Local places · 3966 stories
Restaurants, cafés and salons across Korea — every story by a blogger who actually went, linked to Google Maps.
Marblejeong is a Korean BBQ restaurant in Seongdong, Seoul, near Ttukseom Station. The 79,000 won Hanwoo Special Course B for two included staff-grilled 1++ Korean beef, butter-grilled abalone, LA galbi, naengmyeon, and dessert. A satisfying full-course meal, though the naengmyeon took a while to arrive.
Shabu20 Asan Onyang Branch is an all-you-can-eat shabu-shabu restaurant in Asan, Chungnam, five minutes from Sinjeong Lake. I enjoyed split broth, beef, vegetables, LA galbi, dakgangjeong, fried rice, and dessert for ₩20,000-something. Verdict: a wonderfully filling choice for family or group dining.
Levia Hair Bucheon Branch is a hair salon near Bucheon City Hall Station in Bucheon, Gyeonggi. It cut my awkward-length damaged hair into a bob and created naturally voluminous curls, with a comfortable wait and thoughtful service throughout. A satisfying choice for a bob with soft, falling curls.
Onggijip Main Branch is a Korean BBQ restaurant in Gangnam, Seoul, serving kitchen-grilled pork and grilled kimchi. My husband and I returned for a reserved set, staff-grilled pork belly, kimchi, and fried rice. Verdict: a place I want to revisit whenever I am craving pork and kimchi.
Hands Coffee Dongchon Resort Branch is a spacious café in Dong-gu, Daegu. I enjoyed Harmony of Herbs, Jeju Pure Black, Sangha Farm affogato and ice cream, and a vanilla latte among its varied seating. Verdict: a comfortable pick for lingering conversations with a group.
Pino Cafe Cheonan is a brunch café near Taehaksan in Cheonan, Chungnam. I had shrimp and potato pizza, an Americano, and salt bread before wandering through the garden of yellow cosmos. Verdict: a lovely stop for an unhurried meal surrounded by seasonal scenery.
Unagiwa is an eel rice bowl restaurant in Gangnam, Seoul, near Yeoksam Station. My girlfriend tried hitsumabushi for the first time, enjoying it plain, with scallions and wasabi, and as ochazuke. For a different kind of dinner date in Yeoksam, Unagiwa was a good choice.
Haemul Teukbyeolsi is a seafood stew restaurant in Seohae, Incheon. The ₩45,000 small griddle monkfish stew set came with clam soup, flat dumplings, corn cheese, and side dishes, and stayed warm throughout a leisurely meal. A solid choice for family meals or group gatherings.
Marblejeong is a Korean BBQ restaurant in Seongdong, Seoul, serving Korean beef in multi-cut courses. I tried the Korean Beef Special Course, with staff grilling every cut, plus doenjang-jjigae and sesame-oil steamed egg. Verdict: a relaxed pick for a group meal after exploring Seongsu.
Onggijip Main Branch is a Korean barbecue restaurant in Gangnam, Seoul, known for its clay grill and pre-grilled pork. I tried the 500g Pre-Grilled Set A for 2–3 people at 57,000 won, with pork neck, pork belly, gabrisal, and mushrooms. Verdict: a polished, smoke-light meal with succulent meat.
Hands Coffee Dongchon Resort Branch is a café in Dong-gu, Daegu, with views over the Geumho River and Dongchon Resort. I ordered strawberry and chocolate ice cream waffles, Grapefruit La Shower, a blueberry yogurt smoothie, and an iced Americano before exploring the wood-toned interiors and fourth-floor rooftop. Verdict: a lovely place to unwind over waffles and drinks with an open view.
Pino Cafe Cheonan is a café near Taejosan Natural Recreation Forest in Cheonan, Chungnam. After looking around the yellow cosmos, lawn, and shallow stream with the kids, we had pork belly steak and pasta for dinner in the new annex. Verdict: a lovely one-stop spot for an autumn family outing and a meal.
