If you are looking for the best Korean BBQ restaurant in Seoul, look no further than Mongtan which specialises in straw-grilled aged beef short ribs and pork neck.
The waiting time at Mongtan can be as long as 2-3 hours, but trust us, it is definitely worth the wait. We’ve also included tips on how you can get a table at Mongtan.
There is no denying that Korean pop culture is extremely influential—both in Korea and across international borders—as we are seeing a rapid increase in Korean pop groups, dramas and movies these few years. Love it or hate it, the Kpop wave does not seem to be slowing down and we are expecting it to grow even more in the future.
Besides being in the entertainment industry, some A-list Korean pop idols have been venturing into the F&B industry and opened their own cafes and restaurants. Of course, that would make these places a must-visit for fans of these Korean celebrities!
So for all those who are a fan of Kpop, here are 7 Celebrity-Owned Cafes And Restaurants In Seoul you have to hit up.
Hadongkwan is a traditional Korean restaurant in Myeongdong that serves only two items on their menu—Gomtang (thick beef bone soup) and Suyuk (boiled beef or pork slices).
Having been around for 80 years, Hadongkwan has made a name for itself among locals and tourists who love to drop by for a comforting bowl of Gomtang, especially during winter. Only the highest grade of ingredients are used and no artificial flavourings are added to their food.
If you are looking for a light and nutritious breakfast or lunch option at Myeongdong street, Hadongkwan is where you should go to.
KyoChon has the best fried chicken in Seoul, South Korea. There, we’ve said it. There is no lack of Korean fried chicken restaurants in Seoul, but KyoChon’s rendition is head and shoulders above the rest.
KyoChon offers its Korean fried chicken in several flavours—Garlic Soy Series, Honey Series, and Red Series (Red Pepper). Do not leave Seoul without having KyoChon’s Korean Fried Chicken.
One local dish that everyone looks forward to trying in Seoul is Budae Jjigae, or also commonly known as ‘Korean Army Stew’. Bada Sikdang is an eatery in Itaewon district that is frequented by locals who are craving for Budae Jjigae.
Bada Sikdang has been serving its Budae Jjigae for over 45 years. What makes the Budae Jjigae at Bada Sikdang unique is the addition of cheese; it may not follow the exact recipe for the traditional Budae Jjigae, but it is an interesting twist for those who are looking for something different.
Other than Budae Jjigae, Bada Sikdang also offers BBQ meats such as T-bone Steak (W30,000 per pax), Beef Ribs (W25,000 per pax), Pork Chops (W15,000 per pax), as well as the signature Beef Sausages (W25,000 per pax).
Drop by Bada Sikdang in Itaewon for a fuss-free Korean stew and you will leave with happy tummies.
Bibimbap is a traditional Korean dish made up of a mixture of seasoned vegetables and meat on a bed of warm white rice. Diners are required to toss the ingredients with savoury chili pepper paste that serves to enhance the overall taste of the dish.
There are a few variations of bibimbap you can find in South Korea but the Jeonju-style bibimbap is especially famous there. This elaborated dish was served to the royal family in the past and is widely enjoyed by locals today.
If you are looking for a Korean restaurant that specialises in traditional Jeonju Bibimbap, then Gogung in Myeong-dong is where you should be heading to. READ ON
Kimchi Jjigae is a staple in South Korea which we enjoy tremendously even in Singapore, so we made it a point to hunt down the best Kimchi Jjigae on our trip to Seoul.
We discovered a popular hole-in-the-wall eatery visited by locals called Gwanghwamun Jip, which is relatively near to Gyeongbokgung Palace. While the eatery lies in one of the most touristy spots in Seoul, it is tucked away from the main road and hidden from plain sight in a narrow alley.
Fans of Kimchi Jjiage have to make it a point to visit Gwanghwamun Jip! READ ON
Often overshadowed by other popular counterparts such as Dongdaemun and Namdaemun, Gwangjang Market is a popular market in Seoul that is truly deserving of a special mention. Established in 1905, Gwangjang Market is widely recognised as one of the oldest markets in Seoul.
While many parts of Seoul City has evolved to accommodate western influences and ideas from abroad, Gwangjang Market has retained all of its traditional Korean roots which makes it the best place to go if you want to experience authentic Korean street food and culture under one roof. Fans of Running Man might find Gwangjang Market very familiar (watch episode 186).
Not sure what you can expect there? Here’s What To See And Eat At Gwangjang Market. READ ON