Local places · 1783 stories
Restaurants in Korea, told firsthand by local bloggers — with photos and Google Maps.
Galgol Yeontanjip Seocho Gyodae Branch is a Korean BBQ restaurant near Gyodae Station in Seocho, Seoul, grilling pork over charcoal briquettes. After a Seoul National University of Education event, two friends had pork belly, gochujang bulgogi, flat bibim noodles, and complimentary sundubu-jjigae at lunch. Verdict: a satisfying charcoal-grilled meat spot worth returning to for soju at dinner.
Godeungeo Myeongpumi Doeda Suwon Branch is a wood-fired fish restaurant in Suwon, Gyeonggi, serving grilled and braised fish. We ordered braised mackerel, grilled cutlassfish, and mulhoe, with roomy tables, self-service side dishes, and hot chocolate after the meal. Verdict: a lovely choice for a family meal with kids.
Hyangtaek Daegu Jongno Branch is a Korean restaurant in Jung-gu, Daegu, serving Spanish mackerel gondre rice for 14,000 won. My friend and I mixed flaky boneless mackerel and gondre with sauce, seed jeotgal, and roasted gim for dinner. Verdict: a filling, gently seasoned meal when Korean comfort food is calling.
Daedong Korean Buffet & Dosirak is a Korean buffet in Yangji-eup, Yongin, Gyeonggi. For 9,000 won, I had spicy pork, sweet crispy chicken, and janchi-guksu, with the gently seasoned noodles and generously sized seaweed soup bowl standing out. Verdict: a comfortable, home-style meal when you do not want to choose from a menu.
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.
