (side dishes) are refilled throughout the meal.
  • Warm ambiance with wooden interiors and soft lighting, perfect for romantic dinners, business lunches, or small gatherings.
  • Well-known for value-for-money lunch sets, which are popular with both locals and expats.

Kyung Bok Gung

• Address: 52 Hai Ba Trung Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1.
• Opening hours: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM.
• Price range: 400,000 – 1,000,000 VND per person.
• Highlights:
  • Considered one of the most authentic Korean restaurants in Saigon, decorated with antique Korean ceramics and traditional paintings.
  • Private dining rooms are designed like karaoke lounges, making it a popular choice for Korean families or corporate groups who prefer a more intimate setting.
  • Standout menu items include herbal braised pork knuckle, kimchi stew, and premium beef BBQ sets.
  • Service reflects true Korean etiquette: staff bow politely and assist attentively throughout the meal.

District 7 – Saigon’s Koreatown

District 7, especially the Phu My Hung area, is home to Saigon’s largest Korean community. Because of this, the area is often referred to as “Koreatown,” filled with Korean supermarkets, cafés, and eateries that cater to expats and locals alike. Two must-visit spots here are Busan Korean Food and Young Dabang.

Busan Korean Food

• Address: 577 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, District 3 (plus branches in District 1, District 7, Binh Thanh, and Go Vap).
• Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
• Price range: 50,000 – 220,000 VND per dish.
• Highlights:
  • Famous for its homestyle comfort food that resonates with Korean expats, such as braised pork knuckle and rich kimchi stew.
  • Wide-ranging menu including bibimbap, black bean noodles, seafood pancakes, and BBQ.
  • Simple yet welcoming space, ideal for students, young professionals, and families.
  • Reasonable prices make it one of the best everyday Korean dining options in the city.

Young Dabang

• Address: S57-1 Sky Garden, Pham Van Nghi Street, Tan Phong Ward, District 7.
• Opening hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
• Price range: 150,000 – 350,000 VND per person.
• Highlights:
  • Best known for its tokbokki hotpot, available in different spice levels and customizable with toppings such as cheese, fish cakes, sausages, and seafood.
  • Spacious and modern interior, popular with groups of friends and young travelers.
  • Lively atmosphere that mirrors the casual dining culture of Seoul.
  • Regularly featured on social media thanks to its photogenic dishes and trendy décor.

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Popular Korean Chains Across the City

Gogi House

• Address (sample branches):
  • Pearl Plaza, 561A Dien Bien Phu, Binh Thanh District
  • 229–231 Dinh Tien Hoang, District 1
  • 143 Phan Xich Long, Phu Nhuan District
• Opening hours: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM
• Price range: 69,000 – 419,000 VND per person

A large Korean BBQ chain known for marinated meats, especially grilled beef and pork belly. Offers buffet and à la carte menus, making it family- and group-friendly.

King BBQ

• Address (sample branches):
  • 70 Le Thanh Ton, District 1
  • 205 Phan Xich Long, Phu Nhuan District
  • 716 Su Van Hanh, District 10
  • Thiso Mall, 10 Mai Chi Tho, Thu Duc City
• Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Price range: 229,000 – 349,000 VND per person (buffet)

Famous for its wide buffet selection of over 100 dishes, from meats to hotpot to desserts. A popular choice inside shopping malls and commercial centers.

Don Chicken

• Address (sample branches):
  • 495 Dien Bien Phu, Binh Thanh District
  • 158 Hai Ba Trung, District 1
  • Lotte Mart, 469 Nguyen Huu Tho, District 7
• Opening hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Price range: 150,000 – 369,000 VND per person

Known for Korean-style fried and grilled chicken, served with cheese, sweet-spicy sauces, or honey garlic glaze. Great for sharing plates.

Cocodak

• Address: 192 Ly Tu Trong, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1
• Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
• Price range: 100,000 – 360,000 VND per person

A popular spot for cheese-covered Korean fried chicken. The menu also features comforting soups and nourishing ginseng chicken dishes. Cozy atmosphere in the city center.

Hanuri

• Address (sample branches):
  • 284 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, District 3
  • 531 Dien Bien Phu, District 3
  • 736 Su Van Hanh, District 10
  • 51 Cong Hoa, Tan Binh District
• Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Price range: 35,000 – 120,000 VND per person

A budget-friendly favorite among students and office workers. Free kimchi and egg soup are served with meals. Popular dishes include bibimbap, jjajangmyeon, rice rolls, and spicy tteokbokki.

Hancook

• Address (sample branches):
  • 263 Nguyen Tri Phuong, District 10
  • 320 Nguyen Trong Tuyen, Tan Binh District
  • 123 Nguyen Gia Tri, Binh Thanh District
• Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Price range: 50,000 – 300,000 VND per person

Famous for its kimchi hotpot with pork belly, along with casual street-style dishes. Comfortable for groups or quick meals, with consistent service across branches.

2. Cultural Etiquette When Dining at Korean Restaurants in Saigon

Table Manners & Dining Etiquette

When dining in a Korean restaurant, knowing a few simple table manners will make the experience smoother and more enjoyable:

• Say before eating: Koreans often say “Jal-mukkes-seub-nida” (“I will eat well”) before starting a meal. This polite phrase shows respect to the chef and staff.
• Elders first: Wait until the oldest person at the table begins eating before you start. It is a sign of respect in Korean culture.
• Pouring drinks: Do not pour soju for yourself. Instead, pour for the person next to you, and they will pour for you in return. When receiving a drink, use both hands as a gesture of respect.
• Enjoying soju & makgeolli: Some restaurants also serve makgeolli (Korean rice wine). In Saigon, you may find creative combinations like soju mixed with beer (called so-maek) or with soft drinks, which are popular among young diners.
• Chopsticks and spoon: After finishing, place them neatly on the side of your plate, not across bowls.

Service Style & Restaurant Practices

Korean restaurants in Saigon often follow service practices inspired by Korea itself:

• Polite greeting: Staff usually bow slightly when welcoming guests and avoid unnecessary small talk, creating a professional yet calm environment.
• Trained staff: In some high-end restaurants, especially among the best restaurants District 1, Vietnamese staff are carefully trained in Korean service etiquette. They know how to serve politely, explain dishes clearly, and respectfully assist guests.
• Complimentary table service: A common feature is that staff will help grill the meat for you, cut it into bite-sized pieces, and replace the grill plate regularly without you asking. This service ensures your meal is always enjoyable and stress-free.

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Atmosphere & Dining Experience

The setting of a Korean restaurant in Saigon is also part of the cultural immersion:

• Décor and heritage: Many restaurants display antique Korean ceramics, artworks, or replicas of royal dynasty paintings. These decorations reflect Korea’s history and culture. Guests are encouraged to admire them, but avoid touching or moving these items.
• BBQ etiquette: If the staff are handling the grill, let them continue. If you grill the meat yourself, do so carefully and share evenly with everyone at the table.
• Payment style: Unlike in some countries where cash is left on the table, in Korean restaurants in Saigon, you usually pay at the cashier counter near the exit.

3. FAQs – Best Korean Restaurants in Saigon

1. Where do expats eat?

 Most Korean expats in Ho Chi Minh City choose District 7, especially around the Phu My Hung neighborhood. This area is known as “Koreatown” with plenty of authentic spots such as Busan Korean Food and Young Dabang, where menus often feature homestyle dishes that remind diners of meals back in Korea.

2. What is the best BBQ for first-timers?

 If you are trying Korean BBQ for the first time, start with places that balance quality and accessibility. Gogi House and King BBQ are popular for their buffet options and wide range of meats. For a more traditional setting, Arirang in District 1 offers a cozy dining room and well-marinated cuts, making it a great introduction to Korean flavors. These venues are also among the most visited when people talk about the best restaurants in District 1.

3. Which restaurants are family-friendly?

 Traveling with kids or dining as a family? Hanuri is a favorite thanks to its affordable menu and casual vibe. They even offer complimentary kimchi and egg soup with every order. Another good option is Busan Korean Food, where the spacious layout and wide menu—from bibimbap to Korean fried chicken—ensure there is something for everyone.

4. Where can you find late-night dining?

 Saigon’s energy doesn’t end after dark, and some Korean restaurants keep their doors open late. Daebak Gogi BBQ is famous for serving until after midnight, perfect for groups craving a hearty meal. Young Dabang is another go-to spot for late-night gatherings, especially if you are in the mood for spicy tokbokki hotpot with plenty of toppings.

4. Conclusion

Exploring the best Korean restaurant in Saigon is about more than food—it is about experiencing culture, atmosphere, and service shaped by Korean tradition. From family-friendly spots like Hanuri to fine-dining experiences such as Kitchen Seoul, Saigon has it all. As you enjoy authentic flavors and welcoming service, let Vietpower Travel be your trusted partner in discovering Vietnam through both its sights and its cuisine. Book with us to combine your tour with a truly memorable culinary journey.