Going to Korea isn't just about seeing the famous sites. It's also about seeing how the people live their lives every day. Then, where would be the best places to visit in Korea to feel the local culture? This guide will show you some places to visit in Korea where you can enjoy the local culture with Buldak Ramen Original.
We'll show you how to enjoy Buldak cup ramen in different local places to visit in Korea, such as Han river park, Korean cafe, PC bang, Korean convenience store. We hope this Seoul food tour guide will help those who are planning a trip to South Korea.
Introducing Buldak Cup Noodle
The Buldak Ramen line has many flavors, such as Buldak Ramen Carbonara, Buldak Ramen Cheese, and more. However, the original flavor is still the most loved, since it came out. First, let's look at the main products in the original flavor line:
Buldak Ramen Original Cup 2.47 oz (70g)/ Big bowl 3.70 oz (105g)
This instant ramen has a strong, addictive spiciness that comes from toasted sesame seeds and dried seaweed flakes. You can pick between the small cup and the big bowl, depending on what you want.
How to cook :
❶ Partially open the lid of Buldak Cup Noodle and remove the two packets.
❷ Pour boiling water up to the inner line of of Buldak Cup Noodle.
❸ Close the lid of of Buldak Cup Noodle and let it stand for 4 minutes.
❹ Drain all the water.
Buldak Tteokbokki Original (185g)
This product has the spicy taste of Buldak Ramen Original flavor and the chewy rice cakes that people in Korea love. The tteok (rice cake) and spicy sauce make a chewy and satisfying combination.
How to cook :
❶ Put the rice cakes and sauce in the bowl.
❷ Pour boiling water up to the inner line.
❸ Microwave on high for 2 minutes 30 seconds with the lid on.
❹ Stir well and serve.
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Places to Visit in Korea to Enjoy Buldak Ramen like a Local
Gyeongbokgung Palace, N Seoul Tower, and the DMZ are all famous places to visit in Korea. But trying the daily life of Koreans at local places can be fun too. You can learn about everyday life in Korea while eating a bowl of spicy Buldak Ramen Original.
Let's see how you can enjoy Buldak Ramen Original like the locals do, at some of Korea's most popular hangout spots. We will also show you the best Buldak pairing menus at each place.
1) Places to visit in Korea: Han River Park (Hangang Park)
Among many places to visit in Korea, lots of people visit the Han river for its great natural scenery. The Han River Park aligns along the Han River, which runs through the middle of Seoul. On weekends, people bring blankets, snacks, and drinks to enjoy picnics. It's easy to get to by subway or bus. It's a great place to relax, hang out with friends.
You can easily rent picnic mats, small tents, and cute props for a lovely picnic nearby the park. And here's the best part: you can have Korean food delivered right to your picnic spot. One of the highlights of visiting the Han River is enjoying instant noodles at the riverside parks, a popular experience so iconic that it’s even known as “Han River Ramen” (한강 라면). Try eating Buldak Ramen Original Cup with delivery food! You will really get the full local experience.
How to Enjoy Buldak Ramen Original Cup at Han River Park
Find a place in the picnic area to put down your mat or set up your tent. There are a lot of rental shops close by.
Go to the convenience store in the park and get a Buldak ramen cup. You can also try Buldak Ramen with soup, the Buldak Bokkeumtangmyeon(불닭볶음탕면) a spicy and flavorful option that’s available in Korea.
Use the shop's hot water dispenser to make your ramen.
Enjoy a cup of Buldak ramen noodles while watching the sun set over the river.
How to order delivery food at Han River Park
Here's how to order food to the park:
Use a Korean food delivery app. Find restaurants near you and pick a menu.
Enter the closest Park delivery zone to you at Han River Park as your delivery location. You can find it easily on the app's map.
Use the app to find out when your order is expected to arrive, and then go to the right area to pick it up.
Best Food Pairings with Buldak Ramen Original at Han River Park
a) Buldak Ramen Original Cup × Fried Chicken & Beer (Chimaek) × Pickled Radish
The crispy fried chicken goes well with the smoky spice of the Buldak cup noodle. The cool crunch of the pickled radish cleans your palate between bites. Add an ice-cold beer to complete this combo menu.
b) Buldak Ramen Original Cup × Cheese Balls
Cheese balls are a common side dish on menus for food delivery. The spicy kick of the ramen is balanced by the creamy and cheesy taste.
c) Buldak Ramen Original Cup × Sweet Potato Pizza
The spicy flavor of Buldak Ramen Original Cup goes well with the sweet mousse topping on sweet potato pizza. The creaminess and sweetness of the pizza balances out the spiciness, and the rich cheese is a perfect match for people who want to try a "sweet-spicy" flavor combination.
4 Major Han River Parks to Visit
a) Ttukseom Hangang Park
Location: Jayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. It's right next to Exit 2 of Jayang Station.
Highlights
: You can enjoy kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding right on the river. Recently, themed drone shows have taken place here, and people of all ages have had a great time.
b) Banpo Hangang Park
Location: Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul. About a 15-minute walk from Exit 8-1 of Express Bus Terminal Station.
Highlights: The Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain is the park's most famous feature. It lights up the night with a romantic display of dancing water over the river. The mix of city and river views at night creates a magical atmosphere for visitors.
Moonlight Rainbow Fountain Schedule :
Open all year, but closed from April to October.
Off-season: 12:00, 19:30, 20:00, 20:30, and 21:00
During the peak season (July to August), the times are 12:00, 19:30, 20:00, 20:30, 21:00, and 21:30.
Each show lasts for 20 minutes.
If the wind speed is more than 7 m/s or it rains, the fountain may stop working.
c) Yeouido Hangang Park
Location: Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. Right next to Exit 3 of Yeouinaru Station.
Highlights: The cherry blossoms that bloom in the spring are what this park is most famous for. You can also ride the "Seoul Moon" hot air balloon, which gives you a whole new view of the area.
Seoul Moon Info:
Open Tuesday–Sunday (closed on Mondays), 12:00–22:00 Ticket prices: Adults ₩25,000 / Children ₩15,000 / Teenagers ₩20,000 You can buy tickets on-site or reserve via Naver.
d) Mangwon Hangang Park
Location: 467 Maponaru-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul. It’s about a 20-minute walk from Mangwon Station.
Highlights: Many Han River Parks can get busy, but Mangwon is quieter, so it's a great place to watch the sunset in peace. Locals know about it, but it's a hidden gem. The nearby Mangwon Market is also a good place to try Seoul's street food.
2) Places to visit in Korea : Manhwa Cafe (Cartoon Cafe)
People often think of a Korean cafe as a place to get coffee or takeout. But the idea of a Korean cafe is much bigger than that. Korean cafe includes a lot of themed cafes. The Manhwa Cafe (Cartoon Cafe) is a great example.
Local teens who love comic books and webtoons like to hang out at Manhwa cafe. Even if you don't speak Korean, you can relax and read illustrated stories at a Manhwa Cafe. Most of these cafes have different menus and drinks you can enjoy while you read. Of course, Buldak Ramen Original is available at most of them. This unique Korean cafe will present you with Korea’s young local experience.
How to Enjoy Buldak Ramen Original at a Manhwa Cafe (Cartoon Cafe)
Buy a ticket that lets you in at a certain time and pick your seat. There are a lot of private rooms where you can relax by yourself or with your group. Most rooms have TVs for streaming OTT content, and the lounge usually has board games you can borrow.
If you get hungry while reading, you can get a Buldak Ramen Original at the lounge kiosk. Some branches even let you see the menu and pay right from your room with a QR code.
Best Food Pairings with Buldak Ramen Original at Cartoon Cafe
(Menus may vary by location. Therefore, we recommend checking what's available on-site.)
a) Buldak Original× Cream Tteokbokki
The spicy flavor of Buldak Ramen Original goes great with the creamy sauce of cream tteokbokki. The thick, creamy sauce coats the mouth and cools down the heat. The chewy rice cakes go perfectly with the ramen texture.
b) Buldak Original × Butter Garlic French Fries
The creamy flavor of butter garlic french fries softens the intense heat of Buldak Ramen Original. It’s a great choice for those who want to enjoy a bold but balanced “spicy-salty-sweet” flavor combination.
3) Places to visit in Korea: PC Bang (Internet Cafe)
If you want to see how Koreans enjoy games and snacks, you have to go to a PC Bang. These Internet cafes have fast computers, big screens, and comfortable chairs. They are such great places to play games.
You can order various snacks and meals from your seat, and yes, Buldak Ramen is one of the most popular options.
How to Enjoy Buldak Ramen Original at PC Bang
When you get to PC Bang, use the kiosk to pick a seat and pay for the time you want to use it for.
If you get hungry while playing games, you can order Buldak Ramen Original using the computer screen's food ordering system. You can pay with a card on the screen, but if you have trouble using a card in Korea, you can also go to the front counter and ask to pay with cash.
(Note: Payment systems and food ordering methods may vary by PC Bang.)
The staff will bring the Buldak menu to your table once your food is ready. You might get a message at some PC Bangs telling you to go to the counter to get your food.
Best Food Pairings with Buldak Ramen Original at PC Bang
(Menus may vary by location. Therefore, we recommend checking what's available on-site.)
a) Buldak Original× Donkatsu (Pork Cutlet)
The rich and crunchy cutlet balances out the strong heat of the Buldak Ramen Original, making a spicy, savory, and crunchy combination. This pairing has a strong mouthfeel and is full of flavor.
b) Buldak Original × So-tteok So-tteok (Sausage & Rice Cake Skewers)
People in Korea love to eat "So-tteok So-tteok," which is a snack made by putting pieces of sausage and rice cake on a skewer. It is grilled and covered in a sweet and salty sauce that is usually made with ketchup, mustard, or spicy gochujang-based mixes.
The chewy noodles in Buldak Ramen Original go perfectly with the chewy rice cake and juicy sausage. People love this combination because the textures and flavors work so well together.
4) Places to visit in Korea : Korean Convenience Store
The Korean convenience store gives you a look into daily life in Korea. You can get drinks, snacks, and meals that are ready to eat that Koreans love. You can go to most convenience stores at any time of day or night. Cup ramen is one of the most popular things to buy at Korean convenience stores, and you can easily find Buldak Cup ramen here.
One of the best things about getting Buldak Cup ramen at a convenience store is that you can eat it with a lot of other snacks and foods that are also sold there. That's what makes the Buldak Cup ramen experience more fun!
How to Enjoy Buldak Ramen Original Cup at Korean Convenience Store
Go to any convenience store in Korea (they're everywhere!) and buy a Buldak Ramen Original Cup. (Note: Some convenience stores in subway stations or other specific places may not allow you to eat inside.)
Use the store's hot water dispenser to make your ramen.
Best Food Pairings with Buldak Ramen Original at Korean Convenience Store
a) Buldak Ramen Original Cup × Triangle Kimbap
Triangle kimbap is a rice ball shaped like a triangle wrapped in seaweed and filled with different things. Here are some flavors that the editor recommends:
Tuna Mayo Triangle Kimbap: Creamy tuna mixed with mayonnaise gives savory and slightly sweet taste.
Spam Mayo Triangle Kimbap: Salty spam paired with mayonnaise is rich and flavorful.
When the ramen is cooked, take off the triangle kimbap and either put it on top or mix it in with the noodles. You can also eat each one separately. The creaminess of the mayo takes away the heat from the ramen, and the rice fills you up.
b) Buldak Ramen Original Cup × Convenience Store Drinks (Banana Milk)
The sweet, creamy taste of banana milk can make your mouth feel better. People who are sensitive to spicy foods often think of it as an "emergency drink." The unique banana flavor is a great way to balance out the heat of the ramen, which is why it's so popular for "spicy-and-sweet" dishes.
+ Useful tip
You can also try the Buldak Wide Glass Noodles, which require cooking in a microwave. Fortunately, most convenience stores in Korea are equipped not only with hot water dispensers but also with microwaves, making it easy to prepare this product on-site by simply following the microwave instructions.
5) Places to visit in Korea : Self-Serve Ramen Shop (Unmanned Ramen Cafe)
These places may look like Korean convenience stores at first because they are open all the time and sell food. But they are different because they only sell ramen. They have a much wider selection of instant ramen and special machines to cook the ramen by yourself. This is a must-see place for people who love ramen.
How to Enjoy Buldak Ramen Original at a Self-Serve Ramen Shop
Choose Buldak Ramen Original from the shelf or vending machine and pay for it at the kiosk or vending machine.
Put the bowl on the ramen cooker and fill it with the noodles, sauce, and toppings.
There are different buttons on the ramen cooker for regular noodles (일반면), thick noodles (굵은면), and stir-fried noodles (볶음면). Push the button that says "stir-fried noodles." It will give you the right amount of water for stir-fried noodles like Buldak ramen. The machine gives out less water for stir-fried noodles than for other types of noodles, so you don't have to worry about draining it yourself.
To start cooking, press the button on the machine. When the water starts to boil, keep stirring the noodles so they don't stick to the pot. When the timer you set goes off, it will beep to let you know it's done. Take your ramen to your seat and enjoy your Buldak Ramen Original.
If you’re down for a soupy option, go for the Buldak Bokkeumtangmyeon (불닭볶음탕면). This time, press the button labeled “thick noodles” (굵은면) and stir the noodles as they cook in the boiling water.
Best Food Pairings with Buldak Ramen Original at Self-Serve Ramen Shop
a) Buldak Ramen Original × Yellow Pickled Radish (Danmuji)
Danmuji is a kind of yellow pickled radish that has a sweet and sour taste. It is a very common Korean side dish that goes well with greasy or spicy foods. The sour-sweet flavor and crunchy texture cuts through the spicy taste of Buldak Ramen Original, making each bite feel new again.
b) Buldak Ramen Original × Boiled Egg or Cheddar Cheese
Most ramen shops that let you serve yourself also have extra toppings like chopped green onions, boiled eggs, and cheese. (These may be free or cost extra, depending on the store.)
All you have to do at these stores is peel the boiled eggs because they are already cooked. The soft egg balances out the spiciness of Buldak Ramen Original.
For those who love cheese, put a slice of cheddar cheese on top of the noodles right after they are done cooking. The cheese will melt on its own when the noodles are hot. Stir the noodles gently until the cheese is mixed in with the sauce. The smooth, cheesy texture makes the heat easier to handle.
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Places to visit in Korea & Buldak Ramen Original FAQ
Q. Where to buy buldak ramen in the USA?
A. You can easily find it on major online shopping malls. For example, Walmart or Amazon. For physical stores, check your local Walmart, Costco, Target, or Asian grocery store. It is widely sold throughout the United States.
Q. What to add to ramen noodles?
A. If you add a fried egg or cheese to Buldak Ramen Original, it will help to balance out the spiciness and enhance the overall flavor with richness and creaminess.
Q. What is a convenience store?
A. It is a small-sized market that operates 24 hours a day. It’s a place where you can quickly buy light meals, drinks, snacks, and daily essentials.
Q. Where is the Han River in Korea?
A. The Han River runs through the center of Seoul and is one of the city’s major rivers. It’s surrounded by public parks and walking trails. Major subway stations near the Han River include Jayang Station, Express Bus Terminal Station, Yeouinaru Station, and Mangwon Station.
Q. Is Buldak Ramen Original halal?
A. Yes, it is.
Q. How many calories does Buldak Ramen Original have?
A. The Buldak Ramen Original Cup (70g) contains 280 calories, while the Original Big Bowl (105g) contains 440 calories.
Q. How spicy is Buldak Original flavor?
A. Buldak products come in four levels of spiciness: Medium Spicy, Hot Spicy, Very Spicy, and Extreme Spicy. Buldak Ramen Original falls into the Very Spicy category. If you’re new to spicy food, we recommend starting with Buldak Ramen Carbonara, which is in the Medium Spicy range.
We've shown you various places to visit in Korea where you can have a ‘Seoul K Food’ experience with Buldak Ramen Original. If you ever go to Korea, we suggest that you visit not only the main tourist sites but also these lesser-known places where everyday life and flavor come together. And don't forget to make memories with a Buldak Ramen Original. It's a must-do for a truly authentic local experience in Korea.
