Local places · 3346 stories
Restaurants, cafés and salons across Korea — every story by a blogger who actually went, linked to Google Maps.
Jeongseong Katsu Chuncheon Toegye Branch is a Japanese restaurant in Toegye-dong, Chuncheon, serving tonkatsu and udon. We shared the Jeongseong Assorted Katsu Set Meal for 13,900 won and kimchi-free fish cake udon for 8,900 won with our child, and the tender hire katsu and stir-fried kimchi stood out. Verdict: a lovely choice for a family meal in Chuncheon.
Bas Burger Jamwon is a handmade burger restaurant near Sinsa Station in Seocho, Seoul. I had the wasabi mayo shrimp burger set, the Bas Burger set, and sweet potato fries, plus the dine-in potato chip self-service bar. The sweet potato fries and mix-and-match sauces were especially good.
Ondogye is a charcoal-grilled chicken restaurant in Gangdong, Seoul. After an IMAX movie, we had 2 servings each of salted chicken neck and spicy marinated dakgalbi, plus rice balls. Verdict: Ondogye is a great pick for juicy chicken and relaxed staff grilling.
Geurimseu Cafe is a large café on the outskirts of Cheonan, Chungnam, with extensive parking, a plant-filled interior, and hillside outdoor seating. I ordered the basil cream pasta and White Roll Choux Cream Castella, and the pasta was so good I ordered it again. Verdict: a relaxed spot for brunch and freshly baked bread.
Pound Coffee Unjeong Main Branch is a dog-friendly café in Paju, Gyeonggi, where pets can stay indoors with their owners. I tried the 6,000 won Aussie Summer Latte with Häagen-Dazs ice cream and a crisp financier. Verdict: a lovely stop for coffee and baked treats with your dog.
Cheongdam Mimgye is a modern Korean restaurant near Cheongdam Station in Gangnam, Seoul, serving chicken soup, chogye-guksu, and chicken kalguksu. On a day with no appetite and low energy, I had its milky chicken-broth dishes alongside tangy mixed cold noodles; it looked suited to solo meals and small gatherings alike. Verdict: Cheongdam Mimgye is worth a visit when you want warm broth and lighter chicken dishes.
Budan Nampo Branch is a cooking bar in Nampo-dong, Busan. From a window seat, we ordered cheese jjusaewoo and soju, enjoying plump shrimp, chewy webfoot octopus, and mild mozzarella. Verdict: a great Nampo-dong spot for dates or group drinks with seriously good food.
Jeongju Ilga is a Korean bar in Mapo, Seoul, serving Korean dishes to share with drinks. After a walk at Mangwon Hangang Park, I had brisket doenjang-jjigae and pepperoni potato pancakes with draft beer and soju. Verdict: an easy, satisfying stop for a date or gathering.
Hampyeong Yukhoe Bangi Main Branch is a raw beef restaurant in Songpa, Seoul, serving mungtigi, yukhoe, and fresh beef brisket sashimi. The mungtigi over sushi rice and the first-ever taste of fresh brisket sashimi stood out most. Verdict: a worthwhile stop for a fresh raw-beef meal near Jamsil.
Pizza257 is a wood-fired pizza restaurant by Songdo Central Park in Yeonsu, Incheon. I paired Margherita pizza with two glasses of white wine on its weekday-evening terrace, and checked out the blanket-filled self bar and open kitchen. Verdict: a lovely spot for pizza and wine on a breezy night.
Chibao is a Taiwanese-style Chinese restaurant in Starfield Anseong, Gyeonggi. We had seafood jjamppong and beef tantanmen with Yulmu in the pet lounge. Verdict: the smoky jjamppong broth is especially memorable.
Degree Gojan Branch is a bakery café in Ansan, Gyeonggi, serving fruit drinks and freshly baked bread. Even late at night, the calm space was busy, and the fruit-packed drinks and nutty bread were wonderful. Verdict: I want to return when more kinds of bread are available.
