Local places · 2000 stories
Restaurants in Korea, told firsthand by local bloggers — with photos and Google Maps.
Jeongwon Galbi Gyeonggi Gwangju Branch is a Korean BBQ restaurant in Songjeong-dong, Gwangju, Gyeonggi. We ordered two portions of pork ribs, ₩3,000 soybean paste stew, and ₩5,000 spicy hangover ramen. Verdict: a place I would gladly revisit when I’m craving pork ribs.
Hana Shabu Shabu Junggye Main Branch is a shabu-shabu and seiro-mushi restaurant in Nowon, Seoul. My mom and I had the 54,000 won lunch premium course with brisket, sirloin, vegetables, udon noodles, and ube pudding. Verdict: a warm, generous spot I’d happily revisit for a date or gathering.
Huni Gejang is a crab restaurant in Yuryang-dong, Cheonan, Chungnam, serving marinated crab set meals and crab stew. I tried soy-marinated crab, spicy marinated crab, shrimp jang, pot-cooked rice, and a huge stew with four domestic blue crabs. Verdict: a satisfying choice for a group meal with easy parking.
Hyangtaek is a Korean restaurant near Dongdaegu Station in Dong-gu, Daegu. We had mackerel gondre rice, eggplant doenjang rice, and mushroom pancake, with roasted seaweed and mixed salted seafood that suited every dish. Verdict: a great pick for a mild, home-style Korean meal.
Snug Roastery is a charcoal-grilled pork restaurant near Cheolsan Station in Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi. I ordered two servings of pork belly and limited whole skirt meat; the staff grilled the aged meat over charcoal, while a separate dish for kimchi kept the grill tidy. Verdict: a great Cheolsan Station spot to alternate thick pork belly and beefy-textured skirt meat.
Halls Gimbap Main Branch is a gimbap restaurant in Seocho, Seoul, within walking distance of Gyodae Station. After Saturday morning exercise, I took out Jindo green onion tuna gimbap, Halls Gimbap, and Halls Fried Chicken S; the fillings were generous and the chicken was crisp and sweet. Verdict: Halls Gimbap Main Branch is a great pick for tuna gimbap with fried chicken.
Deureomtong Sotttukkeong Dakdoritang is a Korean restaurant in Nohyeong-dong, Jeju. After 10 p.m., I had aged-kimchi dakdoritang for 2, plus noodles, cheese rice cakes, and torch-melted cheese fried rice; the tender chicken and kimchi stood out. Verdict: a satisfying late-night Jeju meal with drinks.
Cultured is an Italian restaurant in Ara-dong, Jeju City, serving pasta and pizza. My boyfriend and I had steak salad, spicy pomodoro pasta, and a Margherita pizza on puff-pastry dough, and loved the widely spaced tables. Verdict: I want to return with a group to share more dishes.
QooQoo Chuncheon Branch is a sushi buffet on the B1 level of Two Top City in Chuncheon, Gangwon. I visited with my sister at 11:30 a.m. on a weekday after its 2026 renovation, ate sushi through desserts without waiting, and registered for 3 hours of free underground parking. QooQoo Chuncheon Branch is a cleaner, family-friendly buffet after the remodel.
Kosi Seoul National University Entrance Branch is a Japanese restaurant in Gwanak, Seoul, serving Sanuki udon and handmade pork cutlets. We ordered tempura bukkake udon, maze udon, and cheese katsu for 34,500 won. Verdict: springy noodles, crisp tempura, and plenty of stretchy cheese made for a satisfying dinner.
Pickles is a casual pizza dining spot in Jeonpo, Busan. We compared four pizzas—jambon beurre, taco, beef cheeseburger, and bacon cheddar—alongside a salad. Pickles is more fun when a group shares several different pizzas.
Daepae Maket Busan Daeyeon Branch is a thin-sliced pork belly restaurant in Nam-gu, Busan, with a playroom and kids' zone. On a late weekend evening, I had easy-to-grill pork belly, a 2,000 won self bar, and spicy bibim naengmyeon. Verdict: a satisfying family dinner spot with kids.
