Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Founded and opened by Monk Jeongsan, Sanchon is a vegan-friendly restaurant that mainly serves temple foods. The dishes found here are a results of Kim Yun-sik, who was inspired by the simple, clean and healthy diet that a Buddhist practitioner taught him years ago. Now, being a top authority on vegetarian food in Korea, Kim Yun-sik helped perfect the standard and quality of temple food.  The dishes are made with all natural ingredients such as vegetables and mountain herbs, and are cooked without chemical additives. The actual dishes served vary by season, and in order to meet the tastes of the general public, the restaurant includes "five spices" (garlic, shallots, mountain leeks, etc.), which monks are typically not allowed to eat. Those who would like their food without these ingredients are asked to make their request at least one day prior to visiting.


Seoul(Gangnam-gu) , Gangnam・Samseongdong(COEX)

Nampo Myeonok is a 40-year-old Korean restaurant serving the highest quality beef. It features a gorgeous dining area replete with comtemporary interior decorations. The chef selects only the freshest and watery radish to salt and place in a large pot with ground garlic, ginger, and Korean pear to make Dongchimi, the soup for the Naengmyeon or Cold Buckwheat noodles served here. This is where some of the highest-quality meat is served in a nicely blended combination of contemporary and traditional settings.*Best Korean Restaurant as designated by The Seoul Metropolitan Government.


Seoul(Gangnam-gu) , Gangnam・Samseongdong(COEX)

This is a specialty restaurant with a royal table set in a graceful and elegant atmosphere. This place is famous for beautifully modernizing the food of the royal table from the Joseon dynasty. The formal meal in brassware and Chinaware tastes very rich, as the natural seasonings are only used for dishes with the whole heart.*Best Korean Restaurant as designated by The Seoul Metropolitan Government.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong

Hwaroyeon Myeong-dong Branch is the place to go if you want to try real charcoal-grilled meat. The restaurant has a great interior design and is conveniently located in Myeong-dong, making it the ideal place for those wishing to do some shopping.


Seoul(Gangnam-gu) , Gangnam・Samseongdong(COEX)

Housed in a 500-year-old building that was once home to descendants of Prince Gwangpyeong (the 5th son of King Sejong the Great), the restaurant was opened to the public in 1999 as a traditional restaurant serving Korean royal court cuisine. “Pilgyeong,” which means “always be respectful to the elderly,” is indeed a place that honors the past by serving as a beacon of tradition and flavor in the downtown Seoul area.


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(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Opened in 1991, Jihwaja hopes to introduce ‘Royal Cuisine of the Joseon Dynasty’ (Intangible Cultural Property No. 38) to the public. Using fresh seasonal ingredients all year-round, it is recognized as the best royal cuisine restaurant in Korea. Here you can experience the unique food culture and the secret recipes of the family of Hwang Hye-seong using all your five senses.


4.8/5
Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

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.


Seoul(Gangnam-gu) , Apgujeong・Cheongdamdong

Opened in 1939, Hanilkwan (한일관)'s current location is in Gangnam after moving from its original location at Cheongjindong. With over 70 years of tradition, Hanilkwan is a well-known place where famous people including former presidents such as Lee Seung-man, Park Jeong-hee, and Roh Moo-hyun have dined. With a reputation for serving authentic Korean dishes, Hanilkwan provides visitors with a variety of menus to experience Korean traditional food. One of the popular menus is Grill Special & Bulgogi, which includes Tangpyeongchae (mung bean jelly mixed with vegetables), Gujeolpan (platter of nine delicacies), Nakji Bokkeum (stir-fried baby octopus), and Bulgogi. The Lunch Menu is a special menu chosen by the chef.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Stew cooked with fermented soybean paste is this restaurant's signature dish. Rice with beef soup contains pyogo mushrooms and seaweed. The ugeoji soup is also a highlight. Made from the four legs of a cow and mixed with soybean paste, it is very unique. Variations of daily side dishes are also available.* Doore (두레) is the Best Korean Restaurant as designated by The Seoul Metropolitan Government