Local places · 6993 stories
Restaurants, cafés and salons across Korea — every story by a blogger who actually went, linked to Google Maps.
Uno is a Korean barbecue restaurant in Gangnam, Seoul, near Seolleung Station. I tried the 800g Uno Galbi Platter with yukhoe bibimbap and cold somyeon, plus staff grilling, private rooms, and complimentary seonji haejangguk. Verdict: a satisfying, good-value beef meal for groups or dinner out.
Danya at Seoul Garden Hotel is a reservation-only Japanese restaurant in Mapo, Seoul. I had the dinner sushi omakase at the counter, where courses arrived at each party’s own pace without any waiting. Verdict: a great choice for a substantial omakase in an elegant setting.
Glow Hair is a one-on-one private hair salon in Buan-eup, Buan, Jeonbuk. My mother-in-law received a mature bob cut and volume perm for gray coverage, damage, a flat crown, and a parted hair whorl. Verdict: a great fit for natural gray coverage and fuller-looking crown volume.
The European Haenggung Main Branch is an Italian restaurant in Haenggung-dong, Suwon, serving wood-fired pizza and fresh pasta. We had the signature jambon truffle funghi pizza for 31,000 won and beef ragù pasta for 22,000 won. Verdict: A lovely choice for a date after walking around Hwaseong Haenggung!
Robadayakki Sodam Yeouido Branch is a Japanese bar in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, between Yeouido and Saetgang stations. I had the ₩48,000 sashimi and oden nabe set for three, plus ₩6,500 bacon cheese rice-cake skewers, in a reserved room. Verdict: the chewy aged sashimi and hot-to-the-end oden soup made Robadayakki Sodam Yeouido Branch a place I want to revisit for drinks.
Jaecheoldameun Mapo Bada is a seafood restaurant in Mapo, Seoul, near Daeheung Station. My coworkers and I shared the Mapo Bada Signature Set, with gizzard shad sashimi, assorted raw fish, grilled shrimp, abalone innards porridge, and boiled pork wraps. Verdict: a generous choice for sharing seasonal seafood specialties with a group.
Pug Pizza House Sillim Branch is a pizza restaurant near Sillim Station in Gwanak, Seoul. Across two visits, I especially loved the Amazing Shrimp half-and-half pizza with butter garlic fries, plus the quiet second floor and dog-friendly third floor. Verdict: a place I want to revisit whenever I’m seriously craving pizza in Sillim.
Upper and Under is a large dessert café near Sinnonhyeon Station in Gangnam, Seoul. We had fig pie, chocolate banana pie, and matcha canelé with an Americano; its roomy seating and deep dessert selection make it worth returning to.
JB Coffee is a café in Danyang, Chungbuk, serving playful desserts inspired by the region’s garlic specialty. We shared banana, melon, and strawberry Maneurin Jul Arat Danyang desserts, then poured over the accompanying espresso. Verdict: the sweet fruit flavors and unexpected espresso pairing made this a memorable Danyang stop.
Peer a Peer is a cultural bakery café in Jinrye, Gimhae, Gyeongnam. I explored its little library, self-photo area, and local-art exhibition spaces, then tried egg tart pie, Faxer Peach iced tea, and tomato basil ade. Verdict: a wonderfully sensory place to linger over unusual desserts and drinks.
Hoengseong Hanu Jeongyukjeom is a Korean beef butcher shop in Hoengseong, Gangwon, where shoppers can choose cuts and grades in person. On a third repeat visit, I took home Grade 1 sirloin and Grade 2 trosisal, which tasted far better than expected even at the lower grade. Verdict: a worthwhile stop for Korean beef before a Hoengseong trip, festival, or camping outing.
Wongiok Gwanghwamun is a Korean restaurant in Jongno, Seoul, serving Korean beef dishes and set menus. We ordered the 110,000 won Generous Set with mustard salad, fried peppers, and tripe hot pot while dining with my parents. Verdict: a satisfying spread for sharing several Korean dishes with family.
