Third Plate, Jeju/Seoul and Busan-Gyeongnam Cafes and Restaurants

Seongsu omurice spot, noon wait under 10 min & parasols: Seongsu Darak

Seongsu Darak is a Western restaurant on the 2nd and 3rd floors of an old three-story house in the back alley behind the Musinsa Megastore in Seongsu, Seoul. The writer arrived around 11:50am on a weekday, ordered ahead from the waiting chairs, was seated in under 10 minutes, and had the Darak Omurice, Spicy Crab Risotto, Darak Ade and Seongsu Ade. Thanks to the signature Darak Omurice and the thoughtful touch of parasols set out for waiting guests, Seongsu Darak is a place the writer definitely wants to revisit.

Written Jun 26, 2026Sponsored

PlaceJeju, JejuCafés

Jeju madeleine shop: two girls' matcha and choco picks, Today Jeju

Today Jeju Shilla Duty Free Shop Jeju Branch is a shop selling Harubangne, hareubang-shaped madeleines, on the 1st floor of Shilla Duty Free at 69 Noyeon-ro, Jeju City. Two elementary-school daughters ask for Today Jeju on every Jeju trip. This visit's haul was the Harubangne 8-piece set (₩28,200), choco-coated Harubangne and a Jeju tangerine sandwich cookie, tasted at the hotel: the younger daughter picked matcha, the elder chocolate and mom the cinnamon-scented carrot. For a more unique Jeju gift than tangerine chocolate, Today Jeju's Harubangne is the one to buy.

Written Jul 17, 2026Sponsored

PlaceHaeundae, BusanRestaurants

No-chili pho family lunch in Haeundae, Busan: Cheongsapo Rice Noodles

Cheongsapo Rice Noodles Main Branch (청사포쌀국수 본점) is a Vietnamese pho restaurant near the Cheongsapo stop of the beach train in Haeundae, Busan. A family of four, two adults and two elementary-school kids, booked on Naver for a Friday lunch, ordered 3 pho bowls and butter shrimp fried rice with the chili left out, and got banh xeo (Vietnamese crispy pancake) free for ordering 2 or more pho. With high chairs and a self-serve side dish bar, Cheongsapo Rice Noodles made an easy family meal with kids.

Written Aug 2, 2026Sponsored