Local places · 2385 stories
Restaurants in Korea, told firsthand by local bloggers — with photos and Google Maps.
Bunko Dining Sadang is a Japanese dining restaurant near Sadang Station in Seocho, Seoul. Its thick grilled eel rice bowl can be enjoyed plain, with toppings, or as ochazuke with sea bream broth, alongside kaisendon and refined side dishes. A satisfying choice for a date or a meal with five to six people.
Izawa Sharosugil Branch is a beef cutlet restaurant in Gwanak, Seoul, five minutes on foot from Seoul National University Entrance Station. The two-person set comes with two gyukatsu meals and drinks, while tabletop grills let diners cook each piece to taste. Verdict: a calm, clean date spot with thoughtful grill service.
Hawaii Clam Hongdae Branch is a grilled-clam and seafood restaurant near Hongdae Entrance Station in Mapo, Seoul. After a weekday dinner reservation, I had the Hawaii Grilled Clams for two with staff-grilled fresh shellfish and ramen in mussel broth. Hawaii Clam Hongdae Branch is a filling pick for two.
Choe Uyeong Sushiya (최우영스시야) Jongno Branch is a sushi restaurant in Jongno, Seoul, near Jonggak Station. A couple compared the 17-piece Premium and Top sushi sets, along with fried glutinous-rice mochi. Verdict: choose Premium for more luxury ingredients, though Top is satisfying too.
Yeongchun Galbi is a Korean barbecue restaurant in Gangseo, Seoul, serving fully grilled charcoal-marinated black pork. I returned with my family for warm meat on a mini brazier and cheese fried rice loaded with black pork. Verdict: an easy, satisfying choice for a family meal or group dinner.
Mentsuru Children's Grand Park Branch is a Japanese ramen restaurant in Gwangjin, Seoul, serving abura soba, motsu ramen, and karaage. My friend and I shared all three, and even I, someone who is not usually into offal, enjoyed the motsu ramen; I preferred the abura soba with kombu vinegar. Verdict: a satisfying meal with fun, contrasting dishes to share.
Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa One Grove Branch is a traditional hitsumabushi restaurant in Gangseo, Seoul. I ordered mentaiko hitsumabushi and umaki, and enjoyed the combination with kombu broth as ochazuke most of all. Verdict: a satisfying, comfortable meal for a gathering or a special dinner.
Hantiok is a Korean restaurant on the ninth-floor dining level of Lotte Department Store Nowon Branch in Nowon, Seoul. Uncle Jam and I tried the bossam set meal, including pork, Andong gukbap broth, dumplings, handmade tofu, and Andong guksu noodles. Verdict: a great fit for a warm, gently seasoned meal after shopping.
Wolmidang Gwangju Chonnam National University Branch is a pho restaurant in Buk-gu, Gwangju, near the university’s back gate and Buk-gu Office. We tried classic pho and mala-tang pho, then went back for free noodle and bean-sprout refills. Verdict: a place I’d happily revisit if you love pho, haha.
Wongiok Gwanghwamun is a Korean restaurant on the B1 level of D Palace between Gwanghwamun and Seodaemun stations in Jongno, Seoul. My family of three chose the generous set with stir-fried octopus and beef tripe hot pot, and everything from the banchan to the nutritious pot rice was plentiful and clean-tasting. Wongiok Gwanghwamun is a lovely choice for a special meal with family.
Chung-sil Hoegwan is a Korean restaurant on Noeul 3-ro in Sejong serving galbi kimchi jeongol and samgyeopsal. The 2-serving galbi kimchi jeongol with pot-cooked rice was 15,000 won per serving, with deep broth from well-fermented kimchi and plenty of chewy ribs. Verdict: a filling, home-style lunch worth returning for.
24-Hour Sopuri Yangpyeong Haejangguk is a 24-hour hangover soup restaurant in Jemulpo, Incheon. I had Yangpyeong haejangguk with only seonji and Korean beef head-meat gukbap, and loved the self-serve seonji refills. Verdict: a great pick for anyone who loves seonji and a clean, gently spicy broth.
