Local places · 3665 stories
Restaurants, cafés and salons across Korea — every story by a blogger who actually went, linked to Google Maps.
Geumsu Dwaeji Gukbap is a pork soup restaurant between Kyungsung University and Pukyong National University in Nam-gu, Busan. An extra-large pork jowl gukbap with wheat-noodle add-ons and a small serving of sundae paired well with the rich broth and chewy textures. Verdict: a satisfying stop when you want a generous bowl of Busan pork soup.
Hanchon Seolleongtang Bucheon Kkachiul Station Branch is a Korean restaurant in Bucheon, Gyeonggi, serving warm soup dishes. My husband and I ordered ₩20,000 royal galbitang with two large ribs, plenty of meat, and a clean broth. Verdict: a filling, family-friendly meal when you want something warming.
Gukgojip is a Korean barbecue restaurant near Yangjae Station in Gangnam, Seoul. We had beef galbisal, boneless marinated galbi, and chilled barley noodles, plus complimentary kongbiji-jjigae. Verdict: the boneless marinated galbi was the standout.
Narae Jokbal Songpa Direct Branch is a jokbal restaurant in Songpa, Seoul, serving braised pig’s trotters with sundubu-jjigae and makguksu. We visited on a rainy day and loved the tender, odor-free jokbal, spicy stew, and tangy noodles. Verdict: a generous full-course jokbal meal worth returning for.
Hojueseo on Hoejeon Chobap is a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant in Mundeok, Pohang, Gyeongbuk. I picked fresh, non-fishy sushi, fist-sized futomaki, tempura shrimp, and silky steamed egg from the rail and tablet menu. Verdict: I would 100% return on another Pohang trip, haha.
Sujakgye Wonhadeon Bada Byeollnae Main Branch is a seafood restaurant in Namyangju, Gyeonggi, where you can enjoy grilled clams in an outdoor pojangmacha-style setting. We ordered the small grilled-clam set for two and loved its three-tier tray, cheese-topped pen shells, and springy clams. Verdict: a fun, satisfying way to get seaside vibes without driving to the coast.
Daroa Dongbu Market Branch is a café and budget food shop in Jungnang, Seoul, near Jungnang Station. I bought chicken, snacks, and Hanwoomul gukbap for 17,900 won, and the crisp, savory chicken was delicious shared with my family. Verdict: a great stop for affordable chicken and grocery shopping together.
Bellemons Cafe is a dessert café in Toseong-myeon, Goseong, Gangwon, with wide views of Ulsanbawi and Seoraksan through floor-to-ceiling windows. We lingered by the window with sweet corn honey cake, whipped-cream chewy bread, a nutty cream latte, and omija ade. For a quiet mountain-view break rather than an ocean-view café, Bellemons Cafe is a great fit.
Cheongdam Kkatsu is a Japanese-style cutlet restaurant near Gangnam-gu Office Station in Gangnam, Seoul. While preparing for our wedding, we tried a 13,000 won pork loin cutlet and a 12,000 won smoked salmon rice bowl, plus unlimited rice refills. Verdict: a satisfying, reasonably priced meal for Cheongdam.
Robenta Seongsu is a ring-making workshop near Seongsu Station in Seongdong, Seoul. A fifth-grade child chose a design, filed and polished a ring, then received a moissanite-set finish about an hour later. For a polished ring with no surprise add-ons, Robenta Seongsu was a satisfying choice.
Slow Cali Hongdae Entrance Station Branch is a salad, poke, and bowl restaurant in Seodaemun, Seoul. I took home a beef flat-iron steak bowl and roasted chicken-thigh salad, both generously piled with meat and vegetables. Verdict: a tasty, filling diet-friendly meal.
Izawa Yeouido Direct Store is a Japanese restaurant in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, where diners grill sirloin gyukatsu at the table. I ordered the 18,000-won sirloin gyukatsu set with a friend and tried it from lightly seared to more done. Verdict: a comfortable spot for an unhurried meal.
