I don’t think there is any shame in going to McDonald’s in Korea to simply see what the differences might be between your country’s and the menu items they offer here. Now it’s one thing if you don’t even want to try the local food, but trying your favorite foods from back home and seeing how its different here is a travel experience on its own. I’ll be the first one to admit that I like to try Korean food in different countries to see how they marry the local ingredients with the original recipes. Or even if the chefs wants to switch things around and make something new, I’m open-minded! As you roam the streets of Seoul, you will see a lot of the same fast food joints you’re used to. Lots of Starbucks, McDonald’s we mentioned, but there is even a few Shake Shacks. There are even In-and-Out knockoffs that taste exactly the same (Cry Cheese Burger – It’s a savior for a lot of the local expats here).
In fact, I think you’ll find that a lot of the fast food chains do taste the same, albeit different oils and sauces. There are however different offerings. Like you will not find a filet o fish. https://www.facebook.com/groups/171830256356555 There is something about having fish, a delicacy here, being between 2 buns. It’s almost blasphemous. But on the other hand, you will find a shrimp burger at McDonald’s and no one will question it. If you are only willing to try one thing, then do this: Try the McSpicy Shanghai burger in Korea. It’s chicken and one of my favorites. You’ll love it. And you know what? They don’t even sell it in Shanghai.
But I guess that’s also like Bukchangdong Tofu House in America, or BCD. I’ve been up and down Bukchangdong in Seoul and there is not one tofu house there! Go figure!