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.
Sokcho Topgol Makguksu Main Branch is a Korean restaurant by Sokcho Beach in Sokcho, Gangwon. We shared buckwheat noodles, single-serving boiled pork, and a potato pancake, then packed up the generous pancake for our accommodation. Verdict: add dongchimi broth to the noodles for the best finish.
Seongsim Jorim Jeju Airport Branch is a Korean restaurant near Jeju Airport in Jeju. After a weekday lunch wait, I had the Jeju Manong cutlassfish braise for two for 30,000 won, with generous fish, radish, and sauce. Verdict: a filling, friendly place I would gladly revisit for cutlassfish braise.
Chowon Salt Grill is a Korean barbecue restaurant in Songpa, Seoul, specializing in premium Hanwoo beef cuts. We shared the three-person beef, scallop, and aged-kimchi trio, then finished with brisket soybean-paste ramen. Verdict: a satisfying spot for a special Hanwoo meal with drinks.
Cheonsanga Jangeoga Hagae Branch is a grilled eel restaurant in Hagae-dong, Nowon, Seoul. We shared the 138,000-won four-person set with my parents-in-law and child while staff grilled every piece at the table. Verdict: A comfortable, satisfying restorative family meal for taking parents out.
Songnim Bok Jangeo Freshwater Eel All-You-Can-Eat Suwon Main Branch is an all-you-can-eat charcoal-grill restaurant in Suwon, Gyeonggi. I enjoyed Korean eel grilled crisp outside and moist inside, plus pork belly, ribs, and unexpectedly chewy chicken neck meat. A filling pick for a family gathering with plenty of meat to share.
Iseol Myeonok Suyu Main Branch is a Korean restaurant in Gangbuk, Seoul, near the April 19th National Cemetery. On a cool day, I enjoyed a generous meal of Seoul old-style bulgogi and wang galbitang, with japchae and acorn jelly soup on the side. Iseol Myeonok Suyu Main Branch is a comfortable pick for family meals and group gatherings.
Jaecheoldameun Mapo Bada is a seafood restaurant near Daeheung Station in Mapo, Seoul, serving sashimi, seasonal seafood, grilled dishes, fried items, and chilled pork in set meals. My family tried the Signature Set, with everything served at once for about ₩150,000 for five people. Verdict: a filling, good-value choice for family gatherings or work dinners.
Geumnyeong Gomtang is a gomtang restaurant in Seongdong, Seoul, popular with Wangsimni office workers. I tried the minari rice noodles and special minari gomtang, both a hot, filling meal served about 3 minutes after ordering. Verdict: a place I’d happily revisit for a quick, clean lunch in Wangsimni.
Yume's Hair Cheonho Branch is a hair salon in Gangdong, Seoul, near Gangdong Station and Cheonho Station. After a one-on-one consultation with Designer Taeri, I got a black tone-down, a hime cut, and full bangs in about an hour. Verdict: the jawline-framing hime cut was exactly the autumn change I wanted.
Bueokgan Chinese Marine City Branch is a Chinese restaurant in Haeundae, Busan, where diners can enjoy ocean views. My brother and I shared Kkanpung shrimp and abalone shrimp fried rice for a relaxed lunch, spending 53,000 won. Verdict: a memorable choice when both the view and the atmosphere matter.
Yukjjip is a Korean BBQ restaurant at the entrance to Bulgwangcheon Stream in Eunpyeong, Seoul. I tried the 600g Yukjjip Assortment of aged Jirisan pork, with staff grilling every cut from start to finish. Verdict: the varied cuts, substantial banchan, and yeolmu bibim-guksu were satisfying across the board.
Daesin Peanut Bread is a market snack shop in Jung-gu, Daegu, selling peanut bread and egg bread. I tried its sweet, nutty peanut latte smoothie and packed up 45 peanut breads and egg bread. Verdict: a great stop for a Seomun Market snack or a generous Daegu souvenir.
Midoriya is a Japanese-style bar in Itaewon, Yongsan, Seoul, serving aged assorted sashimi and sake. The two-person assorted sashimi made comparing fish cuts fun, and the rich monkfish liver inari sushi made it even better. Verdict: a great spot for a quiet drink and conversation.
