Local places · 2515 stories
Restaurants, cafés and salons across Korea — every story by a blogger who actually went, linked to Google Maps.
Gyeoretsu Ramen Bucheon University Branch is a Japanese ramen restaurant in Bucheon, Gyeonggi, serving Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen. After-work waiting led to rich yet not heavy tonkotsu ramen, Iekei ramen, crisp chicken karaage, and unlimited rice. Gyeoretsu Ramen Bucheon University Branch is a great pick for a filling bowl with rich broth.
Wanita Music Listening Room Seongsu is an LP listening café in Seongdong, Seoul. For a 16,500 won ticket including a drink, I played records, had Budweiser and brownie ice cream, and heard a requested song through huge speakers. Verdict: a brilliant Seongsu date spot for music, dessert, and atmosphere all at once.
Nangman Jjajang is a Chinese restaurant on Uirim-daero in Jecheon, Chungbuk. We shared tray jjajangmyeon and cream pork tenderloin tangsuyuk with our baby, and loved the tender pork with the lightly spicy noodles. Verdict: a generous, memorable meal worth returning to Jecheon for.
Nani Byeolgwan is a quiet, cozy izakaya bar in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul. Near Yeongdeungpo Station and behind Times Square, it serves mild Nagasaki seafood nabe, tender daechang skewers, and fragrant Earl Grey highballs. Verdict: a lovely spot for unhurried drinks and conversation.
Jackson Pizza Wirye Branch is an American-style pizza restaurant by Wirye Central Square in Seongnam, Gyeonggi. A half-and-half cheese pizza and Super Jackson pizza suited both children and adults, with kids’ tableware and easy takeout. Jackson Pizza Wirye Branch was a great pick for a family meal.
Sushi Ian N is a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant near Seolleung Station in Gangnam, Seoul. Every standard sushi plate costs ₩1,990, with made-to-order options alongside salmon, grilled meat sushi, rolls, fried dishes, and dessert. Verdict: a place I want to revisit when I’m craving good-value sushi.
Soi Nana is a Thai restaurant in Seongdong, Seoul. I shared my first pad thai, crab fried pu pad pong curry, and fried cha gio, and loved the exotic atmosphere. Verdict: an easy, satisfying place to try Thai food for the first time.
Plan A Restaurant is a Western restaurant by Songdo Beach in Pohang, Gyeongbuk. I ordered the Korean beef ribeye steak medium-well and enjoyed it with wine sauce and whole-grain mustard before walking along the night sea. Plan A Restaurant is a great pick for ocean views and a juicy steak.
Jeongsiljangne Ppalgan Gogi is a charcoal-grilled pork restaurant in Icheon, Gyeonggi. My family had two servings of red fresh pork belly and bowl bibimbap, while the staff handled the grilling. Verdict: a good pick for clean heat and charcoal flavor.
Deokeun Jangeo is a charcoal-grilled eel restaurant in Buk-gu, Gwangju. After a weekday lunch wait, we picked just over 800g of eel for about ₩40,000 and enjoyed self-bar sides and nurungji. Verdict: a satisfying spot for a filling plate of freshly grilled eel.
Sindorim Sambaekga is a jokbal and bossam restaurant in Guro, Seoul. We had the Sambaek Jokbal + Makguksu Set and rice balls for a weekend family dinner, with tender pork, persimmon geotjeori, and a generous helping of noodles. A satisfying choice for clean-tasting jokbal—just arrive early to avoid the dinner wait.
Jump is an indoor activity theme park in Nowon, Seoul. I wore a harness for Clip ’n Climb, crossed cylindrical pillars, and played arcade games including Tekken 7 and Beat Dunk. Jump is a great all-weather pick for an active date or family outing.
