Local places · 6872 stories
Restaurants, cafés and salons across Korea — every story by a blogger who actually went, linked to Google Maps.
Taeyang Private Parking Lot is a Chinese restaurant in Busanjin, Busan, near the entrance to Dong-eui University Station. The ₩30,000 two-person set included smoky beef brisket jjamppong rice, fried rice, and mini tangsuyuk. Verdict: a satisfying, generously sized Chinese meal.
Yuyu Katsu Busan Haeundae Branch is a Japanese-style tonkatsu restaurant near Jangsan Station in Jwadong, Haeundae, Busan. I had cheese menchi katsu and a kitsune udon set with the Chaechae siblings, who especially loved the stretchy cheese and mild broth. Verdict: an easy, kid-friendly lunch spot in Haeundae.
Namaste Dongmyo Branch is a Nepalese curry restaurant near Dongmyo Toy Street in Jongno, Seoul. The 50,000 won couples set came with chicken makhani, vegetable curry, shrimp chili, samosas, garlic naan, and more. Verdict: a generous curry stop after browsing the toy street.
Doris Patisserie is a bakery near Sokcho Central Market in Sokcho, Gangwon, offering pre-order pickup for egg tarts and baked treats. After seeing the long line on the first day of the trip, I reserved original egg tarts and a financier–madeleine set the day before. Verdict: reserve ahead for a crisp, custardy egg tart to take on your Sokcho trip.
Sangam Hoegwan is a kongguksu restaurant in Mapo, Seoul, located in the Sangam IT Tower food court. My parents and I had kongguksu and a dumpling set meal, finishing every drop of the thick, rich soy milk broth with springy noodles and kimchi. Verdict: A memorable bowl for anyone who loves a rich, nutty classic soy milk broth.
Bada Super Haemul Cheonha Jogaegui, Geobukseom Oido Branch is a seafood restaurant on Geobukseom in Siheung, Gyeonggi. I enjoyed seafood kalguksu, icy mulhoe, and cheese tteokbokki with an ocean view at sunset. Verdict: a memorable spot for a generous seafood meal by the sea.
Hwadeogeuro Gan Godeungeo Sintanjin Branch is a grilled fish restaurant in Daedeok, Daejeon, with 500°C oven-roasted fish and a self-bar. The ₩21,000 Yeonggwang gulbi set and kid-friendly choices such as pork cutlet and napa cabbage soup made family ordering easy. Verdict: a worthwhile option for a family grilled-fish meal.
Momentium is a hair salon near Manchon Station in Suseong, Daegu, offering men’s cuts and perms. After considering my son’s face shape and hair condition, the stylist handled everything carefully from the cut and leaf perm to shampooing and finishing, and I loved the natural volume and soft flow. Verdict: a lovely choice for a subtle change of mood.
Ramen Truck Konkuk University Branch is a Japanese ramen restaurant in Gwangjin, Seoul, three minutes on foot from Children’s Grand Park Station. I tried the rich Jin Ramen, spicy Shin Ramen, handmade karaage, and winged yaki gyoza. Verdict: a satisfying, good-value ramen meal I keep coming back for.
On the Rail is a spacious bakery café in Munsan, Paju, Gyeonggi. I enjoyed generously sized drinks, bread, open green views, and a walk with my boyfriend on a weekend date. Verdict: a relaxing stop for a drive and an unhurried stay.
Salon de L is a hair salon in Seongdong, Seoul. I had a Smart Mirror scalp diagnosis and a four-step Trisis Core Clinic treatment, which made my frizzy, split ends look much smoother. Verdict: Salon de L was a great choice for detailed scalp and damaged-hair care.
Chisot Yeoksam Main Branch is a Nagoya-style eel rice bowl restaurant near Yeoksam Station in Gangnam, Seoul. I ordered the 48,000 won deluxe hitsumabushi solo and ate it four ways, with enough eel left over to run out of rice. Verdict: Chisot is a place I’ll think of when I want a seriously filling eel meal.
