Seoul(Mapo-gu) , Hongik-University-Area

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.  


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.


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.


Seoul(Mapo-gu) , Hongik-University-Area

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.  


Seoul(Gangnam-gu)

Bonghwajeon is a traditional Korean restaurant specializing in North Korean cuisine. It serves various kinds of traditional Pyeongyang(capital of North Korea)-style delicacies such as sogogijeon (a pancake filled with ground beef), royal hot pot (a delicacy with vegetables and meat added to pork broth boiled in a specially designed pot; said to have been enjoyed by royal family and the aristocrats), and many more dishes. Bonghwajeon offers healthy and delicious lunch and dinner specials at affordable prices. The restaurant also stocks an array of alcoholic beverages including makgeolli (Korean rice wine), Japanese sake, whiskey and wine.


Seoul(Songpa-gu) , Jamsil(Lotte World)

This is a chicken barbeque restaurant, which is owned by the mother of Block B member, Taeil. Inside the restaurant, there are fan letters and flat cards, which cover up the walls. Unlike other chicken barbeque places, the Korean Barbeque Gaerong Branch restaurant puts the chicken in the fire oven, which makes the plain and simple taste of the chicken stand out more. The popular menu items are: salt-roasted barbeque chicken, which maximized the plain and simple taste of the chicken, and chives no-bone barbeque chicken, which is assorted with chives.  


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

Located on the first floor of Times Square near Yeongdeungpo Station, Namu Gneul (Rest with Book & Coffee) is a book café and art gallery where visitors can tour the gallery or just sit back and relax with a book and coffee or tea. Tea and bread can be refilled free of charge, so visitors can stay as long as they like. The café is directly connected with the Shinsegae Department Store and surrounded by a nice park perfect for taking walks. If you need a break from shopping while at the Times Square Mall, slip away to the solace of Namu Gneul.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Not like usual Gamjatang (pork back-bone stew), Halmajip’s Gamjatang uses only bean sprout and leek to make a refreshing soup taste along with red pepper powder, for a spicy flavor.


Seoul(Songpa-gu) , Jamsil(Lotte World)

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.


Busan(Suyeong-gu)

Millennium Hoetjip, located in front of Gwangalli Waterfront Park, has a great view of the area of Gwangandaegyo Bridge and Gwangalli Beach. They offers fresh raw fish caught from the sea at early dawn to serve a great taste to their customers.