Local places · 2817 stories
Restaurants in Korea, told firsthand by local bloggers — with photos and Google Maps.
Utan is a yakkiniku restaurant near Isu Station in Seocho, Seoul, where diners grill wagyu over individual mini braziers. I tried the 90,000-won set for two with four cuts of wagyu, then finished with spicy Upa ramen. Utan is a lovely pick for a couples’ date.
Seventy Four Myeongdong Cathedral Main Branch is a restaurant and café on the first floor of Myeongdong Cathedral’s Familia Chapel in Jung-gu, Seoul. We had tomato spaghetti, garden salad, arugula prosciutto pizza, and white wine on the outdoor terrace; the deeply flavored tomato sauce stood out. Verdict: a lovely choice for a cathedral stroll, a date, or a wedding-invitation gathering.
Bak Jeongmi Dakgalbi is an unlimited charcoal-grilled chicken and pork restaurant in Guro, Seoul. A 2-hour pass for 2 costs 41,000 won and includes pork belly, tender chicken neck, marinated dakgalbi, and self-bar items. A filling pick for group dinners and work gatherings.
Sushi Ryeo is a Japanese omakase restaurant near Seoul National University Station in Gwanak, Seoul. I enjoyed a dinner course with my mentor at the counter, paced by the chef, with uni and sweet shrimp and fatty tuna standing out. Verdict: a quiet, atmospheric choice for treating someone on a special evening.
Myeon Sikdang Godeok Station Branch is a noodle restaurant in Gangdong, Seoul, serving ramen, pho, and katsu near the Myeongil-dong academy district. We tried spicy shabu pho with a ₩4,000 potato croquette, plus spicy tonkotsu ramen and mozzarella cheese katsu; the portions, broth, and fried sides were excellent. A highly recommended hearty meal around ₩10,000.
Shabu in Seoul Hapjeong Branch is a shabu-shabu restaurant in Mapo, Seoul, serving black pork shoulder with clear mushroom broth. I finished the meal with free vegetable juk and omija tea after a relaxed, reserved visit. Shabu in Seoul Hapjeong Branch is a comfortable choice for an unhurried shabu-shabu meal.
Boksan Haejang Nam-gu Sinjeong Branch is a Korean restaurant near Gong-eop Tap and Ulsan Grand Park in Nam-gu, Ulsan. We ordered Boksan hangover soup and a large yukhoe bibimbap, and both the clear, spicy soup and generously portioned rice bowl were satisfying. Verdict: a great pick for a filling Korean meal.
Cheonghwa Uyuk Dosakmyeon is a Chinese restaurant in Jongno, Seoul, near Gwanghwamun Station. I ordered beef knife-cut noodles, crystal dumplings, and fish-fragrant eggplant rice, and enjoyed the two-floor space, table kiosks, and flavors with a local feel. Verdict: a satisfying, speedy lunch near Gwanghwamun.
Damiseon Gangnam Station Branch is a sashimi restaurant near Gangnam Station in Seocho, Seoul. The basic full table set brought sashimi, gently cooked seafood, soup, fried dishes, and Sapporo draft beer. Verdict: a memorable dinner for thick, chewy sashimi and exceptionally tender seafood.
Cheongnyeon Dakbal 1987 Hongdae Branch is a chicken feet restaurant in Mapo, Seoul. I tried the boneless Cheongnyeon Dakbal Set with whole-garlic gizzards and corn cheese, while chilled muksabal and tuna mayo rice balls balanced the heat. Verdict: the Cheongnyeon Dakbal Set is a satisfying choice for a full spread of flavors and textures.
Oneul Haru is a Korean restaurant in Gagyeong-dong, Cheongju, serving individual home-style set meals and stone-pot rice. I enjoyed gondre stone-pot rice and gochujang bulgogi stone-pot rice with Jang Teacher on a hospital day off. Verdict: a filling, reasonably priced meal I’d happily return for.
Tonka is a Japanese-style tonkatsu restaurant in Gangdong, Seoul, a 5-minute walk from Amsa Station. I tried the 15,000-won loin-and-tenderloin tonkatsu and the limited 18,000-won special loin cutlet, along with its intensely shiitake-scented soup. Verdict: Tonka is a satisfying stop for carefully fried, tender cutlets.
