Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Daehangno・Seongbukdong

Imun Seolnongtang has been serving its hearty seolleongtang for nearly a hundred years since it first opened in 1907. Even its name has a long history: the word imun comes from Imun-gol, the now-obsolete name of the restaurant’s location, and seolnongtang, an old variation of the word seolleongtang. During the Japanese colonial rule, the restaurant’s regular customers included Gijeong Son, the marathon gold-medalist at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. To make the rich seolleongtang broth, beef meat and bones are simmered for more than 15 hours. Try putting rice and minced green onion in your seolleongtang for a warm and tasty experience. Kkakttugi (diced radish kimchi), provided as a side dish, is also delicious. TIP: Kkakttugi and kimchi are available through self-service. Pay for your meal in advance.


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

Located behind the Hamilton Hotel in Itaewon, Maple Tree House (Danpungnamujip, 단풍나무집) is a meat restaurant where diners can enjoy grilled meat in an elegant, wine bar-like ambience. The restaurant's main dish is Cheongyeop, which is pork grilled over a charcoal fire and wrapped in fermented sesame leaves. There are many repeat customers (including international guests) who come back for the succulent grilled meat, unique sauce, and great service. Though the restaurant in Samcheong-dong is the main restaurant, there are also two branch restaurants in Dogok-dong and Itaewon.


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

Ogeunnae, the old name for Chuncheon, features Chuncheon-style dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken) using only fresh leg meat of chickens which give a soft and elastic texture.  


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Namdaemun・Seoul-Station

At this particular establishment, you can taste crushed loach soup in Gyeongsang-do style and fried loach. Smoked duck shabu shabu and vegetables, as well as Smoked duck casserole are also very delicious. *Best Korean Restaurant as designated by The Seoul Metropolitan Government    


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Located in Insa-dong in Jongno, Tobang is a folk restaurant offering affordably priced meals. It is widely known through word-of-mouth and is particularly beloved for its Sundubu Jjigae (soft tofu stew) and Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi stew). The rice and all the side dishes (except for the pickled crab) can be refilled for free upon request.


Seoul(Seongbuk-gu) , Samcheongdong・The Northern Part of the Seoul

The chef of Samcheonggak Korean restaurant religiously insists on maintaining the authentic taste of Korean cuisine and culture, combining passion and 30 years of cooking experience to present diners with the genuine taste of Korea. Traditional Korean dishes presented with Korean-style service ensure visitors a cultural experience as well as a satisfying meal.The Samcheonggak (삼청각) Korean restaurant is located on the first floor of Ilhwadang and offers a scenic view of the mountains. For special occasions, book one of the five private rooms and celebrate with a Korean meal set full of flavor and tradition.


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

K-star Yoo Yeon-seok, who has starred in K-dramas Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim, K-show We Kid, and musical Hedwig, is the owner of this three-story venue. Complete with floor to ceiling windows, the bar on the 7th floor offers panoramic views of the Itaewon area, while the cozy rooftop seating on the 8th floor is perfect for date nights. The 6th floor features a beautiful banquet room which has hosted various trendy K-stars’ private parties. Reservations are required for special events.  


Seoul(Yeongdeungpo-gu) , Yeouido・Yeongdeungpo・Mapo

Owned by the parents of Lee Hi, Lamese Cadeau specializes in Korean seafood dishes. The K-pop star’s favorite food on the menu is the ganjang-gejang (soy sauce-marinated crabs) made with fresh crabs sourced from the Incheon sea shore. The ganjang-gejang meal is served with several side dishes (banchan), featuring locally-sourced conch, abalone, and seaweed. Upon request, the dishes can be delivered directly from the restaurant. As for the interior, a large poster of Lee Hi hangs by the entrance while autographs of Lee’s fellow artists from YG Entertainment―such as Bobby and Lee Soo-hyun―decorate the walls.  


Seoul(Gangdong-gu) , The Eastern Part of the Seoul

Yangchulbuk Restaurant is a casual eatery specializing in Korean-style beef intestine barbecue. Its branch located in Seongnae-dong is owned by the parents of Park Shin-hye, a talented K-star who has been the lead in several K-dramas, including The Heirs, Doctor Crush, and Pinocchio. Portraits of the K-star and figurines of her beloved puppies are displayed inside the restaurant. Ingredients are sourced daily from local meat suppliers and side dishes (banchan), including the mukbap (chilled acorn jelly rice soup) are made in-house every day. In her free time Park Shin-hye is known to enjoy dining at the restaurant with her colleagues.  


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

The restaurant's signature dishes include a selection of items that do not include any of the 'five' forbidden roots (leeks, garlic, wild rocambole, Korean leeks, asafoetida) or artificial flavors. Pan-fried dough and fritters are tasty dishes dipped in potato starch and glutinous rice flour, instead of wheat flour. The restaurant uses organic vegetables delivered directly from the farm.