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.
Baegyeom Makchang Euljiro Main Branch is a Korean barbecue restaurant in Jung-gu, Seoul. I ordered two portions of Daegu makchang, limited-quantity makchang sundae, and cold kimchi noodle soup for 65,500 won. Verdict: the nutty, chewy makchang was made for a shot of soju.
Jeju Healing Dwaeji (제주힐링돼지) is a black pork barbecue restaurant in Seogwipo, Jeju, with ocean views and a lawn garden. I ordered a geun (600g) of black pork, which staff par-grilled; its juicy char and meljeot pairing were excellent. Verdict: a relaxing, satisfying spot for black pork by the sea.
Famous Venny Yangsan Oslo Park Branch is a brunch café in Yangsan, Gyeongnam. I had garlic butter eggs, croissant French toast, and an acai bowl with coffee in its modern interior and pet-friendly outdoor space. Verdict: a great spot for a filling brunch plus a tangy-sweet acai bowl.
Gluttony Coffee is a café in Ara-dong, Jeju, serving decaf filter coffee, cakes, financiers, and cookies. After getting some work done in its calm wood-toned space, I had Oreo cake and packed cookies and financiers to share with my younger sibling. Verdict: a lovely pick for sweet desserts and a quiet place to work.
Yukhoe Maltuout Paju Yadang Branch is a Korean bar near Yadang Station in Paju, Gyeonggi, serving fresh domestic Korean beef yukhoe and beef sashimi. I tried the value set with yukhoe mulhoe for 66,000 won and loved the generous spread and pretty plating. Verdict: choose a varied menu combination so the raw-beef dishes do not become repetitive.
Hyangtaek Cheonan Buldang Branch is a Korean restaurant in Buldang-dong, Cheonan, serving rice, noodles, and side dishes as complete single-bowl meals. We ordered Spanish mackerel gondre rice and yukhoe bibimbap, enjoying the neat table setting and fresh ingredients. Verdict: a hearty, beautifully presented pick for solo meals or Korean-food dates.
Pieum Hair Hapjeong Main Branch is a hair salon in Mapo, Seoul, near Hapjeong Station Exit 7. After a consultation, my boyfriend’s long, shaggy hair was shaped into a neat, natural cut that is easy to manage at home. A solid choice for an easy-to-style men’s haircut.
La Cuesta Gwangju is a large bakery café in Gwangju, Gyeonggi, near Gonjiam Resort. After looking around the roomy parking lot, terrace, and wide bread selection, I enjoyed salt bread, canelé, and the cream-topped signature latte. A great pick for families or groups before or after a Gonjiam trip.
Gwacheon Haesintang Gwacheon Main Branch is a restorative Korean restaurant in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi. Four coworkers shared a generous live octopus and native chicken haesintang, abalone pajeon, nutritious rice, and scorched-rice tea. Verdict: a hearty meal for a group wanting excellent ingredients.
Huni Gejang Cheonan Main Branch is a seafood restaurant serving crab soup and marinated crab in Yuryang-dong, Cheonan. I ordered the small authentic crab soup for 70,000 won and stone-pot rice for 3,000 won per person, and loved the four meaty crabs and refreshing, gently spicy radish broth. Verdict: A generous, satisfying stop for crab lovers.
Ciment Chungnam National University Branch is an Italian restaurant near Chungnam National University in Yuseong, Daejeon. We ordered four dishes for a weekday dinner with the kids, and the garlic oil pasta with beef and fries-topped potato pizza were especially popular. Verdict: a comfortable, good-value choice for family meals with plenty of options.
Two Find Peter Baegot Branch is a casual restaurant in Baegot, Siheung, Gyeonggi. I enjoyed its spicy Cravy pasta, arancini, and Gorgonzola mushroom cream risotto, especially the smoky wok flavor and just-right sauce consistency. Verdict: a dependable pick for dates, small celebrations, and creamy dishes with a spicy kick.
Mekong Thai Sejong Lake Park Branch is a Thai and Vietnamese restaurant near Sejong Lake Park in Sejong. After the sand playground and a park walk, we used the spacious underground parking, elevator access, high chairs, and roomy group seating, then had the Mekong Thai Set and pho. Verdict: Mekong Thai Sejong Lake Park Branch is a great choice for a relaxed weekend lunch with kids.
