Blanket Hill Sipper · 7 stories

Second Refill, Gyeonggi

Writes about the cafes in Gyeonggi where a visit turned into a longer stay than planned. · Writes about: Cafés · Restaurants

PlaceYangju, GyeonggiRestaurants

Yangju tonkatsu after Okjeong Lake Park: thick loin katsu at Himawari

Himawari is a Japanese tonkatsu restaurant inside the Okjeong Jungsim shopping complex in Yangju, Gyeonggi, and its batter is said to be made only from flour, eggs and breadcrumbs with no additives. After a walk at Okjeong Lake Park, the writer had Himawari's loin katsu set and sweet potato cheese katsu set: the thick pork loin was tender with no tough bits, and the katsu packed with sweet potato mousse and cheese was sweet and savory. Thanks to the wasabi and a generous cabbage salad, Himawari is a Yangju Okjeong tonkatsu spot you can enjoy to the last bite without it feeling greasy.

Written Oct 15, 2026Sponsored
PlaceYangju, GyeonggiRestaurants

Yangju galbi restaurant lunch after Nari Park, pickled onions: Manpo

Manpo Galbi Yangju Main Branch (만포갈비 양주본점) is a two-floor charcoal-grilled galbi restaurant on Songnang-ro in Yangju, Gyeonggi. After an outing to Nari Park, the writer ordered 3 servings of handmade galbi, which came with yukhoe (Korean beef tartare), yukjeon (pan-fried beef slices) and other sides, plus complimentary naengmyeon (cold noodles), self-serve coffee and soft serve ice cream. Manpo Galbi makes a hearty, satisfying lunch on days you crave sweet and salty marinated galbi.

Written Oct 12, 2026Sponsored
PlaceSeocho, SeoulRestaurants

Gyodae Station gimbap shop: parking out front, fish cake roll, Halls

Halls Gimbap Main Branch (홀스김밥본점) is a gimbap and dakgangjeong (crispy glazed fried chicken) snack bar near Gyodae Station in Seocho, Seoul. For a quick lunch, the writer parked in the spot in front of Halls Gimbap Main Branch and ordered the sweet-salty dakgangjeong and the basic Halls gimbap; the chicken was crisp outside and juicy inside, and the roll's cucumber, carrot, pickled radish and fish cake worked well together. On a busy day near Gyodae Station, Halls Gimbap Main Branch is a good choice for a fast lunch that still tastes good.

Written Oct 11, 2026Sponsored
PlacePocheon, GyeonggiRestaurants

Pocheon Korean restaurant: pollack stew with soy-wasabi dip, Myeongga

Myeongga Dongtae-tang (명가동태탕) is a newly opened Korean restaurant specializing in dongtae-tang (spicy pollack stew) and jiri-tang (clear fish soup) on Gwangneungsumogwon-ro in Soheul-eup, Pocheon, near Gomori Reservoir. After a walk around Gomori Reservoir, the writer ordered pollack stew for 2 and one roe rice; the stew was packed with roe and clams, the roe and pollack were dipped in soy-wasabi sauce, and the roe rice came loaded with roe. With partitioned seating, Myeongga Dongtae-tang is a good stop for a family meal or a day out.

Written Oct 10, 2026Sponsored
PlaceYangju, GyeonggiRestaurants

Yangju Korean BBQ: aging room tour, scallion noodles, Mat Chandeul

Mat Chandeul Wang Sogeum Gui Yangju Branch is an aged-pork Korean BBQ restaurant in the Okjeong central shopping area of Yangju, Gyeonggi. While browsing the shopping area, the writer stopped in for 14-day aged five-layer pork belly (ogyeopsal). The writer saw the in-store aging room and the weight labels on the meat, had staff grill the pork belly to eat with grilled salted shrimp and the house special sauce, and finished with naengsomyeon (cold thin noodles). Mat Chandeul Yangju suits anyone who wants to see the aging process firsthand and have the grilling done for them.

Written Oct 8, 2026Sponsored
PlaceYangju, GyeonggiRestaurants

Galbi house in Goeup-dong, Yangju: two grills for two meats, Manpo

Manpo Garden (만포가든) is a galbi and Korean BBQ restaurant in Goeup-dong, Yangju, Gyeonggi, known for certified hanwoo beef and marinated galbi. On a family meal out, the writer ordered homemade galbi and gabrisal (pork shoulder cap), and Manpo Garden served them on 2 separate grills matched to each meat, plus free naengmyeon (cold noodles) with house-made noodles and broth. From the side dishes to the self-serve dessert, Manpo Garden was a satisfying family dinner spot from start to finish.

Written Oct 7, 2026Sponsored
PlacePocheon, GyeonggiCafés

Pocheon Gomori walk café with a 2nd-floor lake terrace: Geurine Oasis

Geurine Oasis is a lake-view café beside Gomori Reservoir in Soheul-eup, Pocheon, Gyeonggi. On a walk around Gomori, the writer stopped at Geurine Oasis and explored its white-and-silver Building 1, Building 2 with its resort-style terrace, the pet zone, the fire-pit area and the second-floor terrace, enjoying drinks and baked goods. Geurine Oasis is a relaxing stop on a Gomori walk, even if you go without any plans just for some fresh air.

Written Oct 4, 2026Sponsored
You've reached the end · 7 stories