Local places · 1669 stories
Restaurants in Korea, told firsthand by local bloggers — with photos and Google Maps.
Jongga Mandu is a handmade dumpling restaurant in Jongno, Seoul, near Jongno 3-ga Station. I ordered bibim kalguksu, steamed dumplings, and fried dumplings instead of its familiar dumpling hot pot, and the bibim kalguksu and crispy fried-dumpling pairing stood out. Verdict: Definitely add the bibim kalguksu alongside dumplings at Jongga Mandu.
Kuu Kuu Nowon Branch is a large sushi buffet near Hagye Station in Nowon-gu, Seoul. My family enjoyed bite-size sushi, barbecue, Chinese dishes, desserts, a kids’ room, and a 5,000 won birthday-month discount. Kuu Kuu Nowon Branch is a great choice for a family meal across generations.
Usu is a Korean fine-dining restaurant in Mapo, Seoul, serving Hanwoo-focused courses in private rooms. From pre-meal bites to grilled beef and garden-like dessert, Usu's seasonal presentation made the whole meal feel special. Verdict: a deeply satisfying pick for an important occasion.
Chodaebak Naengsam Pyeongnae-Hopyeong Branch is a Korean BBQ restaurant in Pyeongnae-dong, Namyangju, Gyeonggi. I had Set 1 with complimentary minari, king oyster mushrooms, and steamed egg, plus fries soaked in pork fat and thick honeycomb pork skin. Verdict: a filling pick for a frozen pork belly craving.
Bueokgan Restaurant is a Western-style restaurant on the first floor of Shinsegae Premium Outlets in Gijang, Busan. We ate basil pesto cream pasta, vongole pasta, and Napa cabbage Caesar salad with baby Jaeyi, and the stroller access, high chairs, and waiting area made the family meal easier. A handy place to share several dishes after shopping.
Yugi Dongnam District Main Branch is a Korean barbecue restaurant in Cheongju, Chungbuk. I ordered three servings of aged Iberico pork neck with beef radish soup and a spread of side dishes, and it was so moist and tender it overturned my assumptions about pork neck. Verdict: Yugi is a place I’d return to when I’m craving a seriously juicy cut of pork neck.
Bueokgan Restaurant Yangsan Oslo Park Branch is a Western restaurant in Yangsan, Gyeongnam, serving brunch in Oslo Park. I tried the napa cabbage Caesar salad, rosé pasta, and Kung Pao pilaf amid high ceilings and vintage furniture. Verdict: a lovely place for an unhurried adults-only meal.
Ilpum Gangnam Branch is a Japanese restaurant near Gangnam Station in Seocho, Seoul. After an AI seminar, I ordered the Special Sashimi Kaisen-don with steamed egg, cold udon, and mango purée dessert. Verdict: a satisfying solo meal for slowly trying several kinds of fish.
Seoul Myeonok is a cold noodle restaurant near Pyeongtaek Station in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi. We ordered Pyongyang naengmyeon, an extra-large bibim naengmyeon, and a plate of Korean pork slices with warm broth and side dishes. Seoul Myeonok is a great pick for a light, protein-packed dinner.
Pasta Go Magoknaru Branch is a pasta and risotto restaurant in Gangseo, Seoul, connected to Magoknaru Station Exit 1. Shrimp Toowoomba Pasta, Hot Rosé Chicken Risotto, sweet potato mini pizza, and seasoned fries were all tasty and reasonably priced. Verdict: a great-value choice for a varied pasta meal in Magok.
Hwadamga is a Korean restaurant in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi, serving oven-grilled mackerel and fire-grilled spicy pork set meals. Partitioned tables, private rooms, and a generous self-serve bar of side dishes, wraps, and rice made the meal especially satisfying. A place I’d happily revisit with family for a table full of banchan.
Bapkkot Hansang is a Korean restaurant in Eojin-dong, Sejong, serving neat Korean set courses and individual dishes. I tried the ₩50,000 Bapkkot Special for two, which arrived in two rounds with tteokgalbi and gangdoenjang, then refilled the omija tea twice. Verdict: a place I’d gladly return to for a family meal or dinner with my parents.
