Hot Pans, Yuseong and Seoul — Pavement Queue Lunchgoer

Hapjeong rib spot for a blossom date: mild kimchi ribs, Bongmaruji

Bongmaruji Hapjeong (봉마루집 합정점) is a Korean restaurant specializing in galbi-jjim (braised short ribs) on Yanghwa-ro 6-gil, between Sangsu Station and Hapjeong Station in Mapo, Seoul. A spicy-food lover and her spice-shy boyfriend ordered the aged kimchi braised ribs at level 1 heat, worried the dish would be too mild and get tiresome, but the tender meat and rich savory flavor had them clearing the pot. With adjustable spice levels and a free receipt-review perk, Bongmaruji Hapjeong is an easy date pick for couples with different spice tolerances.

Written Apr 13, 2026Sponsored

PlaceSeo-gu, DaejeonRestaurants

Daejeon gopchang grill, two women's third visit, ₩58,000 platter: Uhwa

Uhwa Gopchang (우화곱창) is a gopchang (grilled beef offal) restaurant in central Dunsan-dong, Seo-gu, Daejeon. On a third visit with a female friend, the writer ordered the Uhwa mixed platter for 2–3 people (₩58,000), fried rice (₩5,000) and soju (₩5,000); staff cut the pre-grilled offal at the table, and the fried rice comes with egg. Savory, chewy gopchang with no gamey smell made the third visit to Uhwa Gopchang just as satisfying, and it is a good pick for two women or a four-person work dinner.

Written Jun 25, 2026Sponsored

PlaceSeo-gu, DaejeonRestaurants

Korean BBQ till 3 a.m. in Dunsan-dong, Daejeon, with soju: Imdaejang

Imdaejang Daejeon Dunsan Branch (임대장 대전둔산점) is a Korean BBQ restaurant in Dunsan-dong, Seo-gu, Daejeon, open daily from 15:00 to 03:00, where the kitchen grills the meat before serving it. The blogger and her boyfriend shared the medium Hanpan-gui grill platter (610g, 48,000 won), chadol doenjang jjigae (beef brisket soybean paste stew, 5,900 won), fried rice and 3 bottles of soju, then finished with free soft-serve ice cream. Imdaejang Daejeon Dunsan Branch is a good Dunsan-dong pick for dates and group dinners where you would rather talk than grill.

Written Jul 5, 2026Sponsored