Linus’ Bama Style BBQ (136-13, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul) – for those in a mood for American BBQ, this is a good start. BBQ brisket, pork, smoked beef ribs, and other Texas friendly specialties are found here. A popular destination for American military stations in South Korea.
Jungsik Seoul (11 Seolleung-ro 158-gil, Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 135-100) – this is a two-star Michelin restaurant which services Korean dishes with French influences. Chef Yim Jungsik runs both this restaurant, along with a similar outpost in New York. The restaurant itself of reminiscent of the now-defunct Four Seasons restaurant near New York’s Park Avenue. The […]
Joseon Gimbap (Jongno-gu, Anguk-dong, Yulgok-ro 3-gil, 68 1 110-240, Seoul) — adventurous eaters may want to try this restaurant’s local specialty: gimbap (rice and other ingredients wrapped in dried seaweed). The gimbap served here includes: – one stuffed with oden (salty, ground fishcake patty) and the house signature filled with ugeoji (seasoned, dried cabbage).
Jaha Son Mandu (245-2 Buam-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul 110-021) – among the local dishes this restaurant serves is Mandu (Korean Style Dumplings), Mandu Jeongol (dumpling hot pot) , and Pyunsoo Mandu (mixed with shitake mushrooms, beef & cucumber. These and other Korean dishes are made with care, so that both locals and first-time international diners want […]
Hanilkwan (14 Apgujeong-ro 38-gil, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul) — Located in the Sinsa-dong neighborhood, this restaurant has been going strong since World War II (1939) It’s long held a reputation for being a special occasion Seoul restaurant for locals. It also has a touch of intrigue to its tale – rumor has it Hanilkwan is the […]
Gwanghwamun Ttukgam (12 Saemunan-ro 5-gil, Sajik-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul 110-071) – locals who partied too hard the night before insist that the local specialty here, Gamjatang or pork back stew, is ideal for curing hangovers. Individual diners can choose a hot bowl of tender pork and aromatic potatoes, while a group can opt for larger portions […]
Gwanghwamun Jip (12 Saemunan-ro 5-gil, Sajik-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul 110-071) – this modest eatery (run by a group of elderly local women) specializes in the local dish “Kimchi” (salted and fermented vegetables, such as napa cabbage and Korean radish, made with a widely varying selection of seasonings including gochugaru, scallions, garlic, ginger, and jeotgal, etc.). Diners have the option […]
Gamegol Son Wangmandu (42 Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Hoehyeon-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul 04528) – this restaurant, located in the popular Namdaemun Market, draws a local crowd for its freshly-made dumplings. Diners can order large kimchi and meat-flavored dumplings, or smaller hand-rolled dimplings in short rib and shrimp flavors. Its website
Ddobagi Chicken (27 Dongmak-ro 14-gil, Sangsu-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul 121-160) – veteran travelers may have heard of Korean Fried Chicken, but they can’t say they tried the real thing until they dined here. Extra juicy crispy chicken pieces are served here with a generous portion of shredded lettuce salad and picked white radish. It’s recommended to […]
War Memorial of Korea (29 Itaewon-ro, Namyeong-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul) — the War Memorial of Korea, located in Yongsan-gu (Seoul), exhibits and preserve materials related to the Korean War and serves as a national moral educational venue. It was established to commemorate the noble sacrifice of patriotic martyrs by the War Memorial Service Korea Society on […]