Jirisan Restaurant
 
4.0/1
Seoul(Jongno-gu) ,
Jirisan is one of the representative Korean restaurants in Insa-dong, an area known for its traditional culture. One of the trademarks of this restaurant, besides its amazingly delectable bean and tofu dishes, is a wooden sign that welcome guests into a neat and cozy interior.Each day, fresh beans are ground at the restaurant to prepare dishes such as soybean paste, soft tofu, and bean-curd tofu stew. Bean-curds are prepared by using seawater, which gives the tofu a unique flavor. The fresh and clean taste of the tofu is one of the many reasons that choosey tofu aficionados flock to the restaurant.Not just limited to tofu, Jirisan presents customers with a full-range of side dishes such as kimchi, japchae (glass noodles with sautéed vegetables), cucumber kimchi, seasoned seaweed, braised lotus roots, roasted yellow corbinas (a type of fish), leafy greens, bean-curd stew, and more. The restaurant gives visitors a chance to experience a hearty traditional Korean-style meal, but has thoughtfully toned down its seasonings to appeal to a wider audience (particularly those not used to spicy foods).One of the recommended menu items is the Jirisan set meal, which offers diners the chance to sample foods that are popular in the Jirisan region. Adventurous diners may want to try the sea urchin soup or dried Pollack soup.The restaurant, originally a traditional Korean house, has been modified over the years to better suit the needs of its customers. The walls surrounding the structure were removed and a glass ceiling was installed to allow guests to enjoy the natural light of the sun as they sample some of the area’s best traditional Korean cuisine.

Suji's
 
Seoul(Yongsan-gu)
Situated in Itaewon, Suji's provides guests with authentic American food. The brunch menus are favorites among many customers and long lines remain even after lunchtime, a sign of the restaurant's popularity. The blueberry pancakes, omelets, and Mexican brunch are especially popular dishes as well as the pancakes, sandwiches, and French toast. With an interior design as attractive as its delicious dishes, the restaurant draws a wide clientele, mainly foreign nationals.

Mijin
 
Seoul(Jongno-gu)
Mijin is a restaurant specializing in spicy hot baby octopus and cool buckwheat dishes. Opened in 1954, the restaurant's 50-year history is a testament to the great taste of its dishes and the charm of the restaurant.The main ingredient, buckwheat, is delivered daily from Bongpyeong, the largest buckwheat producing region in Korea. Baby octopus is also delivered every morning from ports in Yeosu. Families and workers of surrounding companies are major customers of the restaurant, but celebrities and politicians also come to the restaurant to taste its food. Memilmuk (Buckwheat Jelly) and pancakes made with buckwheat and green onion are also delicacies of the restaurant.

Ganggang Sullai - Yeoksam Branch
 
Seoul(Gangnam-gu)
Ganggang Sullai is a hanu (Korean beef) restaurant in a building with traditional Korean roof tiles and wooden interior, which boasts Korean beauty and ambiance. The Yeoksam branch features not only the traditional hanok (Korean house) building but also the traditional cooking method to convey the value and promote the excellence of Hansik (Korean dishes).

Dining in Space
 
Seoul(Jongno-gu)
Dining in Space is a resturant overlooking Changdeokgung Palace and serving course meals of French cuisine.

L'amitié
 
Seoul(Gangnam-gu)
Opened in 1999, L'amitié is a French boutique restaurant, serving French cuisine made from the finest Korean ingredients for a perfect fusion of two cultures and tastes.

BBQ Hapjeong Star Branch
 
Seoul(Mapo-gu)
If you want to enjoy “Chimak,” which is the main feature in Korean street cuisine, you can take a look at BBQ Hapjeong Star Branch, which is owned and operated by the parents of Seong Yeol, from the Korean boy band. It is located in front of the 3rd exit; so, it is very easy to reach. The chicken is fried with olive oil. They also sell pizza, pasta, etc., which you can buy together with chicken, which gives the menu a wide variety. The nickname of the restaurant, which is given by Seong Yeol’s fans is called, “Yeol BQ,” with part of his name, “Yeol,” in the nickname. You can see posters and photos of Seong Yeol. The store is known as, “a kind store,” through word by mouth.  

Mabongnim Halmeoni Tteokbokki
 
Seoul(Jung-gu) ,
Opened in 1953 by a woman known as Mabongnim, the restaurant takes pride in its 50-plus years of service. As Mabongnim gained popularity, other similar establishments opened nearby, and eventually, formed the now famous “Teokbokki Street.” The elderly proprietor is well known, even starring in a red-pepper paste (gochujang) ad in the 1990's.The secret of this restaurant’s tteokbokki lies in the fact that red pepper paste is mixed with Chinese soybean paste for a sweet and spicy taste, but has now been adopted by other Sindangdong restaurants. Nevertheless, there is something special about this restaurant’s fare. At present, Mabongnim’s daughters-in-law are running the restaurant.

Cheonan Gomtang
 
Busan(Jung-gu) ,
Cheonan Gomtang Restaurant has a long history and has only served gomtang (beef stew) for fifty years. It was famous from its early years when President Seung-man Lee visited it when Busan was the provisional capital of the country. The restaurant does not have any branches and its location in front of the City Hall makes it a favorite among former mayors, assemblymen, public officials and businessmen. The menu item that is popular throughout the years is the seolleongtang, a milky colored beef bone soup made with brisket and other cuts, simmered over a low flame over a period of several hours, and is typically eaten together with rice and several side dishes.

Bonjour Hawaii Hongdae Branch
 
Seoul(Mapo-gu)
Bonjour Hawaii is an exotic fusion restaurant. Just by looking taking a glance at parasol rooftop which is by its main entrance, you can tell that the restaurant exudes exotic atmosphere/mood. The interior, small details, and the traditional Hawaiian music will have you mistaken that, in fact, you are at a cafe in Hawaii somewhere. It’s main dishes include, “BBQ Sunset Platter,” (It is a dish that has a set of ingredients: sausage, potato, chicken kebab, shrimp, Korean style pork), and “Cream Curry Udon,” which is just one of its many unique dishes on Bonjour Hawaii’s menu. Also, a pizza so addicting that it is nicknamed, “Drug Pizza,” is its specialty pizza called, “Sushi Pizza,” together with a fruit punch cocktail, you do not have to be jealous of someone who just went on a trip to Hawaii.     Through the restaurant’s appearance in the drama, “Doctors,” it created curiosity in the viewer’s mind. Since after the appearance it has become Hongdae’s, “hot place,” through words by mouth. Specifically, Bonjour Hawaii took on a role of a cafe that the main character Yoo Hae Jung (Park Shin Hae), operated. Back then, the restaurant was called, “ Suni Hawaii,” and Hong Ji Hong (Kim Rae Won), Ryu Hye Jung (Park Shin Hye) who are couples in the drama, “Doctors,” had scenes where they were drinking beer, while enjoying their date.