Introducing restaurants and cafés loved by both locals and travelers in Korea.
Lately, I’ve found myself craving tteok (Korean rice cakes) far more often than bread or pastries. As a self-proclaimed rice cake fanatic, I finally decided to embark on a culinary pilgrimage to the famous Seoul tteok shops I’d been saving on my map for ages. From the legendary “Top 3 Tteok Shops in Seoul” to … Read more
When the Seoul air gets a little crisp, there’s one thing I crave above all else: a steaming, soulful bowl of seolleongtang (설렁탕), Korean ox bone soup. While franchise spots are everywhere, the true heart of this dish lies in the city’s decades-old establishments, each with its own unique character and depth of flavor. So, … Read more
On a particularly chilly day, I found myself craving a bowl of hot, spicy ramen soup. So, I dedicated a full day to a “ramen pilgrimage,” seeking out the most unique and delicious ramen spots hidden across Seoul. From a legendary, old-school joint featured on the hit show Pungja’s Always-Go-There Restaurant to a solo-diner’s paradise … Read more
Have you watched Netflix’s latest animated sensation K-Pop Demon Hunters? I binged the entire series and absolutely loved it! While the premise of K-pop idols fighting demons was refreshingly unique, what really caught my attention as a Korean local were the authentic K-foods scattered throughout every episode. The show’s popularity has sparked a global phenomenon … Read more
I recently had lunch at Hangangdong, a restaurant in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, that specializes in kaisen-don (seafood rice bowls). Located just a short walk from Sinyongsan Station towards the HYBE headquarters, it has steadily built a reputation among local office workers and residents. I visited during the lunch rush, and this review offers an objective look … Read more
The area around the HYBE headquarters in Yongsan has recently emerged as a K-pop hub, buzzing with the energy of new shops opening one after another. I had heard about a brunch spot called Baby Pumpkin that specializes in sandwiches and soups, so I decided to drop in for lunch. Finding Your Way: Location and … Read more
Mealtop, a dessert shop once hailed as a landmark of the Hyundai Department Store, was beloved by many for its signature patbingsu, or red bean shaved ice. It built a loyal following with its harmonious blend of soft, milky ice and sweet red beans, a combination that appealed to nearly every palate. Now, Mealtop has … Read more
I visited Bukcheon, a donkatsu (pork cutlet) restaurant that has steadily built a solid reputation in the Yongsan district. The area near Yongsan and Shin-Yongsan Stations is bustling with office workers, and while there’s no shortage of restaurants, finding a truly satisfying donkatsu spot can be a challenge. Amid this landscape, Bukcheon distinguishes itself with … Read more
I recently visited Superstar Tteokbokki, an instant tteokbokki restaurant in Yongsan, a central hub of K-pop and home to the HYBE headquarters. While I was initially drawn to it, thinking it was a place associated with the group BTS, I discovered it held a different kind of significance. This review aims to provide an objective … Read more
Yongsan. A neighborhood where the sound of trains never ceases. Countless people pass through. Amidst their hurried pace, hidden kimbap shops offer solace from hunger. I spent days tasting kimbap from numerous spots. Here, I share my memories of five. This is an unadorned, honest record of their tastes—some of my best kimbap discoveries in … Read more