Our Favorite Restaurants in South Korea - Part 1

Hi everyone!

We’re thrilled to kick off a new series of posts to share some of our favorite restaurants in South Korea! Over the years, our love for Korean food has only deepened, and we truly believe that it’s part of what keeps us coming back to this incredible country.

After seven visits, we’ve gathered a long list of places that hold a special spot in our hearts, some of which we’ve visited so often that the owners have become true friends. We can’t wait to return and see them all again. With so many cherished restaurants, we decided to break this series into several parts!

With our deep affection for Korea and its wonderful people, it’s truly special to share these places with you. Happy reading, and let us know what you think of our picks! Feel free to share your own favorite spots or thoughts in the comments, too. Let’s swap recommendations and celebrate Korean cuisine together!

Here’s Part 1, let’s get started!

Here’s a map of the 5 incredible food spots featured in Part 1 that we’ve been lucky enough to visit.

We hope it inspires your own journey through Korea’s vibrant cuisine scene!

★★★ Seoul Jeonju Restaurant ★★★

This place has some of the best grilled fish we’ve ever tasted, and the owners always greet us with a warm smile.

We love coming here for their cozy atmosphere and the delicious Charcoal-Grilled Fish and Pot Rice.

Address: 20-gil, Supyo-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 16-17 (Gwan-su dong 43-2) - Jongno 3-ga, Exit 15

Phone Number: 02-2267-5385

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 9:40 PM (Closed on the 1st and 3rd Sundays)

★★★ Pohang Nakwon Garden Restaurant ★★★

This place has a wonderfully inviting atmosphere, and their free-range native chicken is simply out of this world.

The food here is unbeatable, and the owner’s kindness always makes us feel right at home.

Address: 847 Doeum-ro, Heunghae-eup, Buk-gu, Pohang-si

Phone Number: 054-261-2083

Opening Hours: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Last order at 8:00 PM)

Closed every Monday and Tuesday (If Monday or Tuesday is a holiday, the restaurant will be open as usual)

★★★ Jinan Maidam Farm Restaurant ★★★

The Ginseng Garlic Rice Special Set, featuring Ginseng Garlic Radish Leaf Hot Pot Rice, Ginseng Tteokgalbi, and a variety of delicious side dishes, is an absolute must-try.

With the owners welcoming us like family, this is a restaurant we can’t help but return to.

Address: 843-8, Geoseok-ri, Bugui-myeon, Jinan-gun

Phone Number: 063-433-5535

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Closed every Monday)

★★★ Namhae Grandma Makgeolli Restaurant ★★★

If you’re visiting Namhae, this restaurant is an absolute must! The view is breathtaking, and the food? Simply outstanding!

We highly recommend trying the Myeolshi Ssambap (Anchovies with Rice), Haemul Pajeon (Seafood Green Onion Pancake), and Yuja-ip Leaf Makgeolli (Yuzu Leaf Rice Wine).

Trust us,if you haven’t been here yet, you won’t regret it!

Address: 17-37, Nam-myeon-ro 679beon-gil, Nam-myeon, Namhae-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Phone Number: 055-862-8381

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM, open every day