Local places · 6177 stories
Restaurants, cafés and salons across Korea — every story by a blogger who actually went, linked to Google Maps.
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.
Otter Rabbit House Jongno Branch is a brunch café in Jung-gu, Daegu, serving coffee, pasta, and sandwiches. After a movie, I ordered spinach shrimp oil pasta, coffee, and a plum ade for a late lunch; the gently spicy pasta and richly fruity ade stood out. Verdict: a lovely stop after a film or while walking around Jongno.
Yeum Hair Bundang Jeongja Branch is a hair salon near Jeongja Station in Seongnam, Gyeonggi. I had Senior Designer Haneul smooth the outer frizz while preserving inner volume and creating C-curls at the ends for easier early-morning styling. Verdict: a natural, low-maintenance style that suited my commute routine.
Goyu is a Korean restaurant in Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk, serving familiar dishes in interesting combinations. My daughter and I ordered eggplant gangjeong, Korean beef bulgogi, Spanish mackerel gondre rice, and doenjang ssambap for an early weekday dinner. Verdict: the sweet-spicy eggplant gangjeong was the standout.
Byway Bakers Byeollae Branch is a bakery in Namyangju, Gyeonggi, beside Byeollae Byeolgaram Station Exit 4. At 5 PM, the golden egg tart and Chodang sweet-corn salt bread were still available, and both were exactly my taste. Verdict: egg tart fans will not regret coming here.
Gorae Budae Jjigae Ochang Main Branch is a homemade-ham budae jjigae restaurant in Ochang, Cheongju, Chungbuk. I chose the giant flower beef bulgogi over the signature budae jjigae, and its flower-like arrangement made for a seriously generous lunch. Verdict: A memorable pick for days when you are craving beef.
