Local places · 7572 stories
Restaurants, cafés and salons across Korea — every story by a blogger who actually went, linked to Google Maps.
Ramen Truck Sangsu Main Branch is a Japanese ramen restaurant near Sangsu Station in Mapo, Seoul. I had spicy chashu ramen, rice, and yaki gyoza at 3 p.m. with no break time, and the rich spicy broth, four slices of chashu, and especially the crisp dumplings stayed with me. Verdict: go when you want spicy ramen with rice mixed right into the broth.
Namhang Kkeutjip is a Korean BBQ restaurant near Yangjae Station in Seocho, Seoul. Four women shared the 900g selected Korean pork platter for ₩75,000 and loved the special kimchi fried rice with added snow cheese. A great pick when you want grilled pork without doing the grilling yourself.
Seongsan Jejutgan is a Jeju-style pork barbecue restaurant in Sin-sigaeji, Jeonju, Jeonbuk. We had the Aewol Hangeun set for 50,800 won, with six sauces and kimchi jjigae while the staff grilled the thick-cut pork. Verdict: a convenient, juicy black pork meal with lots of ways to enjoy each bite.
Yeojin Hair Atelier Daegu Suseong is a hair salon on Cheongsu-ro in Suseong, Daegu. Before a trip, I had a sleek perm and cut, with individual shampoo rooms and thoughtful protective-film service; my chest-length hair cost 80,000 won plus 20,000 won for extra volume. Verdict: I was completely satisfied with the calm, silky result.
Gangneungok is a Korean barbecue restaurant on Toseong-ro in Gangneung, Gangwon. After a Naver reservation, my husband and I had charcoal-grilled marinated pork ribs and mul-naengmyeon in a quiet room with partitioned seating and side dishes already set out. Verdict: a comfortable choice for an unhurried family meal or dinner for two.
Hongrad Mangpo Station Branch is a spacious, cozy café near Mangpo Station in Suwon, Gyeonggi. I tried a 6,000 won decaf Americano and a 7,500 won Hongrad Brownie while checking out solo seats with outlets, window tables, and sofas. Verdict: a café I want to revisit when I need to focus alone with coffee and dessert.
Sinseon Myeonga is a Korean restaurant in Yeonje, Busan, serving house-made kalguksu and bossam. I had the ₩11,900 kalguksu-bossam set alone, with springy noodles, rich broth, moist pork, refillable kimchi, and sikhye and yakgwa for dessert. Verdict: a filling, easy solo lunch.
Seomin Gapbu Sijang Dakjip is a takeout restaurant in Sokcho Jungang Market, Gangwon. After a short queue, the squid sundae, potato pancake, and Abai sundae made a satisfying dinner back at the accommodation. Verdict: a Sokcho travel dinner takeout spot worth saving for another visit.
Samdae Cheonggukjang is a Korean restaurant in Cheongna, Seohae, Incheon, serving cheonggukjang and set meals. After a family trip for my parents’ birthdays, we mixed barley rice with cheonggukjang, greens, and spicy squid seasoning, and my parents loved it. Samdae Cheonggukjang made for a satisfying, comforting family meal.
Brewers Coffee Cheonan Sinbu Branch is a café in Sinbu-dong, Cheonan, Chungnam, with an outdoor terrace and French-style baked treats. On a packed Sunday afternoon, we took home ₩3,500 financiers and canelés from ₩3,500. Brewers Coffee Cheonan Sinbu Branch is a lovely pick for terrace dates or baked-treat gifts.
Go Ok-hui is a Korean barbecue restaurant in Buk-gu, Busan, serving charcoal-pargrilled pork belly and grilled sides. The 500g set starts at ₩35,500, and its induction cooktop keeps the gochujang pork warm without burning. Verdict: an easy choice for expertly pargrilled pork and thoughtful accompaniments.
Smile Samgyeop Main Branch is a Korean barbecue restaurant in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, serving pork belly with generous amounts of minari and kimchi. I had the ₩34,000 two-person pork set and cold buckwheat noodles, plus grilled cheese from a reservation event; it is a satisfying stop for minari lovers.
