Local places · 6454 stories
Restaurants, cafés and salons across Korea — every story by a blogger who actually went, linked to Google Maps.
Ho Samchon Yeongdeungpo Main Branch is a cooking pub in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, with long group tables and quiet private rooms for two. We had Tomato Hangover Pasta Soup, soft tofu stew, and bead ice cream before heading home pleasantly warmed up. Verdict: Ho Samchon is a solid pick for both big work dinners and a quiet drink for two.
Chungmusik is a Korean restaurant near Gyodae Station in Seocho, Seoul. I tried its generous yangjangpi with punchy mustard sauce and its deep, clean special gomtang. Chungmusik is a definite revisit for drinks and a hearty meal.
Boulangerie Copain is a European-style bakery in Mapo, Seoul, on the way from Mangwon Station to Mangwon Hangang Park. I took away Colby Jack and basil sandwiches, brioche loaf, and salt bread; even later in the afternoon, the baguette was not tough and had a lovely nutty aroma. Verdict: a great place to pick up bread for a day at the Han River park.
Haemokjeong Bupyeong Branch is a Korean restaurant in Bupyeong, Incheon, serving stir-fried webfoot octopus with chives and seafood dishes. The ₩27,000 two-person set came with shrimp tempura, squid seaweed soup, rice, and fried rice to finish. Verdict: a great-value, smoky spicy meal.
Sushi Hwa is a Japanese restaurant in Bongridan-gil, Gimhae, Gyeongnam, known for flame-seared sushi. We ordered the 27-piece flame-seared sushi set for 38,000 won, choosing half sweet and half spicy sauce, plus chilled soba and udon. Verdict: a generous choice for two who want to try lots of sushi varieties.
Simin Sikdang Main Branch is a Korean barbecue restaurant near Jongno 3-ga Station in Jongno, Seoul. I tried the 65,000-won Asamyuk Set with beef short rib, pork belly, spicy pork, kimchi stew, and fried rice, plus 6,000-won bibim naengmyeon. Verdict: a seriously satisfying meal with no weak dish.
Crerism Incheon Cheongna Branch is a reptile shop in Seohae, Incheon, where visitors can see crested geckos and husbandry supplies in person. After taking my time choosing my first lily white, I brought one home because the staff let me decide without rushing me. Verdict: A comfortable place to prepare step by step for first-time crested gecko care.
Homilwon Shabu Kalguksu Gimpo Main Branch is a Korean restaurant in Gimpo, Gyeonggi, serving shabu-shabu followed by rye fresh-noodle kalguksu. We ordered the ₩39,800 Hangsang Gadeuk Special for two, with boiled pork, webfoot octopus, unlimited radish rice, and misutgaru. Verdict: a satisfying choice for anyone who wants to alternate between several dishes.
Sinbaegok Yang Kkochi Gyeongan Branch is a lamb skewer and Chinese restaurant in Gyeongan-dong, Gwangju, Gyeonggi. I tried original and seasoned lamb skewers plus three-color guobaorou, and even my parents loved the freshness of the lamb. Verdict: a place I would happily revisit for lamb skewers and an unusual guobaorou dish.
Pickles is an Italian-style restaurant in Busanjin, Busan, serving pizza and New York-style lasagna. On a weekday lunch date, we walked straight in and shared jambon-beurre and beef cheeseburger half-and-half pizza with lasagna. Verdict: Pickles stood out for its sweet, tangy pizza and deeply rich ragù lasagna.
Yeongpo is a Korean bar near Sinjung-dong Station in Bucheon, Gyeonggi, with an outdoor drinking-street atmosphere. After work, I shared a mozzarella cheese potato pancake and jjukumi pork belly with a friend, even enjoying the patio feel from an indoor table. Verdict: a lively spot for draft beer and satisfying bar food.
Artis Theme Park is an indoor animal park and aquarium in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi. My friend and I fed animals, caught shrimp with a net, and completed the stamp tour. Verdict: a refreshingly different half-day indoor outing in Dongtan.
