Local places · 1444 stories
Restaurants, cafés and salons across Korea — every story by a blogger who actually went, linked to Google Maps.
Baekho Tteokbang is a rice cake shop in Nam-gu, Ulsan, serving pumpkin injeolmi and sweet pumpkin sikhye. On a late Saturday afternoon, only three packs remained, but I brought home one pack each of Baekho Tteok and Heukho Tteok for my family. Verdict: a wonderfully filling stop whenever pumpkin injeolmi is on your mind.
On the Rail is a large railway-view café in Munsan, Paju. On a first highway drive, I loved the spacious parking lot, wide window-filled space, and filling green onion cheese bread. Verdict: a lovely stop for a night drive and fireside gazing.
Minja Hoetjip is a sashimi and seafood takeaway shop in Jumunjin Fish Market, Gangneung. We pre-ordered a small assorted sashimi platter by phone and enjoyed it at our accommodation with complimentary seafood. Minja Hoetjip makes for an easy, generous hotel dinner on a Gangneung trip.
Anma Jogyok Cafe Jeonmang is a foot bath and massage café in Jeonju Hanok Village, Jeonju. The ₩15,000 basic course includes a 30-minute aroma foot bath, a shoulder massager, and a drink. Anma Jogyok Cafe Jeonmang is a lovely stop for resting tired feet between sightseeing.
Boksakkot Pineun Jip is a restaurant in Yuseong, Daejeon, serving fire-grilled webfoot octopus, pizza, and café desserts after the meal. We had the 2-person Jjuchipa and a premium rice ball, and loved the spicy smoky flavor, cheese, pasta, and generous spread. Verdict: a filling choice for families, groups, or a date.
Danyang Heukmaneul Nurungji Dakgangjeong is a chicken takeout shop in Danyang Gugang Market, Chungbuk. I took the Double Rich Flavor chicken and black garlic makgeolli back to our lodging, and even tried wrapping fried chicken in salted bread. Verdict: Make this your first stop for Danyang travel takeout.
Rigo Susan Jeonpo Station Main Branch is an aged raw-fish restaurant near Jeonpo Station in Busanjin, Busan. We ordered the small assorted sashimi set for 49,000 won with generous banchan, sushi rice, and Cheongha. Verdict: a pretty, filling spot for sashimi and drinks.
Menya Seoul is a ramen restaurant in the Yongsan I'Park Mall food court in Seoul. I enjoyed the pork belly mazesoba with plenty of lemon kelp vinegar, plus the spicy ramen's jambon and karaage. Verdict: a speedy, satisfying solo meal before or after shopping or a movie.
Hyeonseoni-ne Cheonggye Instant Branch is a Korean snack restaurant in Jung-gu, Seoul, near Cheonggyecheon Stream. The ₩25,000 Hyeonseoni Combo delivered tteokbokki, sundae, fried snacks, mini gimbap, and fish cake alongside soju. Verdict: a carb-loaded second-round stop I would happily revisit.
Mujinjang Sik-yuk Kkori Gomtang is a Korean restaurant near Pyeonghwa Square in Mokpo, Gwangju. On a late lunch visit, I tried its clean, deeply flavored broth, tender beef tail meat, and bright tangy sauce. A comforting, filling meal worth considering.
Gaya Kkeutjip is a Korean restaurant in Samgye, Gimhae, serving bossam and oven-baked fish as complete set meals. We visited with two children and ordered two bossam sets plus one extra bowl of rice, and loved the generous side dishes and children’s tableware. Verdict: Gaya Kkeutjip is a great choice for a family meal.
Snack Bar Atashi Dangsan Station Main Branch is a bar in Dangsan, Seoul, serving katsu and curry by day and izakaya dishes at night. On a cool day, I had flounder salt gimbap, steamed clams, spicy seafood yaki udon, and okonomiyaki fries with soju. Verdict: a great Dangsan bar for outdoor drinks and a variety of snacks.
