Top 10 Hidden Gem Restaurants in Korea

Korea is the home of many delicious traditional dishes and a variety of unique restaurants. From street food to upscale restaurants, there is something for everyone. But what if you’re looking for something a little different? Something a little bit more off the beaten path? Look no further than these 10 hidden gem restaurants in Korea.

1. Gogung Samgyetang (고궁 삼계탕)

This hidden gem is a traditional restaurant located in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province. It specializes in samgyetang, a traditional Korean dish made of chicken, ginseng, and other herbs. The restaurant is quite small and cozy, with just a few tables in the back of the restaurant. The samgyetang is cooked to perfection and is served with a side of sweet and savory sauces. It is definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area!

2. Namsan Jokbal (남산 족발)

Namsan Jokbal is an old-fashioned jokbal (pork trotter) restaurant located in Seoul. The restaurant has been around for more than 20 years, and it’s still going strong. The jokbal is cooked to perfection and served with a special sauce. It is definitely a must-try if you’re in the area!

3. U-geum-sik (유금식)

U-geum-sik is a hidden gem located in Incheon. It’s a family-run restaurant that specializes in the geum-sik, a traditional Korean dish made of steamed vegetables and seafood. The restaurant is quite small, with only a few tables, but the food is delicious! The geum-sik is cooked to perfection and is served with a special sauce.

4. Guksu-dong Jokbal (국수동 족발)

Guksu-dong Jokbal is another hidden gem located in Seoul. The restaurant is small and cozy, and the jokbal is cooked to perfection. The jokbal is served with a special sauce, and the atmosphere is quite inviting. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area!

5. Hyang-su (향수)

Hyang-su is a hidden gem located in Seoul. It’s a traditional restaurant that specializes in the jeon, a type of savory pancake. The restaurant is quite small and cozy, and the jeon is cooked to perfection. The jeon is served with a variety of sauces, and the atmosphere is quite inviting. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area!

6. Dakgangjeong (닭강정)

Dakgangjeong is a hidden gem located in Seoul. It’s a traditional restaurant that specializes in the dakgangjeong, a type of fried chicken. The restaurant is quite small and cozy, and the dakgangjeong is cooked to perfection. The dakgangjeong is served with a special sauce, and the atmosphere is quite inviting. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area!

7. Ondal (온달)

Ondal is a hidden gem located in Seoul. It’s a traditional restaurant that specializes in the ondal, a type of Korean soup. The restaurant is quite small and cozy, and the ondal is cooked to perfection. The ondal is served with a variety of side dishes, and the atmosphere is quite inviting. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area!

8. Daegu-jib (대구집)

Daegu-jib is a hidden gem located in Daegu. It’s a traditional restaurant that specializes in the daegu-jib, a type of Korean stew. The restaurant is quite small and cozy, and the daegu-jib is cooked to perfection. The daegu-jib is served with a variety of side dishes, and the atmosphere is quite inviting. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area!

9. Mapo-dong Tteokbokki (마포동 떡볶이)

Mapo-dong Tteokbokki is a hidden gem located in Seoul. It’s a traditional restaurant that specializes in the tteokbokki, a type of Korean rice cake. The restaurant is quite small and cozy, and the tteokbokki is cooked to perfection. The tteokbokki is served with a variety of sauces, and the atmosphere is quite inviting. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area!

10. Yangsan-jip (양산집)

Yangsan-jip is a hidden gem located in Seoul. It’s a traditional restaurant that specializes in the yangsan-jip, a type of Korean soup. The restaurant is quite small and cozy, and the yangsan-jip is cooked to perfection. The yangsan-jip is served with a variety of side dishes, and the atmosphere is quite inviting. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area!

These 10 hidden gem restaurants in Korea offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for traditional dishes or something a little bit more off the beaten path, these restaurants are sure to please. So the next time you’re in Korea, be sure to check out one of these hidden gems!

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As one of the most vibrant and dynamic food scenes in the world, Korea boasts a plethora of delicious dining options for locals and visitors alike. While there are plenty of well-known restaurants and eateries to choose from, there are also some hidden gems that offer unique and unforgettable culinary experiences. Here are the top 7 hidden gem restaurants in Korea:

1. Gwangjang Market (광장시장)

While not a traditional restaurant, Gwangjang Market is a must-visit spot for foodies in Seoul. This bustling indoor market is known for its street food and vendors selling traditional Korean dishes like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and bibimbap (mixed rice bowls). Visitors can sample a variety of dishes while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the market.

2. Dalmajip (달맞이집)

Nestled in the hills of Namsan in Seoul, Dalmajip is a hidden gem that serves up delicious Korean barbecue. The restaurant's main attraction is its grilled pork belly, which is cooked over charcoal and served with an array of sides and dipping sauces. Diners can enjoy their meal while taking in breathtaking views of the city from the restaurant's outdoor terrace.

3. Chang-uek Jip (창욱집)

Located in the quiet neighborhood of Seochon in Seoul, Chang-uek Jip is a small and unassuming restaurant that serves up some of the best Korean home-style cooking in the city. The menu changes daily and features a variety of dishes made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The restaurant is particularly known for its soybean stew and grilled beef.

4. Gunsookjeong (군숙정)

Situated in the picturesque city of Jeonju, Gunsookjeong is a traditional Korean restaurant housed in a beautiful hanok (traditional Korean house). The restaurant's menu features a variety of classic Korean dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients, including bibimbap, grilled eel, and makgeolli (Korean rice wine).

5. Myeongdong Kyoja (명동교자)

Tucked away in a narrow alleyway in the bustling neighborhood of Myeong-dong in Seoul, Myeongdong Kyoja is a popular spot for its handmade kalguksu (noodle soup) and mandu (dumplings). The restaurant has been serving up these hearty dishes for over 50 years, and its reputation has only grown over time.

6. Seokparang (석파랑)

Located in the city of Jeju, Seokparang is a small and cozy restaurant that specializes in seafood. The menu features a variety of dishes made with fresh seafood sourced from the waters surrounding the island, including abalone, octopus, and sea urchin. Diners can enjoy their meal while taking in the stunning views of the ocean from the restaurant's outdoor terrace.

7. Neulbom (늘봄)

Nestled in the quiet neighborhood of Seocho in Seoul, Neulbom is a small and cozy restaurant that serves up traditional Korean dishes with a modern twist. The menu changes seasonally and features dishes made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Diners can enjoy their meal in the restaurant's cozy and intimate atmosphere.

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These hidden gem restaurants offer a range of dining experiences, from traditional Korean to fusion cuisine. Whether you're a foodie looking for new and exciting flavors or simply looking for a unique dining experience, these restaurants are sure to impress. Be sure to add them to your list of must-try spots in Korea!