Local places · 6731 stories
Restaurants in Korea, told firsthand by local bloggers — with photos and Google Maps.
Mount Sunday is a brunch restaurant in Mulgeum, Yangsan, Gyeongnam. We ordered the two-person Couple Gnocchi Set with pumpkin cream gnocchi, kimchi fried rice, and French toast, and the gnocchi alone was worth another visit. Verdict: a generous, memorable brunch spot for couples.
Hets Jeonpo Branch is a tonkatsu restaurant in Busanjin, Busan. I walked straight in after the weekend dinner rush for YBD loin and tenderloin cutlets plus sashimi katsu, and the juicy hire katsu and tender chicken breast cutlet stood out. Verdict: I’d arrive earlier next time for the limited cuts.
Premium Gyukatsu Gyudo Mapo Gongdeok Main Branch is a Japanese-style beef cutlet restaurant in Mapo, Seoul. Guests grill gyukatsu and yakiniku (Japanese grilled meat) over individual braziers, then finish pot rice with ochazuke broth. Verdict: a polished, filling meal when you want to treat someone.
Ihwajeong Charcoal-Grilled Pork Galbi is a charcoal-grilled pork galbi restaurant on Manse-ro in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi. My family enjoyed tender signature marinated pork, plentiful side dishes, and spacious, quiet seating. Verdict: a satisfying choice for family meals or group dinners.
Hey Joji is an American home-style restaurant in Yeonnam-dong, Mapo, Seoul. For ₩35,000, I had white ragù truffle cream pasta, chicken tender Caesar salad, and lemonade, with the thick cream sauce and generous salad especially satisfying. Verdict: a memorable date meal in a wonderfully vintage setting.
Hyangtaek Jeonpo Branch is a Korean restaurant in Busanjin, Busan. I finished a whole mackerel thistle rice bowl alone, mixing in the sauce little by little and wrapping it with roasted seaweed and seasoned salted seafood. Verdict: a lunch spot I would happily revisit when I am craving Korean food.
Bonghwa Saenggogi Bonjeom is a raw beef restaurant in Buk-gu, Daegu. We tried the ₩65,000 half-and-half platter of raw beef and raw brisket sashimi, plus generous banchan, seafood-style doenjang jjigae, tteokbokki, and cabbage pancake. Verdict: the chewy raw beef was the clear favorite.
Bueokgan Suwan Branch is a European-style Italian restaurant near Sumun Park in Gwangsan, Gwangju. I enjoyed basil Margherita pizza, shrimp anchovy oil pasta, pastry soup, and the green view outside the windows. Verdict: a relaxed choice for dates, family meals, and gatherings.
Gwangseonjip Kkachisan Station Main Branch is a Korean BBQ restaurant in Gangseo, Seoul. I had the Gwangseonjip assorted platter with draft beer and a towering bowl of rice, then finished with scallion-kimchi stew and fried rice. Verdict: a satisfying choice when you want expertly cooked pork without manning the grill.
Hongdeung Sikdang 1997 Cheongju Main Branch is a restaurant in Yullyang-dong, Cheongju, serving spicy braised pork back ribs. After a 20-minute wait at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, I had tender ribs with a cheese bomb topping and cheesy fried rice. Verdict: this was my most satisfying combination for deliciously spicy ribs.
Cafe Dongi Daemyeong Station Branch is a Korean restaurant in Nam-gu, Daegu, near Apsan. After hiking Apsan, I had tofu and zucchini doenjang-jjigae set meals, nuruk-aged tangsuyuk, and meat patties, plus self-serve rice and fried eggs. Verdict: a warm, filling stop when you’re craving a home-style meal.
Aori’s Whereabouts Unknown Uijeongbu Branch is a ramen restaurant near Uijeongbu Station in Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi. I had the 15,500 won Aori Ramen set at a solo seat, adding Aori sauce and garlic to taste. Verdict: a cozy, filling choice for a warm bowl of ramen on your own.
