Local places · 8465 stories
Restaurants, cafés and salons across Korea — every story by a blogger who actually went, linked to Google Maps.
Meolmeol Pangyo is a Nordic-inspired brunch café in Seongnam, Gyeonggi. We tried four dishes, from fig and jambon salad to spicy lemon anchovy pasta, plus drinks. Verdict: the ₩9,000 truffle baby potatoes are a must-order.
Jojomomo is a Korean bar in Songpa, Seoul, serving traditional drinks alongside inventive Korean dishes. On a Sunday night, I tried its welcome rice wine, cream tteokbokki, scallops, sea snails, and corn ice cream. Verdict: a fun pick for distinctive Korean bar food and a cute, hip atmosphere.
Muirang Mulhoerang Hyoseong Direct Branch is a seafood restaurant in Gyeyang, Incheon. My family had the 2-person assorted mulhoe and seafood scallion pancake, plus corn noodles and complimentary clam soup. Verdict: Muirang Mulhoerang is a satisfying pick for a cool, generous bowl of mulhoe.
Salering Gyodae Direct Store is a Korean-style bibim poke restaurant near Gyodae Station in Seocho, Seoul. I had the shrimp and scallop bibim poke for 12,900 won and took home grilled chicken thigh bibim poke for 11,900 won, both generously filled with fresh vegetables and toppings. Verdict: a satisfying, healthy meal with especially memorable sauces.
Sottture Dakdoritang is a chicken stew restaurant in Seongjeong-dong, Cheonan, Chungnam. Two big eaters found its whole chicken stew filling without extra noodles, with mild kimchi-level heat and tender chicken. Verdict: Add the rolled omelet for an especially generous meal.
Yangpuni Kimchi Jjigae & Samgyeopsal is a Korean restaurant near Gaenari Park in Bansong-dong, Hwaseong, Gyeonggi. I tried its value set for 2 with kimchi stew, egg roll, and rice, then took a walk in the park. Verdict: a deeply satisfying, generously portioned spicy meal.
Ihwajeong Galbi Myeongga Magok-Balsan Branch is a Korean barbecue restaurant near Balsan Station in Gangseo, Seoul. We ordered two portions of pork ribs with rice and doenjang stew while the staff cooked everything through. Verdict: a relaxed, satisfying choice for a family meal.
Izakaya Goko Gangnam Sinnonhyeon Branch is a Japanese bar in Gangnam, Seoul, serving sashimi, yakitori, and sake. We paired Dassai 23 with sashimi for two, seven kinds of yakitori, mackerel pressed sushi, and spicy seafood nabe. Verdict: a great one-stop spot for Japanese drinking dishes.
U&I Studio Hongdae Branch is a self-photo studio near Hongdae in Mapo, Seoul. We photographed our two children for our eldest's 1,000-day milestone, using a large balloon from home, studio props, and a baby dress. Verdict: a flexible way to capture children's natural moments.
Gukbo Garden Samsung Main Branch is a Korean BBQ restaurant in Gangnam, Seoul, where staff grill marinated ribs at the table. We visited with our four-year-old twins for Seolhwa marinated galbi, cold buckwheat noodles, and yogurt ice cream, with valet parking and children's tableware making dinner easier. Verdict: A lovely pick for a family meal that feels a little special.
Stack Bakery Konkuk University Station Main Branch is a bakery café in Gwangjin, Seoul, serving house-made croissants and French-style pastries. I tried the Stack Croissant, plain kouign-amann, and Nutella & Peanut Pastry, and loved the outdoor tables and second-floor window seats. Verdict: a lovely stop for crisp, buttery pastries with coffee.
Daeshin Peanut Bread Busan Seomyeon Branch is a bakery in Busanjin, Busan, selling peanut bread and egg bread. I bought two 80-piece boxes at my mother-in-law’s request and tried the bread on the street, then frozen the next morning. Verdict: peanut lovers should try it fresh and as frozen peanut bread.
