Must-see restaurants in South Korea

  • Abai Shikdang

    Sokcho

    A fine place to try squid sundae (sausage) in Abai, a collection of vintage seafood restaurants between the canal and the sea. To get there, take the old…

  • Kiki Chanting

    Itaewon & Yongsan-gu

    A hip take on a Hong Kong diner, this stripped-back canteen serves roast pork belly, ribs, barbecue char sui and chicken over rice, along with noodle…

  • Yeong-yang Centre

    Myeong-dong & Jung-gu

    A Myeong-dong institution since 1960, this is fast food Korean-style: the tasty deep-fried chicken comes in various portion sizes or there’s samgyetang …

  • Sinseon Seolnongtang

    Myeong-dong & Jung-gu

    Mandu (dumplings), tofu or ginseng can be added to the seolleongtang (Seoul's milky white beef broth dish) served at this inexpensive chain, but purists…

  • Gilbert's Burgers & Fries

    Gangnam & Southern Seoul

    From the moment those salivating aromas of sizzling burgers hit you, there's no return from this underground diner which is a homage to American food. Its…

  • Boribap & Cheonggukjang

    Busan

    This small shop in Haeundae serves excellent traditional Korean meals featuring stews made from pungent cheonggukjang (청국장; fermented soybean paste). The…

  • Gomaru Gamjatang

    Chungcheongnam-do

    The specialty here is gamjatang, a classic Korean dish. This hearty pork bone stew has a rich, savory broth that's a little spicy. Gomaru Gamjatang is…

  • Tongbbyeoyechan

    Jeollanam-do

    Locals love the fiery bowls of gamjatang (감자탕; pork bone soup) – a Jeollanam-do specialty and reputed hangover cure – served at this all-night Hak-dong…

  • A Factory Bakery

    Jeju-si

    The air inside this open-kitchen bakery is filled with the aroma of freshly baked breads, cakes and sweets…and it's not the phoney smell found in some…

  • Green Restaurant

    Gyeongsangnam-do

    If the dozen-or-so raw-fish restaurants near the black pebble beach in Hakdong don't look appealing, try the barbecued pork at this small shop. Both…

  • Gwandangnae Sikdang

    Jeju-do

    The ebullient owner of this restaurant is known for his succulent black-pig pork dishes – a massive banquet for two is ₩35,000. From the small retail…

  • Caffe Ora

    Gyeonggi-do & Incheon

    A popular sunset spot overlooking Eulwangni and Wangsan Beaches, this modernist piece of architecture could be mistaken for the evil lair of a Bond movie…

  • Hwarim Hoegwan

    Jeollabuk-do

    This restaurant has a menu that goes beyond the usual bibimbap. Recommended dishes include heukdwaji jumulleok (흙돼지주물럭, ₩12,000 per person), a delicious…

  • Blanc Rocher

    Jeju-do

    Perched above the rocks like a model, this cafe has exclusive views across the shallow blue waters of Hagosudong Beach in the northeast of Udo. The coffee…

  • Su Udon

    Jeju-do

    Who would imagine such perfectly crispy, juicy pork tonkatsu or shrimp tempura in a quiet house in Hallim. People are attracted by the blue-water views of…

  • Kangsikdang

    Jeju-do

    Kangsikdang uses small twists to create great dishes. Three types of organic mushrooms are paired with a secret sauce for an oh so creamy pasta; and it…

  • Cuchara Mexican Eatery

    Gangnam & Southern Seoul

    Modelled after a US-based Mexican food chain, Cuchara allows you to customise your dish of choice: burrito bowls, burritos or tacos. Fill with chorizo,…

  • Seasons Table

    Gangnam & Southern Seoul

    Located within the main Olympic Park gate, this buffet buzzes with diners here for excellent-value, all-you-can-eat Korean and fusion dishes. There's an…

  • Kuro Ssambap

    Gyeongju

    An eclectic collection of birds, rocks, figurines, pottery and other folk arts make this a unique place to dine on this strip of otherwise rather similar…

  • Lou Loudi

    Itaewon & Yongsan-gu

    Decked out like a whimsical Parisian cafe, Lou Loudi caters for the Hannam-dong socialites with picture-perfect slices of cake and specialty teas served…

  • Sinseon Jjimdak

    Gyeongsangbuk-do

    Many of the restaurants in the market where this restaurant is located will charge you ₩25,000 for two (even if it's just you) for a plate of andong…

  • Choga Jeongdam

    Jeollabuk-do

    A stylish restaurant near Maisan Provincial Park's southern entrance and on the road to Tap-sa, where you can enjoy mountain favourites like bibimbap in a…

  • Deokjeokdo Chinese Restaurant

    Gyeonggi-do & Incheon

    The jajangmyeon (noodles in black bean sauce) and egg rolls at this homely shack a few steps from Beach Love pension are the real deal. There's no name…

  • Mandabok

    Incheon

    Guarded by a pair of terracotta warriors, and boasting a saloon-style interior balcony, this is one of Chinatown’s fanciest restaurants. The banquet…

  • Seishun

    Jeju-si

    A win for late-night casual dining in the shopping district, the tasty rice bowls topped with pork cutlets, chicken teriyaki and salmon sashimi are good…

  • Gangnam Gyoja

    Gangnam & Southern Seoul

    Specialising in big bowls of kalguksu (handmade knife-cut noodles in spicy soup) and steamed pork dumplings, this simple restaurant focuses on the great…

  • Cheolcheol Bokjip

    Myeong-dong & Jung-gu

    A good place for adventurous diners to tick off pufferfish from their list, this local eatery is known for its bulgogi pufferfish barbecued in front of…

  • Hadongkwan

    Myeong-dong & Jung-gu

    In business since 1935, this popular pit offers big bowls of wholesome beef broth and rice either in the regular version with a mere four slices of meat…

  • Yangban Bapsang

    Gyeongsangbuk-do

    Mackerel served golden – skin crispy, flesh tender – melts on the tongue the way mackerel was meant to. Not far from Andong Folk Village, it’s across the…

  • Island Restaurant

    Gyeonggi-do & Incheon

    English is spoken at this homespun restaurant on the 2nd floor above Memoria Pension. Choose from dishes like pork cutlet, fried shrimp and spaghetti, but…

  • Daebak Jip

    Gyeongju

    A good place to eat late, this delicious local hang-out does excellent barbecue pork and beef dishes at low prices. The service is very friendly, even if…

  • Gunsan Restaurant

    Jeollabuk-do

    Like many seafood restaurants in Gyeokpo, this one is geared towards a pair of diners or groups looking forward to an incredible banquet of colours,…

  • Hanyang

    Gyeonggi-do & Incheon

    This attractive upstairs eatery is well regarded for its bulgogi and other classic Korean fare. It's part of the traditional-styled development next to…

  • Fell & Cole

    Seoul

    A sweet diversion in Hongdae, Fell & Cole's fabulous flavours of ice cream and sorbet are changing all the time but might include perilla leaf, parsley…

  • 63 Buffet Pavilion

    Seoul

    With too many temptations to count, this gourmet buffet is a good way to sample a range of Asian and other cuisines, with plenty of steak, seafood and…

  • Baekje Samgyetang

    Myeong-dong & Jung-gu

    This 2nd-floor restaurant, marked by a sign with red Chinese characters, offers reliable samgyetang. Put salt and pepper into the saucer and dip the…

  • Rose Bakery

    Itaewon & Yongsan-gu

    Join the fashionistas at this expensive cafe on the ground floor of the Comme des Garcon boutique for avocado toast, eggs-benny and scrumptious croissants…

  • Wangjajeong

    Gyeonggi-do & Incheon

    Enjoy healthy, delicious vegetarian dishes such as mukbap (acorn jelly rice) and kongbiji (bean soup) while overlooking the walls of Goryeogungji Palace.

  • Hwangso Sikdang

    Jeollabuk-do

    Get nourished before or after your hike with standard Korean fare like kimchi stew (김치 찌개) at this simple diner. Menu prices here might seem high, but…

  • Hanok Tteokgalbi

    Jeonju

    A boon for solo travellers, this modern eatery serves tteokgalbi (떡갈비; short rib patties) – usually a group meal – in single servings. There's a picture…

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