Local places · 4615 stories
Restaurants, cafés and salons across Korea — every story by a blogger who actually went, linked to Google Maps.
Hanmaeum Jeongyuk Sikdang Chungbuk Okcheon Branch is an aged-meat barbecue restaurant in Okcheon, Chungbuk. We ordered the 500 g half-pig set for 37,000 won, with pork neck, pork belly, pork jowl and gabrisal, plus spicy green-onion salad with chewy noodles and unlimited doenjang jjigae. Verdict: a satisfying choice for family meals and group gatherings.
Omil Hongdae is a Western restaurant in Mapo, Seoul, five minutes from Hongik University Station. I caught up with my younger friend back from Australia over rubber duck omurice, spicy seafood pasta, and two ades. Verdict: Omil Hongdae pairs adorable plating with seriously addictive pasta.
Jjamppong Jijeon Seooreung Branch is a Chinese restaurant in Goyang, Gyeonggi, near Seooreung. We ordered basic jjamppong, an extra-large jjajangmyeon, small glutinous-rice tangsuyuk, jjamppong fried dumplings, and lemonade for dessert. Verdict: a satisfying combination when several people want to share a range of Chinese dishes.
Nonchalant Lounge is a Western restaurant in Haenggung-dong, Suwon, serving brunch, pasta, risotto, and steak. I visited with friends for truffle bulgogi risotto, bisque rosé pasta, steak cooked to my preference, and grapefruit ade in a sunlit wood-toned space. Verdict: a satisfying choice for an unhurried meal or get-together in Haenggung-dong.
Dento is a brunch café in Bongsan-dong, Jung-gu, Daegu. I walked from Banwoldang Station and ate five bite-sized open sandwiches in the suggested order, with flavors building toward the truffle ricotta. Verdict: a neat, adorable little brunch course worth trying.
Godeungeo Myeongpumi Doeda Suwon Branch is a Korean restaurant in Suwon, Gyeonggi, serving grilled and braised mackerel. Three of us visited with my parents for grilled mackerel and braised mackerel, plus complimentary spicy pork stir-fry, seaweed soup, and a well-kept self-serve bar. Verdict: a family-meal spot I would happily revisit.
Olla Poke Seocho Gyodae Branch is a poke and salad restaurant near Gyodae Station in Seocho, Seoul. On a business trip, I had the Super Protein Poke with steak topping, along with solo-friendly seating and a free Americano. A solid choice for a healthy lunch and coffee in one stop.
Kuu Kuu Nowon Branch (쿠우쿠우 노원점) is a sushi and seafood buffet in Nowon, Seoul. My family visited at 6 PM for salmon and shrimp sushi, heavily seasoned yukhoe, fried shrimp, and desserts in a spacious dining room. Kuu Kuu Nowon Branch is a strong pick for family gatherings.
Song Giwon Jinju Naengmyeon Main Branch is a naengmyeon restaurant in Jinju, Gyeongnam. We ordered two mul-naengmyeon and yukjeon servings for deep broth, nutty buckwheat noodles, and hot broth from the self-service bar. Song Giwon Jinju Naengmyeon Main Branch is a satisfying choice for a clean, deeply flavored bowl.
Im Sabu Chinese Cuisine Mongkok Mapo Branch is a Chinese restaurant near Mapo Station in Mapo, Seoul. My friend and I ordered mapo tofu, a Chinese omelet, and half-and-half dim sum, and the mapo tofu and chewy dim sum were even better than expected. Verdict: A place I’d happily revisit for Chinese food and a drink near Mapo Station.
Seowon Angil Hapjeong is a spacious café in Mapo, Seoul, serving coffee, desserts, and meal dishes. I tried the Earl Grey lemon tart, sourdough for 8,000 won, hibiscus tea, Americano, and oat latte in its quiet, plant-filled seating. Verdict: a great one-stop café for a meal and dessert.
Hanok Maeul Mulgalbi is a restaurant in Jeonju Hanok Village, Jeonbuk, serving mulgalbi and pork yukjeon. The sweet-spicy galbi hot pot was flavorful without being overly intense, and the thick pork pancake was satisfying. Verdict: a great mild-spice choice for families visiting Jeonju.
