Local places · 7301 stories
Restaurants, cafés and salons across Korea — every story by a blogger who actually went, linked to Google Maps.
Hongmigwan is a Chinese restaurant near Gupo Market in Buk-gu, Busan. I had samseon jjamppong, jajangbap loaded with japchae, and mini tangsuyuk. Verdict: the jjamppong and japchae rice were an especially satisfying dinner combination.
Donmi Gaok Jinhae Main Branch is an aged-pork restaurant in I-dong, Jinhae-gu, Changwon. On a return visit, the thick pork neck, special pork belly, and gabrisal were grilled by the staff, while the foil-roasted king oyster mushroom stood out. Donmi Gaok is a strong pick for pork neck and a warm, filling finish.
Izawa Yeouido Direct Store is a Japanese restaurant near Yeouido Station in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, where diners grill gyukatsu on a mini brazier. We ordered two gyukatsu set meals and a Zero Cola for 36,500 won. Verdict: a roomy, tidy choice for dates or solo meals.
Geumsong Deokmi is a seasonal fruit dessert café in Haeundae, Busan. We visited at a quiet 4 p.m. and had fig tiramisu, Oreo cheesecake, a vanilla bean latte, and mango granita in its bright, pretty interior. For sweet desserts during fig season, Geumsong Deokmi is the place to go.
Min Nakji Ansan Seongpo Main Branch is a seafood restaurant in Seongpo-dong, Ansan, serving live octopus and monkfish on a griddle. We had the ₩48,000 two-person octopus-and-monkfish griddle for a dinner date, with fluffy steamed egg and rice mixed into the leftover sauce. Verdict: a generous, pleasantly spicy dinner worth sharing.
Izakaya Goko Gangnam Sinnonhyeon Branch is a Japanese-style bar between Gangnam and Sinnonhyeon stations in Seoul. On an anniversary return visit, we had fried oysters, goma saba, and creamy spinach pasta, and the lively mood and menu were just as good. Verdict: a great casual choice for dates or blind dates.
Hanseong Yang Kkochi Gyodae Branch 2 is a lamb skewer restaurant in Seocho, Seoul, near Exit 14 of Gyodae Station. We ordered lamb sirloin skewers for 23,000 won, lamb skewers for 17,000 won, and eoyang gaji for 18,000 won, and the spacious group seating looked well suited to dinners and gatherings. A good spot for lamb skewers and beer near Gyodae Station.
Myeongimong is a Korean restaurant near Pocheon Art Valley in Pocheon, Gyeonggi. We shared mul makguksu with our 28-month-old twins and appreciated the roomy tables and children’s utensils. A great lunch stop for a family outing in Pocheon.
Yeongjae Susan is a seafood shop in Songpa, Seoul, offering takeaway platters of gizzard shad, large flounder, and red seabream. I shared the medium Jeongwangchamhoe platter and spicy fish stew with my mom, who loves fall gizzard shad. Verdict: a satisfying way to try several seasonal fish at once.
Hoot is a dessert and coffee café in Chuncheon, Gangwon. Hoot pairs rich dark brownie with cold vanilla ice cream in a quietly distinctive market-alley space. Verdict: a sweet, restful hideout in Chuncheon.
Uridongne Yeonan Budu Seoknam Main Branch is a sashimi restaurant in Seohae, Incheon, specializing in flatfish sashimi. We shared the 3-person flatfish special set for ₩85,000 with my parents, including long-cut sashimi, mixed sashimi rice, and grilled mackerel. Verdict: the sweet, nutty flatfish sashimi is worth returning for.
Bombay Broy Songdo is an Indian restaurant opposite Central Park in Yeonsu, Incheon. I ordered butter chicken, palak paneer, and butter naan alone and happily ate what felt like a meal for two. Verdict: a satisfying spot for a different kind of solo meal in Songdo.
