Local places · 2541 stories
Restaurants, cafés and salons across Korea — every story by a blogger who actually went, linked to Google Maps.
Cham Dwaejitgan Jongno Main Branch is a Korean BBQ restaurant near Jongno 3-ga Station in Jongno, Seoul. I had Boseong green pork belly with minari, steamed egg, and butter bibimbap after a 40-minute Friday-evening wait. Verdict: an easy choice for a group that wants grilled pork without taking turns at the tongs.
Fluffy Bake Shop is a dessert café near Gongdeok Station in Mapo, Seoul. I took home a gamtae financier, egg tart, and Earl Grey canelé; the crisp egg tart was the standout. Verdict: a sweet little pick-me-up for a gloomy day.
Pip Espresso Bar is an espresso bar with indoor seating and a terrace in Mapo, Seoul. I ordered an iced Americano, tiramisu, and affogato, and even as someone who does not know coffee well, I loved the aroma and clean finish. Verdict: a lovely stop for dessert and coffee on a sunny Yeonnam-dong date.
Maeranbang Gyodae Branch is a Chinese restaurant near Gyodae Station in Seocho, Seoul. I tried hand-pulled black bean noodles, spicy Chinese-style bibimbap, and three dim sum dishes in its glamorous Hong Kong-style dining room. Verdict: go for the generously filled shrimp har gow and a polished group meal.
Olla Poke Munjeong Main Branch is a poke restaurant in Songpa, Seoul. I tried the ₩17,000 smoked duck poke and mushroom soup Hearty Meal Set, with calorie information for each topping and sauce. Verdict: a satisfying, lighter lunch with warm soup included.
Ungjin Dalseo Dwaeji Gukbap is a pork soup restaurant near Gamsam Station in Dalseo, Daegu. We had a late dinner with our child, and the thin, tender boiled pork shoulder with salted shrimp was especially satisfying. Verdict: I wholeheartedly recommend the boiled pork set meal for enjoying both pork and soup.
Deundeun Haejanggukbap Seonyudo Station Branch is a 24-hour gukbap restaurant near Seonyudo Station in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul. I tried sundae gukbap and pork gukbap sets, unlimited sundae, deulcho sauce, and a 900-won cup of makgeolli. Verdict: a filling stop for a meal or a light evening drink.
Tteokmidang is a rice cake shop in Cheongju, Chungbuk, beside Lotte Outlet Cheongju. I shared pink-letter baekseolgi and eight individually packed pumpkin sirutteok with my family, then found the complimentary songpyeon even chewier after steaming it again. Tteokmidang is one to remember for important occasions and holiday rice cakes.
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.
