Local places · 1778 stories
Restaurants, cafés and salons across Korea — every story by a blogger who actually went, linked to Google Maps.
Noknok is a two-floor café in Yeonnam-dong, Mapo, Seoul, open early in the morning until late at night. I settled into its spacious sofas and bar tables with nutty Americanos and a rich Basque cheesecake, while the second floor welcomed dogs. Verdict: Noknok is an easy pick for an affordable date or study session.
Nohyeong Supermarket is an immersive media art attraction in Nohyeong-dong, Jeju. We visited with my child and parents on a drink-included ticket, exploring the black-and-white supermarket and the 360-degree screen show. Verdict: a satisfying family stop near Jeju Airport on the last day of a trip.
Dough Rider Pizza is a wood-fired pizza restaurant in Ara-dong, Jeju. We tried the Cowboy Shrimp Kick, with plump shrimp, a spicy yet refreshing house sauce, and chewy, moist dough. Verdict: an outstanding pizza worth finishing right down to the crust.
Myeonsikdang Pukyong National University Branch is a Japanese restaurant in Nam-gu, Busan, serving ramen and tonkatsu. We chose tonkotsu ramen, mozzarella cheese katsu, and sides from the two-person set. Verdict: go for the thick, seriously cheese-filled tonkatsu.
Dokbul Janggun Ilsan Baekseok Branch is a Korean BBQ restaurant near Baekseok Station in Goyang, Gyeonggi. I enjoyed its 600g 72-hour-aged Jeju pork platter with cheonggukjang and water kimchi. Verdict: a filling choice for a terrace meal or group gathering.
Tongkeun Shabu is an all-you-can-eat shabu-shabu restaurant near Yeosu City Hall in Yeosu. Choose from classic, sukiyaki, mala, or chicken-bone broth, then fill up on pork, beef brisket, sushi, chicken, yukhoe, and more for 26,900 won on weekdays. Tongkeun Shabu is a hearty pick for a family meal, haha.
Palmi Jogae Kalguksu is a Korean restaurant near Mullae Station in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, serving clam shabu kalguksu. Fresh clams, vegetables, beef shabu, and noodles arrive as a satisfying course in a deep broth. Verdict: a warm, generous meal for gatherings.
Dance Dance Dance Seoul Station is a brunch spot in Jung-gu, Seoul, inside Grand Central. I had the chicken breast sandwich on ciabatta and a decaf sugar-free vanilla bean oat milk latte; the sandwich was moist and generously filled. Verdict: a light but satisfying Seoul Station meal combo. :)
Hwangje Sushi Ilsan Main Branch is a Japanese restaurant near Western Dom in Goyang, Gyeonggi. I ordered the 10-piece assorted sushi set by kiosk and enjoyed it with abalone porridge, udon, and side dishes in a calm, tidy setting. Verdict: a satisfying choice when you want a varied sushi meal.
Jokbo is a neighborhood jokbal restaurant in Wolpyeong-dong, Seo-gu, Daejeon. I ordered the Bul ON Small, with chewy warm jokbal and spicy fire jokbal, plus neatly prepared side dishes, for 42,000 won. Verdict: a generously portioned dinner-and-drinks spot for two, though parking takes some planning.
Romaok Magok is an Italian restaurant on the third floor of LG Arts Centre Seoul in Gangseo, Seoul. I had a solo brunch of pine nut Caprese salad and fresh-truffle Korean beef white ragu pasta in its spacious terrace setting. Verdict: a lovely pick for a quiet, atmospheric meal near Magoknaru.
Nyanya is a dessert café in Gojan-dong, Ansan, Gyeonggi, with resident cats and Hong Kong waffles. I enjoyed a seasonal fruit Hong Kong waffle, ice cream, and coffee in its spacious, photo-friendly interior. Verdict: Nyanya is a lovely place to revisit when I’m craving cute cats and pretty desserts.
