This Korean BBQ spot near Gyeongbokgung Palace excels at grilling thick cuts of dry-aged pork belly and other meats to perfection. The staff expertly cooks each piece tableside, ensuring a consistently delicious and convenient meal. It's a lively, welcoming spot perfect for dates, family dinners, or group outings.
🍽️90Food
👋92Service
💰88Value
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“The restaurant has a lively atmosphere and excellent service, ideal for those who love authentic Korean BBQ.”
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“Our favourite Korean BBQ restaurant in Seoul. Good food and the sweetest and most smiling servers. For that alone, we returned many times during our longer stay in the city.”
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“The atmosphere was outstanding, and the meat exceeded my expectations, so I'm leaving this review!”
Mido Galbi is a Korean BBQ spot where the staff expertly grill your meat tableside, ensuring a perfect cook every time. They offer complimentary cold noodles and a variety of banchan, making it a generous and welcoming spot for both locals and tourists.
🍽️90Food
👋92Service
💰80Value
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“The meat was so tender and well seasoned. The best Korean bbq I’ve had so far and they provided great sides and service was friendly.”
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“As two foreigners, the service we received was amazing, cooked all our meats perfectly and we were also given so many complimentary side dishes like soup, rice noodles etc!”
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“We were at Mido Galbi 2 years ago and enjoyed it so much we were looking forward to coming again. Our meal today was excellent and the service was terrific.”
This Jongno 3-ga spot is all about the handmade dumplings, served in a comforting, clean broth that's perfect for any weather. They're generous with portions, making it a fantastic value, and the casual, friendly atmosphere welcomes everyone from dates to families.
🍽️90Food
👋88Service
💰92Value
⏰70Wait
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“The store is spacious and comfortable, and the tables are ample, so I recommend it for dates, group gatherings, and company dinners.”
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“Enjoying kalguksu for 13,000 won per person is a fantastic value, and a bottle of soju for 3,000 won is a real bargain.”
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“The dumplings are handmade, so the skin is thin and the filling is filling, giving them a wonderful texture.”
This Buam-dong spot is a long-established dumpling restaurant, serving homemade dumplings with a light yet savory filling. The clear, refreshing beef bone broth is a perfect complement to their signature dumpling stew.
🍽️88Food
👋85Service
💰80Value
✨70Vibe
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“I started out with noodles and dumplings, but gradually moved up to dumpling stew, bossam, and shabu-shabu. Every dish was delicious, making it difficult to choose.”
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“Hands down the best dumplings we've had in Seoul. Excellent service and delicious homemade food”
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“Although the transportation is a bit inconvenient, I recommend the spicy soup and handmade dumplings.”
This pizzeria is a go-to for authentic Italian wood-fired pizzas with a chewy, crispy crust. Beyond the standout pizzas, the pasta dishes are also well-regarded, offering a satisfying meal in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
🍽️90Food
👋88Service
💰80Value
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“I'm a regular at Pizzeria O, and every time I visit, I always have a delicious meal.”
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“This is one of the best classic wood-fired, Neapolitan style pizzas in the Seoul metropolitan area.”
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“The pizzas are made in a wood oven and are on par with their counter parts they make in Southern Italy.”
This Dongdaemun spot offers a taste of Nepal and India with a chef boasting three decades of experience. The food is well-regarded for its authentic flavors and generous portions, making it a go-to for both locals and travelers seeking a comforting meal.
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👋85Service
💰85Value
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“The food here is really delicious. I would recommend all of you to visit this Everest curry world located at dongdaemun.”
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“Situated just steps from Dongdaemun Station, it's easily accessible, and the high chairs are perfect for bringing children.”
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“Everything was fresh and delicious, the have a good selection of South/North Indian, Nepalese and Tibetan food.”
This alleyway Korean BBQ spot, often mistaken for a hole-in-the-wall, surprises with its modern interior and attentive service. They expertly grill premium aged meats, offering a juicy, flavorful experience complemented by a wide array of homemade sauces and side dishes.
🍽️90Food
👋85Service
💰80Value
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“The aged pork neck is said to melt in your mouth, but this is so delicious it makes beef seem like a distant memory.”
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“Best Korean BBQ of my life. First one I had in Korea and nothing else since then has compared.”
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“It's a bit pricey, but there's no break time, and the pork neck, pork belly, pork shoulder, and pork ribs are all delicious.”
This Korean BBQ spot specializes in pork belly, with a unique bamboo-aging process that imparts a distinct smoky aroma. The staff expertly grill the meat tableside, ensuring a perfect cook every time. It's a lively spot that caters well to groups and families.
🍽️90Food
👋85Service
💰80Value
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“This place is incredible, the pork belly is so good I went back to this place twice in one visit.”
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“The meat is incredibly tender and delicious. They grill it all on the spot, and the kimchi and pickled green onions are delicious too.”
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“The staff cooked our meal and showed us how to eat it. Very tasty food. Highly recommend for an authentic Korean Barbecue restaurant”
This hotel buffet offers a wide range of Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and Western dishes, with a particular emphasis on fresh seafood and grilled meats like lamb ribs and lobster. The attentive staff and pleasant ambiance, enhanced by views of Dongdaemun, make it a solid choice for families and special occasions.
🍽️82Food
👋88Service
💰75Value
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“The interior and the view of Heunginjimun Gate from the table created a wonderful atmosphere.”
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“Located in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, this buffet restaurant is located on the second floor of the Marriott Hotel.”
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“Unlike Lotte and Shilla, there wasn't a line to wait in at a specific time.”
This Korean BBQ spot channels the vibe of LA's Koreatown with its rustic decor and a menu focused on expertly grilled meats. It's a place where the staff handles the grilling, making for a comfortable meal, and the free corkage policy is a significant draw for those looking to pair their meal with their own wine.
🍽️88Food
👋85Service
💰80Value
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“The staff were incredibly friendly, and I loved the affordable prices on dishes like the ribs and Suwon wanggalbi.”
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“Starting with raw short ribs! Chewy and with just the right amount of fat, it's my favorite cut.”
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“European-style raw beef is also delicious. A perfect combination of truffle, avocado, and pear raw beef!”
This traditional Korean spot specializes in rich, clean-tasting sundae soup, a comforting dish perfect for cold days. It's a popular lunch destination, often bustling with locals and solo diners seeking a hearty, satisfying meal.
🍽️88Food
👋75Service
💰85Value
⏰65Wait
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“Ordered a set menu of noodles and spicy noodles. The noodles were really delicious, so I almost finished them all.”
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“First of all, it's delicious. Many noodle restaurants in Jongno are delicious, but their cleanliness is questionable. The cutlery and utensils were very clean.”
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“When it comes to sundae gukbap, it's Baekam Sundae! We've been coming here for over the years, and the flavor remains consistently rich.”
This long-standing spot has been serving up tender, melt-in-your-mouth pig's feet since 1975. Their focus on a single dish means the meat is cooked to perfection, avoiding the overly sweet or greasy pitfalls of other establishments. Don't miss the 5,000 won vegetable bibimbap as a surprisingly delightful addition.
🍽️88Food
👋78Service
💰85Value
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“The pig's feet weren't too greasy, and they were delicious. This truly excellent restaurant is worth trying whenever I visit.”
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“It's really good value for money and tastes great. For 30,000 won, it's a medium portion! It's filling.”
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“The waitress is always on hand to make sure everything is ok.”
Ideal for
Families with kidsGroup diningCasual weeknight dinner
This unassuming spot near Gyeongbok Palace serves up generously filled kimbap with a focus on fresh ingredients and less rice. It's a go-to for a quick, affordable, and flavorful bite, with several vegan options available upon request.
🍽️88Food
👋78Service
💰80Value
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“The cheese kimbap was really delicious. Perhaps it's because they use Philadelphia cheese, which makes it better than other cheese kimbap?”
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“The shop mainly sells rice rolls, and the interior space is small. The rice rolls are cheap and delicious.”
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“We tried the tuna and the beef Gimbap and we loved both of them. Especially the …”
This Seochon spot specializes in Jeju pork, grilled expertly by staff to ensure perfect doneness. The meat is fragrant, tender, and notably free of pork odor, making it a standout for grilled pork enthusiasts. It's a place that opens late, offering excellent food and service at reasonable prices.
🍽️88Food
👋85Service
💰78Value
⏰65Wait
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“The meat's flavor is a bit inconsistent. Some days it's delicious, and some days it's just average.”
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“The five-layered black pork belly is incredibly chewy and delicious.”
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“I went to Gyeongbokgung Palace and went to this restaurant while just going to places that caught my fancy.”
This Hyehwa meat restaurant is known for its tender, flavorful grilled meats, especially the ribs and large intestine, which are expertly cooked. Beyond the main dishes, diners appreciate the complimentary sides and unique desserts like chestnut tiramisu. The friendly staff and pleasant atmosphere make it a solid choice for various occasions.
🍽️88Food
👋82Service
💰75Value
⏰65Wait
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“A place where the taste never changes, even after a long time. The meat is tender and delicious!”
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“The ribs and raw beef are so delicious and the portions are so large that I'm full.”
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“This place is located in an alley in Daehakro, and it's really delicious!”
This Italian spot leans into a year-round Christmas theme, creating a cozy, festive atmosphere that feels like a perpetual holiday. It's a charming place for dates or family gatherings, offering a menu with Italian staples and some unique twists like oven-baked tteokbokki.
🍽️82Food
👋85Service
💰80Value
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“The owner personally served the food, and despite its age, the restaurant was very well-maintained and clean, so I had a wonderful time.”
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“The steak pizza was delicious. I highly recommend it. The room with the oven was also very nice.”
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“The food was delicious and the atmosphere was great. After paying, I realized it was a good value.”
This Jongno institution serves up hearty ssambap, a Korean rice wrap dish, with tender, flavorful stir-fried pork and an abundance of fresh vegetables. It's a casual, family-friendly spot that consistently delivers satisfying portions at a great price, making it a go-to for locals and visitors alike.
🍽️88Food
👋80Service
💰90Value
⏰60Wait
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“The pork ssambap was delicious, and the vegetables were fresh. The side dishes were also delicious.”
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“This truly delicious pork comes with a generous portion of ssam (wrap) and unlimited rice.”
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“A restaurant that serves the same delicious food no matter when or what time you go.”
This Jongno chicken spot stands out for its remarkably clean and modern interior, a rarity among older establishments in the area. It offers comforting chicken stews and soups, with a notable option for solo diners. The Hwangchil Samgyetang is particularly recommended for its clear, nourishing broth.
🍽️82Food
👋80Service
💰75Value
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“The interior is spacious and clean, so it has enough merit considering that most other Dakhanmari restaurants in Jongno are old stores.”
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“Located in a place where you can enjoy both the hip places of Ikseon-dong and the seagull street of Donui-dong.”
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“This is a great chicken restaurant that I remember for its cleanliness and friendliness.”
This spot specializes in grilled intestines, offering generous portions that pair well with soju slushies. The staff are noted for their friendliness and attentiveness, even when dealing with language barriers.
🍽️80Food
👋85Service
💰70Value
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“The beef tripe is a bit pricey, but the owner is friendly and the beef tripe is delicious.”
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“The epitome of hospitality. The food is delicious, but the hospitality is even better.”
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“The owner was friendly, and the food was absolutely delicious.”
This basement spot near Hyehwa Station offers hearty Korean staples like bulgogi hot pot and bibimbap. It's a reliable choice for groups and families, with a clean, modern atmosphere and friendly service.
🍽️80Food
👋78Service
💰75Value
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“For 7-8 thousand won, you can enjoy a simple rice bowl or a set menu. The taste is also pretty good.”
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“The octopus rice bowl has just the right amount of octopus and the spiciness is just right.”
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“It's a bit pricey, but the side dishes were delicious and excellent.”
This Samcheong-dong spot offers a smoky, charcoal-kissed jar barbecue and spicy grilled octopus, a perfect pairing with their house-made Bongtakju. The owner's artistic touch is evident throughout the space, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that draws in both locals and international visitors.
🍽️88Food
👋85Service
💰75Value
🔊65Noise
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“The squid has a strong, spicy flavor and is delicious. The homemade bongtakju is clean and perfect when eaten with squid …”
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“The charcoal-grilled barbecue in the clay pot was crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, incredibly delicious.”
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“It was so delicious It was soft and I want to come back to eat it again!”
This Seochon Italian spot shines with a romantic, cozy atmosphere, making it a prime choice for dates and special occasions. The wood-fired pizzas and rich pastas are well-regarded, offering a delightful culinary escape.
🍽️82Food
👋85Service
💰75Value
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“I was hungry, so I ordered three dishes: cream gnocchi, mascarpone arugula pizza, and vongole pasta. Even though I was full, they were all delicious!”
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“The truffle cream gnocchi I tried at the chef's recommendation was so delicious that it became a menu item of my life.”
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“I sat on the warm, cozy terrace, gazing at the falling snow while enjoying a delicious, sophisticated meal. Romanticism at its finest.”
This tonkatsu spot is known for its incredibly tender pork, often served with a slightly red center, a technique that yields a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Diners appreciate the variety of accompanying condiments, from truffle salt to lemon salt, which offer unique flavor profiles to complement the rich meat.
🍽️88Food
👋85Service
💰78Value
🔊60Noise
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“The service of the staff is also very good. The best part is that the staff's eyes were always on the customers' tables.”
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“The tenderloin is overwhelmingly delicious. The rich meat juices are complemented by a peppery flavor, creating a perfect harmony.”
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“If you're visiting Hyehwa Station in Daehangno or Seoul National University Hospital, I highly recommend stopping.”
This Four Seasons hotel Italian restaurant offers a refined atmosphere perfect for special occasions. It shines with attentive, friendly service and a beautiful setting, making it a strong choice for dates or family gatherings.
🍽️82Food
👋88Service
💰78Value
🔊65Noise
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“The lasagne's ragu sauce was superb, and when it comes to pizza, Italian pizza is the best!!”
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“The space itself is beautiful with high ceilings, large and airy floor plan, and pretty ambient lighting.”
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“The price was surprisingly reasonable, the food was delicious, and it's a great place for a gathering.”
This Bukchon restaurant serves a rich, satisfying ginseng chicken soup, often noted for its generous portions and flavorful broth. It's a local favorite that offers a more authentic feel than some of the more tourist-heavy spots nearby. The friendly owner is a consistent highlight, often going out of his way to ensure guests feel welcome.
🍽️80Food
👋85Service
💰80Value
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“10/10 amazing ginseng chicken. I was looking for a ginseng chicken place after visiting the palace (5min walk) and this did not disappoint.”
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“The owner is friendly, the chicken soup is delicious, and you can eat there even if there is no break in the afternoon.”
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“The chicken in Samgyetang is young chicken. So tender and the broth is amazing.”
This Dongdaemun institution serves a comforting whole chicken stew, a local favorite for decades. The rich, clear broth is the star, enhanced by DIY dipping sauces and the addition of chewy noodles and rice cakes. It's a casual, family-friendly spot that feels like stepping back in time.
🍽️88Food
👋78Service
💰75Value
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“The chicken soup was delicious and you gotta try the sweet pepper paste chicken stew; its sweet, spicy and tender.”
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“The chicken broth is delicious. With a clean vegetable broth. It's a flavor most people will enjoy.”
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“The restaurant is located on Dakgalbi Street in Dongdaemun, and while it's a little hard to find, if you're traveling to Korea, I highly recommend checking it out.”
This Daehakro meat restaurant is known for its pre-grilled, tender cuts that arrive ready to eat, saving diners the hassle. The truffle yukhoe and soybean paste stew are frequently highlighted as delicious accompaniments to the main event.
🍽️88Food
👋82Service
💰78Value
🔊55Noise
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“The meat flavor is really amazing. The chewy and tangy raw beef is also delicious and one of the recommended menu items!”
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“The meat melts in your mouth and is absolutely delicious!! It's a famous restaurant in Daehakro ㅎㅎ I'll visit again next time!!!❤️”
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“The staff are friendly and the meat dessert is really delicious. There is a set menu with reasonable prices, so it is easy to choose.”
This is a casual, no-frills spot that serves hearty Korean soups, often enjoyed by locals and families. It's a reliable choice for a warm breakfast or a filling meal at a reasonable price, especially when other places might be closed.
🍽️75Food
👋70Service
💰85Value
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“The soup was creamy white and the sundae soup was delicious, so we were hungry, but still had a delicious meal.”
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“Pork blood sausage soup and pork ribs soup. The pork was not well processed but the soup was delicious and the ribs were very soft and tasty.”
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“The staff are friendly and the food is delicious, but I personally wish they had more soup.”
This Jongno spot offers a casual vibe, particularly popular with seniors, and is known for its quick-to-serve gomtang. During lunch hours, complimentary makgeolli is a unique draw.
🍽️75Food
👋75Service
💰75Value
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“The broth wasn't as rich as the original Naju Gomtang, but the meat (without any odor) was fine.”
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“The food was also incredibly delicious! It was a really great restaurant!”
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“Gomtang: If you've ever had it, you know the taste. This one is also a little salty.”
This long-standing Korean BBQ spot in Pyeongchang-dong offers a casual, family-friendly atmosphere with private rooms available for gatherings. While known for its marinated ribs and cold noodles, some recent signs suggest portions may be smaller for the price.
🍽️78Food
👋75Service
💰70Value
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“Is it possible for marinated ribs to be this soft and delicious? They melt in your mouth.”
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“The side dishes are clean and delicious, and the bulgogi was grilled on a charcoal grill by the waiter, making for a comfortable and enjoyable meal.”
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“The meat and side dishes were consistently delicious, and the staff were as friendly as ever.”
This Ikseon-dong spot offers a tranquil escape within a beautifully renovated hanok, providing a jazzy atmosphere perfect for dates or family outings. While the menu leans Western and Japanese, dishes like the fish katsu and Iberico steak are highlights, complemented by attentive service.
🍽️83Food
👋78Service
💰75Value
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“Hohosikdang Ikseon Branch is a beautiful hanok (traditional Korean house) located at the end of an alley, in a quiet space overlooking a courtyard.”
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“The katsu nabe set meal (16,000 won) is my second visit, following my first at the Daehakro branch, and it's consistently delicious.”
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“The Tonkatsu (15 000 Won) crust was crispy on the outside and the meat was tender, juicy and well seasoned.”
This long-standing spot serves a refined, mild take on North Korean-style dumplings, a taste reminiscent of home cooking. The clear, light broth and tofu-heavy dumplings offer a clean, comforting meal, especially popular with office workers and families.
🍽️88Food
👋78Service
💰72Value
🔊55Noise
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“The atmosphere and food are both refined and uncluttered, making it a truly wonderful place to visit.”
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“It tastes healthy and delicious. I took off one star because it seems a bit expensive for the price.”
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“Although there are days when the soup is not as tasty, it is a light but not greasy North Korean style dumpling.”
Ideal for
Solo diningFamilies with kidsQuick weeknight dinner
This long-established chicken specialty restaurant offers a clean, savory whole chicken soup that highlights the pure taste of the broth. The signature secret sauce and refreshing mul-kimchi are key to its balanced flavor profile, making it a comforting meal for families and solo diners alike.
🍽️86Food
👋82Service
💰75Value
🔊55Noise
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“The chicken, the broth, the kalguksu, the stir-fried porridge, the atmosphere, and the friendliness are all perfect.”
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“The staff are friendly, and the chicken is light and delicious!!”
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“Walking through the skyscraper-lined streets of Jongno, Seoul, you’ll encounter Baekbujang-jip Dak-hanmari, a place with a humble yet welcoming sign.”
Ideal for
Families with kidsSolo diningCasual weeknight dinner
This neighborhood Chinese spot offers generous portions and a comfortable, casual vibe. It's a reliable choice for group dining, with some dishes like the Tangsuyuk and Jjamppong well-regarded.
🍽️72Food
👋78Service
💰75Value
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“The interior is luxurious. The food is delicious. All the ingredients are fresh and their unique flavors are alive and well.”
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“The sweet and sour pork is served as a side dish, with a crispy exterior like a piece of dried fruit.”
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“The sweet and sour pork was hard and tasted like it had been fried a long time ago and then re-fried.”
This traditional Korean restaurant offers a refined, multi-course meal in a charming hanok setting. It's a place designed for comfortable gatherings, whether for family reunions or important dates, with private rooms available for a more intimate feel.
🍽️72Food
👋75Service
💰68Value
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“This is a delicious and charming Korean restaurant located at the entrance of Samcheong Park.”
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“My mum took us here with our white husbands and there was nothing too spicy or offensive that would be off putting for Americans.”
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“Usually, you can hear noise from the next room at restaurants in downtown Seoul, but this hanok was cozy and quiet.”
This Insadong spot offers a vibrant escape to India with its beautifully decorated interiors and a welcoming atmosphere. It's a reliable choice for halal-certified Indian cuisine, particularly noted for its vegetarian options and friendly service.
🍽️70Food
👋80Service
💰60Value
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“The food was delicious, to our surprise! It wasn't exactly what we'd expect, but it was still delicious.”
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“Beautiful space very well decorated. Feels like you’re transported to India.”
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“The parahata, samosas, lamb curry, and Masala Chai were DELICIOUS!”