Local places · 7209 stories
Restaurants, cafés and salons across Korea — every story by a blogger who actually went, linked to Google Maps.
Hanmaeum Jeongyuk Sikdang Sejong Daepyeong Branch is a Korean BBQ restaurant in Daepyeong-dong, Sejong, with pork and a large playroom. My family ordered a half portion of pork and enjoyed it with jjolmyeon scallion salad and doenjang jjigae. A satisfying choice for an easy family meat meal with kids.
Robenta Seongsu is a ring-making workshop in Seongdong, Seoul, near Seongsu Station. My boyfriend and I chose the simple Aether design, polished our rings ourselves, and received them with a Polaroid in about 2 hours. Verdict: a lovely hands-on date for making a memory together.
Hoyang Horim is a hanok-style dessert café in Nam-gu, Gwangju. My younger sibling and I tried an injeolmi waffle, black sesame dried-persimmon sando, condensed milk cinnamon latte, and iced Americano. Verdict: a relaxing stop for traditional-style desserts and terrace time.
Robatayaki Sodam is a Japanese izakaya in Guro, Seoul, a three-minute walk from Guro Digital Complex Station. We had grilled black cod and a 13-skewer assortment in cozy separated seating, and the food was nicely seasoned rather than overly salty. Verdict: a lovely choice for dinner and drinks for two in Guro.
Luna Beach Seonjae Hotel & Pension is a dog-friendly pension in Ongjin, Incheon. Our dogs ran off-leash on the large lawn, and we had barbecue indoors when it rained. Verdict: A thoughtfully equipped stay for a trip with dogs.
Insaeng Gamjatang Gunsan Branch is a Korean restaurant in Gunsan, Jeonbuk, serving gamjatang with aged kimchi and fried rice. I ordered the small aged-kimchi gamjatang, enjoyed its tender kimchi and meat from the bones, then finished the broth with fried rice. Verdict: a warming, satisfying meal from start to finish.
Seonghone Wang Kodari Dongtaetang is a seafood restaurant in Seolseong-myeon, Icheon, Gyeonggi. I visited with my parents for medium octopus-and-abalone haesintang, served with cheese steamed egg and black rice. Verdict: a warming, generous meal for the whole family.
TONI&GUY Daechi is a hair salon near Hanti Station in Gangnam, Seoul. After a one-to-one consultation with Dayoung, I received A’Yunche scalp protection, INOA matte brown color, shampoo, and a hair clinic; select services are discounted through October 31, 2026. Verdict: a comfortable choice for sensitive scalps.
Sosa Myeonok is a Korean restaurant near Children’s Grand Park in Gwangjin, Seoul. After playing at the park with Taebaek, we ordered large-master bossam, pollock naengmyeon, and mul naengmyeon to share. Verdict: a filling Korean meal after a park outing with a child.
Achasan Tong Galbitang is a galbitang restaurant near Achasan Station in Gwangjin, Seoul. After a day at Seoul Children's Grand Park, we had royal beef short rib soup and arongsatae beef soup with unlimited rice from the self bar—an easy dinner stop with a child.
Matgim is a bar near Dokjeong Station in Geomdan, Incheon, serving seasonal course meals. I tried the September six-course menu for 35,000 won per person, from fig and tofu cream cheese to plum granita, with the tripe tacos and pork tenderloin steak standing out. Verdict: a light but never boring choice for a special dinner.
ONLY FOR YOU Hannam Main Branch is a hair salon in Yongsan, Seoul, for refining the silhouette of long hair. Before a wedding photo shoot, I kept nearly all my length while trimming damaged, heavy ends without adding more layers. Verdict: a satisfying choice for tidying long hair while preserving its length.
