Plain Plate, Seoul Kitchens — Plate Diary

Seoul Korean BBQ date in Magok: staff-grilled hanwoo galbi, Ihwajeong

Ihwajeong Galbi Myeongga Magok-Balsan Branch is a galbi (Korean short rib) restaurant near Balsan Station Exit 4 in Magok, Gangseo, Seoul, with the refined feel of a hanjeongsik (Korean set-meal) house. On a date with her boyfriend, the writer ordered unmarinated hanwoo galbi (Korean beef short ribs) that staff trimmed and grilled from start to finish; the galbi was juicy and tender enough to enjoy with just a dip of salt, and the doenjang stew (soybean paste stew) and pear sorbet were satisfying too. With private rooms and a large car park, Ihwajeong Galbi Myeongga is a good pick for dates as well as family gatherings and company dinners.

Written Jun 29, 2026Sponsored

PlaceYangcheon, SeoulRestaurants

Friday-evening garlic gopchang and daechang in Mokdong: Omokgyo

Omokgyo Gopchang Mokdong Main Branch is a gopchang (grilled beef small intestine) restaurant near Omokgyo Station Exit 1 in Yangcheon, Seoul. The writer went back around 6:30 PM on a Friday for the traditional handmade garlic gopchang and grilled daechang (large intestine), both eaten with the restaurant's own scallion kimchi, and finished with fried rice topped with extra cheese. The pairing of handmade garlic gopchang and scallion kimchi at Omokgyo Gopchang Mokdong Main Branch is what keeps bringing the writer back.

Written Jul 16, 2026Sponsored

PlaceYeongdeungpo, SeoulRestaurants

Yeouido grilled fish restaurant dinner before a Han River cruise

Hwadeogeuro Gan Godeungeo Bansang Yeouido is a Korean restaurant serving wood-fired grilled fish, within walking distance of Saetgang Station exit 2 in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul. On the way to a Han River cruise, the writer ordered one wood-fired mackerel and one wood-fired Spanish mackerel, both big enough to fill the plate, and topped up rice and side dishes from the self-serve bar for a proper, filling meal. The thick, tender Spanish mackerel at Hwadeogeuro Gan Godeungeo Bansang was the standout and worth ordering again.

Written Aug 7, 2026Sponsored