Hwanggeumeojang (황금어장)

2026-02-04

1533-10 Yumyeong-ro, Seorak-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do

Located near the Seorak-myeon in Gapyeong, Hwanggeumeojang is a must-visit destination specializing in grilled eel and spicy freshwater fish stews. Their signature spicy stew is prepared with high-quality local varieties, including golden mandarin fish, Korean bullhead, and amur catfish. The meal is served in an authentic two-step process: the tender fish is enjoyed first, after which sujebi (hand-pulled dough soup) are added to the rich, simmering broth for a satisfying finish. For the grilled eel, customers can choose between a classic salt-grilled style or a specialty marinated version featuring a savory sauce simmered with eel bones and traditional herbs. Every meal is accompanied by a selection of refined side dishes and fragrant rice cooked in a traditional cast-iron pot. To ensure the highest quality and freshness, the restaurant even grows many of its own ingredients right on-site.

Jongno Bansanghoe (종로반상회)

2026-02-04

8 Ujeongguk-ro 2-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Tucked away behind Bosingak Pavilion among the high-rises of Jongno-gu, Jongno Bansanghoe specializes in traditional set meals inspired by the comfort of a "warm, home-cooked meal." Its cozy atmosphere makes it a favorite for local office workers and students from nearby Jonggak and Gwanghwamun Stations. The menu features standout signature dishes like Jeju-style samgyeopsa duruchigi (stir-fried samgyapsal), iron griddle kimchijjim, and a unique soft bean curd soup with savory cod roe. With its spacious interior, the restaurant is an ideal choice for team dinners or large group gatherings.

Unjongga (운종가)

2026-02-04

45-5 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Located near Jogyesa Temple in Jongno-gu, Unjongga is a premium Korean fine-dining restaurant. Named after the historic Joseon-era term for Jongno, its interior beautifully blends traditional aesthetics with modern design. The signature multi-course Korea table d'hote features seasonal delicacies like savory porridge, suranchae (parboiled vegetables and sSeafood with poached egg in pine nut soup), and charcoal-grilled meats, all known for their clean, refined flavors. With its elegant dining hall and private rooms, it is an ideal choice for sophisticated gatherings or formal hospitality.

Sambong Dodam (삼봉도담)

2026-02-04

45-5 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Situated near Jogyesa Temple and Jonggak Station in Jongno, Sambong Dodam is a Korean restaurant specializing in kalguksu (noodle soup) and bossam (kimchi cabbage wraps with pork). Its signature dish is the Hanu Bone Chicken Kalguksu, featuring a deep, savory broth simmered for over four hours using premium Korean beef bones and chicken. In the evenings, the menu expands to include savory appetizers like fragrant minarijeon (Korean parsley pancake). The restaurant is known for its generous hospitality; customers who order one main dish per person receive complimentary noodle and broth refills, along with unlimited rice from the self-service bar. Its central location offers excellent accessibility to major landmarks like Gwanghwamun, Jogyesa Temple, and Bukchon Hanok Village.

Insa Dodam (인사도담)

2026-02-04

5-1 Insadong 16-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Located in a charming alley in Insa-dong, Jongno-gu, Insa Dodam is a Korean restaurant specializing in bibimbap, stir-fried octopus, and braised short ribs. The kitchen uses fresh, regionally sourced ingredients like bracken, radish, and chamnamul (short-fruit pimpinella). Since the signature bibimbap is meat-free, it is an excellent option for vegetarians. Other highlights include the tender, chewy stir-fried octopus—perfect for mixing with rice—as well as water minarijeon (Korean water parsley pancakes) and spicy whelk salad. A standout dish is the pork rib stew, which is slow-cooked in an earthen pot and naturally sweetened with fruits and vegetables instead of sugar.

Insadong Garlic Bossam (인사동마늘보쌈)

2026-02-03

12-5 Insadong 8-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Insadong Garlic Bossam is a Korean restaurant nestled in the alleys of Insa-dong. They specialize in dishes like maneul bossam (cabbage wraps with pork and garlic), kimchijjim (braised kimchi), nakji bokkeum (stir-fried octopus), buchujeon (chive pancake), ttukbaegi dubu kimchi (bean curd kimchi hot pot), and more, which are also available as a set menu. On weekdays, the restaurant offers free makgeolli from 11:00 to 14:00.

Jangsu Haneulso Insa-dong Brach (장수하늘소 인사점)

2026-02-03

34-1 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Located in the heart of Insa-dong, Jongno-gu, Jangsu Haneulso is a premium Korean restaurant specializing in top-tier, Grade 1++ hanu (Korean beef). To ensure the perfect meal, professional staff grill the beef directly at the customer's table. With its mix of private rooms and spacious seating, the restaurant is an excellent choice for family gatherings or group events. While the signature grilled hanu is the highlight, the menu also features a diverse range of traditional dishes, including bulgogi hot pot (jeongol), braised short ribs (galbijjim), and unique beef tartare (yukhoe) dumplings. Its prime location near major Insa-dong landmarks makes it a convenient and sophisticated dining destination for travelers.

Jungbu Hoe Fish Market (중부회수산시장)

2026-02-02

106 Doum 1-ro, Sejong-si

Jungbu Hoe Fish Market, the largest seafood market in Sejong, is known for its wide selection of fresh hoe (sliced raw fish) and seafood dishes, including Pohang-style mulhoe, spicy stew, hoe rice bowls, and king crab, all at reasonable prices. Takeout and delivery are available from 15:00, with dine-in service from 16:00. A separate table-setting fee applies, featuring a generous spread of abalone hoe and grilled abalone, fried shrimp, mackerel, clam soup, corn cheese, and salad.

Gojong’s Garden Mulwang Reservoir Main Branch (고종의정원 물왕저수지본점)

2025-12-16

12 Sanhyeonmaeul-gil, Siheung-si, Gyeonggi-do

Located in Gyeonggi-do, Gojong’s Garden is known for its specialty pork cutlet, which is prepared by the owner every day. The signature menu includes a tender hamburger steak and pork cutlet served with sprouts, adding a crunchy texture. In addition, the ricotta cheese salad and cream soup use seasonal vegetables and fruits, especially locally grown lotus roots. The restaurant is located in front of Mulwang Lake, making it perfect for a stroll after lunch.

Sichuan House (시추안하우스 본점)

2025-12-10

29 Teheran-ro 87-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
02-508-1320

Sichuan House serves over 30 Chinese dishes, featuring fiery chili peppers from Sichuan perfectly balanced with 17 spices from around the world. Since introducing authentic mala food for the first time in Korea in 2009, it offers dishes such as mala hot pot, Sichuan spicy fried chicken, and tan tan noodles. The interior, utilizing brown bricks and black frames, creates an atmosphere reminiscent of the streets of Shanghai.

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