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A meal with locals at a Korean local restaurant

Updated: 4 days ago

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As more tourists visit Korea, many popular restaurants have gained widespread attention.


Sometimes, you’ll even witness the surprising sight of more foreigners than Koreans!


But since you're in Korea, why not enjoy a meal among the locals?


Let us introduce some of Korea’s long-loved local restaurants that have earned a special place in the hearts of locals!




Let's begin😎



Seochon Gyedanjip is a seafood restaurant where you can enjoy fresh, seasonal seafood that’s hard to come by elsewhere. Located near Gyeongbokgung Station, this spot has gained immense popularity among seafood lovers, even being featured on Korean TV shows. Despite having expanded to an annex location, it’s still common to see long lines of locals waiting to get in. The restaurant offers a modest yet lively atmosphere — the tables are quite close together and it can get noisy — but sharing fresh seasonal seafood shoulder-to-shoulder with locals adds a layer of authenticity to your travel experience in Korea. The menu changes daily depending on what seafood is delivered fresh that morning, and popular items can sell out quickly. Steamed sea snails (cham-sora) and elephant clams (kokkiri-jogae) are typically the highlights, while other seasonal specialties like mideodeok (sea squirt) sashimi and Kkolttugi (baby squid) sashimi are also available depending on the time of year.



Address: 15 Jahamun-ro 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Work: 1–11PM




Gukje Milmyeon is one of the top three milmyeon (wheat noodles) restaurants in Busan, loved by locals since 1966. Milmyeon is a type of cold noodle dish made with wheat flour, developed by refugees who fled to Busan during the Korean War, and it has since become one of Busan’s representative local dishes. Although Busan is home to many famous milmyeon spots, this place is always on the list of recommendations by locals. Its rich yet clean-tasting broth is made from beef bone stock, and the noodles are aged after being made with domestic gardenia. Topped with thinly shredded brisket, it creates the perfect summer delicacy. Uniquely, this restaurant serves only mul milmyeon (cold noodle soup) and bibim milmyeon (spicy mixed noodles), without common side dishes like dumplings. Bibim milmyeon has an addictive savory sauce, but it can be spicy, so try removing some first and then add more according to your taste!



Address: 23-6 Jungang-daero 1235beon-gil, Yeonje-gu, Busan

Work: 10AM–8PM

May – Aug 10AM–9PM




Botanic Garden Gimbap is currently the most popular gimbap spot in Korea, known as the place where even celebrities line up to eat. As low-aging diets have gained popularity, this shop’s gimbap—which uses less rice and includes black rice—has captured public attention. Typically made with a mix of white and black rice for a colorful appearance, customers can request all-black rice if they prefer. While there are many menu options, the pollack roe & egg gimbap and flying fish roe, aged kimchi & tuna gimbap are must-tries. Most of the menu items feature a large and fluffy rolled omelette since they contain less rice, and they are filled with plenty of fillings, earning the nickname "Hermès of gimbap." Due to high demand, it’s best to pre-order via the delivery app “Coupang Eats” or "Baemin" right at opening time. Located near Banpo Hangang Park, it’s also perfect for a picnic with your gimbap!



Address: B119ho, 12 Seocho-daero 38-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul

Work: 10AM – 8PM (3–4PM, Break Time)




Jeil Gopchang is a beloved local favorite even among the many eateries in the famous “Wangsimni Gopchang Street,” known for its grilled intestines. Among all the options, this restaurant has gained wide popularity for its honest and delicious food, leading to branches opening in places like Hongdae, Jeju, and Bangi. Using fresh intestines sourced the same day—not treated with chemical tenderizers but with their own special method—Jeil Gopchang offers a clean taste without any off-putting smell, making it approachable even for first-timers. The staff’s friendly service also adds to the pleasant dining experience. When you order the assorted grill, a selection of gopchang (small intestines), daechang (large intestines), and yeomtong (heart) are beautifully arranged and grilled for you at the table. The rich, savory gopchang filled with fat, plump daechang, chewy yeomtong, and fresh vegetables will show you exactly why this place is so popular. Don’t forget to finish with the fried rice, which blends the gopchang’s flavorful oil, sauce, and veggies into a perfect final bite!



Address: 281 Gosanja-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul

Work: 12–10PM (Sun, Closed)




Sinsulorum specializes in Momguk(Gulfweed Soup), a traditional Jeju dish, and is a cozy spot frequently visited by locals. Open from morning until dawn, many come here for a warm breakfast that soothes body and soul or to enjoy a drink late into the night. Momguk is a traditional Jeju soup made by boiling mojaban (a type of seaweed) in a rich pork broth. The thick soup combines the savory flavors of meat and fat with the lively texture of seaweed, creating a unique taste. Besides Momguk, this place offers a variety of traditional Jeju dishes such as dombegogi, and pork noodles, all loved for their excellent taste and affordable prices. In summer, they also serve refreshing mulhoe (cold raw fish soup), allowing you to enjoy fresh Jeju seafood. Conveniently located near the airport, it’s easy to visit, and the neat atmosphere makes it perfect to experience authentic Jeju cuisine with anyone!



Address: 2 Goma-ro 17-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

Work: 8–4AM (Mon, Closed)




Yeontanbul Saeng-gui is a beloved spot in Sokcho, known for its pork specialty cuts grilled over Yeontan (charcoal briquettes). The meat is cooked directly over the charcoal fire, and if you’re unfamiliar with the process, feel free to ask the staff for assistance. Upon entering the humble storefront, the thick smoke from the briquettes creates a warm and cozy atmosphere. If you’re concerned about the smoke, visiting their recently opened second or third branches might be a good option! Their signature dishes include fresh pork ribs, special pork cuts called “dwit-gogi” (pork back meat), and grilled pork tails. Despite the affordable prices, the quality of the meat is high, and the pork tail, though less common, offers a chewy and unique texture that many find appealing. You can also order a variety of dishes in single servings to try a little bit of everything. Especially, grilled fish like mackerel or Atka mackerel cooked over the briquettes, paired with Korea’s traditional soju, helps you fully immerse in the local vibe!



Address: 4 Meokgeori-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

Work: 4:30–11PM



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