Shopping Bag Wanderer · 10 stories

Paper Bag, Gyeonggi/Gangwon/Seoul Cafes, Restaurants and Shops

Writes about cafes, restaurants, and small shops across Gyeonggi, Gangwon, and Seoul. · Writes about: Cafés · Restaurants · Shopping

PlaceSokcho, GangwonRestaurants

Sokcho makguksu, back with my parents: Mom's perilla kalguksu, Topgol

Sokcho Topgol Makguksu Main Branch is a buckwheat noodle restaurant on Haeoreum-ro in Sokcho, Gangwon, specializing in deulmemak (perilla oil buckwheat makguksu). After falling for Sokcho Topgol Makguksu on a visit with friends, the writer came back with their parents and shared deulmemak, perilla buckwheat kalguksu, jang kalguksu and a shredded potato pancake; Mom's cold-day pick of perilla kalguksu and the salt-seasoned young radish kimchi were both satisfying. Verdict: Sokcho Topgol Makguksu ranks as the writer's number one restaurant in Gangwon and a strong pick for a family meal.

Written Oct 24, 2026Sponsored
PlaceSokcho, GangwonRestaurants

Sokcho noodle spot: red makguksu fan's first perilla bowl, Topgol

Sokcho Topgol Makguksu Main Branch is a dongchimi-based makguksu (buckwheat noodle) restaurant on Haeoreum-ro 188beon-gil near Sokcho Beach in Sokcho, Gangwon. The writer, who had only ever ordered red (spicy) makguksu, tried the signature perilla oil buckwheat makguksu for the first time, mixing it and then pouring in icy dongchimi (radish water kimchi), alongside a 6,000-won kids' set of jajang, rice and egg. Verdict: even red makguksu fans should try the perilla oil buckwheat makguksu at Sokcho Topgol Makguksu Main Branch.

Written Jun 6, 2026Sponsored
PlaceSokcho, GangwonRestaurants

Sokcho tofu restaurant, weekend hangover sundubu & anchovies: Jinsol

Jinsol Halmeoni Sundubu (진솔할머니순두부) is a soft tofu restaurant on Wonamhaksapyeong-gil in Sokcho, Gangwon, that says it makes its own sundubu from Korean-grown soybeans and deep sea water. On a weekend morning, the writer and companions ate spicy sundubu and Abai squid sundae (stuffed squid), along with side dishes like homemade kimchi and stir-fried anchovies. The writer called it the best sundubu they have had in Sokcho and recommends Jinsol Halmeoni Sundubu for a hangover meal or a family breakfast.

Written Jun 7, 2026Sponsored
PlaceSokcho, GangwonCafés

Sokcho bakery café: potato bread cheaper in store than online, Bultan

Sokcho Bultan Gamja Bread Main Store is a potato bread bakery café on Haksapyeong-gil in Sokcho, Gangwon. On a Gangwon trip the writer tried the free sample bread, then bought a 4-piece box of Bultan potato bread and squid-flavored jjondeugi (a chewy Korean snack stick). The bread was chewy outside with a soft potato filling that was not artificially sweet. Buying at the store tends to be cheaper than ordering online, so Sokcho Bultan Gamja Bread Main Store is worth a stop on any Sokcho trip.

Written Jun 7, 2026Sponsored
PlaceYongin, GyeonggiRestaurants

Glass-walled BBQ near Everland, family set for 4: Rustic Smoke House

Rustic Smoke House Yongin Yangji Branch is an American BBQ restaurant in Yangji-eup, Cheoin-gu, Yongin, near Everland. On a weekend visit, the writer ordered the 4-person BBQ family set: the Rustic BBQ Platter, ragu cheese pasta, melanzane ragu pasta, a BBQ quesadilla and salad. The writer also enjoyed the sunlight through the glass walls and the Butter Ring cookies at the self-serve bar. Verdict: Rustic Smoke House Yongin Yangji Branch is a reliable BBQ pick for families and groups.

Written Jun 9, 2026Sponsored
PlaceHwaseong, GyeonggiRestaurants

Single-portion kalguksu lunch in Dongtan with yuja radish rice: Yubok

Yubok Haemul Kalguksu Dongtan Direct Branch is a seafood kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup) restaurant on Dongtangongwon-ro in Dongtan, Hwaseong, that makes its broth from pufferfish. At lunch the blogger ordered seafood kalguksu for 2 plus spicy stir-fried webfoot octopus (jjukkumi). Their first pufferfish kalguksu had a clean broth, and the barley rice topped with yuja radish salad and the smoky octopus stir-fry with kalguksu noodles tossed in were just as satisfying. Every dish at Yubok Haemul Kalguksu can be ordered as a single portion and there is parking out front, making it a good Dongtan spot for a quick lunch.

Written Jun 10, 2026Sponsored
PlaceSuwon, GyeonggiRestaurants

Mangpo Station Korean BBQ drinks: braised tuna radish, Olheun Gogi

Olheun Gogi Suwon Main Branch (옳은고기 수원본점) is a Korean BBQ restaurant with private rooms in the Mangpo Station food alley in Suwon. On a weekday evening, four adults ordered the Olheun pork set (118,000 won), and staff grilled the meat at the table. With a braised tuna and radish side dish, bomb steamed egg, grilling cheese and mul naengmyeon (cold noodles), Olheun Gogi Suwon Main Branch is a satisfying spot for a night of drinks.

Written Jun 15, 2026Sponsored
PlaceSuwon, GyeonggiCafés

Gwanggyo cake café: whole Basque cheesecake to freeze, Café Diaz

Café Diaz Galleria Gwanggyo is a fresh-fruit cake café in the B1 food hall of the Galleria Gwanggyo department store in Suwon, Gyeonggi. Returning to Café Diaz after a long time, the writer covers the chocolate cake, the Basque cheesecake and the seasonal fig cake, and shares a tip: reserving a whole Basque cheesecake and freezing it in portions works out cheaper. Prices are a little steep, but Café Diaz Galleria Gwanggyo is a good cake shop for reserving with a coupon, picking up and enjoying at home.

Written Oct 13, 2026Sponsored
PlaceHwaseong, GyeonggiRestaurants

Terrace squid restaurant in Byeongjeom: cheese stir-fry at Haetan

Haetan Hwaseong Byeongjeom is a squid stir-fry and boiled pork belly (suyuk) restaurant on Hyohaeng-ro in Jinan-dong, Byeongjeom-gu, Hwaseong. On a cool day, the writer opened the terrace doors, ordered squid stir-fry with added cheese and a one-person boiled pork belly, and enjoyed them in lettuce wraps and with kalguksu noodles. The writer also had draft beer, used the self-serve corner and took a free ice cream on the way out. The verdict: if you order squid stir-fry at Haetan Hwaseong Byeongjeom, don't forget the kalguksu noodles and the extra cheese.

Written Oct 6, 2026Sponsored
PlaceSuwon, GyeonggiCafés

Suwon bagel café: butter-filled Laugen and bagel chips, Orange Bagel

Orange Bagel is a large bagel brunch café on Omokcheon-ro in Gosaek-dong, Gwonseon-gu, Suwon. The writer picked out original, basil and whole wheat bagels, then tried the Laugen bagel filled with a whole slab of butter and the café's new bagel chips. If you like clean, simple-tasting bagels, Orange Bagel's Laugen is an especially good fit.

Written Aug 7, 2026Sponsored
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