Local places · 3346 stories
Restaurants, cafés and salons across Korea — every story by a blogger who actually went, linked to Google Maps.
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.
Odeng Osaek Gangnam Station Branch is an izakaya-style odeng bar near Gangnam Station in Seocho, Seoul. After a stressful day, I shared assorted Japanese fish cakes, spicy curry flat glass noodles, and highballs with a friend; draft beer is 2,900 won during happy hour. Verdict: a lovely stop for hot broth and a cold beer.
Haepumgye is a Korean restaurant in Songu-ri, Pocheon, Gyeonggi. Four of us reserved Haepum Haesintang for our wedding anniversary and worked through seafood, shabu-shabu, kalguksu, and rice porridge. Verdict: a wonderfully hearty, warming meal with broth that gets richer as it simmers.
Songnim Bok Jangeo is an unlimited freshwater eel restaurant in Wongok-dong, Ansan, Gyeonggi. For 29,900 won per person plus a 3,000 won table-setting fee, it includes eel, pork belly, and chewy chicken neck, with buckwheat bibim makguksu on the side. Songnim Bok Jangeo made for a very satisfying, filling dinner.
Hey Joji is a pasta restaurant in Yeonnam-dong, Mapo, Seoul. I shared Cajun shrimp rosé pasta and white ragù truffle cream pasta, both with generous sauce and perfectly cooked noodles. Verdict: order the rosé and truffle cream together.
Choburi Kimchi Jjigae Gojan Main Branch is a Korean restaurant near Gojan Station in Ansan, Gyeonggi. I filled up on a two-person stone-pot rice and fresh-pork kimchi stew set, perilla-oil fried eggs, unlimited ramen noodles, snow fungus, scorched rice, and dessert. Verdict: a great stop for rich, reduced kimchi stew with all the extras.
Ari Gyegok Jonggak is a Korean-style bar in Jongno, Seoul. After work, we tried the ₩42,800 duck set with spicy chicken hot pot and traditional duck pancake, and loved both the atmosphere and the quality of the food. Verdict: a place I’d happily revisit near Jonggak Station.
