Local places · 6161 stories
Restaurants, cafés and salons across Korea — every story by a blogger who actually went, linked to Google Maps.
Ttukbaegi-e Dameun Italia is an Italian restaurant in Yangji, Yongin, Gyeonggi, serving pasta in ttukbaegi earthenware pots and wood-fired pizza. We shared bulgogi salad wood-fired pizza, cream pane pasta, and spicy pesce pasta with seafood and scorched rice. Verdict: a hearty choice before or after golf or a Jisan Resort outing.
B-LAB Jamsil Bangi is a cocktail bar in Bangi Food Alley, Songpa, Seoul. For 19,800 won per person including VAT, we ordered cocktails one at a time with no time limit, brought in Kyochon Chicken, and played board games for ages. Verdict: a fantastic pick if you want total freedom over your snacks, haha.
Daily Fix Seocho Gyodae Branch is a handmade burger restaurant in Seocho, Seoul, about 300 m from Gyodae Station. I ordered the bacon cheeseburger, a classic burger with a pretzel bun, and the new patty melt; the classic burger was the standout. Verdict: the pretzel-bun classic burger is worth coming back for.
Meongteongguri Kkomjangeo Makchang is a Korean BBQ restaurant in Guro, Seoul, serving kkomjangeo and webfoot octopus alongside makchang. I added old-style makchang, yeolmu mulguksu, and beer kept cold in an ice basket. A great pick when you want spicy sauce and chewy textures in one meal.
Namhae Fish Jamsilsaenae Branch is a seafood restaurant in Songpa, Seoul, serving an aged-sashimi course. For 39,000 won per person, the sashimi omakase set included hairtail and mackerel sashimi, mulhoe, fried chicken, grilled fish, pasta, and shabu-shabu. Verdict: a polished, generous choice even with companions who are hesitant about raw fish.
Suspicious PT Shop is an adults-only play at Nine Theater in Jongno, Seoul. Set in a gym, it pairs striking performances with roomy, comfortable seats for an unusual date with a spouse or friends. Verdict: Best for established couples, married couples, or same-gender friends, haha.
Mibundang Dongtan Station Branch is a pho restaurant near Dongtan Station in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi. We shared brisket pho, brisket-and-chadol pho, and assorted fried starters after a short lunch wait. Verdict: a calm spot for a warming solo meal or light lunch.
Juno Hair Dongtan SRT Station Branch is a hair salon near Dongtan Station in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi. A frizzy, flipped-out bob became a sleek, swishy tassel cut after a consultation, straight perm, treatment, and spa service. Verdict: Great for smoothing out a bob while getting thoughtful style advice.
Omil Seongsu is a Western-style restaurant in Seongdong, Seoul, serving pasta and omurice. We walked in without a wait and shared a two-person set with Rubber Duck omurice, gochujang butter pasta, and crunchy fried corn; the pasta was the standout. Omil Seongsu is a lovely choice for dates or meals with children.
Daidokoro Lotte Department Store Gwangbok Branch is a Japanese home-style restaurant on the 10th floor of Lotte Department Store, directly connected to Nampo Station in Jung-gu, Busan. On a return visit, we had the karaage set meal and pork cutlet curry set meal, both generously served with sides and milk pudding. Verdict: Daidokoro is a place I’d happily revisit whenever I’m craving moist, tender karaage.
Waltz and Dr. Mahn is a dessert café in Namyangju, Gyeonggi, overlooking the Bukhangang River. After a 20-minute weekend wait, we had Mango Yogurt Delight and Honneur et Chevalier for 16,000 and 18,000 won. Verdict: a lovely Swiss-chalet-style stop, especially near sunset.
Bas Burger Yonsei Cancer Hospital Branch is a handmade burger restaurant in Seodaemun, Seoul. I tried the Hawaiian Burger and Bas Burger as sets, and the soft buns, juicy patties, and big fresh vegetables worked especially well together. Verdict: a great pick for an easy but filling burger meal.
