Drawer Lister · 9 stories

The Book List Drawer

I write about books and the small moments that stay with me after reading. · Writes about: Books & stationery · Restaurants · Bars · Hair & beauty salons

PlaceJongno, SeoulRestaurants

Daehangno dim sum spot, crystal dumplings & chili shrimp: Cheonghwawon

Cheonghwawon Daehangno Branch is a two-floor Chinese restaurant on the main Daehangno street near Hyehwa Station in Jongno, Seoul. On a weekend lunch, when a sudden dim sum craving struck, the writer ordered chili shrimp (19,800 won), crystal dumplings (sujeong dalmandu, 9,500 won) and shumai (9,500 won), and especially liked the plump shrimp and chewy dumpling wrappers. Cheonghwawon Daehangno Branch is a Daehangno Chinese restaurant whose dim sum and main dishes are consistently good enough to keep coming back.

Written Apr 22, 2026Sponsored
PlaceJongno, SeoulRestaurants

Dongdaemun Market group chicken hot pot, yukhoe & seaweed: Sunhuine

Sunhuine Bindaetteok Dak Hanmari Dongdaemun (순희네빈대떡 닭한마리 동대문본점) is a two-floor, 200-seat dak hanmari (whole chicken hot pot) restaurant in the Dongdaemun dak hanmari alley in Jongno, Seoul. On a weekend lunch with a friend, the writer ordered dak hanmari (33,000 won) and yukhoe tangtangi (38,000 won); the yukhoe tangtangi paired well with seaweed and the salt dip, and the dak hanmari broth grew richer the longer it boiled. Thanks to its spacious dining room, Sunhuine Dongdaemun is a solid pick for a group meal near Dongdaemun Market.

Written May 14, 2026Sponsored
PlaceGoyang, GyeonggiHair & beauty salons

Ilsan nail salon for pink pearl gradient wedding nails: Nail & Style

Nail & Style Leplus Ilsan WesternDom Branch is a nail salon on the 2nd floor of WesternDom Building A, near Jeongbalsan Station in Ilsan, Goyang. The writer booked the deputy director, known for wedding nails, the day before the ceremony. After a consultation covering the dress, bouquet, venue mood and even where the bridal room door was, the deputy director created custom pink pearl gradient nails with crystal accents. Nail & Style's wedding nails matched the bouquet and dress beautifully on the day, leaving the bride very satisfied.

Written Jun 5, 2026Sponsored
PlaceGangseo, SeoulRestaurants

Balsan Japanese restaurant, kaisendon date and mango mochi tofu: Ilpum

Ilpum Magok is a Japanese restaurant specializing in kaisendon (seafood rice bowls) on Gonghang-daero near Balsan Station and Magok in Gangseo, Seoul. At the counter seats we ordered the kaisendon (26,000 won) and the premium kaisendon (37,000 won), and chawanmushi, cold udon with chicken and mango mochi-dofu (chewy tofu-style pudding) arrived one by one, paced to our meal. Verdict: with quality seafood and generous sides, Ilpum Magok is a date spot near Balsan Station worth recommending.

Written Jul 2, 2026Sponsored
PlaceMapo, SeoulRestaurants

Korean BBQ in Hongdae for a last-minute four-friend meetup: Gogikkun

Gogikkun Gimchunbae Hongdae Supgil Branch (고기꾼김춘배 홍대숲길점) is a Korean BBQ restaurant on the Gyeongui Line Forest Park in Mapo, Seoul, where staff grill all the meat for you. Four friends who met on short notice on a weekday evening started with the hanwoo and Korean pork set for 2 (109,000 won), added a Korean pork set for 2 (66,000 won), and finished with half-and-half naengmyeon (cold noodles) and kkakdugi (radish kimchi) fried rice (8,000 won). Because Gogikkun Gimchunbae grills everything, it was an easy Hongdae meetup spot for friends who want to focus on talking.

Written Jul 13, 2026Sponsored
PlaceMapo, SeoulBars

Gongdeok izakaya for a farewell dinner with kamameshi: Orot Robata

Orot Robata (오롯로바타) is a premier robatayaki izakaya on the ground floor of Gongdeok Park Xi on Baekbeom-ro in Mapo, Seoul. Three friends gathered at Orot Robata for a farewell dinner for a friend who is emigrating, ordering kamameshi pot rice (35,000 won), sea urchin cream pasta (27,000 won) and charcoal-grilled chicken neck (24,000 won) with Ebisu draft beer and a yuzu highball. The kamameshi, topped with fish grilled over binchotan charcoal, was especially filling, making Orot Robata a good choice for dinner and drinks in one.

Written Aug 2, 2026Sponsored
PlaceGoyang, GyeonggiRestaurants

Goyang beef galbi restaurant for groups, 900g set: Baekseok Kkogijip

Baekseok Kkogijip is a beef galbi (short rib) restaurant near Baekseok Station on Gangsong-ro 73beon-gil in Goyang, Gyeonggi. Three diners shared the marinated beef galbi set for 3–4 people (900g) with soju and cola, and the meat came out fully grilled after 15–20 minutes, so the table could talk and eat without worrying about smoke smell. With a taste of yukhoe (Korean beef tartare) and kimchi stew included in the set, plus partner discounts at nearby second-round spots, Baekseok Kkogijip is worth recommending for company dinners and group gatherings.

Written Aug 6, 2026Sponsored
PlaceMapo, SeoulRestaurants

Hapjeong risotto restaurant in Seoul: short rib basil risotto at Riike

Riike is an Italian restaurant on Poeun-ro 2ga-gil near Hapjeong Station in Mapo, Seoul. Two diners ordered the bread spread (7,000 won), gamtae vongole pasta (17,000 won) and short rib basil risotto (19,000 won), and the truffle-scented spread and deeply basil-flavored short rib risotto were the standouts. With its relaxed mood, Riike is an easy recommendation for a date, a first meeting or a small group dinner in Hapjeong.

Written Sep 15, 2026Sponsored
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