Insa-dong Doodaemunjip
 
Seoul(Jongno-gu)
Located in the hub of Korean culture, Insa-dong, Doodaemunjip has been serving Korean fusion cuisine for the past 10 years. The restaurant takes form of a traditional hanok decorated with a modern touch, blending Asian and western-style design to create an exquisite atmosphere favored by both Koreans and international visitors. Doodaemunjip is the only building in Insa-dong that has an indoor garden and a terrace full of fresh living plants, presenting peaceful atmosphere rarely found in the urban city. Signature menus include maekjeokgui ssambap (pork with Korean herbs served with vegetable wraps and rice) and Doodaemun haemul onbap (seafood rice) along with other specialty menus such as soy-marinated bossam (vegetable wraps with rice), soy-marinated crab, haemul pajeon (seafood and green onion pancake), etc. In particular, maekjeokgui (pork with Korean herbs) is seasoned with soybean paste made with traditional Korean recipe, bringing out deep flavors when consumed with vegetable wrapped rice. Traditional Korean alcoholic beverages such as bamboo liquor and bokbunjaju (Korean black raspberry wine) are also available.

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.

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.

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.

Hangwachae
 
5.0/1
Seoul(Jongno-gu)
Hangwachae is a vegetarian buffet restaurant in Insadong, which serves up dishes made with fresh organic vegetables. The owner of the restaurant first began cooking vegetarian dishes for her vegetarian husband. When her friends tasted her cooking, they encouraged her to open a vegetarian restaurant, which lead to the opening of Hangwachae. The owner prepares the food as if she were preparing it for her husband and friends, therefore the ingredients are all fresh and of high quality.Soup, rice, rice porridge, and Korean pancakes are offered as the basic menu and are also included in the buffet. The rice served is made with 20 different Oriental herbs. The buffet offers some 20 to 30 different dishes. For protein supplements, the buffet offers walnuts, homemade tofu, and muk (nut jellies). It also offers rice cakes and bananas. One of Hangwachae’s most famous dishes is the green salad served with cheonggukjang (thick soybean paste) sauce made with choenggukjang, milk, and papaya. The kimchi is flavored with fruit instead of pickled fish. Hangwachae only uses grape oil in its cooking.

Goam Sikdang Budaejjigae(‘army base stew’, a thick Korean soup)
 
Seoul(Yongsan-gu)
At Goam Sikdang, you can have refreshingly spicy budae jjigae, a stew of sausages, meat and vegetables. The budae jjigae at this restaurant tastes more authentically Korean than Itaewon-style budae jjigae, which usually includes processed cheese. This restaurant is famous in the Itaewon area for its delicious food.   spicy budae jjigae, a stew of sausages, meat and vegetables.            

Dongyang Salt Farm Bakery Cafe / Studio & Gallery
 
Incheon(Jung-gu)
Dive Into K-Heritage: Discover Dongyang Salt Farm Bakery in Incheon Experience an Authentic Incheon Gem: Dongyang Salt Farm Café & Gallery A K-Cultural Must-Visit Near Incheon Airport: The Salt Farm Bakery Adventure Where History Meets Modern Indulgence in Incheon If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind destination that perfectly captures Korea’s past and present, Dongyang Salt Farm Bakery Café / Studio & Gallery should be on your must-visit list. Located on the former grounds of Yeongjong-do’s historic salt pans, this sprawling venue has been artfully transformed into a vibrant cultural hub—complete with a master-crafted bakery, award-winning coffee, scenic gardens, and even a film-ready studio space. A Historic Legacy Reborn Once a prominent salt-farm area, Yeongjong-do Island played a significant role in Korea’s salt production. When changing times led to the closure of the original “Dongyang Salt Farm,” visionaries reimagined the site as an expansive Bakery Café and Studio & Gallery, preserving hints of its industrial heritage while adding sophisticated touches. Today, visitors can admire the venue’s unique “salt warehouse” design theme, which seamlessly fuses vintage charm with modern elegance.       Culinary Excellence & Instagram-Worthy Spaces • Handcrafted Bakery Treats: Sample over 250 varieties of bread and pastries, created with premium ingredients and natural fermentation techniques under the guidance of expert bakers. Each loaf offers a taste experience you won’t soon forget. • Award-Winning Coffee: Enjoy carefully roasted blends made to pair perfectly with the café’s baked goods, garnering rave reviews from coffee aficionados. • Gorgeous Photo Ops: From the Water Garden, a tribute to the site’s salt-field roots, to the Camellia Flower Road, every corner here doubles as a stunning backdrop for your social media feed.         Studio & Gallery: A Cultural Playground Building B houses the Studio & Gallery, where art lovers and curious travelers alike can immerse themselves in rotating exhibitions, vibrant pop-up events, and even live TV or film productions. A special highlight is the Mugunghwa Train Filming Set, used by major entertainment outlets (including Netflix), adding a dash of cinematic magic to your visit.       Recognized as a Unique Venue Awarded “Unique Venue” status by Incheon Metropolitan City and the Incheon Tourism Organization, Dongyang Salt Farm Bakery Café / Studio & Gallery regularly welcomes around 30,000 visitors monthly—proof of its widespread appeal among locals and international travelers alike. Plan Your Trip—Convenience & Culture in One Positioned a short drive from Incheon International Airport, this attraction is perfect whether you’re on a layover, beginning an unforgettable Korean journey, or winding down after exploring Seoul and beyond. Ample parking and accessible public transportation make planning a breeze. Set aside a few hours to: 1. Taste: Relish freshly baked breads, pastries, and top-tier coffee. 2. Explore: Dive into Korea’s salt-farm heritage through the venue’s immersive architecture. 3. Discover: Catch a glimpse of ongoing film projects or art exhibits in the Studio & Gallery. 4. Unwind: Stroll the water garden paths and camellia-lined walkways for a peaceful, scenic escape. 5. Snap & Share: Capture the moment for social media—your friends and followers will thank you! Why It’s a Must-Visit • Immersive History: Experience the story of Yeongjong-do’s once-thriving salt industry in a modern, interactive environment. • Top-Notch Culinary Delights: Satisfy your taste buds with artisanal breads, pastries, and expertly brewed coffee. • Cultural Events & Filming: Witness a TV shoot, visit art showcases, or enjoy pop-up markets—there’s always something happening. • Serene Outdoor Beauty: Recharge amid the tranquil water garden and colorful Camellia Flower Road, perfect for photos and relaxation. • Award-Winning Venue: With glowing recognition and visitor acclaim, it’s a testament to Incheon’s evolving cultural scene. Make Dongyang Salt Farm Bakery Café / Studio & Gallery Part of Your Incheon Journey Combine a love of food, history, and Instagram-ready backdrops in one location. Whether you have a few hours to spare or an entire afternoon, this iconic spot promises to leave you with unforgettable memories—and plenty of reasons to return. Embrace Incheon’s past while indulging in the present at one of the city’s most celebrated destinations!

Busanbokjip
 
Seoul(Songpa-gu)
This is a specialty restaurant of fresh swellfish dishes that have been loved by customers for the past 35 years. Crispy, moist radishes and leeks, and the taste of soup made from sea tangle are memorable. This place gets quite busy during the winter so it is better to make reservations in advance.

Snowmounteen
 
Seoul(Gangnam-gu)
Located in Gangnam, Seoul, Snowmounteen is an ice cream café noted for its iceberg-shaped ice cream dishes and snow white interior walls that bring to mind the inside of an igloo. The ice creams sold at Snowmounteen are thin slices of iced milk or natural fruit juice, free from artificial coloring and low in fat (containing about one third the calories normally found in ice cream). Another original menu at Snowmounteen is the Tapioca Snowthie, a tapioca drink that comes in flavors such as milk tea, chai latte, strawberry, red-ripe persimmon, and crunchy. The red bean flavored smoothie is the most popular drink of all. In addition to a variety of ice cream and drink menus, the crispy Kaya Toast (a popular snack from Singapore made with a jam spread of coconut and eggs) is also a recommended dish at Snowmounteen. Their coffee menu was certified by fair trade marks, organic marks as well as rain forest alliance mark.

Wonjo 1ho Jangchungdong Halmeonijip(원조1호장충동할머니집)
 
Seoul(Jung-gu)
Following his mother’s footsteps, the son of the previous owner is now managing the family business. Opened during the early years of Jokbal Street, the delicious meat at this restaurant is fondly remembered by customers. While the meat itself has almost no fat, the fat portion is extremely soft and savory. This restaurant is also different from the others in that it provides kongnamul-guk (bean sprout soup) with the jokbal (steamed pork hock). Pyeongyang-style naengmyeon (cold noodles) and tteok-mandu-guk (rice cake-dumpling soup) are also delicious. Pyeongyang naengmyeon is cooked to suit South Korean tastebuds. Besides, the noodles and dumplings are hand-made. Despite the restaurants long history, the building of the restaurant is clean and well-maintained as it was being rebuilt after a fire in the 1980s. There are plenty of tables on the first and second floors to accommodate customers, and the third floor is reserved for large groups. Especially noticeable is the clean appearance both inside and out, despite the restaurant’s long history; probably because the building was rebuilt after a fire in the 1980s. Plenty of tables on the first and second floors accommodate customers, and the third floor is reserved for large groups.