Local places · 2326 stories
Restaurants in Korea, told firsthand by local bloggers — with photos and Google Maps.
Salad Ring is a poke and protein rice bowl restaurant near Chungju Public Bus Terminal in Chungju, Chungbuk. I had shrimp and scallop bibim poke with brown-rice-and-barley rice, plus a flame-grilled steak protein bowl without vegetables, for a filling meal. Verdict: a light but satisfying stop before a trip.
Shashlik Masan Branch is a dog-friendly charcoal skewer restaurant in Masanhappo-gu, Changwon. We shared pork neck and chicken thigh shashlik in a partitioned seat, then finished with cheese fried rice. Verdict: a comfortable pick for dinner with a dog.
Jjamppong Jijon Yeoksam Branch is a Chinese restaurant in Gangnam, Seoul, serving rich jjamppong and shareable dishes. I ordered the original-flavor jjamppong for 13,000 won and fried eggplant for 19,000 won; the spacious setting worked for both solo diners and groups. Verdict: the crispy, juicy fried eggplant is a must-order.
Golden Cheese Lotte Department Store Myeongdong Branch is a Korean barbecue restaurant in Suwon, Gyeonggi. I ordered 600g of marinated premium beef ribs for ₩64,000, paired them with seed soy sauce and Neungi mushroom sauce, then finished with Hallabong sherbet. A satisfying pick for anyone who loves sweet-savory marinated meat.
Hantiok Lotte Department Store Incheon Branch is a Korean restaurant in Michuhol, Incheon, inside the basement food court. On a return visit, I ordered the 22,000 won bossam set meal and 20,000 won gondre bibimbap set meal, both as generous as the display models. A satisfying stop for a hearty Korean meal before or after shopping.
Pyeongtaek Jumulleok Pyeongtaek Station Branch is a Korean restaurant about a 7-minute walk from Pyeongtaek Station in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi. On a suddenly chilly day, I ordered hangover soup and galbitang and had a filling meal with mild broth and plenty of meat. Verdict: a comforting choice for a hot, clean-tasting meal near Pyeongtaek Station.
Yu Iksang Sushi is a sushi restaurant in Mapo, Seoul, known for extra-long sushi. We tried Couple Set B with shrimp tempura, cold soba, salad, extra-long sushi and futomaki; the generous portions and dramatic plating made it a date-night event. Verdict: go hungry for a fun Hongdae date meal.
Romaok Magok is an Italian dining restaurant inside LG Arts Center Seoul in Gangseo, Seoul. With a Naver reservation, I had Eclipse squid ink risotto for ₩25,000 and fresh truffle Korean beef white ragù pasta for ₩29,000 without a wait. Verdict: a date-night meal I keep thinking about.
Usijang Hoegwan is a Korean restaurant near Mapo Station in Seoul serving raw beef sashimi and clam beef gukbap. We enjoyed a hearty spread of kkuri-sal raw beef sashimi, yukhoe, and soup with rice already mixed in, along with the owner’s kind explanations. Verdict: Usijang Hoegwan is a place I’d return to for either a group dinner or a comforting bowl of soup.
Gaetbeol-ui Jogae Yeouido Main Branch is a seafood restaurant in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, near National Assembly Station. My friend and I ordered the medium giant clam hot pot for three and filled up on abalone, crab, shrimp, and an ever-richer broth. Verdict: a solid pick for seafood lovers who want a seriously filling meal.
Dwaeji Gongbang Bucheon Okgil-dong Main Branch is a Korean BBQ restaurant in Bucheon, Gyeonggi, serving Iberico pork and special-cut Korean pork. The 500g assorted half platter suits 2–3 people and comes with complimentary sundubu-jjigae. The chewy intercostal meat and kkodeul-sal were the standouts.
MOI is a cozy Italian restaurant in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul. I enjoyed 1+ grade Korean beef striploin steak with wine, black pepper sauce, chamnamul chimichurri, and garnishes in its quiet, elegant setting. MOI was a satisfying choice for a date or anniversary dinner.
