Local places · 3166 stories
Restaurants, cafés and salons across Korea — every story by a blogger who actually went, linked to Google Maps.
Nohyeong Supermarket is an indoor media-art attraction in Jeju, Jeju. We visited with our third-grade child and stayed nearly 2 hours replaying the dinosaur and robot scenes. A worthwhile weather-proof family stop for a Jeju itinerary.
Jamae Salon Esthetic is an esthetic salon for body contouring in Gajwa-dong, Jinju. After a consultation and InBody measurement, I tried bodysuit electrical stimulation and Live On dome heat care, with changes recorded after one session. Verdict: a wonderfully relaxing option when swelling and body-fat management are on your mind.
Wolhadong is a Korean restaurant serving gomtang in a restored hanok in Insadong, Jongno, Seoul. We tried Wolha Gomtang, Hong Gomtang, and a half portion of chilled boiled pork, with the Cheonggeunjang dipping paste standing out most. Verdict: a lovely choice for warm gomtang in a traditional Insadong setting.
Yunseul is a shabu-shabu restaurant in Grand Central near Seoul Station, Jung-gu, Seoul. The ₩59,000 set for two includes naengi doenjang broth, minari fish milt pancake, kalguksu, and gondre juk—choose the gondre porridge for the finale.
Sushi Naru Yeongdae Hospital Main Branch is a sushi restaurant in Nam-gu, Daegu, serving aged fish sushi near Yeungnam University Medical Center. On a second visit, I enjoyed freshly made sushi, warm rice, and tender fish at the counter seats. Verdict: a lunch spot I would happily return to near the hospital.
Cheongchuni Oranda is a handmade oranda and gwajul shop in Dongmun Market, Jeju. Before heading to Jeju Airport, I tasted different flavors and picked packaged treats for family and friends. Cheongchuni Oranda is a lovely last-day stop for a special Jeju snack gift.
Kkuseokji Dolpan Hanu Incheon Nonhyeon Branch is a Korean beef barbecue restaurant in Namdong, Incheon. The ₩48,000 Hanwoo Assorted Set A pairs tender sirloin, short rib meat, and upjin-sal with yukhoe naengmyeon and doenjang sulbap. Verdict: a family-friendly Korean beef meal I’d gladly come back for.
Min Cook Apbadang Seongsa is a Korean restaurant in Seongsa-dong, Goyang, Gyeonggi, serving seasonal grilled fish and Korean dishes. We shared grilled fish, charcoal-grilled bulgogi, and pot-cooked rice with the kids, and especially loved the lightly seasoned side dishes and fish kept warm at the table. Min Cook Apbadang Seongsa is a satisfying, easy family meal.
Kkua Ewha is a Vietnamese restaurant on Ewhayeodae-gil between Ewha Womans University Station and Ewha Womans University in Seodaemun, Seoul. Even at 4 PM, we shared meat-loaded pho with extra bean sprouts, a single-serving bún chả, and shrimp rice rolls without a break time. Verdict: a worthwhile stop when you are craving pho around Ewha.
Jeju Badang is a Korean restaurant in Gagyeong-dong, Cheongju, Chungbuk, specializing in grilled and braised fish. I tried its boneless Jeju hairtail stew with pot-cooked rice, unlimited side dishes, a self-service bar, and scorched-rice tea. Jeju Badang is a satisfying choice for a comfortable Korean meal with family.
Oterre Namyeong is a cozy one-person hair salon near Namyeong Station in Yongsan, Seoul. Instead of recommending a perm or color, the designer assessed hair condition and reduced layers to soften the cheekbone area. Verdict: a great choice if you value honest consultation before technique.
Ilpum Gwanghwamun is a Japanese restaurant on B2 of Le Meilleur Jongno Town near Gwanghwamun Station in Jongno, Seoul. We had the basic kaisendon, today’s sushi set, chawanmushi, karaage cold udon, and mango panna cotta. Verdict: a generous, beautifully prepared seafood meal with impressively fresh fish.
