The Checkered Tablecloth — Dahye

Wine ladder glass wine at Yeouido Station wine bar Wine Joomak Chacha

Wine Joomak Chacha Yeouido Station Branch is a modern Korean wine bar in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, one minute on foot from Exit 3 of Yeouido Station on the 2nd floor of the Estrenue Building. Stopping by for a second round after dinner, I ordered a glass of red wine and an alcohol-free house sangria from the tablet glass selection along with a fruit cheese toast in the ₩20,000 range, and the bar's homemade wine ladder game lets you pick a wine by number, which makes it easy for beginners. With about 100 wines and a corkage-free policy, Wine Joomak Chacha is an easy second or third stop in Yeouido.

Written Sep 15, 2026Sponsored

PlaceJongno, SeoulRestaurants

Weekday early dinner a la carte at Omil, a Hyehwa pasta restaurant

Omil Hyehwa Daehangno is a pasta and omurice restaurant on the second floor of a building two minutes from Hyehwa Station Exit 4, in Jongno, Seoul. Arriving before 6pm on a weekday, the writer ordered a la carte at Omil: rubber-duck omurice, gochujang butter pasta (18,900 won), truffle fries and the Oh! Pineapple Ade, which arrives in a pineapple-shaped cup. Cute plating plus real flavour, especially the sous-vide pork shoulder on the gochujang butter pasta, makes Omil a solid pick for a Hyehwa date or a solo meal.

Written Sep 15, 2026Sponsored

PlaceMapo, SeoulRestaurants

Gongdeok hanwoo omakase return visit with a welcome drink: Usu

Usu is a hanwoo (Korean beef) omakase restaurant with all-private rooms on basement level 2 of the Lotte Castle President commercial building at Gongdeok Station Exit 2 in Mapo, Seoul. After a good first lunch, the writer came back for a birthday Dinner B Course (90g) for two and was served a welcome drink and a lettering dessert, and the abalone five-color chija-myeon (gardenia noodles) was still the favourite dish on this second visit. Verdict: Korean beef dining of this quality at Usu's prices is hard to find in Seoul.

Written Aug 26, 2026Sponsored