Local places · 1760 stories
Restaurants in Korea, told firsthand by local bloggers — with photos and Google Maps.
Bomae Hansang Cheonan Ssangyong Main Branch is a Korean restaurant in Ssangyong-dong, Cheonan, serving set meals with unlimited self-serve ssam greens. We ordered one serving each of pork stir-fry with wureong gangdoenjang and squid stir-fry, plus plentiful sides and soybean paste stew. Verdict: an outstanding-value ssambap-style meal.
Anok is a Korean restaurant in Mapo, Seoul, serving Pyongyang naengmyeon and clear gomtang in a hanok. A writer who usually prefers Hamheung naengmyeon tried the gentle noodles alongside braised pork tails for a generous meal. Verdict: a comforting Hongdae lunch in a lovely traditional setting.
Worang Myeongga Daejeon Doan Branch is a Korean BBQ restaurant near Doan Lake Park in Seo-gu, Daejeon. My husband and I selected tenderloin and chuck flap from the butcher counter, then enjoyed the private room, generous table setting, self-bar fruit, and milky ice cream. Verdict: tender beef and an exceptional spread of side dishes made this a memorable meal.
Haetan Seolleung Branch is a Korean restaurant near Seolleung Station in Gangnam, Seoul. I had the ₩65,000 Haetan Table set for dinner, and the generous squid and thick, tender flower pork belly boiled pork were the standouts. A place I want to revisit for a work lunch.
Mentsuru City Hall Branch is a ramen restaurant one minute from City Hall Station in Jung-gu, Seoul. I had motsu ramen, hormon-don, highballs, and complimentary takoyaki through a Naver reservation. Verdict: its rich, spicy motsu ramen was the standout after-work dinner.
Suraok Sundaeguk Juan Station Branch is a Korean sausage soup restaurant near Juan Station in Michuhol, Incheon. I tried the regular spicy-seasoned soup with lean meat, traditional sundae, chives, and Cheongyang chili peppers, while the kids’ lean-meat soup stood out too. Verdict: a clean, filling choice for solo meals or family dining.
Anhung Galbi Main Branch is a long-standing Korean barbecue restaurant in Dongdaemun, Seoul, where pork ribs are grilled over charcoal. We had two portions of pork ribs with doenjang-jjigae, side dishes, egg pudding, complimentary naengmyeon, and ice cream before Maru arrives. Verdict: a cozy old-school spot for sweet, smoky marinated ribs.
Minyeong Hwareo Gongjang Moraenae Market Branch is a sushi and sashimi takeout shop in Namdong, Incheon. Before a game at Munhak Baseball Stadium, I packed a single-person sashimi set and futomaki; the insulated bag with ice kept them fresh in the stands. Verdict: a great pre-game takeout option for Munhak Baseball Stadium.
Ibeosi Sutbul Galbi Ajung Main Branch is a charcoal-grilled rib restaurant in Ajung-ri, Jeonju, Jeonbuk. After exploring Jeonju Hanok Village, I had pork ribs with cheese, doenjang-jjigae, and wraps, plus wonderfully kind service. A hearty, satisfying Jeonju travel dinner.
Que Sera is a brunch and Western restaurant in Songpa, Seoul. I ordered shrimp avocado salad, pumpkin soup, an English muffin, and Hadong pumpkin tea while managing my diet; the salad was fresh and the peperoncino in the soup was the real kick. Verdict: a cozy brunch stop worth returning to for its house-made sandwich bread.
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.
