Koreataste.org » Restaurant http://www.koreataste.org This is a community site that provides information on Korean food and restaurants for foreign tourists visiting Korea and others interested in the country’s culture. Wed, 16 May 2012 11:58:55 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.1 JEON WON Korean Restaurant http://www.koreataste.org/lang/en/en/food-en/recipes-en/jeon-won-korean-restaurant http://www.koreataste.org/lang/en/en/food-en/recipes-en/jeon-won-korean-restaurant#comments Mon, 16 May 2011 10:16:49 +0000 Khawen http://www.koreataste.org/?p=41633

We are a family who loves to try out new restaurants every once in a while. The restaurant may be a ‘hole in a wall’ / fast food / mid-range / classy restaurant, it doesn’t matter as long as we have the budget for it.

 

Last April 2011, there was a week wherein we were addicted to trying out Korean Restaurants within our area.  A friend of mine suggested that we try out JEON WON located in Don Antonio because they offer unlimited servings of their side dishes plus the taste is “Authentic Korean.”

 

 

 

The ambiance of the restaurant is not at all Korean. They had separate nipa huts with electric fans — the ones you see in Tagaytay bulalohan restos. But seeing that the owner is Korean and had an apron on, led me to think twice and care more about the “taste of the food” than the ambiance of the resto.

 

During our visit, there were 3 other huts occupied by Korean customers and they say that you can gauge a restaurant’s authenticity by looking at its customers.  A Korean restaurant with a lot of Korean customers says a lot about the restaurants authenticity.  In addition, their menu is in Korean as well (no English translation as to what it is) so this is also a sign that this restaurant is being frequent by Korean customers.

 

We went there in the afternoon for “merienda” so we just ordered the ff:

 

  • Samgyeopsal 400g/2persons for Php 500
    Jabchae for Php 400

 

These 2 orders is already enough for 4 persons due to the unlimited servings of their side dishes.  They served us a total of 6 different kinds of side dishes.  I didn’t try most of them as they were spicy but the ones I tried were really good.  You could say that the side dishes were really made from scratch and not bought from the grocery / in cans.  They also served us 2 glasses of pineapple shakes per person FOR FREE.  The pineapple shake is a great technique to lessen the spicy taste of the food.

 

 

 

According to Wikipedia, Samgyeopsal is a popular Korean dish, commonly served as an evening meal.  It consists of thick, fatty slices of pork belly meat (similar to uncured bacon). The meat, usually not marinated nor seasoned, is cooked on a grill at the diners’ table. Usually diners grill the meat themselves and eat directly from a grill.

(taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samgyeopsal)

 

As soon as our orders arrived, the waiter set up the grill and cooked the meat in our nipa hut.  Notice that the meat contains a lot of fat, thus cooking oil is not needed anymore. 


 

 

The right way to eat this dish is to put the meat and sauce/s in the leaf and eat it whole.  According to my friend, it is believed to be disrespectful if you didn’t put the whole leaf with meat in your mouth so better to just prepare something which you know you can eat, chew and swallow whole.

 

 

The meat was cooked just right and was easy to chew.  It didn’t contain any seasoning or marinade so you could really taste the meat as it is.  They also provided us with 2 sauces to put in our Samgyeopsal.  I think it’s a better way instead of them marinating the meat so that customers will able to choose how much they would want to put in the meat.  Some Filipinos prefer to put rice in their Samgyeopsal but the Korean way of eating it is without rice. :)

 

 

 

On the other hand, the Jabchae is simply delicious.  I love sweet-tasting food thus Jabchae is really good for me :) It is almost the same as the pansit which is a Filipino food, but Jabchae has a sweeter taste.  The noodles of the Jabchae is also thicker and stickier compared to sotanghon (noodles which is being used for the pansit)

 

 

Overall, the taste of the food in JEON WON was just right. The price of the food on the other hand was quite expensive.  I wouldn’t mind trying out this resto again, provided that I’m suuuper hungry so I would be able to compensate the price of the food by ordering a lot of their side dishes. ^_^

 

My rating for this resto would be: 3 over 5 stars.

 

 

 

]]> http://www.koreataste.org/lang/en/en/food-en/recipes-en/jeon-won-korean-restaurant/feed 0 Sonsooheon (chungdam) http://www.koreataste.org/lang/en/en/restaurant-en/best-restaurant-en/sonsooheon-chungdam http://www.koreataste.org/lang/en/en/restaurant-en/best-restaurant-en/sonsooheon-chungdam#comments Thu, 17 Mar 2011 01:20:53 +0000 koreataste http://www.koreataste.org/?p=30982 The premium restaurant “Sonsooheon” is a Korean traditional restaurant offering a diverse and authentic menu.

The venue offers comfort and coziness to all its customers. With 2 VIP rooms and 14 private rooms, “Sonsooheon” is an ideal place for private meetings or business.

“Sonsooheon” exclusively uses premium Korean beef (Hanoo) to ensure the best quality and taste of its cuisine. Overall, the restaurant strives to meet the highest standards of its customers’ satisfaction.

Type / Speciality Menu Address Inquiries
Korean traditional cuisine
Grilled premium beef sirloin
Beef ribs
Bulgogi
Marinated fresh crab in soy sauce
Cotton Candy Ice Cream

Seoul, Gangnam-gu, Nonhyeon-dong 99-32

MAP

 Tel: 02-3442-2567
(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

Closed days:
Chuseok, Lunar new year (Seollal)

Opening hours:
LUNCH AM 11:30-PM 3:00
DINNER PM 5:30-PM 10:30

Menu:
Korean beef: 45,000 ~ 65,000 won
Sonsooheon course menu: 118,000 ~ 138,000 won
Soy sauce marinated fresh crab: 60,000 won
Grilled minced beef ribs: 42,000 won
Radish kimchi stew: 12,000 won

Rooms:
14 rooms
(2 vip rooms, 1 private dining room)

Recommended choices for tourists:

- Sonsooheon Course menu: 118,000 ~ 138,000 won
(Porridge of the day, Chef’s Special salad, Pancakes, Broiled sliced beef with vegetables or Raw beef, Chef’s Special dish, Prime boneless rib eye, Grilled premium beef sirloin, Beef skirt steak, Meal, Desert)
- Marinated fresh crab in soy sauce: 60,000 won
- Grilled minced beef ribs: 42,000 won
(Porridge of the day, Chilled vegetables, Pancakes, Bean sprouts & dried pollack steamed dish, Grilled minced beef ribs, Meal, Desert)
- Cotton Candy Ice Cream: 9,000 won
(Special Sonsooheon desert served with cotton candy and espresso)

Tax 10% added

]]> http://www.koreataste.org/lang/en/en/restaurant-en/best-restaurant-en/sonsooheon-chungdam/feed 2 B. Sinchon & Ewha Women’s Univ. : The Prestige of Korea’s Top Universities http://www.koreataste.org/lang/en/en/restaurant-en/hot-spots-en/b-sinchon-ewha-women%e2%80%99s-univ-the-prestige-of-korea%e2%80%99s-top-universities http://www.koreataste.org/lang/en/en/restaurant-en/hot-spots-en/b-sinchon-ewha-women%e2%80%99s-univ-the-prestige-of-korea%e2%80%99s-top-universities#comments Tue, 16 Nov 2010 07:29:23 +0000 chouchou http://www.koreataste.org/?p=16943 The area around Ewha Women’s University area is full of storefronts where, at a glace, you can check out all the cutting-edge fashion trends among young Korean women. Rather than luxurious clothing stores, here you’ll find bonded imported clothing shops that sell a wide variety of fashion items. Also, there are many great little eateries tucked away here are there, so you can grab a bite to eat while shopping. One can also find upscale Korean restaurants, where the local university professors dine, as well as some Italian restaurants.

With Yonsei University at its heart, the Sinchon area has gained a reputation for its great food, with a wide range of restaurants and pubs that offer light meals. With so many university students around, the area is filled with places to have a tasty, inexpensive meal.

1. Ajimoto (Japanese)

This restaurant specializes exclusively in Japanese ramen noodles.  You can have donkatsu ramen in a rich, flavourful broth.  Because it is a small restaurant and seating is limited, there is always a line up to get in.
- address: 56-27 Daehyeon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-313-0817

 

2. Botong Saram (Korean)

At this relatively large restaurant, food presentation clearly gets a lot of attention. Their gyeran-mari-bap is a thin omelet rolled with rice and nine other ingredients – a clean-tasting dish that is something like sushi with egg in place of the fish. Another dish, ra-jjam-ppong, is a somewhat spicy but refreshing red broth with loads of seafood, vegetables, and ramen noodles. The restaurant is decorated with greenish wooden tables and chairs, with an ambiance reminiscent of a cozy cafeteria.
- address: 60-51 Daehyeon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-365-7889

 

3. Chuncheonjip Dakgalbi Makguksu (Korean : Dakgalbi)

Spicy dakgalbi (spicy grilled chicken and vegetables) is grilled on the hot plate. The kalbi is boneless, making it easy to eat.  With the dakgalbi, they serve as much macaroni and kimchi as you want.
- address: 57-8 Changcheon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-325-2361

 

4. Finn (Asian)

The original concept of this fusion Asian restaurant is sushi and grill.  The interior is modern, and there is a unique list of fusion Japanese dishes on the menu.  In addition, the Oriental-style food is also neat.
- address: 84-8 Daesin-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-364-4858

 

5. Gami Bunsik (Korean)

This casual restaurant is located in front of a women’s university, and has long been famous, particularly with their female customers, for udong (noodles in a mild broth), naeng myeon (noodles in chilled broth), bibim-guksu (noodles mixed with assorted vegetables and sauce), and jumeok-bap (rice balls flavored with sesame oil, salt, and sesame seeds). Many people visit the restaurant, even long after graduation, to reminisce.
- address: 54-1 Daehyeon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-364-3948

 

6. Gobau (Korean : Dwaeji-gogi)

At lunchtime, this restaurant offers himjultang (beef tendon soup) and doganitang (a soup made from veal knuckles), and its dinner menu is an assortment of grilled beef dishes, including ahrongsatae (beef shank), chadolbagi (thinly-sliced brisket), and jebichuri (inner skirt steak).  Their culinary history goes back 50 years.
- address: 31-17 Changcheon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-393-2576

 

7. Gyros (Greek)

Gyros are a kind of sandwich of vegetables and barbecued meat wrapped in a plain pita, a Greek flatbread similar to a pancake.  A distinctive Greek yogurt sauce called tzatziki adds a tangy flavour.  The ordering is self-serve.
- address: 60-5 Daehyeon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-312-2246

 

8. Hampyeong-myeonok (Korean : Guksu)

This restaurant serves dumpling hot pot and kimchimari-guksi and is famous for their generous portions.  The scrumptious mushroom dumpling hot pot with meat and noodles is made with a variety of mushrooms and kimchi dumplings in beef broth. Their other popular dish, kimchimari-guksi, is noodles in cold kimchi brine served in an earthenware bowl.
- address: 85-1 Daesin-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-392-3516

 

9. Hana (Japanese)

Staffed by Japanese, this restaurant specializes in okonomi yaki (Japanese pancakes).  Enjoy okonomiyaki or yakisoba, prepared fresh on the hot plate.  Most of the ingredients are delivered from Japan
- address: 5-32 Changcheon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-365-1312

 

10. Jujeom Pheadra (Korean : Ramyeon)

This café-style bar has been located in front of Yonsei University for 40 years.  One menu item that is popular as a cure for hangovers is their very spicy “tear gas” ramyeon, made with seafood like clams and squid and topped with potent Korean chili peppers.  Lots of young people and university students come here to have a drink and side dishes.
- address: 62-4 Changcheon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-337-1506

 

11. Mari (Korean)

Enjoy a full-course Korean meal served with basic side dishes, as well as such dishes as porridge, tangpyeongchae (a royal dish made with mung bean jelly), pyeonyuk (steamed pressed pork), and grilled food.  The interior and tables are immaculate.  Other popular menu items are the Gaesung-style dumpling and rice cake soup and the royal bibimbap (white rice topped with sauteed and seasoned vegetables).
- address: 85-3 Daesin-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoulcafeteria.
- phone: 02-393-3377
- website: www.marie1984.co.kr

 

12. Singyechi (Korean : Ramyeon)

This ramyeon noodle restaurant has been in operation for 25 years.  They serve Korean instant  ramen, not the Japanese variety.  Their patented “sin-gye-chi”  ramyeon (spicy ramen with eggs and cheese) is very popular.
- address: 2-24 Changcheon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-3147-1022

 

13. Sokran (Korean)

This famous traditional Korean table d’hote restaurant is located at the back entrance to Ehwa Women’s University.  It is a good place to have meetings because it has a cozy and rustic atmosphere.  A unique thing here is that they have Gaeseong-style food, such as joraengi-tteokguk (rice cake soup).  Their lunch special, called jubansang, is good for lunch.
- address: 50-5 Daesin-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-393-4690
- website: www.sokran.com

 

14. Songajeossi Bindaetteok (Korean : Bindaetteok)

At this Korean pub, you can enjoy assorted pancakes, seafood and vegetable pancakes, and makgeolli (Korean rice wine). The restaurant interior is tastefully decorated all in wood and bamboo.  The dongdongju (another kind of Korean rice wine) and gyeranjjim (steamed eggs mixed with vegetables) are also served in bamboo containers.  The assorted pancakes are popular, but only 11 plates a day are served.
- address: 52-75 Changcheon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-338-4919

 

15. Wan Chai (Chinese)

This is Sinchon-area Chinese restaurant is rather small, but it is famous enough that you’ll see long lines in the alley to get into this restaurant in the evening.  Their popularity is due to their unique dishes and low prices.  The Hong Kong-style spicy mussel dishes are famous, and they are very good at spicy Szechuan-style dishes, too.
- address: 5-35 Changcheon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-392-7744

]]> http://www.koreataste.org/lang/en/en/restaurant-en/hot-spots-en/b-sinchon-ewha-women%e2%80%99s-univ-the-prestige-of-korea%e2%80%99s-top-universities/feed 1 J. Gangnam Station : The Youthful Exuberance of Gangnam http://www.koreataste.org/lang/en/en/restaurant-en/hot-spots-en/j-gangnam-station-the-youthful-exuberance-of-gangnam http://www.koreataste.org/lang/en/en/restaurant-en/hot-spots-en/j-gangnam-station-the-youthful-exuberance-of-gangnam#comments Tue, 16 Nov 2010 07:28:25 +0000 chouchou http://www.koreataste.org/?p=16895 Along with Myeong-dong, Gangnam is one of the most densely populated areas of Seoul. Gangnam Station, which connects to both Yangjae and Nonhyeon, is always surrounded by throngs of people. But because of the high amount of pedestrian traffic, there is an abundance of shopping centers, restaurants, and pubs that have naturally sprung up, all concentrated in this one area. Rather than capriciously following the latest trends, the Gangnam area is a rich and ever-evolving complex of many diverse elements.

A short walk from the hustle and bustle of the main roads you’ll find some great little restaurants tucked away and discover the other, hidden face of Gangnam. Unlike the immediate vicinity of Gangnam Station, the back alleyways and residential areas that are located behind Gangnam City Theatre, near exit 6 of Gangnam Station, and behind Kyobo Tower are not at all crowded and have a much more relaxed atmosphere. Here, you’ll find wine bars converted from houses, cozy coffee shops located in the deep alcoves of high buildings, and nice restaurants where you can appreciate the taste and warmth of Korea.

Gangnam Station is most often characterized as noisy and chaotic, but if you take a closer look, you’ll be surprised to find another, quite different, side of Gangnam Station altogether.

1. Beggarback (Korean : Topokki)  

Enjoy Topokki (stir-fried rice cake) in a café-like atmosphere.  Topokki is originally a snack food, but the version they offer here makes a wholesome and hearty meal.  This is new-style Topokki, and they prepare it with your choice of the eight different shapes of rice cakes that are available.
- address: 1317 Seocho-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-534-3877
- website: http://www.beggarback.com

 

2. Bongpiyang (Korean : Dwaeji-galbi)

This dwaeji galbi house is run by Byeokjegalbi Restaurant. For dwaeji-galbi  (marinated pork short ribs), the price is a bit on the high side, but you are assured of great taste.  Their Pyeongyang-style naengmyeon (thin noodles served in a chilled broth) is considered to be quite authentic and is very popular.  The lunch set menu of galbi with your choice of naengmyeon or doenjang-jjigae (soy bean stew) is a substantial meal.
- address: 1330 Seocho-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-587-7018
- website: www.ibjgalbi.com 

 

3. Buil Galbi (Korean : Galbi) 

This is the Seoul branch of a famous galbi restaurant in Busan.  The representative dish here is sogeumgui, partly-frozen thinly-sliced sirloin that is grilled and dipped into an egg yolk-based sauce.  To cleanse your palate after the meat course, take the opportunity to try their naengmyeon, a chilled buckwheat noodle dish available either in an iced broth or mixed with a spicy red chili sauce.  Popular choices for lunch are their yukgaejang (spicy beef soup) and galbitang (short rib soup).
- address: 1303-8 Seocho-4dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-3482-3112
- website: http://www.booilgalbi.com

 

4. Chunhachudong (Korean : Bulgogi) 

The specialty of this restaurant is bulgogi (marinated thinly sliced beef ), but they are also famous for their kimchi-jjigae (kimchi stew) and gopchang-jeongol (tripe casserole). Their kimchi-jjigae is made with red pepper and lots of green onions, for an even more refreshing taste.  It is rather pricey, but the food is served in a neat atmosphere.
- address: 1327-34 Seocho-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-3474-9297

 

5. Daeusikdang (Korean : Budae-jjigae)

This is the place to have spicy budae-jjigae (a spicy traditional soup).  The main ingredients are ham, sausage, minced beef, rice cake, and noodles.  The restaurant is not small and cozy, but is big enough for company dinners.
- address: 641-18 Yeoksam 1-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-552-1663

 

6. Gangnamgyoja (Korean : Kalguksu ) 

Following a 30-year stint at Myeongdong Gyoja, a famous kalguksu restaurant in Myeongdong, the chef opened this restaurant, which specializes in kalguksu (hand-cut noodle soup).  You can try kalguksu in a broth made from chicken bones.  They offer unlimited noodles and rice.  The dumplings and bibim guksu (spicy mixed noodles) are also recommended.  Take-out is available.
- address: 1308-1 Seocho-dong, Seocho-gu,  Seoul
- phone: 02-536-4133
- website: http://www.kangnamkyoja.com

 

7. Gwangyang Bulgogi (Korean : Bulgogi

This restaurant is famous for Kwangyang-style bulgogi (seasoned thin strips of sirloin beef) which are grilled over charcoal.  The marinade is only added to the beef once the order is taken, so the seasoning is not too strong, and the meat has a refreshing taste.
- address: 823-12 Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-555-5035

 

8. Haenam Cheonilgwan (Korean : Hanjeongsik)

This is the Seoul branch of Cheonilkwan, a traditional Korean table d’hôte restaurant that has been in operation for 80 years in Haenam, Jeollanamdo.  Here, you can experience a traditional Korean full-course meal made in the authentic style of Namdo (the southern provinces of Gyeonggi-do).  Rather than serving the set menu in courses, the table is filled with all of the dishes, including 15 kinds of side dishes and 10 main dishes.  They also serve quite a variety of jeotgal (salted seafood used for seasoning).
- address: 745-10 Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-568-7775

 

9. Hanguk Bongalbi (Korean : Galbi)

Enjoy marinated Australian ribs in a comfortable environment. They bring out the best taste out of the meat by grilling on a copper grill over charcoal.  You can cleanse your palate with the brine of nicely-fermented dongchimi (icy water kimchi).
- address: 165-7 Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-515-2222

 

10. Insadong Jeonseonsaeng (Korean : Makgeolli)

This is one of those specialty bars serving makgeolli (Korean rice wine), which have become all the rage these days. Since they opened only recently, the interior is still remarkably clean. Various side dishes are available to accompany the makgeolli, and the prices are quite reasonable.
- address: 813-12 Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-508-3537

 

11. Joeun Bokjip (Korean : Bokguk)

Here, you can have dishes made with fresh bok (pufferfish), although it is quite pricey.  Depending on your price range, you can choose different species, such as chambok (eyespot puffer) and milbok (green rough-backed puffer). They serve jiri (clear pufferfish stew) and maeuntang (a spicy pufferfish stew); however, their specialty is bokguk (pufferfish soup) flavoured with doenjang (soy bean paste).
- address: 746-15 Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-547-1133

 

12. Kongnamusup (Korean : Dubu) 

This restaurant offers a range of healthy dishes, with a focus on tofu.  For the comfort of patrons who are dining alone, there is a dining table along one wall.  They offer some unique dishes, such as a bowl of rice topped with tofu, tofu hamburger steaks (which includes beef and pork), and tofu dongaseu(tofu in fried pork cutlet).  Their tofu fondue set comes with various fruits and tofu that can be dipped into the fondue.  A glass of wine is also included with the set.
- address: 1328-11 Seocho-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-582-5466
- website: http://www.kongnamus.com/

 

13. Nonhyeonn Yukgaejang (Korean : Yukgaejang) 

This place specializes in yukgaejang (spicy beef soup).  The yukgaejang is served with a bowl of rice and kalguksu (hand-cut noodles).  There is also budaejjigae (spicy sausage stew), as well as a variety of side dishes that go well with drinks.
- address: 122-25 Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-540-1018

 

14. Norang Jeogori (Korean)

A family restaurant with a Korean atmosphere, this is Korean table d’hôte restaurant offers folksy side dishes.  Enjoy various traditional Korean set menus available in different price ranges, which is a big plus.
- address: 1316-29 Seocho-4dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-534-5300
- website: http://www.norangjugory.co.kr/

 

15. Palpalminmuljangeo (Korean : Jangeo)

This is a famous restaurant for spicy grilled eel. A kilogram of eel (about 3 eels) serves 2 to 3 people. Normally, they use farmed eels, but if you want to try wild eel, you just need to give them one day’s advanced notice.
- address: 745-10 Banpo-1dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-549-1112

 

 

16. Samdaeguksu (Korean : Guksu)

This is the Seoul branch of a famous meat and noodle restaurant in Jeju.  One unique dish on offer is the medium-thick noodles topped with pressed pork.  Also popular are the jokbal (pork hocks) and dwaeji-suyuk (boiled pork slices).
- address: 124-15 Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-3446-1186

 

17. Seocho Sariwon (Korean : Bulgogi)

This restaurant is famous for bulgogi. The meat is marinated with many kinds of fruit juice, pears, onions, and garlic juice, and then grilled on a griddle especially designed for bulgogi with green onions and mushrooms.  They also offer wines which go well with the meat.
- address: 1321-7 Seocho-2dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-3474-5005
- website: http://www.sariwon.co.kr

 

18. Yeoksamdong Bugeojip (Korean : Bugeojjim)

At this restaurant, you can enjoy somewhat spicy bugeojjim (seasoned simmered dried pollack).  At lunch time, they only serve bugeojjim with rice and side dishes.  Many people come to cure their hangover by having bugeojjim and a lot of soup.
- address: 738-2 Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-558-6605

 

19. Yeontabal (Korean : Yanggopchang)

This restaurant has a neat atmosphere and specializes in tripe and large intestines, which you can enjoy char-grilled.  The tripe tastes especially good with yangchibap, which is rice stir-fried with radish kimchi.  Unlike most tripe restaurants, private rooms are available here for get-togethers.  On the weekend, when they have fewer customers, they offer discounts, so you can have an enjoyable meal and also take advantage of the lower prices.
- address: 1317-16 Seocho-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-536-9282
- website: http://www.yeontabal.com/

 

20. Yetgol (Korean : Kimchi-jjigae)

The specialty here is kimchi-jjigae made with mature kimchi and canned herring.  Their kimchi-jjigae is traditional, with a sour yet refreshing taste.
- address: 605-9 Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-561-0591

]]> http://www.koreataste.org/lang/en/en/restaurant-en/hot-spots-en/j-gangnam-station-the-youthful-exuberance-of-gangnam/feed 0 I. Sinsa & Apgujeong : The Driving Force behind Gangnam’s Trends http://www.koreataste.org/lang/en/en/restaurant-en/hot-spots-en/i-sinsa-apgujeong-the-driving-force-behind-gangnam%e2%80%99s-trends http://www.koreataste.org/lang/en/en/restaurant-en/hot-spots-en/i-sinsa-apgujeong-the-driving-force-behind-gangnam%e2%80%99s-trends#comments Tue, 16 Nov 2010 07:28:14 +0000 chouchou http://www.koreataste.org/?p=16855 Two streets best represent these areas: Sinsa’s Karosu Street and Apgujeong’s Rodeo Street. You’ll find stores here selling all the latest trendy luxury goods as well as bonded imported goods. Similarities exist between Karosu St., with its youthful, casual vibe, and Rodeo St., with its trendy boutiques and pampering massage salons, but each has its own distinctive character.

Whereas Gangbuk is the place for experiencing the traditional side of Korea, Shinsa and Apgujeong offer an experience of the fashions and up-and-coming trends in Korea. These areas are far ahead of the curve even when it comes to food, with restaurants serving the most popular dishes from around the world and unique Korean fusion creations, luxurious Korean table d’hôte restaurants, and even modernized makkholi specialty shops. These are dynamic areas which transform quickly in response to new trends.

1. Dureguksu (Korean : Guksu)

The restaurant has lots of frequent customers because of their tasty food, generous portions, and good service.  Thin noodles are served in a meat broth with a generous helping of shitake mushrooms and thinly sliced meat.  After six o’clock, only casseroles with vegetables are available.
- address: 626-79 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-3444-1421

 

2. Gaehwaok (Korean : Bulgogi) 

This restaurant serves bulgogi (marinated thinly shredded beef), as well as an interesting selection of Korean cuisine.  Although not spacious, the interior is notably tidy.  Besides their excellent bulgogi, healthy grilled vegetables, rolled kimchi, and noodles with Korean soybean paste are among the delectable flavours being offered. All of the food is attractively served in brass and earthenware.
- address: 661-18 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-549-1459

 

3. Gamjabau (Korean)

At this restaurant, you can enjoy the healthy cuisine of Gangwon province.  They include seven or eight side dishes or wild seaweed brought over from Gangwon.  Also, their doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) is made with homemade fermented soybean paste.
- address: 621-4 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-517-1160

 

4. Gangnam Ttarogukbap (Korean : Ttarogukbap) 

Over the past 20 years, this restaurant has maintained the traditional taste of the one dish on their menu, seonjittaro gukbap (beef tripe and rice soup)  The soup is served with generous helpings of soybean sprouts, green onions, and beef, and the thick broth, made from green onions and beef, is light-tasting and refreshing.
- address: 21-1 Jamwon-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-543-2527

 

5. Gangnam-myeonok (Korean : Naeongmyeon) 

Hoenaengmyeon (buckwheat vermicelli served with raw fish (sashimi) and chilli pepper dressing, and galbijjim (steamed marinated beef shor rib) is very popular. The steamed beef ribs, which are braised in sugar and soy sauce for a long time, is somewhat sweet. In addition, dumpling soup or beef rib broth is also excellent.
- address: 588-9 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-3446-5539

 

6. Gimssine (Korean : Budae-jjigae) 

This restaurant is famous for its budae-jjigae (sausage stew) and samgyeopsal (pork belly).   In addition, they serve a variety of dishes, such as beef ribs, outside skirt, bacon, sausage, and yeongyang dolsotbap (boiled rice mixed with nutritious ingredients in a hot stone pot).
- address: 627-6 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-545-5290

 

7. Hanseong Kalguksu (Korean : Kalguksu) 

This famous noodle restaurant in Gangnam has a proud 20-year history.  Overall, the food here is neatly-presented and clean-tasting.  Once the weather gets colder, the savoury pancakes made with fresh oysters are fantastic.  The kalguksu (noodle soup) served in a broth from beef leg bones is worth trying. This is a good place to have a drink because there is a good selection of side dishes, such as jeyuk (spicy beef with vegetables), bindaetteok (a Korean-style pancakes) and guljeon (savory pancakes with oysters).
- address: 62-13 Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-544-0540

 

8. Modern Bapsang (Korean) 

Enjoy Korean food in a modern atmosphere. This restaurant serves a variety of dishes, including stews and boiled rice with assorted mixtures like bibimbap (white rice topped with sauteed and seasoned vegetables which is mixed with chili pepper paste), Korean pancakes, and bulgogi (marinated thinly shredded beef). Other popular choices from the menu are  jeyuk-bossam (spicy pork with kimchi), North Korean-style dumplings, and tangpyeongchae (mung bean jelly mixed with veggies and beef).  They also have braised kimchi and Jeju mackerel, and braised silvery scabbard fish with dried radish leaves.
- address: 545-20 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-546-6782

 

9. Mongno (Korean : Mandu)

This restaurant specializes in a style of Korean dumplings made famous in Pyeongyang. Large Pyeongyang dumplings are cooked in a clear beef broth made from slowly boiled beef bones. The soup is a hearty and clear. We can also recommend the Korean pancakes made with mung-bean or various other noodle or rice dishes.
- address: 578-4 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-548-7500

 

10. Mongnyeon-sikdang (Korean)

Magnolia has been selling Nurungji for better than 20 years. Nurungji is a Korean favorite. It’s cooked and crunchy rice that’s been browned at the bottom of a hot pot or earthenware bowl. Magnolia sells several different kinds of it and it is very popular here. Some of their offerings come with 20 different side dishes to enjoy and lunch time is a great time to drop by for a taste.
- address: 65-17 Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-548-6688

 

11. Moonjar (Korean : Makgeolli)

This bar serves makgeolli (Korean rice wine). Because of the interior’s chic and modern ambiance, this bar is especially popular with women. They offer a wide variety of makgeolli, and their clean-tasting bossam (boiled pork with kimchi wraps) makes an excellent accompaniment.
- address: 644-19 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-541-6118 

 

12. Nochi (Korean)

Here, you’ll find Korean cuisine reinterpreted with a modern sensibility and served on ceramics made by famous potters.  They recommend dishes like grilled nagyeopsal muchim (grilled beef topped with seasoned Korean leeks) and hong pyeonnyuk (spicy sliced pork belly with kimchi and seasoned bean sprouts) and desserts like Nochi hotteok (special Korean pancakes) and Nochi danpanmuk (special jellied red bean paste).  The interior is décorated to look something like a traditional Korean-style, but modern building techniques have been used.  The low prices are another merit of this restaurant.
- address: 653-10 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-515-6531

 

13. Proganjanggejang (Korean : Ganjang-gejang)

This restaurant’s delicious gejang (raw crab marinated in soy sauce) is made daily with fresh blue crabs brought in directly from Chungnam in Seosan and marinated for about 5 days.  In addition, their agwijjim (steamed blackmouth angler fish) is also popular.
- address: 27-1 Jamwon-dong, Seocho-gu,Seoul
- phone: 02-543-4126  
- website: www.prosoycrab.com/

 

14. School Food (Korean)

This small, casual restaurant has a stylish atmosphere like a cafe and serves topokki (rice cakes in hot sauce), sundae (Korean-style blood sausages), and gimbap (seaweed rolls).  As the name suggests, they serve food that was popular among Koreans in their school days.
- address: 541-15 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-511-7127  
- website: www.schoolfood.co.kr/

 

15. Seomaene (Korean : Mandu)

This is a famous place to have Pyongyang-style dumplings.  The filling is bean sprouts and pork, giving the dumplings a neat taste.   In addition, they are well-known for their pork bossam (steamed pork wrapped in lettuce) and  tangpyeongchae, a Korean royal court cuisine made with mung bean starch jelly, mung bean sprouts, watercress, red pepper, and seaweed.
- address: 609-1 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-548-0090

 

16. Sinsa-myeonok (Korean : Hamheung Naengmyeon)

The specialty of this restaurant is hamheung naengmyeon, a spicy and rather sweet dish made with thin, hand-made noodles. But others are enthusiastic about the bibim naengmyeon, cold noodles in a spicy and sweet chili sauce. The dumplings and bulgogi (marinated thin-sliced beef) are also worth trying.
- address: 630-30 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-518-7228

 

17. Ttebujjang (Korean : Hangjeongsal) 

This restaurant is famous for oak-charcoal barbecue, and pork back neck is the most popular item on the menu.  The chewy texture and low price attract customers.  After a meal of meat, a bowl of refreshing noodles with kimchi is a nice way to finish.
- address: 644-21 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-514-8770

 

18. Urigangsan (Korean)

This restaurant offers Jeolla province-style baekban, a traditional Korean meal of rice, soup, and various side dishes.  The owner, who comes from Youngwang, Jeolla province, offers 25 different side dishes typical of Jeolla regional cooking.  The restaurant is frequented by local office workers as well as people who have heard of it by word of mouth, so it is always packed, particularly at lunch or dinnertime.
- address: 512-21 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-541-0773

 

19. Yeongdong Seolleongtang (Korean : Seolleongtang) 

This restaurant has been developing their expertise at cooking for 30 years.  Their best dish is seolleongtang, a milky-white soup made by slowly simmering oxtails and bones. The only other dish on the menu is suyuk (steamed meat). If you’re trying to eat less fat or are on a diet, you can order a lighter version of seolleongtang that contains less fat.
- address: 10-53 Jamwon-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-543-4716

 

20. Yumyeonggug Yangpyeong Haejangguk (Korean : Seonji-haejangguk) 

This is restaurant is well-known among people who go out drinking because they include generous helpings of beef tripe, lungs, and coagulated ox blood in their spicy and refreshing haejangguk (soup of napa cabbage, congealed ox blood, and vegetables in a hearty beef broth).  The haejangguk comes with side dishes, like pickled cucumbers and kkakdugi (radish kimchi), which are also delicious.
- address: 13-3 Jamwon-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-511-6061

]]> http://www.koreataste.org/lang/en/en/restaurant-en/hot-spots-en/i-sinsa-apgujeong-the-driving-force-behind-gangnam%e2%80%99s-trends/feed 2 H. Itaewon : Find the Exotic in Seoul http://www.koreataste.org/lang/en/en/restaurant-en/hot-spots-en/h-itaewon-find-the-exotic-in-seoul http://www.koreataste.org/lang/en/en/restaurant-en/hot-spots-en/h-itaewon-find-the-exotic-in-seoul#comments Tue, 16 Nov 2010 07:28:02 +0000 chouchou http://www.koreataste.org/?p=16591 Itaewon is Seoul’s most cosmopolitan and multicultural area.  A favorite destination among both foreigners and locals, Itaewon offers a wide choice of foods from a diversity of countries. The narrow alley behind the Hamilton Hotel leads to a strip of ethnic restaurants, where Greek, Thai, French, and other international cuisines are represented. Because Itaewon is so popular with foreigners, many stores here naturally cater to this crowd, and store clerks are often fluent in English.

1. 3 Alley Pub (Bar/Pub)

This atmosphere here is just like a real British pub had been transplanted from the UK.  Most of their customers are foreigners.  Here, you can enjoy Guinness, Erdinger, and Hoegaarden on tap.  They serve various side dishes that go nicely with the imported draft beer, and there is a wide enough selection of steak on the menu that you can easily dine here.  They are always packed, so either you need to call to find out whether seats are available or book ahead.
- address: 116-15 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-749-3336
- website: http://www.3alleypub.com

 

2. Alibaba (Egyptian)

This place is an Egyptian restaurant, a rare find in Seoul. It is quite small, but they have a loyal following among the Muslim community and Westerners in search of exotic flavours. They serve falafel, which are deep-friend balls of minced chickpeas coated with powdered sesame mixed with salt, and dipped in sauce. They also serve alibaba chicken, which is marinated in lemon and onion sauce and oven-roasted.  It tastes even better served with thin, light-tasting pita bread.  In addition, this is one of the few places in Seoul where you can order a Middle Eastern-style water pipe for smoking.
- address: 124-9 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-790-7754

 

3. Alsaba (Pakistani) 

Enjoy Pakistani food, which is a combination of Indian and Islamic culture.  The ingredients and spices they use are imported directly from Pakistan. Recommended is Alsaba ran, made with leg of lamb. The kitchen staff all come from Pakistan.
- address: 34-4 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-792-1488
- website: http://www.alsaba.co.kr

 

4. Bada Sikdang (Korean : Budae-jjigae) 

This restaurant is known as the creator of Itaewon-style budae-jjigae (sausage stew), which gets its distinct mellowness from the cheese they add.  In order to make Johnsontang, sausage, potatoes, onions, cabbage, ham, ground meat, and peppers are boiled in beef broth and garnished with cheese, for a slightly cheesy, unique flavor unlike regular budae-jjigae.
- address: 743-7 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-795-1317

 

5. Comedor (Paraguayan)

This restaurant serves Paraguayan cuisine and is the first of its kind in Asia. The most representative dish is empanadas, a southern African-style dumpling stuffed with meat, cheese, and other ingredients. You can enjoy many different kinds of dishes at reasonable prices.
- address: 130-3 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-749-2827

 

6. Donga Naengmyeon (Korean : Naengmyeon)

A noodle-specialized restaurant with a 30 year tradition. The spicy mixed cold noodle is the most popular item on the menu. All the foods are basically spicy and should be ordered separately if you want the noodles to be less spicy and more sweet and sour. Takeout is possible, including for dishes that need to be boiled.
- address: 265-576 Bogwang-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-796-2796

 

7. Goam Sikdang (Korean : Budae-jjigae)

Here, you can have refreshingly spicy budae-jjigae, a stew of sausages, meat and vegetables.   The budae-jjigae at this restaurant tastes more authentically Korean than Itaewon-style budae-jjigae, which usually includes processed cheese.  This restaurant is supposed to bea famous place for delicious food in the Itaewon area.
- address: 123-3 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-796-1813

 

8. Kkangtong Mandu (Korean : Kalguksu)

Enjoy kalguksu (hand-cut noodles) and dumplings stuffed with tofu, pork, and leek.  The base of kalguksu is a broth made from beef leg bones.  Bibim-guksu (noodles and vegetables in a spicy sauce) and suyuk (steamed beef wrapped in fresh kimchi) also taste excellent.  Uniquely, they use kalguksu noodles in their bibimguksu.  They’ve been in operation for 20 years, but the interior has been updated and is neat.
- address: 741-19 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-794-4243

 

9. Kyotofu (Dessert/Tea)

This is an American-Japanese dessert bar offering American interpretations of Japanese cuisine and desserts. The main branch is in New York. In Korea, they have opened three branches. On the menu are a wide variety of desserts and dishes made with tofu.
- address: 682-1 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-749-1488
- website: http://blog.naver.com/kyo_tofu/

 

10. Loco Loca (Mexican)

Extra flavor from Mexico, Chile and South America is added to Italian food. This is an authentic restaurant where you can enjoy pizza as well as quesadillas. Putting South American toppings on Italian pizza dough is very interesting. You can also enjoy South American drinks like margarita and mojito.
- address: 116-22 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-796-1606

 

11. Marakesh Night (Moroccan)

At this restaurant, you can enjoy authentic Moroccan cuisine prepared by a Moroccan cook.  Probably because the owner of the restaurant used to work for an embassy, there is a focus on neat presentation of the dishes.  The appetizer of hummus, the kebabs, and various main dishes of lamb or chicken are all delicious. The interior of this spacious restaurant is exotically decorated in Moroccan-style.  They even have Middle Eastern-style water pipes.
- address: 736-15 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-795-9441
- website: http://www.marakechnight.com/

 

12. Moghul (Pakistani)

Pakistani cuisine is available at this restaurant.  Most of the main dishes are made with lamb instead of pork or beef.  Typical dishes are seekh kebab, beef masala (beef curry), and grilled lamb chops.  In addition, you can enjoy various curry dishes, and the weekend buffet is also popular. The restaurant was converted from a private home and is quite cozy.
- address: 116-2 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-796-5501
- website: www.moghulkorea.com

 

13. Nariui-jip (Korean : Samgyeopsal)

This restaurant is famous for their delicious pork belly and fermented soybean stew. The pajeori (green onion salad), which is eaten with the pork belly, tastes especially great.  They are open 24 hours, you can drop by any time.  It is very crowded at lunch and dinner time, so you should avoid these times if you want to relax while eating.
- address: 738-24 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-793-4860

 

14. Pancho’s (Mexican)

This is a Texas-style Mexican (Tex-mex) restaurant. Representative dishes are fajitas (meat and vegetables wrapped in a tortilla), tacos (meat and sour cream stuffed in a tortilla), and quesadillas (a Mexican version of pizza).  Make your meal even better with a margarita cocktail brimming with tequilla.
- address: 127-3 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-792-4767
- website: http://www.panchos.co.kr

 

15. Petra (Middle Eastern)

At this restaurant, which serves Syrian and Jordanian cuisine, you can try Middle Eastern food.  Kebabs and hummus are representative of this style of food, which features characteristic spices like cinnamon, cardamom, coriander, thyme, and saffron.  Lamb is also frequently used.  They do not sell alcoholic beverages, though.
- address: 552 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-790-4433

 

16. Salam (Turkish)

The Kebabs in this restaurant are made by a Turkish chef. Prolonged baking removes all the oil, leaving a delicately mild taste. Out of all kebabs, the main dish is the shish kebab, which comes out on skewers. Enjoy the rich Turkish coffee experience the liquid tobacco of the Arabians.
- address: 732-21 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-793-4323

 

17. Santorini (Greek)

To make gyros, they wrap lettuce, tomatoes, and grilled meat topped with tzatziki sauce in an oven-baked pita.  Two other typical Greek dishes served here are souvlaki, which are grilled meat and vegetable skewers, and pie-shaped moussaka, which is eggplant, tomatoes, potatoes, and layers of minced meat topped with a white sauce and baked.
- address: 119-10 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-790-3474

 

18. Thai Orchid (Thai)

This is one of the oldest Thai restaurants in Seoul, but they have recently moved to their present location directly opposite from the old restaurant.  The approach at the new location is more casual compared to the old one, which was more like a hotel restaurant.
- address: 736-9 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-795-3338
- website: http://www.thaiorchid.co.kr

 

19. The Bungalow (Bar/Pub)

At this establishment, you can enjoy cocktails in one of their themed rooms decorated in a variety of ethnic styles. The Moroccan-style room, with its floor of white sand, is quite popular.  The cocktails are also affordably priced..
- address: 112-3 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-793-2344

 

20. Zelen (Bulgarian)

The cooks and owner of this restaurant are from Bulgaria. They serve the bread made with Bulgarian lactobacillus, and authentic Bulgarian home-style food prepared in an open kitchen. Their popular dessert is yogurt made with lactobacillus from Bulgaria.
- address: 116-14 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-749-0600

]]> http://www.koreataste.org/lang/en/en/restaurant-en/hot-spots-en/h-itaewon-find-the-exotic-in-seoul/feed 0 A. Hongik-Univ. : The University Crowd’s Hottest Hang-outs http://www.koreataste.org/lang/en/en/restaurant-en/hot-spots-en/a-hongik-univ-the-university-crowd%e2%80%99s-hottest-hang-outs http://www.koreataste.org/lang/en/en/restaurant-en/hot-spots-en/a-hongik-univ-the-university-crowd%e2%80%99s-hottest-hang-outs#comments Tue, 16 Nov 2010 07:27:48 +0000 chouchou http://www.koreataste.org/?p=16821 The area around Hongik University known as ‘Hongdae’ is a center of activity that drives the cultural trends among young people.

At night, Hongdae really comes alive with the passion of Korean young people. Starting at sundown, there are performances by indie bands, both the famous and the not-so-famous. These multifarious creative self-expressions, as well as the vibrant night club culture, instill the Hongdae area with its youthful vitality.

There’s one word that is indispensable when talking about Hongdae, and that is ‘freedom’. The atmosphere in Hongdae is very welcoming and free of prejudices, allowing people to express themselves freely. This is evident in the wide variety of live performances one see around Hongdae, as well as in the wide diversity of restaurants, including Italian and Turkish. Everywhere, you’ll find Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Turkish restaurants, and especially between Hongdae Station and the front gate of Hongik University, and also near Geukdong broadcasting station, Sangsu Station, and Hapjeong Station.

The latest trend in the Hongdae area are Japanese restaurants, which specialize in donburi (rice bowl topped with various ingredients), charu-soba (cold buckwheat noodes), and izakaya (Japanese-style bar).  Koreanised Japanese cuisine seems perfectly suited to the tastes of both Korean young people and foreigners.

1. Bulia (Chinese)

The restaurant specializes in Chinese hot pot, also known as Chinese fondue.  With a 20-year culinary career, the cook, who is from Sichuan, China, creates unique flavours.  The hot pot served here is not quite as spicy as you’ll find in China.  The ingredients can be ordered separately as desired, or can be ordered in a variety of combinations.
- address: 161-1 Donggyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-335-6689
- website: http://www.bulia.co.kr/

 

2. Castle Praha (Bar/Pub)

The specialty at Castle Praha is traditional Czech-style house beer. The remarkable exterior of this restaurant has been modeled after the Prague Orloj, the famous astronomical clock tower in Prague’s main square.  The interior is decorated throughout with various Czech accessories, giving it an appealing, exotic atmosphere. They serve traditional Czech food and beer, prepared under the guidance of a master brewer.
- address: 395-19 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-337-6644
- website: http://www.castlepraha.co.kr

 

3. Chin Chin (Japanese)

This is a Japanese-style kaiseki restaurant, and they offer a varied form of simple Japanese set menu. The atmosphere makes it a good place to go for a drink at dinner time.
- address: 343-9 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-334-1476

 

4. Cusco (Peruvian)

Enjoy a variety of Peruvian teas, alcoholic beverages, and dumplings.  The chef, who is from Peru, makes authentic Latin American dishes, with ingredients like potatoes and red chili peppers, but without cheese.  A representative Peruvian dish is ceviche, a distinctive Latin American version of raw fish with sauce and fresh onions.
- address: 414-18 Hapjeong-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-334-6836

 

5. Dolkkot (Korean)

This restaurant specializes in oyster dishes.  To make their unique dish called gulsotbap, they cook rice with mushrooms, ginkgo berries, a julienne of white radish in sweetened vinegar, and oysters, and top it off with dried myeongnan jeot, fermented pollock roe seasoned with chili pepper powder.  The oyster set menu includes raw oysters, grilled oysters, oysters au gratin, and rice mixed with oysters and seasoned shredded radish.
- address: 205-3 Donggyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-324-5894 

 

6. Donburi (Japanese)

This restaurant specializes in a Japanese dish called donburi, which is a large bowl of rice topped with various ingredients.  It is so popular that you need to line up even before the restaurant opens. This is the place to enjoy the best donburi in Seoul.
- address: 366-18 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-3141-8398

 

7. Dongmakjip (Korean : Galbi)

This grilled boneless rib (Galbi) restaurant is always packed at dinner time.  They offer only boneless beef ribs, either marinated or unmarinated.  The restaurant is divided in three: a main building that looks like an old inn, a huge annex, and an outdoor restaurant.  It is huge, with over a hundred oil-drum tables.  The prices are low, and after your meal they provide complementary janchi-guksu (noodles in a light seaweed broth topped with kimchi, thinly sliced egg, green onions, and cucumbers).
- address: 161-8 Donggyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-323-0577

 

8. Eomeoniga Charyeojuneun Siktak (Korean : Hanjeongsik)

At this restaurant, Korean table d’hôte is attractively presented with some interesting fusion twists.  Among their various special set menus are the “Imo”, “Gomo”, “Eomeoni”, and “Very Special” set menus, all of which come with rice porridge, salad, Korean chop suey, Korean pancakes, soup, tempura, and various meat dishes. The “Very Special” set menu should be ordered one day in advance. The restaurant is run by the novelist Yang Gwi Ja, and the neat interior which can be seen through the floor-to-ceiling windows attracts many visitors.
- address: 403-13 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-333-5616
- website: http://www.dinnertable.co.kr/

 

9. Eomeoniwa Godeungeo (Korean)

The food here isn’t cheap, but you feel like you are having baekban which your mom fixes at home. They start making your rice as soon as you place your order, so it tastes deliciously fresh.
- address: 407-19 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- phone:  02-337-0704

 

10. Greek Joy (Greek)

Greek tzatziki is made from olive oil and natural yogurt and is a well-known as a healthy food in Europe. Gyros are the basic menu here, and it is a typical fast food in Greece. Oil removed barbeque chicken with mushrooms, cabbages, tomatoes, green peppers, and vegetables in tzatziki sauce with the broad pita bread are all good to eat.
- address: 358-36 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-338-2100

 

11. Hakadabunko (Japanese)

This restaurant specializes in Kyushu-style donkatsu ramen (ramen noodles in a pork broth) which has come to be known as the king of ramen.  Hakata (donkatsu) ramen, a specialty of Kyushu, is made with a rich pork gravy.   This restaurant serves two kinds of donkatsu ramen; inramen, which has a rich pork flavour, and the milder cheongramen.   Of all ramen restaurants in Seoul, the food at this one is said to taste the closest to ramen you can get on the Japanese mainland.  The food here is so popular that you may have to wait in line over an hour to enjoy it.
- address: 93-28 Sangsu-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-338-5536

 

12. Hongik Sutbulgalbi Saenggogi (Korean : Galbi)

This restaurant specializes in charcoal barbecued fresh meat.  Their most popular dishes are the generous portions of galbi (ribs) and samgyeopsal (pork belly).  Since they partially pre-grill the pork belly, you don’t have to wait long before eating.  The soybean stew is also popular.  One of the walls is covered in graffiti, which creates the atmosphere of the Hongik University area.
- address: 331-1 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-334-3354

 

13. Le Petit Four (Dessert/Tea)

Here, you can enjoy charming French pastries, such as macarons. Also popular is the capsule ice cream, which is available in a variety of flavors.  The prices are quite low as well.
- address: 486 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-322-2669
- website: http://blog.naver.com/lepetitfour

 

14. Malaxiang (Chinese)

Enjoy Chinese cuisine with ‘mara’ (a Chinese word meaning ‘spiciness’).  The chicken and seafood dishes are recommended.  The fiery flavor comes mostly from Chinese sancho peppers and chili peppers.  The food is reasonably priced, so this place is quite popular.
- address: 317-10 Sangsu-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-338-6390
- website: http://www.malaxiang.com

 

15. Mimine (Korean : Twigim)

This tempura restaurant was very popular in Incheon and has now relocated to the Hongdae area. The move was hotly anticipated, and ever since they opened, the new location has been rapidly increasing in popularity. The hot item on the menu is their shrimp-twigim, and they also make a very nice, soupy topokki, and they taste fantastic together. Instead of the soy sauce that most places offer, this place uniquely offers salt to dip the twigim in.
- address: 372-6 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- phone: 070-404-8011
- website:  http://blog.naver.com/mimine_fry/

 

16. Namul Meongneun Gom (Korean : Bibimbap)

The main dishes at this restaurant are bibimbap (rice mixed with vegetables) and gomtang (beef broth with rice). The vegetable side dishes that accompany the bibimbap are a little bland compared to those at other restaurants.   The textures and flavors of the ingredients are more prominent since they are not overpowered by excessive seasonings.
- address: 395-199 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-323-9930

 

17. Teppen (Japanese)

At this restaurant specializing in iron-griddle cooking, there is a palpable sense of the youthful, energetic atmosphere unique to the Hongdae area.  As you walk in, the staff greets you with impressive enthusiasm. On the menu are various teppan dishes, among which the most popular is teppanyaki, a mixture of vegetables and noodles topped with a chopped omelet and sauce. The main branch is in Japan. And just like in Japan, there is an additional service charge of 2,500 won per person.
- address: 409-1 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-336-5578
- website: http://www.teppenkorea.com 

 

18. The Makgeolli (Korean : Makgeolli)

Makgeolli shop which has recently become popular.  Not only traditional makgeolli, but also a wide variety of makgeolli like cocktail makgeolli. All of the dishes, like perilla leaf and meat pancakes, samgyeopsal-kimchi pancakes are served as anju, are exquisite.
- address: 408-1 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, SeoulSeoul
- phone: 02-336-1007

 

19. Utsav (Idian)

Enjoy street food in an Indian restaurant. The vintage gray exterior gives the place a unique atmosphere. The low-priced lunch buffet is very popular. Other popular choices on the menu are the curries and satay (meat skewers). The dining area features a small pool.
- address: 93-102 Sangsu-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-334-9189
- website: http://www.utsav.co.kr/

 

20. Wolhyang (Korean : Makgeolli)

The owner of this place also operates a brewery that makes a variety of makgeolli (Korean rice wine) with organic brown rice.   In order to offer fresh makgeolli on tap, they set up a unique makgeolli draught machine. As an accompaniment to the mageolli, they offer a side dishes in a variety of styles, from traditional Korea to fusion. They hold makgeolli-making classes every Saturday at noon.
- address: 335-5 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-332-9202

]]> http://www.koreataste.org/lang/en/en/restaurant-en/hot-spots-en/a-hongik-univ-the-university-crowd%e2%80%99s-hottest-hang-outs/feed 0 C. City Hall : The Heart of Seoul http://www.koreataste.org/lang/en/en/restaurant-en/hot-spots-en/c-city-hall-the-heart-of-seoul http://www.koreataste.org/lang/en/en/restaurant-en/hot-spots-en/c-city-hall-the-heart-of-seoul#comments Tue, 16 Nov 2010 07:19:55 +0000 dona8569 http://www.koreataste.org/?p=17314 The City Hall area is the administrative, economic, and cultural center of the city and has become a major tourist attraction. Seoul Square is a large area of green lawns in front of City Hall which hosts a variety of cultural events and festivals to delight visitors to Seoul. Surrounding City Hall are major tourist attractions, such as Deoksu-gung Palace, the Seoul Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Gwanghwamun Square, and the Myeong-dong and Jongno shopping districts are also nearby. For a great meal, there are many well-established Korean restaurants that are popular with the office workers in the area.

1. Gangseo-myeonok (Korean : Naengmyeon)

This restaurant’s signature dish is their naengmyeon, cold noodles served in a tangy iced broth, which they make from beef brisket and dongchimi kimchi brine. At one time, this restaurant was famous for being the President’s naengmyeon restaurant of choice, but perhaps because they have expanded, they don’t seem to have the same flavor as in the old days. At lunchtime, all set menus come with naengmyeon (cold noodles in broth) and meat.
- address: 120-15 Seosomun-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-752-1945

 

2. Goryeo Samgyetang (Korean : Samgyetang)

Young chickens are used for their tender meat and great taste. During summer, extra noodles are served with the broth and during winter, rice made with five different cereals is added. Two types of traditional oriental medicines are used as ingredients and a small glass of ginseng liquor is served along side.
- address: 55-3 Seosomun-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-752-9376
- website: http://www.koreasamkyetang.com

 

3. Jaembaeok (Korean : Seolleongtang)

This restaurant, which has been run for three generations, specializes in seolleongtang (a thin, milky-white beef soup). One popular item on their menu is the assortment of steamed beef, with cuts such as head meat, brisket point cut, brisket and flank, Swiss-cut tongue, shank, and spleen that you can try.
- address: 64-4 Seosomun-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-755-8106

 

4. Jangho Wanggopchang (Korean : Gopchang)

The name of this restaurant might lead you to believe they serve mainly small intestines, but actually they’re famous for kimchi-jjigae (kimchi stew). The stew is made with well-fermented kimchi, onions, green onions, minced garlic, and tofu, with some pork at the bottom of the bowl. The intestines are smooth, soft and deliciously good.
- address: 6-16 Sunhwa-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-756-5070

 

5. Jeongwon Sundubu (Korean : Sundubu)

All of the soft tofu is seasoned with a spicy mixture of red pepper powder, garlic, and sugar, and then such ingredients as beef, oysters, or pork are added depending on the order. An extra empty bowl is provided so you can mix the soft tofu with rice made in an earthenware bowl.
- address: 120-12 Seosomun-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-755-7139

 

6. Jinju Hoegwan (Korean : Kong-guksu)

This restaurant is famous for kong-guksu (noodles in cold soymilk broth). It is supposedly the best-tasting kong-guksu in Seoul even though they serve theirs with only thick soymilk broth and noodles, dispensing with the usual chopped cucumber. The noodles are made with wheat flour, potato flour, buckwheat, peanuts, and pine nuts. They serve their tasty kong guksu throughout the summer, and in winter, they serve kimchi-bokkeumbap (kimchi fried rice).
- address: 120-35 Seosomun-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-753-5388

 

7. Samo Jjukkumi (Korean : Jukkumi)

This restaurant has had octopus on its menu for 25 years. They grill it specially and also fry it with a unique pepper paste and other spices, giving it a delicate flavor to go along with the octopus’s natural chewyness. Prices are low and customer satisfaction is high.
- address: 31-6 Migeun-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-362-2120

 

8. Sogongjukjip (Korean : Juk)

At this famous Bukchang-area rice porridge house, you can choose from over ten different kinds of rice porridge, all of which are great. Another popular dish here is their nutritious rice cooked in a cauldron with oysters and prawns.
- address: 86-10 Bukchang-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-752-6400

 

9. Songok (Korean : Guksu)

This restaurant has specialized in buckwheat noodles for about 40 years. Their pleasing broth is made with bold-tasting katsuobushi (a traditional Japanese soup base) and soy sauce. The restaurant demonstrates their expertise with udon noodles that are chewy and delicious.
- address: 17 Namdaemunno 4-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-752-3297

 

10. Yurimmyeon (Korean : Guksu)

This is a noodle specialist from way back. There are only four items on the menu, including saucepan noodles and stone saucepan noodles which are great during winter. In the summer, diners can enjoy the cold buckwheat noodles and mixed vegetable noodles.
- address: 16 Seosomun-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-755-0659

 

]]> http://www.koreataste.org/lang/en/en/restaurant-en/hot-spots-en/c-city-hall-the-heart-of-seoul/feed 0 G. Daehak-ro : Re-kindle the Romance of Youth http://www.koreataste.org/lang/en/en/restaurant-en/hot-spots-en/g-daehak-ro-re-kindle-the-romance-of-youth http://www.koreataste.org/lang/en/en/restaurant-en/hot-spots-en/g-daehak-ro-re-kindle-the-romance-of-youth#comments Tue, 16 Nov 2010 07:19:33 +0000 dona8569 http://www.koreataste.org/?p=17068 ‘Daehak-ro’, which gets its name from Seoul National University, which used to be located here, is a cultural and artistic center with about 100 large and small theaters currently putting on daily performances. There is something here for everyone – from Ihwajang, the residence of Lee Seung-man, the first president of Korea, to the Naksan public art project and the beautiful, historic medical museum. Not to be missed are the many charming cafés and restaurants around Marronnier Park at the heart of Daehak-ro, an area that is alive with street performers and a famous place to go on a date. On weekends, vehicle access to the streets is restricted, and this is when the area truly comes alive with the uninhibited expression of youthful vitality.

1. Bukpyeong Dakgomtang (Korean : Dakgomtang)

This restaurant is famous for their dakgomtang (chicken soup), which has a clear, refreshing broth. The soup is light, clean-tasting, and delicious, so they have lots of loyal customers. The restaurant is also frequented by a lot of Japanese tourists.
- address: 195 Dongsung-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-3675-6375

 

2. Deulpul (Korean)

Side dishes made from homemade pepper paste, soybean paste, soy sauce, vegetables and wild greens are very delicious here. Also mushrooms and wild edible greens are popular and a traditional tea along with dessert is served after the meal.
- address: 71-1 Myeongnyun-dong 4-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-745-9383
- website: http://www.dulpul.co.kr

 

3. Goldong-myeon (Korean : Guksu)

This Daehangno-area noodle restaurant is very popular, so you’ll likely have to wait in line. The representative dish here is gol-dong-myeon, a variation of mixed noodles that comes from Korean royal cuisine and is mixed with soy sauce, rather than the usual hot pepper paste.
- address: 1-45 Dongsung-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-764-5113

 

4. Guksijip (Korean : Guksu)

This restaurant, which is famous for its fresh-tasting food, offers handmade noodles. Reservations are essential as there are usually no seats available for walk-in customers. After the day’s noodles have been sold out, usually between 12 and 2, no more are served. The noodles and seasoning sauce are served simply in a broth made from beef brisket, but the noodles are very thin and amazingly delicate and soft.
- address: 9 Seongbuk-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-762-1924 

 

5. Hyehwa Kalguksu (Korean : Kalguksu)

This restaurant has been a fixture of  Hyehwa-dong for almost 30 years and faithfully maintains its long-standing traditions. To their four-leg broth, they add beef brisket and simmer it for 24 hours, so the finely-sliced noodles that they serve in it taste fantastic. Besides kalguksu (hand-cut noodle soup), they also serve thinly-sliced bulgogi-style beef flame broiled in a gridiron, fish tempura, and octopus.
- address: 84-3 Hyehwa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-743-8212
- website: www.혜화칼국수.kr

 

6. Istanbul (Turkish)

This restaurant in Uijeongbu was the first in Korea to introduce kebabs, a traditional Turkish dish. Enjoy convenient fast food-style kebabs at a reasonable price.
- address: 69-1 Myeongnyun-dong 4-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-744-9790
- website: http://www.istanbul21.com

 

7. Kobe Genpei (Japanese)

The Japanese-style ramen here tastes very authentic. The chef is Japanese, and all the ingredients, with the exception of the meat and vegetables, are brought in from Japan.
- address: 203-1 Hyehwa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-765-6808

 

8. Mami Cheonggukjang (Korean : Cheonggukjang)

This restaurant is famous for cheonggukjang (soybean paste soup). This restaurant recently underwent renovations, and the interior is still pristine.
- address: 18-2 Dongsung-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-765-0842

 

9. Myeongnyun Sonkalguksu (Korean : Kalguksu)

The popular item here is the handmade cut noodles in beef broth. The thick boiled brisket and flank and lightly boiled octopus are also good. You can order half and half of each. The restaurant isn’t open for dinner and often closes early when ingredients run out.
- address: 31-23 Myeongnyun-dong 1-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-742-8662

 

10. Paris Hanoi (Vietnamese)

This restaurant has two noodle dishes on their menu: pho (rice noodles in a light-tasting and refreshing broth) and banh nam (rice noodles mixed with fried and sliced dumplings and vegetables), which is also popular. In the cafe-like atmosphere, you can casually enjoy Vietnamese pho.
- address: 83-1 Myeongnyun-dong 4-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-3673-1999

 

11. Persian Palace (Iranian)

This is an Iranian spicy curry restaurant. You can taste spicy curry made by an Iranian. Their best dish is curry made with lamb marinated in seasonings for 3 days. The smoked chicken curry is also recommended. Their Persian full-course set menus include various kinds of curry sauce, six pieces of chicken, and Iranian-style rice cakes. In addition to curries, you can enjoy various kinds of exotic food, such as Iranian-style bread, yogurt, and alcoholic beverages.
- address: 121-1 Myeongnyun-dong 2-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-763-6050
- website: http://www.persianpalace.com 

 

12. Sao Paulo (Brazilian)

Enjoy all-you-can-eat Brazilian churrasco grilled steak for 25,000, served with fried rice, feijoda (beef and pork stew with black beans), potato salad, and pickles. Various kinds of meat are also available, including chicken, sausages, beef strip loin, and pork belly, etc. The grilled pineapple makes a tasty accompaniment for the meat.
- address: 19-2 Myeongnyun-dong 4-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-764-6079

 

13. Seongbukdong Dwaeji-galbijip (Galbi)

This is a famous spareribs restaurant that has been in operation in the Sungbukdong area for 30 years.  The set menu of char-grilled spareribs with a bowl of rice is excellent.  Since it is grilled over charcoal briquette, the pork acquires a smoky flavour and loses most of its fat, so it has a nice chewy texture.    
- address: 114-2 Seongbuk-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-764-2420 

 

14. Sonkalguksu (Korean : Kalguksu)

At this restaurant, you can enjoy humble home-style kalguksu (knife-cut noodles). The kalguksu is served in a rich beef broth, and a Korean-style pancake is included with your order, making it even better. Dinner service ends at 6:00, so you should call ahead to find out whether they can accommodate you.
- address: 74-37 Hyehwa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-764-7947

 

15. Urimilguksi (Korean : Kalguksu)

This restaurant specializes in sagol kalguksu (hand-cut noodles). The ‘sagol’ broth is made with four leg bones of Korean-bred cows and tastes great, and the noodles, which are thinner than regular kalguksu, have a nice chewy texture.  Kalguksu is best enjoyed garnished with beef brisket and zucchini and topped with spicy seasonings. 
- address: 124-11 Seongbuk-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-745-3764

 

]]> http://www.koreataste.org/lang/en/en/restaurant-en/hot-spots-en/g-daehak-ro-re-kindle-the-romance-of-youth/feed 0 E. Insa-dong : Showcasing Seoul’s Cultural Heritage http://www.koreataste.org/lang/en/en/restaurant-en/hot-spots-en/e-insa-dong-showcasing-seouls-cultural-heritage http://www.koreataste.org/lang/en/en/restaurant-en/hot-spots-en/e-insa-dong-showcasing-seouls-cultural-heritage#comments Tue, 16 Nov 2010 07:19:14 +0000 dona8569 http://www.koreataste.org/?p=17329 In Seoul, Insa-dong is the ideal place to take in the beauty of Korea’s cultural heritage. In fact, the streets of Insa-dong are themselves and important part of the cultural heritage of the city.

For foreigners wanting to deepen their understanding of the traditional culture of Korea, Insa-dong is the most common destination of choice, and with good reason – the alleyways that stretch away from the main road on both sides reverberate with echoes of Korea’s beautiful past, giving foreigners an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Korean tradition and also offering Koreans a chance to reminisce.

The art galleries one finds here and there throughout Insa-dong put on various exhibitions, and the streets are always bustling with activities and attractions, like cheerful street performers and literary events.

This is also an ideal place to experience traditional Korean cuisine as there are so many tea houses and restaurants. Insa-dong offers many neat places to enjoy rustic Korean table d’hôte meals at reasonable prices, making it popular with foreigners who want to experience the everyday food culture of ordinary Koreans. Afterwards, be sure to stop in at one of the of traditional tea houses which sell traditional Korean refreshments, which cleanse the palette after a meal.

1. Banjjakbanjjak Binnaneun (Dessert/Tea)

Choose from a variety of traditional Korean teas. They make their own sujeonggwa (traditional Korean punch made from dried persimmons, cinnamon, and ginger) and sikhye (a traditional Korean sweet rice drink). Both are very popular. The tea sets which are used to serve tea are also available for purchase. At dinnertime, wine is served.
- address: 6 Gwanhun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-738-4525

 

2. Barugongyang (Korean)

Jogyesa, the main temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, operates this restaurant, which serves temple food. However, the food here deviates a little from true temple food, so it’s more accurate to call it fusion style. Various dishes are neatly-presented in set menus to convey the feeling that this food is very healthy. The neat interior and food presentation make this a suitable place to bring foreign guests.
- address: 71 Gyeonji-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-2031-2081

 

3. Busan Sikdang (Korean)

The restaurant serves simple home-style baekban (a meal including rice, soup or stew, and side dishes). The owner, who is originally from Busan, makes fermented bean paste to make broth from. About half an hour after the order is placed, they provide freshly steamed rice with beans.
- address: 180 Gwanhun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-733-5761

 

4. Chaiyagi (Korean)

This restaurant is famous for rice cooked in a hollow bamboo stick. They provide generous amounts of lettuce, and you can grill meat, and eat it wrapped in the lettuce leaves. They offer a set menu with neobiani, which is thinly-sliced beef, and the house set menu is served with boneless ribs. When you are done with your rice, they’ll fill the hollow bamboo stick with some hot dunggeulle tea, which tastes great.
- address: 29-12 Gwanhun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-735-8552

 

5. Channyangjip (Korean : Kalguksu)

For over thirty years, this restaurant has specialized in just one dish: kalguksu (hand-cut noodle soup). The price has remained the same for many years, and so have the generous servings of noodles and seafood that give their soup its great flavor. This makes it a great value. The broth is made with anchovies from Yeosu, oysters, octopus, sea squirt, and clams and has a clean, refreshing taste.
- address: 27 Donui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-743-1384

 

6. Cheomakkeut Haneul Punggyeongn (Korean)

The entrance to this restaurant opens onto a small, inviting courtyard, with stone lanterns and earthenware jars attractively grouped here and there. The traditional paper-frame windows and black stone walls add a special charm to the atmosphere. For lunch, a special set menu and the “Yangban” set menu are offered from 12:30 to 3:00 on weekdays only.
- address: 84-11 Gwanhun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-734-3337
- website: http://www.ehanul.kr

 

7. Doenjangyesul Toenmaru (Korean)

Meals in this bibimbap restaurant are served in a large bowl with a bevy of vegetables and healthy leeks. The traditional styled interior also makes for a great opportunity to experience Korean customs the right way.
- address: 4-2 Insa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-739-5683

 

8. Dure (Korean : Hanjeongsik)

This full-course Korean restaurant is located in Insadong. The restaurant was originally a house belonging to an aristocrat in the olden days, but was renovated to properly accommodate the restaurant. They serve mainly regional food in the rural style. Fermented soy beans accompany the full course, and are very tasty.
- address: 8-7 Insa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-732-2919

 

9. Gung (Korean : Mandu)

The specialty of this establishment is Gaeseong-style Korean dumpings, and they’ve been serving their brand of it to customers for over 30 years. Unlike the Pyeongyang dumplings, which are large sized, Gaeseong dumplings are slightly smaller and make the perfect combination with the broth. The Palace also serves a variety of traditional Korean liquors that can be enjoyed with the meal.
- address: 30-11 Gwanhun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-733-9240
- website: http://koong.co.kr

 

10. Jidaebang (Dessert/Tea)  

This is an old traditional tea house in Insadong. Surprisingly, the red color-scheme has a calming effect. An order of traditional tea is served with handmade traditional Korean sweets.
- address: 196-6 Gwanhun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-738-5379

 

11. Jirisan (Korean)

This restaurant presents Jeollado-style vegetarian cuisine. The Jirisan set menu comes with 30 side dishes: assorted Korean savory pancakes and a wide assortment of vegetable dishes, such as sauteed radish leaves and sauteed julienne of white radish; salted napa cabbage wrappings with side dishes, todok root, soybean curd, dried yellow corvina, bean-paste soup, steamed squash, tofu kimchi, water kimchi made with spring vegetables, pine mushrooms, hijiki seaweed with tofu and green perilla, raw sedum with red chili sauce, mung bean jelly with soy sauce dressing, pickled hot peppers, and braised burdock.
- address: 84-2 Gwanhun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-723-4696

 

12. Jogeum (Japanese)

This is a famous place for Japanese hot pot rice and udon noodles. Each meal is attractively served in its own tray. Japanese hot pot rice is mixed with soy sauce, not with chili paste. The hot pot rice is made with vegetables, mushrooms, and ginkgo berries, and topped with your choice of three different ingredients, of which seafood is the most popular.
- address: 123-4 Gwanhun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-734-0783

 

13. Kyungin-misulgwan Jeontong-dawon (Dessert/Tea)

This is a very unique restaurant that has restored the features of a traditional Joseon Dynasty house. You can sip your traditional Korean tea while enjoying the garden that is filled with beautiful flowers and trees. Traditional Korean snacks are always served with tea.
- address: 30-1 Gwanhun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-730-6305
- website: http://www.kyunginart.co.kr

 

14. Mingadaheon (Korean)

Before being renovated, this restaurant was a traditional Korean house, once home to a noble family during the Joseon Dynasty. It has a dining room, cafe, library, terrace, and sarangchae (separate room for male guests). The concept of the restaurant is an integration elements from Eastern and Western culture: Korean traditional tea with traditional confectionery; and wine with fusion cuisine.
- address: 66-7 Gyeongun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-733-2966
- website: http://www.minsclu.co.kr

 

15. Nwijo (Korean : Hanjeongsik)

This restaurant specializes in oriental health food made with medicinal ingredients. All items on the menu come with several courses, including porridge to dessert. Seasonal fresh herbs are heavily used, and some of the dishes you can enjoy here include: a mixture of azalea, skate, and chili paste, pressed steamed pork, and mushroom hotpot.
- address: 84-13 Gwanhun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-730-9301
- website: http://www.nwijo.com

 

16. Sadong-myeonok (Korean : Mandu)

The big thing in this menu is indeed big. The restaurant serve a Hwang-hae style dumpling that is bigger that an adult fist. The special characteristic is that it is boiled, not steamed. Other items on the menu include a special beef broth made by slowly boiling beef bones, Korean style pancakes made with mung bean and the green onion pancake, all of which come with high recommendations. The interior of the restaurant is done in traditional Korean style and is very elegant.
- address: 173 Insa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-725-1211
- website: http://www.사동면옥.com

 

17. Sun chun (Korean : Hanjeongsik)

This restaurant has served Korean set menus for 40 years. The full-course meal is based on Pyeongando cuisine and includes 10 to 13 different dishes, such as gujeolpan (a platter of nine colorful ingredients served with thin crepes), sashimi, soup, steamed meat or fish, Korean-style pancakes, skewered bulgogi (marinated thinly shredded beef), and spicy pork. At lunch time, they serve a popular lunch set menu of main dishes and side dishes selected from the full-course meal.
- address: 100-4 Gwanhun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-734-1970

 

18. Yeojaman (Korean)

This restaurant is run by a female film director, Ms. Mirye Lee. The name of the restaurant, ‘Yeojaman’, comes from a geographical location between Goheung and Yeosu, and the restaurant is expert at the cuisine of Namdo (the northern provinces of Gyeonggi-do). The kkomak (ark shell) set menu is also popular.
- address: 1-1 Insa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-725-9829

 

19. Yeongil sikdang (Korean : Makhoe) 

At this restaurant, you can enjoy makhoe (mixed sashimi with vegetables and vinegared chili paste). The fresh fish is delivered daily from Guryongpo, Pohang.  Moonsnail and Pacific herring (only available in winter) also taste good, and grilled sea snail and shrimps are also delicacies. 
- address: 77 Nagwon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-739-3211

 

20. Yujin Sikdang (Korean : Naengmyeon)

This restaurant, which serves mul-naengmyeon (noodles in a tangy iced beef broth), commands a loyal following. The noodles are made of a 50:50 mix of  buckwheat flour and starch. The broth is made with beef and beef bones.
- address: 221 Nagwon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- phone: 02-764-2835

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