Second Round, Seoul and Chungcheong Bars — Seongsu Second Rounder

Dangjin squid restaurant for a day-trip dinner with friends: Ojjingeo

Ojjingeo Dangjin is a Korean restaurant specializing in squid dishes on Cheongnyong-gil in Daedeok-dong, Dangjin, Chungnam. On a day trip to Dangjin, a group of friends visited Ojjingeo Dangjin at 7 pm on a weekday, found every table full, and ate squid hot pot, squid stir-fry, squid and minari (water dropwort) pancake, a free review-event squid tangsuyuk (sweet-and-sour fried squid), then ordered self-serve fried rice. Ojjingeo Dangjin was the most satisfying meal of the Dangjin trip, and the squid hot pot is a must with udon noodles added.

Written Jul 18, 2026Sponsored

PlaceSeongdong, SeoulBars

Seongsu izakaya for after-work highballs and karaage: Tenba

Tenba is an izakaya near Seongsu Station on Yeonmujang-gil in Seongdong, Seoul. Sitting at Tenba's bar table after work, the writer and a friend ordered aged sashimi for two (₩48,000), nankotsu karaage (fried chicken cartilage, ₩10,000) and two Suntory highballs (₩9,000 a glass), working through abalone, sweet shrimp and tuna. With low lighting and free corkage, Tenba works just as well for a date as for drinks with friends.

Written Aug 19, 2026Sponsored

PlaceSeongdong, SeoulRestaurants

Seongsu-dong charcoal lamb and yeontae tonic drinks: Hwaro Yangmi

Hwaro Yangmi is a charcoal-grilled lamb restaurant in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, a three-minute walk from Exit 4 of Ttukseom Station. Two friends shared the 500g lamb assortment for 55,000 won with a bottle of Yeontae gaoliang liquor (25,000 won) mixed with tonic water into a yeontae tonic, and the owner grilled the lamb at the table until it was crisp outside and full of juice. With no gamey smell and four sauces to switch between, Hwaro Yangmi works just as well for a Seongsu-dong date as for a team dinner.

Written Aug 18, 2026Sponsored