South Korea Restaurant Tips by Hmmmm Top 5 Page for this destination

Miyozen _ Kangnam: Excellent Sushi and Great Atmosphere

Address: Gangnam Station - around the corner from exit 5.

Comparison: less expensive than average

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 5

Theme: Japanese/Sushi

Kimbab (Literally Seaweed Rice): Very Very Healthy and Delicious.

Traditionally and still today when one eats more traditional korean food, kimbab becomes much more simply. Kimbab is simply eating Laver with Rice. Koreans simply pick up a piece of dried laver seaweed with their chopsticks, lay it on their rice and with their chopsticks press down on the laver to make a small roll of rice. It takes practise, but its fun. Of course as a cold lunch people often put other ingredients in their kimbab to make it portable, and more for less.

Kimbab: a rolled rice with laver seaweed (dried laver) dish is very popular for picnic lunches or as a snack. It is made by wrapping rice and strips of vegetables, and sometimes meat and egg, in a sheet of seaweed and then cutting the roll to make small circles. Today's Kimbab looks like Japanese Sushi, but the similarity stops there. Japanese style Sushi in Korea that is wrapped in Laver is called Chobab.

Every Korean has fond memories of school picnics where everyone brought a packed lunch of kimbab. Although kimbab basically looks the same, every household had its unique flavor to it and different toppings.

A favourite of Mine is Chamchi Kimbab (Tuna). But also Suigogi (ground beef) is good. Kimbab is cheap, and its very very good for your health.

Favorite Dish: Kim (Laver seaweed or Nori as its known in Japan) which Kimbab is wrapped in is packed with vitamins and minerals. Its high vitamin and mineral content has meant there has long been an interest in seaweed among health food enthusiasts, but this doesn't fully explain its current popularity. Most health articles I read attribute the popularity of Kim (and or Nori) from the interest these days of Eastern Foods.

Another nice way to eat Kim (nori) is as an Hors d'hourve. Simply serve it in small squares with a side dish of Shikcho (Oriental Apple Vinegar). Simply dip the Kim into the Shikcho.

Ooops how did I get onto this I was talking about Kimbab that is sold on places like Kimbab Chunguk (Seaweed Rice Heaven)and Kimbab Nara (Seaweed Rice Land). ^.~

Address: Everywhere, even in Seven 11s, and Family Marts

Comparison: least expensive

Rating: 5

Theme: Local

Kimbab Chunguk (Kimbab Heaven): I love the Don Kas (Katsu Don) here!

Kimbab Chunguk is a South Korean Institution. It is an omnipresent restaurant (Shik Dang). It is in virtually EVERY neighbourhood of Seoul and the other Major cities, and present in different degrees in the smaller centres. Its franchised out so the menu and prices sometimes differ, But never too much.

Another interesting thing about Kimbab Chunguk is that Many copies of the franchise have turned up like Kimbab Chingu (Kimbab Friend - in the same font as the original)

Favorite Dish: This restaurant is obviously most famous for Kimbab... All kinds.

But I like it for it Korean Style Katsu Don; Don Kase (cooked differently from the Japanese Katsu Don - although essentially the same thing). Only 4000 won

I also like the Kimbab Chunguk Cheese Ramyeon (ramen) for a staggering 2500 won ($2).

Great after drinking, on the way home.

Address: Ubiquitous

Comparison: least expensive

Directions: As I said above, its Ubiquitous.

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 4

Theme: Local

Website: http://www.kimbabchunkuk.co.kr

SHINCHON BUL DDAK (Shichon Fire Chicken): This is not for the Faint Hearted.

This restaurant is quickly becoming a chain. It started off in the back streets of the Shinchon Labyrinth. Nothing more than a pub with Chicken kebabs, and Chicken Kalbi (gui not ddak Kalbi)

And now its popping up all over the place. Its on the rampage, and along with it are the queues of punters who are just dying to be punished.

The newest one that I've found is in Daehangro (Hyehwa) on the small strip towards Sunggyeounggwan University, out exit #4.

It was packed to bits with customers, with punters waiting outside in the wings. This high patron turn over kills the ambience. However if you frequent the one in Shinchon, and go in the afternoon for an early dinner, that ambience is significantly better; feeling somewhat like a tidy, family owned chicken hof.

Favorite Dish: The Dish of repute is Bul Ddak Kalbi with Nurungji and beer. Nurungji according to my friend is a "STUPID IDEA" and he may be right, but Korean people love it and consider it a dessert. It is simply rice scrapings (Burnt and hardened rice from the bottom of the rice cooker) reboiled in water and served as a watery hot soup. My girlfriend assures me taht its all about the flavour, but I reassure her that I didn't encouter one. So well the proof of the pudding is in the tasting.

Bul Ddak Kalbi is NOT for the faint hearted. In is pieces of chicken (boneless) cooked on a hot plate with a spicy Marinee). What they don't tell you is that it is FIREY hot. And I am not an in-experienced hot food eater.

Aparently the rage is the heat and the pain after. The korean people I was with told me that it is fun to be in pain. I grimaced, snorted a couple of flames and said "Yes I am having fun!" Then I took a huge fulp of my beer and heard it quietly Hissssssssss as the liquid hit my tongue.

Beer is sold by the pictcher. But most people drink it by the pint. Pronounced (O Baek Shi Shi - 500cc) in Korean.

Address: Shinchon, Kangnam, Apkujeong, Daehangro (Hyehwa)

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: To Daehangro (Hyehwa). Line #4 (Blue) Exit #4 walk left as you leave the exit and carry on to the end of the Mall. You will see the sign on your right.

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Local

Wang Sam Gyeob - Gyodae Jung mun Jom: The Best Wine Sam Gyeob Sal in Lower Seoul. YUM

Sam Gyeob Sal is a Korean Institution, and it is a pretty mean we combination to bit. I am a big fan.

Sam Gyeob Sal isn't that flash. Its Pork ribs, But the lower part, and even some of the abdominal part. So it is quite fatty, and not for you if you like to eat rabbit food. But if you like Mean meals, then by all means chow down.

The meat is cooked on a hot grill a 'Bul Pan' in front of you. and it is eaten with a number of Panjan or 'side dishes' like Maneul (Garlic), Gotchu (Chilli Peppers), DooBoo (Tofu), Gaeran jiggae (Egg Stew) and Samjang (a spicy soy bean sauce), and Saengchu (Lettuce) and Caetnip (Sesame leaves).

When the meat is cooked put whatever panjan you want with the meat on a lettuce leaf, roll it up like a stuffed vine leaf and eat it up. It really is good.

Koreans always drink alcohol (Usually Soju) with Sam Gyeob Sal. Its raison d'etre is to help you get drunk. So eat it with friends.

Favorite Dish: Wine Sam Gyeob Sal. 'Sam Gyoep Sal' means 'Three Striped Rib meat'. Its fairly salty and fatty, but much more delcious if its marinated in rice wine and then rotated on a rotisserie, before cooked on a hot plate.

Wang Sam Gyeop Restaurant is a place that presents its Wine Sam Gyeop Sal this way.

Address: Gyodae St. - Seocho Dong

Comparison: about average

Directions: By Subway: Gyodae Station (Orange line) and Green Line (2) One stop before Kangnam.
By bus: no 28, 28-1, 29

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Local

Nara: A Novel Experience: Ropadayaki

As far as I know a Ropadayaki is a Japanese style Tavern. Traditionally they sold Sake of different descriptions, and various rice wines. But these days the alcohol being perveyed is much more diverse.

Give a Ropadayaki a try. They are great places to get yourself slowly drunk with some friends.

Dress nicely. It is sort of expected. All the other people around you will be somewhat smartly dressed.

Favorite Dish: Ropadayaki are immensely popular in Korea, especially with the professional crowd. Nopadayaki are essentially pubs, but they also offer food. Tasty dishes like Chicken Teriyaki Kebabs, Teriyaki grilled Tuna, Fish cakes and soup. Barbecued Squid, octopus and many many other fancies from the big blue.

Korean Ropadayaki also sell in addition to Japanese 'sul' (alcohol), korean as well; including Dongdong Ju (rice wine), Cheon Guk, Baek Seju, Sansachon (fruit Rice wines), Soju and Beer (both Japanese and domestic).

Address: Seocho Dong - Seoul

Comparison: about average

Directions: Easy to find. Go to Gyodae (Seoul National University of Education Station), Line No #2 (Green) and Line Number #3 (Orange). Get out at Exit five. And walk to the Building Visable called Rezion. On the ground floor off the street you'll see Nara.

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 4

Theme: Pan-Asian and Pacific Rim

Korean Style Shabu Shabu: A Favourite of Mine.

Tradition and folklore tell us that Shabu Shabu cooking dates back to the 13th Century and Genghis Khan. As he built his power and became ruler of Mongolia, Khan assembled a massive and highly-organized army.

As he widened his domination throughout China and Eurasia, his army was constantly on the move. He developed "hot pot" or Shabu Shabu form of cooking as a way to feed his troops. The hungry troops would gather around a large pot of boiling water and dip their thinly sliced meat into the pot.

Purpose of the "hot pot" was to feed the troops efficiently, nutritiously, and to save on the army's limited fuel resources. By using thinly sliced meat, troops were able to cook the meat very quickly and efficiently absorbing all of the nutrition of the meat.

The "hot pot" method of cooking survived over the centuries in different regions of China and went through many changes as time passed on.... In 1948, a small restaurant owner in Osaka, Kansai introduced Shabu Shabu cooking to Japan, and within few years Japan introduced Shabu Shabu cooking to the world, today it has gained immense popularity throughout the world.

Shabu Shabu is Immensely popular in Japan, and it has taken off in South Korea in a big way too.

Favorite Dish: There are a number of ways to eat Shabu Shabu. Some people just through oll the the thinly sliced meet into the "Nambi" or all purpose cooking pot, and serve it as a brothy stew, cook the sliced of meat one by one by dipping into the hot pot as it steams on its hot plate infront of you. Then eating the soupy broth later with added Kal GukSu or Cut Wheaten Noodles (that also finf their origin in Mongolia.

Address: In Most downtown districts

Comparison: about average

Directions: In Seoul you'll find Shab Shabu restaurants in Kangnam, Apgujeong, Jongro, but also in some of the lesser known districts throughout Seoul. I recently ate Shabushabu in Jongam Dong. ^^ Outside Seoul, Shabu Shabu is also widely available.

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 5

Theme: Pan-Asian and Pacific Rim

Shinchon Seot Bul Kal Bi. ( with Free Guk Su ): Oem Cheong Mus hi Saeyo !!!

* BTW (Guk Su is Noodle Soup).

Anyway, Shinchon has a Famous Kalbi Alley. On eof the places that I like is called Seot Bul Kal bi...

Its a goody. And apart from cheap cook your own fare, as "service" you get to slurp some delicious noodles afterwards for afters...

As far as I am concern a little anything for nothing is fabulous.

The other goodie about this place is that its a Stone's throw from a cool little bar, whose name is unknown to most.... But most call it the bar, know it from its old name: Norae Hannun Saramdul (which means 'the people that can sing') Much better than just the bar huh! ^.~

Favorite Dish: This restaurant has So Kalbi sal (beef ribs), LA Kalbi (Cross sliced beef ribs) Yang Nyom (Seasoned) but it seems that this establishments specialty is Duigi Kalbi (Seasoned Pork Ribs).

By the way please forgive the poor pic. I took it when I was rather drunk on my phone. Yes We all know that you have been in Korea too long when you start photographing your food! [*GULP!*] ^.~

Address: Shichon (kalbi Alley)

Comparison: about average

Directions: Hmmmm.. everybody Knows that Shinchon is a Labyrinth.. Just ask someone "Kalbi Gil eun, Odi e issoyo) And then look for it.... It has a yellow awning.... Good Luck

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 3

Theme: Local

the Wood and Brick Restaurant.: Unbelievable European Cuisine!

The Wood and Brick is a fine little eatery located in downtown Seoul near the Kwanghwamun intersection. To the northwest is the Sejong Cultural Center; to the east is the Kyobo Building. Also another has opened up in Hongik area ( I went there with my Girlfriend too, wicked decor).

Favorite Dish: Get into the Lobster Ravioli, served with a selection of fresh bread and pickles. They served a reasonable Australian red from Wyndham Estates. Also Try the Proscuitto i Melone, and my favourite (being a Kiwi) the Costolette d'Agnello all' Aglio y Rosmarino (the Lamb Rib Chops with garlic and Rosemary) Oh Good god its good! I drank a munty Hunter Valley Bin 444 with that.

The atmosphere was wonderful. It should simply be said, go forth with your belly empty and partake of the nirvana that awaits. It should also be said take along your wallet, for though it is not over-priced, it is not cheap.

Address: Kwangahamun (also Hongdae)

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: On the northwest corner of the Kwanghwamun intersection is Winners restaurant. Continue west past Winners for about 20 or 30 meters. The Wood and Brick is a two-story structure. You can't miss it.

Price: US$41 and up

Rating: 5

Theme: Italian

Website: http://www.woodnbrick.co.kr/

Mapo Kalbi, in Apgujeong, Cheap and Fantastic!: Don't Miss Good Kalbi

The Restaurant itselt is a Typical Kalbi (Korean Broil/BBQ) Restaurant. On the Left are western style tables and on the Right are Traditional Korean Style table where one sits on the Floor at a Small table.

Kalbi is essentially, Rib meat that you cook in front of you, and eat with various Pan jan (side dishes) and Saeng Chu (lettuce) and of course Kim Ch'i (pickled spicy cabbage).

Kalbi is An Ju (which means food you drink Alcohol with).

Favorite Dish: When eating kalbi there are a few things to consider. First Beef or Pork. At Mapo Kalbi eat beef. Delicious. Order Kalbi Sal (chop rib meat) or I dong Kalbi which is an Intact rib dong in a marinade from the town of I Dong in Gyonggi Do. Fantastic. Best washed down with San Sa Chon (a kinda rice and herbal liquor) or Chon Guk which is similar but different.

You can order pork, but its better to do that at a specialist Pork BBQ restaurant.

Address: Sinsa Dong. Kangnam Gu

Comparison: about average

Directions: Its easy to find. Walk from Hakdong Sa Geori (Hakdong Junction) towards Sinsa Subway station. You will see a bright Orange sign, that is the place. If you get lost hop in a Cab and say clearly 'Sinsa Mapo Kalbi'. 'Mashigye Deu Seyo' (Bon Appetite)! :o)

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 5

Theme: Barbecue