When you go abroad for a trip, you might wonder what local people actually eat. At least, I do. So whenever I go abroad, I never look at the guide book or blog postings about what other Korean people eat. I just walk in any restaurant near where I stay if there are many local people in it. You can also try my way of exploring, but it’s always a bit scary when you have no idea of the local language.
For those people, I gathered some pictures of what I ate recently lol. Take a look at where local Korean girl hangs out for your reference.
Inwangsan Mountain
29, Inwangsan-ro 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
I work at the office on weekdays, so I have to fully enjoy my weekends for refresh lol One way to take a breath from busy weekdays is to hike. This mountain is called Inwangsan Mountain, and it’s really close to Gyeongbokgung station.
Even if you are a beginner-level hiker, it won’t take more than 2 hours for a round trip to the peak. If you reach the peak point and eat a bite of cucumber, you can proudly say that you fully enjoy Korean-style hiking. Frankly speaking, I go for a hike to eat delicious food after climbing down.
And of course, I went to my favorite restaurant after hiking on this day, too lol There’s a food street near Gyeongbokgung Station(Line 3). My favorite restaurant located on this street is called “ChebudongJanchijip” and it’s super famous.
Chebudong Janchijip
190, Chebu-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
According to the explanation of “Time-Out“, Chebudong Janchijib is famous for its simple but delicious food. Located in a humble market alley space with aluminum sliding doors, its prices are easy on the wallet. Once you enter, you’re overwhelmed by the savory scent of simmering broth and something frying.
Gyeongbokgung Station is frequently visited by nearby office and government-related workers because it is close to Gwanghwamun and Jongno, the center of Seoul. So many local restaurants located in this area are loved by people of a wide range of ages.
Autographs of famous people on the wall of this restaurant prove the history and quality of this restaurant. But the best part of this restaurant is that its food is super cheap!!!!
They open till really late (05:00 AM except on Sunday), so there are so many people come to this place for drinks. Try Makgeolli with authentic Korean food at a reasonable price. If you are lucky(?) enough, you might get to find me drinking here haha
CHỜP CHỜP
2F, 46 Supyo-ro, Jeodong 2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
I live where Seoul Metro line 2 stops, so I usually hang out with my friends at Euljiro area. Especially, there are so many cozy bars at Euljiro-3ga if you like drinking like me lol But I’ll introduce a cute Vietnamese restaurant, first.
This restaurant doesn’t really have a long history(You can tell from the interior), but it got so popular among Korean people. If you visit here during lunch or dinner time, you might have to write your names on a waiting list.
Frankly speaking, SouthEast Asian cuisines are ridiculously overpriced in Korea. But this restaurant has a quite reasonable price range($10~$15)
Pungryurang
424-6, Dogok-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
As much as all of my friends are aware of the fact, my favorite food out of all kinds of food in the world is a hamburger. I’m not exaggerating lol. And this burger place is where I can recommend with confidence(I have a really high standard when it comes to a hamburger)
The only problem with this place is the location. It’s near Yangjae station where there’s really no reason for tourists to go. But if you are a hamburger lover like me or have plenty of time in Korea, please visit.
It was fortunate that we visited at a time when there were no people, but usually, the waiting line of this restaurant is very long. Also, they have a delivery service, as well, so if you happen to stay nearby, try the delivery system 🙂
From the buns to the patty, everything about this hamburger is just perfect. But it’s quite pricey for a hamburger($14~$16). But I can assure you that it’s totally worth the price.
Woojin Golbaengi
21 Mareunnae-ro, Jeodong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
Let me go back to Euljiro area. This place is located near Euljiro-3ga station. Some of you might have no idea what “Golbaengi” is.
Wikipedia defines the Golbaengi as Moon snails. In Korea, we usually mix the moon snails with vegetables and add some red and spicy. Usually, it’s served with boiled noodles, and most importantly, its harmony with Soju is just perfect.
But I chose beer that day lol They also serve wonderful draft beer.(It’s not an easy thing to find a good beer place in Korea) We ordered Golbaengi(Egg Omelet, Oden Soup, Kimchi pancake comes along for free) and 4 big glasses of draft beer, and paid 45,000 won. But the food was too much, so I think it’s best to come here in at least a 3-person group.
Heestory Darakbang
3F, 7-6, Jeodong 2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
Another favorite bar of mine located in Euljiro-3ga is “Heestory Darakbang” I kind of start to regret writing this article because these are actually where I usually go. Even if you spot me, please don’t recognize me lol.
They have a diverse list of wine and whiskey, and the cozy atmosphere of this bar will warm you down from a tiring day. “Darakbang” of its name means attic in Korean. Just like its meaning, they really give you the warm feeling of the attic.
Just like most of the bars or cafes located in Euljiro area are, this place is not that spacious which means not enough seats compared to its popularity. Please visit the opening time to avoid waiting!
