For those of you who are planning on coming to Korea, there may be some of you who have already visited Korea and are used to everything that are considered "hot". You may want to try something more local, challenging, and unique. Today I'll introduce you to some of the famous places among locals that are known as delicious restaurants. for those who are not new to traveling in Korea! If you're looking for unique places to eat instead of the typical food that everyone else is eating, check out these restaurants! We have selected only the best places with great reviews that are located in the popular areas such as Hongdae, Yongsan, and Seongsu. Why not give it a try?
Sooragan
Sooragan is a Korean restaurant in Hongdae, Yeonnam-dong.
@sooragan01
@sooragan01
The signature menu here is spicy Dakdoritang. Dakdoritang is spicy chicken stew and is served with boneless chicken, so there is no need to clean the bones. The most popular menu combination is Dakdoritang and Gamjajeon (potato pancake). The thinly sliced potatoes make it even more crispy, so try dipping it in the broth of the Dakdoritang!
@sooragan01
The reason why we highly recommend Sooragan is because it offers various Korean dishes such as crab stew, green onion pancake, and spicy pork stir-fry. Additionally, traditional alcoholic beverages are also available to enjoy with your meal. The best pairing with the menu sold here is makgeolli! Every dish is delicious, so why not give it a try while hanging out in Hongdae?
Information
Hours:
- Wed ~ Fri 11:30 AM ~ 9:00 PM/ 3:00 PM ~ 5:00 PM (Break Time)
- Sat ~ Sun 11:30 AM ~ 9:00 PM/ 3:30 PM ~ 5:00 PM (Break Time)
- Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Address: 3 Donggyo-ro 38an-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 마포구 동교로38안길 3
Yeonnam Jokbal 1987
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The reason we recommend Yeonnam Jokbal(pig trotters) among the various Jokbal restaurants is that the main menu, Jokbal, is served with side dishes, vegetables, sauces, and soup, all together. It is also famous for being a place where celebrities come to visit! The walls are full of autographs!
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Also, among the menus here, the unique menus are the fried Jokbal (49,000 won) and yogurt soju (9,000 won)! The crispy fried coating is added to the surface of the pig's feet, which goes very well with the chewy meat and texture. Because of the fried taste, it tastes like eating chicken and Jokbal together, and there is a sweet and spicy sauce on top.
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Jokbal (pig's trotters) goes well with beer, but here you can also try the unique yogurt soju that you can only taste here. It has a sweet yogurt flavor, making it less overwhelming than regular soju!
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blog.naver.com/77eunbin
For the Jokbal, add a little makguksu(buckwheat noodle) on the side to make it even more delicious! Depending on your preference, add various types of kimchi! If there are three or more people, it's a great place to have a hearty meal for dinner or a late-night snack. When visiting with two people, you can pack up any remaining dish!
Information
Hours: Everyday 12:00 PM ~ 12:00 AM
Address: 222 Donggyo-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 마포구 동교로 222
Dadokine(Dadok House) Charcoal BBQ Hongdae Hapjeong Branch
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This Samgyupsal(Korean BBQ) restaurant is located not far from Hongdae. You can taste the strong charcoal flavor of the charcoal fire that is stronger than cooking on a regular pan because you can grill it yourself over charcoal fire. Above all, the meat is fresh and the side dishes are great, so if you come to Hongdae, I highly recommend this place!
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The bone Samgyeop (15,000 won) available here is a cut that can be eaten more tenderly than regular pork belly. The staff directly grill the meat, so it can be eaten in a juicier state. Regular pork belly has a chewy texture. Try dipping the meat in salt and wrapping it in perilla leaves for added flavor.
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Also, roasted Minari(water parsley) is served, and if you eat the roasted water parsley with meat after cooking it on fire, the greasy taste will disappear. Please note that water parsley is a seasonal menu and is not sold all year round!
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If you order meat, you'll also get a complimentary pre-meal alcoholic drink and soybean paste stew. With kimchi seasoned to perfectly complement the meat and a variety of side dishes, this place is unforgettable compared to other barbecue restaurants. If you're looking for the best pork belly restaurant, be sure to visit!
Information
Hours:
- Tue ~ Fri 5:00 PM ~ 10:00 PM
- Sat ~ Sun 4:00 PM ~ 10:00 PM
- Closed on Mondays
Address: Seoul, Mapo-gu, Dongmak-ro 3-gil, 28
서울특별시 마포구 독막로3길 28 다독이네 숯불구이 홍대합정점 1층
Sonmun DaeGu Makchang and GalmaegiSal Yongsan Branch
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Near Yongsan Station, you can see a crowded meat restaurant around 7pm on weekdays. This place is famous for selling Galmaegisal (pork neck meat;16,000 KRW) and Dwaejimakchang (pork skirt;13,000 KRW).
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When you order meat, you will be provided with free buckwheat noodles. These noodles are abundant and taste even better when eaten with meat! In addition to Galmaegisal and grilled codfish intestines, the beef intestines (16,000 KRW) and spicy chicken stir-fry (12,000 KRW) are also delicious. The meat is delivered after being grilled and placed on a charcoal fire, so you can enjoy it warm.
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Galmaegisal is marinated, giving it a sweet and savory taste that's similar to grilled ribs! Please make sure not to overcook them. We recommend ordering three servings for two people and if you want to try something extra, go for the crispy skin (9,500 KRW)! It tastes even better when dipped in bean powder. This is a great place in Yongsan to enjoy meat and drinks! There is also a second branch across the street, so please keep that in mind if you are waiting in line!
Information
Hours: Mon-Sun 15:00-23:00, Closed on every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month
Address: 2-194 Hangangno 2(i)-ga, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 용산구 한강로2가 2-194
Mimiok
@mimiok_official
@mimiok_official
Mimiok is a Shabu-Shabu restaurant decorated with Korean traditional architecture. The reason why this place is recommended among Shabu-Shabu restaurants is because of its special broth made with Korean herb, perilla leaf.
 @mimiok_official |  @mimiok_official |
There is also a Korean-style rice noodle dish with perilla leaves that can be eaten as a meal. In addition to shabu-shabu, you must also try the minced beef and vegetable pancakes. The fragrant perilla and crispy fried pancakes are attractive and go well with the shabu-shabu broth and side dishes. These dishes can be ordered as a set with a plum highball.
@mimiok_official
At Mimiok, they also sell traditional liquor. We recommend makgeolli, shabu-shabu, and pajeon combo! Try the egg soup. It tastes even better when you cook egg and rice in broth with meat and vegetables.
Source: Tving
Mimiok is decorated with traditional Korean architecture, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. It's a clean and serene space where you can enjoy a comfortable meal. It's also a place that appeared in the drama 'Nevertheless' so we recommend you to visit.
Information
Hours: Mon - Sun 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM (Break Time : 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
Address: 27 Hangang-daero 15-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 용산구 한강대로15길 27
Hannamdong Hanbang Tongdak(Chicken)
This is a famous place for grilled chicken(20,000 won) that celebrities often visit. Unlike regular fried chicken, it is cooked over a charcoal fire and has less oil and a tender texture.
The chicken skin is crispy, and inside is filled with Korean traditional medicinal ingredients and glutinous rice, creating a unique and popular flavor that can't be found elsewhere.
This restaurant is famous among celebrities, with autographs filling the interior. Although there may be a long wait, it's worth eating inside to truly experience the taste. We recommend coming around 4 pm for an early dinner during opening hours.
Information
Hours:
- Mon ~ Fri 4:00 PM ~ 12:30 AM
- Sat 4:00 PM ~ 1:30 AM, closed on Sundays
Address: 38 Daesagwan-ro 34-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 용산구 대사관로34길 38
These were some hidden restaurants that celebrities and locals eagerly wait in line. Even if it's your first time in Korea, these places will definitely be successful restaurants to visit!
If you leave a review after visiting in June, we'll give you points worth 25,000 KRW on a first-come, first-served basis! Please leave a review not only for recommended local restaurants but also for travel destinations you have visited.
We hope that you can try out these unique and local restaurants! Please let us know in the comments below if you have any additional questions, or send us an email at help@creatrip.com! Also make sure to follow us on Instagram, Tik Tok, Twitter, and Facebook to stay updated on all things Korea!
