Local places · 2370 stories
Restaurants, cafés and salons across Korea — every story by a blogger who actually went, linked to Google Maps.
Rose Lash is an eyelash extension salon in Songpa, Seoul, near Jamsilsaenae Station. For my first extensions, I chose 11mm C-curl lashes and loved the defined, deep-looking eyes even without makeup. Verdict: a great choice for a natural look with noticeable presence.
Thanon55 is a Thai-style pho restaurant in Seongdong, Seoul. I tried the Thai curry beef intestine pho and the generously topped gamjatang pho, and the latter stayed on my mind long afterward. Verdict: If flavor matters more than atmosphere, don’t miss Thanon55’s gamjatang pho.
Sinseon Myeonga is a Korean restaurant in Yeonje, Busan, serving house-made kalguksu and bossam with octopus sets. The grilled octopus and bossam set, kalguksu, and makgeolli came to the 40,000-won range and felt like enough for five people. Verdict: a wonderfully hearty table for daytime drinks.
Doran Honsul Bar Hongdae Branch is a cocktail bar in Mapo, Seoul. My friend and I ordered different cocktails, chatted over complimentary snacks, and found plenty of games to enjoy. Verdict: a cozy pick for a quieter drink away from Hongdae’s bustle.
Ryeowon Skin Care is a private skin and body-care studio near Nowon Station in Seoul. With a little over a month until the wedding, I focused on my upper arms, trapezius muscles, collarbones, and shoulder line with heat therapy and hands-on massage. Verdict: a worthwhile option for pre-wedding shoulder-line care.
Jojo AK Plaza Suwon is a Japanese restaurant in the B1 food court of AK Mall at Suwon Station, Gyeonggi. I tried the 18,000 won basic yakisoba and mentaiko gyoza set at the solo-friendly bar table before shopping. Verdict: a simple but filling choice before browsing the mall.
Monthly Beer Guro Digital Complex Station Branch is a bar in Guro, Seoul. I tried the charcoal-smoked chicken and honey garlic shrimp pizza, both 19,900 won, with generous portions and plenty of toppings. Verdict: a great pick for everything from group dinners to dates, haha.
Myeonsikdang Chungbuk National University Branch is a restaurant in Sachang-dong, Cheongju, serving ramen, tonkatsu, rice bowls, and pho. I filled the table with ramen piled with bean sprouts and meat, mini butadon, and crisp tonkatsu. Verdict: a good choice when everyone wants to share different dishes.
Ulsan Daewangam Dol Jjamppong is a Chinese restaurant near Ilsan Beach in Dong-gu, Ulsan. I tried the mild large stone jjambbong, handmade dontang set, and pomegranate ade, enjoying generous bean sprouts, seafood, smoky noodles, and scorched rice. A filling, distinctive meal with easy parking!
Hekbap Konkuk University Main Branch is a Japanese home-style restaurant near Konkuk University Station in Gwangjin, Seoul. I had the mazemen and fried chicken set, mini udon, and mini okonomiyaki at a bar table with an outside view. Hekbap is an easy everyday stop with plenty of menu choices.
Oi Samgyetang Bucheon Main Branch is a samgyetang restaurant in Sang-dong, Bucheon, Gyeonggi. We ordered herbal mung bean samgyetang and lacquer chicken soup, with a complimentary tasting bottle of ginseng liquor and coffee to finish. A warm, convenient pick for a family meal.
Ikkjujeokku is a camping-style Korean BBQ restaurant in Gamil-dong, Hanam, Gyeonggi. I tried Jeju white pork five-layer pork belly, pork neck, pork belly, plentiful sides, and cold noodle soup; outside food and paid corkage are also allowed. Verdict: a great-value pick for a fun charcoal-grill outing.
