Local places · 2632 stories
Restaurants, cafés and salons across Korea — every story by a blogger who actually went, linked to Google Maps.
Boriook Main Branch is a Korean restaurant in Suwon, Gyeonggi, serving unlimited barley rice, seasoned vegetables, and side dishes. We ordered barley rice and grilled mackerel for 28,000 won, then enjoyed warm japchae, spicy braised tofu, and crisp vegetable fritters from the self-service bar. Verdict: A satisfying place to return to when you are craving a full table of assorted vegetables.
Cafe Sinabro is a roasting café in Euljiro Twin Tower, Jung-gu, Seoul. I tried its house-roasted coffee, morning-made tarts, and tiramisu at approachable prices, with a separate space for sitting down. Verdict: the fig pecan tart is absolutely worth ordering again.
Bas Burger Seongsu is a burger restaurant in Seongsu, Seoul, serving kids’ burger sets, handcrafted burgers, and craft beer. My picky 6-year-old finished the whole Teriyaki Mayo Kids Burger Set, while the spicy chicken burger and Chili Mozza Cheese Bar stood out. Verdict: a solid family dining pick when everyone wants something different.
Salmon Brothers is a restaurant in Suyeong, Busan, serving salmon dishes and pasta. I ordered fresh salmon sushi, salmon salad, truffle cream pasta, grilled king oyster mushrooms, and mochiri dofu, with the truffle dishes standing out most. Verdict: a great choice for a Gwangalli date meal with a little of everything.
Avocado Yeosu is an avocado dessert café near Yi Sun-sin Square in Yeosu, Gwangju. After a meal, I enjoyed a nutty, not-too-sweet smoothie and ice cream topped with coconut chips, plus the avocado décor and photo booth. For a cool, clean finish to a meal, Avocado Yeosu is a great fit.
Muneo Cheonha is an octopus restaurant in Songpa, Seoul, serving sliced boiled octopus and a spread of side dishes. On a day when octopus was hard to source, Muneo Cheonha happened to have it, and the drained sour kimchi pairing was especially memorable. Verdict: a generous, happy dinner despite the thick-cut octopus being a little disappointing.
Deodo Gejang is a Korean restaurant near Tongdosa Temple in Yangsan, Gyeongnam, serving Jeju yellow crab and assorted marinated seafood. I shared assorted marinated seafood and monkfish-and-webfoot-octopus bulgogi with my parents for my father's birthday, and the nutty yellow crab was the standout. Verdict: a satisfying family meal for sampling several marinated seafood dishes.
Jedam Kalguksu Hyangnam Branch is a Korean noodle restaurant in Hyangnam, Hwaseong, Gyeonggi. During a business trip, I had the two-person seafood hand-cut noodle soup and kimchi dumpling set, with fresh seafood, chewy house-made noodles, and a refreshing clear broth. Verdict: a great pick for a group lunch or family meal.
Lara Flower is a flower shop in Songpa, Seoul. I ordered a custom pink, cheerful bouquet for my mom’s birthday, and loved its abundant flowers and pink wrapping. Verdict: my flower-loving mom thought it was beautiful too.
CORR is a dessert café in Dongnae, Busan, serving financiers and other baked treats. I tried an Americano, peppermint tea, and basic, Earl Grey, and salty chocolate financiers; the Earl Grey financier’s delicate aroma and crisp-outside, moist-inside texture stood out. Verdict: a cozy, welcoming café worth revisiting.
Ilpum Yeouido Branch is a Japanese restaurant in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, serving sushi and seafood dishes. After a Han River cruise and night-view outing, our family shared kaisendon, a salmon sushi set, and chicken karaage for 26,000 won, 28,000 won, and 17,000 won. Verdict: an easy family dinner stop after a Han River day out.
Modam Dining Gwanghwamun is a Korean restaurant in Jongno, Seoul, near Gwanghwamun Station. Its Korean beef 1++ bulgogi hot pot set meal costs ₩39,000 per person for two or more and unfolds like nearly 10 courses, from appetizers to dessert. Verdict: a satisfying pick for a family gathering with a private room.
