Firsthand stories from Korea, in ten languages
Restaurants, cafés and salons across Korea — every story by a blogger who actually went, linked to Google Maps.
India Darbar is an Indian restaurant in Gwanak, Seoul, serving SET C for two with chicken tikka masala, tandoori chicken, salad, lassi, rice, and plain naan. Adding butter naan and garlic naan made the spread far more substantial than expected; check the included naan before ordering extras.
Simdon Mokpo Pyeonghwagwangjang Branch is a Korean BBQ restaurant in Pyeonghwagwangjang, Mokpo. The 650g pork platter costs ₩43,000 and arrives fully grilled with stone-grown seaweed, pickled radish, and salted herring roe; cheese steamed egg is free before 6 PM. Simdon is an easy, generous choice for families and groups.
Hawaii Clam Hongdae Branch is a seafood pocha in Mapo, Seoul, serving live shrimp sashimi and clam dishes. We had 10 live shrimp for 25,000 won, grilled the heads in butter, and finished with unlimited ramen in mussel soup. Verdict: A fun, great-value stop for fresh shrimp and late-night drinks.
Eonyang Dak Kalguksu Tongdosa Branch is a chicken kalguksu restaurant near Tongdosa Temple and Sinpyeong Bus Terminal in Yangsan, Gyeongnam. The 11,000 won extra-large bowl, handmade noodles, and perilla chicken-bone broth were wonderfully filling. Verdict: great portions, flavor, price, and parking—I'd happily return~@@
Healing House is an esthetic salon in Dong-gu, Ulsan, offering consultations for skin concerns and face-line care. After discussing pores and facial contours, I received cleansing, a hinoki massage, exfoliation, ultrasound, hydration care, and arm, neck, and lymphatic care over about 1 hour 30 minutes. Verdict: a relaxing option for caring for both your face and body.
Olla Poke Seocho Gyodae Branch is a poke restaurant in Seocho, Seoul, between Seocho and Seoul National University of Education stations. I had a loaded smoked duck poke, crispy mini fried tofu salad, and a moist chicken-breast custom wrap. Verdict: a satisfying solo lunch for a lighter, filling meal.
Sokcho Geu Badaro is a Korean restaurant near Daepo Port in Sokcho, Gangwon, serving assorted seafood in soy sauce with potato pot rice. The two-person set came with 11 side dishes, roomy seating, group tables, and high chairs. Verdict: a lovely choice for a seafood-focused family meal with parents.
Dance Dance Dance Hannam is a wellness sandwich shop in Yongsan, Seoul. I got a chicken breast sandwich on ciabatta with double toppings and an iced Americano; the moist, overflowing filling was so satisfying. Verdict: double toppings are a real must for big appetites haha.
Supbul Makchang is a retro charcoal-grilled makchang restaurant in Dalseo, Daegu. We shared a 51,000 won set of makchang, spicy makchang, pork neck, and Cheongdo Hanjae minari; grilling the spicy makchang was the standout. Verdict: a satisfying new makchang favorite with great atmosphere and quality.
Oneul Haru is a Korean restaurant in Cheongju, Chungbuk, serving stone-pot rice set meals, pork cutlet, and buckwheat soba. I tried the buckwheat soba and pork cutlet set, the gochujang bulgogi stone-pot rice set, and the self-serve bar with tteokbokki and large vegetable fritters. Oneul Haru makes for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Modak Texas Barbecue Dongdaegu Branch is a Texas barbecue restaurant in Dong-gu, Daegu. I ordered a 300g ghee-butter tenderloin steak and a glass of house wine, with soup, salad, nachos, and a fire show. Verdict: a hot-pan steak-and-wine weekend treat for one.
Cafe The Venezia is a café in Songpa, Seoul, where you can enjoy brunch and coffee overlooking Wirye Waterside Park. After a morning walk, three sisters shared the Best Panini Brunch Set for Two and three iced lattes in its spacious seating area. Cafe The Venezia is a lovely place to rest with a view after a walk.
Cafe Dongi Yeungnam University Art Center Branch is a Korean restaurant in Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk, on the second floor of Yeungnam University’s Cheonma Art Center. During a day trip to Cheongdo, I had stir-fried webfoot octopus, pork bulgogi set meals, and mini tangsuyuk for 16,900, 12,900, and 9,900 won. Verdict: a filling, comfortable meal with an especially memorable doenjang jjigae.
