Local places · 1491 stories
Restaurants in Korea, told firsthand by local bloggers — with photos and Google Maps.
Suksseong Susan Jongno Main Branch is a sashimi restaurant in Jongno, Seoul, specializing in aged fish and seafood dishes. The 2-person aged sashimi, salt-grilled shrimp, and red snow crab innards cream croquettes made a great mix of cold, chewy fish and warm dishes. Verdict: a comfortable, private spot in Jonggak for sashimi and drinks.
Manpo Galbi Uijeongbu Main Branch is a galbi restaurant in Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi, serving both fresh beef ribs and marinated pork ribs. With flavorful side dishes, yukhoe, and one naengmyeon dish per person, Manpo Galbi Uijeongbu Main Branch made for a generously satisfying meal. Verdict: A great choice for sharing two styles of galbi with a group.
Dongducheon Sotttukkeong Samgyeopsal is a Korean BBQ restaurant in Bupyeong, Incheon, where pork, kimchi, and bean sprouts cook together on a large cast-iron lid. We tried the whole pork belly platter with extra pork jowl, plus the included soybean paste stew and steamed egg, then finished with fried rice and cold buckwheat noodles. Verdict: a generously set meal with satisfying finishers.
Low Five is a vintage-style Italian restaurant in Haenggung-dong, Suwon. I had the corn and hot pepperoni half-and-half pizza, garden salad pasta, and avocado kimchi fried rice, plus convenient one-hour free parking at Seon-gyeong Library. The sweet-savory pizza and fresh pasta were an especially satisfying pairing.
Sushi Maiu is a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant near Seolleung Station in Gangnam, Seoul. I stopped by alone at 3 p.m. for flounder, wagyu, and rolls without a wait, and loved the bright seating and no-break-time service. Verdict: a great pick for a solo sushi meal at an awkward hour.
Gongjung Dodeok is a duck Korean restaurant near Daeheung Station in Mapo, Seoul. We tried the 69,000-won Gongjung Half-and-Half Set with marinated duck, roast duck, minari, and boneless duck gamjatang, plus a 24,000-won cheese potato pancake. A filling choice for a family meal with roomy seating.
Bubyeokjeong Pyeongyang Mandu is a Korean restaurant near Paju Book City in Paju, Gyeonggi. My husband and I enjoyed mandu hot pot, Pyongyang bibim makguksu, and seasonal greens with tofu, with the deep broth and mild dumplings standing out. Verdict: I would happily return for the hot pot, which includes kalguksu noodles.
Hyeonseonine Premium IFC Mall Branch is a Korean snack restaurant in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, on the way from Yeouido Station to IFC Mall and The Hyundai Seoul. We shared the 23,000-won Hyeonseonine Set, a generous spread of classic tteokbokki, gimbap, fried snacks, and sundae that could feed three. Verdict: a great quick stop for old-school tteokbokki before heading to The Hyundai Seoul.
Veteran General Fish Market Incheon City Hall Branch is a raw fish restaurant in Namdong, Incheon, with an outdoor seating atmosphere. We ordered the manager’s recommended live-fish sashimi platter for 39,900 won and spicy fish stew. A great pick for sashimi and drinks on a cool day.
Eulji Darak Apgujeong Dosan Park is a fusion Italian restaurant in Gangnam, Seoul. We shared Darak rose pasta, corn cream gnocchi, katsu sando, and a butter highball for 50,000 won before drinks. Verdict: cozy, tasty, and somewhere I’d happily revisit for a meetup.
Sutbul Seonghwa is a Korean barbecue restaurant in Songpa, Seoul, near Seokchon Station and Seokchon Lake. On a day off, I had the Seonghwa Assorted Set and spicy Korean beef hangover ramen, with the well-marbled sirloin and chewy wine-marinated intercostal meat standing out. Verdict: a satisfying choice for dates, small gatherings, or a special dinner.
Burgiz Daeheung is an American-style handmade burger restaurant in Daeheung-dong, Jung-gu, Daejeon. I tried the cheeseburger, mushroom burger, Godfather, and sides, and loved the soft yet crisp buns and balanced ingredients and sauces. Verdict: a satisfying meal I’d return for when I’m craving a burger in Daeheung-dong.
