Local places · 8046 stories
Restaurants, cafés and salons across Korea — every story by a blogger who actually went, linked to Google Maps.
Hyangtaek Daebong Branch is a Korean restaurant in Jung-gu, Daegu, known for mackerel gondre rice and seasonal dishes. On a long-overdue date with my husband, we had mackerel gondre rice, summer pollock yukhoe mulhoe, and crispy mushrooms. Verdict: the hearty, cleanly balanced meal made me want to return for the mackerel gondre rice.
Omil Hongdae is a fusion Western restaurant near Hongik University Station in Mapo, Seoul. I tried the rubber duck omurice, sizzling cheese katsu, and Omil soba maki in its warm, tidy space. Verdict: a lovely choice for cute, carefully plated fusion dishes.
Yun Ujae Shabu Kalguksu Gogidong Branch is a shabu-shabu and kalguksu restaurant in Yongin, Gyeonggi, near Gogidong. Even after 1 PM, Yun Ujae Shabu Kalguksu Gogidong Branch had a wait, but we enjoyed red shabu-shabu, crispy seafood pajeon, noodles, and fried rice. Verdict: generous portions and the crispy pancake made it especially satisfying.
Beorn Hair Cheongdam is a hair salon in Gangnam, Seoul, on the second floor of a building right by Gangnam-gu Office Station. One week before her wedding, the writer chose a red-free level 7 cool brown and had her ends and face-framing pieces tidied. Verdict: a successful wedding color with a natural brown glow in the light.
bd Burger Seongsu Station Yeonmujang-gil Lunch & Dinner is a burger restaurant in Seongdong, Seoul, near Seongsu Station Exit 3. Three longtime friends shared shrimp burgers, a double cheeseburger, eggplant and mushroom fritters, and butter garlic fries for 57,100 won. Verdict: the sides were just as unforgettable as the burgers.
Selecto Coffee Sinnonhyeon Branch 24 Auto Brew Cafe is a 24-hour café near Sinnonhyeon Station in Seocho, Seoul. I tried a Geisha iced Americano and a smoked salmon sandwich, then looked around the solo study seats with power outlets and USB ports, plus the outdoor seating. Selecto Coffee Sinnonhyeon Branch is a great spot for laptop work and a filling meal.
Seokok Galbi is a charcoal-grilled pork rib restaurant in Haeundae, Busan. I tried its 2,125-cut fresh ribs, black-sauce pork ribs, eight side dishes, ₩3,000 kimchi stew, and yogurt dessert. Seokok Galbi is a great smoke-free pick for family meals or group dinners.
Modam Dining Gwanghwamun is a Korean restaurant in Jongno, Seoul, serving traditional multi-course set meals. I treated my younger sibling to the abalone shrimp soy-marinated dish with butter rice and the abalone tteokgalbi set, and loved the thoughtful courses and kind service. Verdict: a lovely choice for a meal with parents or a family gathering.
Grid Cafe is a dessert café near Ogeum Station in Songpa, Seoul, for takeaway salt bread and egg tarts. The ciabatta was sold out, but the classic salt bread and signature egg tart were especially satisfying. Verdict: get the classic salt bread and egg tart to go.
Solsot Gwangalli is a Korean restaurant near Gwangalli Beach in Suyeong, Busan. Two adults and one child shared extra sea bream-and-scallop pot rice, steak pot rice, and seasoned scorched-rice broth; arriving at 11:30 meant no wait. Verdict: a warm, tidy family meal that even the child loved.
Jeong Jiyoung Coffee Roasters Lotte Premium Outlet Uiwang Branch is a café in Uiwang, Gyeonggi, spread across the third and fourth floors of Glassville. We visited with Eundan in a carrier, tried a Summer Latte and ice cream, and enjoyed the open fourth-floor view and warm lighting. A café I would happily revisit with Eundan.
Dambaek Jujeom is a Korean bar in Mapo, Seoul, serving pork belly and pork jowl suyuk (boiled pork). I enjoyed warm pork jowl bossam with soy sauce egg rice, stir-fried octopus, kalguksu, and seafood pajeon at a cozy table for six. Verdict: I would gladly return for the tender pork.
