Jinokhwa Halmae Wonjo Dakhanmari first opened its doors in 1978 and has continued to be a much-loved restaurant on Jongno 5-ga for the past 30 years. The restaurant only uses fresh young chickens, which are about 35 days old, and minimal seasoning to allow diners to fully enjoy the tenderness of the meat. Dip your chicken in the special marinade sauce and couple it with a helping of Kalguksu (a noodle dish) for a perfect meal combination.

Alright, 'Running Man' buffs and culinary adventurers! Nestled in the vibrant heart of Hongdae lies a unique dining gem: the '401 BBQ Restaurant'. A collaborative venture between Haha and Kim Jong Kook, two towering figures from the legendary show 'Running Man', this spot has rapidly ascended as not just one of Hongdae's must-visit eateries, but a pulsating hub of the Korean entertainment world. One glance at the throng of eager diners queuing outside, and you'll know this isn't just any BBQ joint. Upon stepping inside, you're immediately immersed in a world that feels part restaurant, part Hall of Fame. The walls come alive with a tapestry of photographs, spotlighting cherished moments from 'Running Man', candid captures of Haha and Kim Jong Kook, and—here's the show-stealer—snaps of a myriad of South Korean celebrities and idols. Indeed, it's become somewhat of an open secret in the entertainment circuit: the '401 BBQ Restaurant' is the place to be. From rising K-pop stars to established actors, many have graced this venue, adding to its allure. But let's not forget the main event: the food. The signature BBQ set is a masterclass in meat. Curated cuts like the sumptuous ohgyupsal, hearty moksal, and luxurious hangjeongsal take center stage, and diners can tailor their orders to match their party size. Elevate the experience by pairing the succulent grilled meats with the in-house fermented anchovy sauce and a special blend, creating a symphony of flavors. And for a harmonious endnote, the Chadol soybean soup is an absolute must. In essence, the '401 BBQ Restaurant' offers an experience like no other: a tantalizing blend of top-tier Korean BBQ, a brush with the glitz and glamour of the South Korean entertainment scene, and the warm embrace of 'Running Man's charm. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the series, a food aficionado, or simply eager to rub shoulders with celebrities and idols, this establishment rolls out the red carpet for all. Dive deep into a fusion of gourmet delight and star-studded enchantment! Don't just hear about it—be part of the story.  

At Nolboo Duck Restaurant, the main specialty is Yuhwang-ori-jinheuk-gui: duck that is slow-roasted for 3 hours in a mud/earthenware bowl with 23 other carefully selected ingredients. The special sauce used for the duck is particularly delectable. *Best Korean Restaurant as designated by the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

     

Located near centum city in Hongdae(Hongik University Street), the center of business and culture of Seoul, Gangsu Gopchang is a designated exemplary restaurant. Only the most strictly selected ingredients are used and only Korean beef tripe are used as the main ingredients. The premium tripe has outstanding texture and is highly nutritious. It is tender at first but the more you chew, the more you will enjoy the crunchy texture and plain but deeply pleasing taste. Gopchang refers to either a dish of grilled intestines of cattle or pork in Korean cuisine[1] or the intestines themselves. In the latter case, gopchang is commonly referred to as such because of its curvy shape[2] rather than as sochang (소창), which literally means "small intestines." It is the counterpart of daechang (대창), meaning "large intestines." Compared to other cuts of meat, gopchang is high in iron and vitamins. It is relatively inexpensive and has a characteristic flavour and a chewy yet palatable texture.                  

Korean style toast., Hobong Toast, in Myeongdong seoul There is a long line waiting in front of the shopHobong Toast which is in a Myeongdong area. It helps if you’re busy office worker to have a quick meal or if you want to eat shomething light while walking around the shopping area. The Korean style toast comes with a soft fried egg and original sauce in it.                      

Located near Gyeongbokgung Station, the restaurant was also frequented by late President Roh Moo-hyun. It produces their ingredients like Tojongdak (Korean chicken), 4-years ginseng, chest nut, jujube, garlics, ginger, adlay, perilla seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seed, nuts, pine nut, black sesame, and etc. Even though one has to wait to enter during lunch time, do not worry about long wait as the restaurant is spacious. Besides Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), it serves Ogol-samgyetang, otdak, pajeon (green onion pancake), Rotisserie chicken, and other menus.

Three times listed on the ever-popular Wall Street Journal's ‘Asia’s Best 5 Restaurants,’ Byeokje Galbi (벽제갈비) is sure to win the hearts of diners of all ages. Beef used in dishes comes from cows raised on a Pocheon farm under the direct management of the restaurant and is richly tender and incomparably delicious. This is one of the best places to truly enjoy the authentic taste of Korean beef.*Best Korean Restaurant as designated by the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

The name of this restaurant means “grandma’s noodle soup.” Opened in 1958, the restaurant serves guksu made from a traditional recipe handed down to grandma’s daughters. While the restaurant looks like an ordinary snack bar, it attracts crowds of customers because of the wonderful flavor of its guksu. The secret lies in a mouthwatering, delicately spiced seafood broth, as well as tender, hand-made noodles and mildly flavored tofu. A bowl of guksu is the perfect snack, and the service is also great.

Located in Bangi-dong in Seoul, the restaurant was featured on Lee Hyeong-don PD's Food X-File running on cable TV program Channel A. Introduced as Good Restaurant No. 38, the place makes Ganjang gejang (Blue crabs pickled in soy sauce) with home-made Joseon ganjang, instead of ready-made market sauces that are often used by many restaurants. The sauce is surprisingly not salty but has a clean and somewhat sweet flavor. The restaurant is favored by many Koreans as well as foreign visitors because their food is served in beautiful brassware produced by the highest credible artisans in the nation. With its tasty and healthy menu sets offered all year round, the place is often crowded with groups of families and other large bunches. Starting from groups of four people to 30 people max., the place can accomodate 150 dinners at the same time on its 2 above-ground floors. Reservations are recommended.