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Cafés, restaurants and places in Seoul, written by bloggers who went there.
Mapo Gui Madang Bukgajwa Direct Branch is a Korean barbecue restaurant in Seodaemun, Seoul. After cycling from Bulgwangcheon to Haneul Park, I had pre-grilled pork belly, makchang, and doenjang-jjigae, with grilled green-onion kimchi as the standout pairing. Mapo Gui Madang Bukgajwa Direct Branch is a relaxed stop for a meat-filled meal.
Mapo Mokjang is a Korean barbecue restaurant near Mapo Station in Seoul. After work, I had 450g of Emperor galbi-sal and bibim naengmyeon, then finished with complimentary patbingsu. Verdict: the thick, juicy beef and spicy cold noodles were an especially great pairing.
Cafe The Venezia is a European-style brunch café in Songpa, Seoul. Its croissant sandwich set had sold out, but the classic club sandwich, garden salad, and two iced Americanos made for a filling lunch. Verdict: arrive early for the limited croissant set.
Byeoljin Hwarogui is a charcoal-grill restaurant in Yongsan, Seoul, serving oak-smoked, par-cooked meat. On a third visit, I had the 800g smoked barbecue set and steamed egg beneath star-like lights. Verdict: the camping-like mood and variety of cuts were especially satisfying.
Cheongdam Shop Sinyongsan Branch is a beauty salon in Yongsan, Seoul, offering makeup and hair styling beside Sinyongsan Station. For an outdoor shoot, I requested cool-pink daily makeup and natural C-curls and S-curls; the darker tone photographed beautifully and the volume lasted all day. Verdict: a great choice for polished but not overdone shoot-ready hair and makeup.
MANDOO BAR is a dumpling bar in Mapo, Seoul, near Hongdae Sang Sang Madang. I took home okonomiyaki gyoza, yuringi gyoza, and steamed dumplings, ordered half meat and half kimchi. Verdict: a seriously delicious Hongdae takeaway find.
Mr. Kim's Chicken Jayang Market Branch is a chicken takeout spot in Gwangjin, Seoul. I brought mild dakgangjeong, four drumsticks, and fried chicken gizzards to the nearby Han River—the crisp texture and generous portions were fantastic, and the gizzards are a must.
Horanggul Bangi Branch is a gopchang hot pot restaurant in Songpa, Seoul. We enjoyed a rich, gently spicy hot pot with cheese risotto after, and the generous ingredients made it especially satisfying. Verdict: a great choice for a Jamsil date or a work dinner.
Ilpum Magok is a Japanese restaurant in Gangseo, Seoul, serving kaisendon, sushi, and rice bowls. After work, we had premium kaisendon and aburi-don with chawanmushi, cold udon, and dessert served like a course. Verdict: Start with the premium kaisendon for thick slices of fish and plenty of combinations.
Makise Hapjeong is a Japanese restaurant serving kaisendon in Mapo, Seoul, within walking distance of Hapjeong Station. We had the A Set for two, with two kaisendon bowls, cheese fries, and a canned drink, and even the mackerel and ankimo were delicious. Verdict: Makise Hapjeong is a satisfying, good-value lunch spot in Hapjeong.
Ramen Truck Sangsu Main Branch is a Japanese ramen restaurant near Sangsu Station in Mapo, Seoul. I had spicy chashu ramen, rice, and yaki gyoza at 3 p.m. with no break time, and the rich spicy broth, four slices of chashu, and especially the crisp dumplings stayed with me. Verdict: go when you want spicy ramen with rice mixed right into the broth.
Namhang Kkeutjip is a Korean BBQ restaurant near Yangjae Station in Seocho, Seoul. Four women shared the 900g selected Korean pork platter for ₩75,000 and loved the special kimchi fried rice with added snow cheese. A great pick when you want grilled pork without doing the grilling yourself.
