Places to eat, sorted by location, type, and price range.

Kindly remember that you can also use the 배민 or 요기요 app for deliveries for most of these places. 

Also, I try to keep track, but some places MAY CLOSE. please check their status using NAVER MAP or KAKAO MAP before visiting!

Naver Map and Instagram (If they have one) are linked for your convenience💖

This list is categorized as below, separated into Seoul, Suwon and Jeju locations!

Cafes 

Wstern/pasta

Korean BBQ

Korean Dishes

Unique

Snacks

Other (International foods)

Rough price range

💲=  ~ ₩10,000 per dish (mainly snacks and super cheap korean 백반)

💲💲= ~ ₩20,000 per dish *(ie 18,000 pasta)

💲💲💲= ~ ₩50,000-80,000 for TWO ppl   

(usually share meal like bbq OR cheaper omakase)

💲💲💲💲= Market price or over ₩100,000  easy

Most cafes will be 💲, but a lot of them will have expensive coffee so it's easy to spend over ₩10,000 when you get a drink and like a cake. 

Remember to check Naver Map for break times, coupons and most recent reviews!

Seoul

💥Cafes💥

Golden chatters 💲

@HangwithCharlie

Cutest lil cafe by the park. A good sit down spot after a round of shopping. They got a range of Bagel🥯Brioche🍞Salted Butter Roll🥐Donuts🍩for a lil pick me up.

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Ugly puppy 💲

@HangwithCharlie

Another cute lil spot! Smaller in size but super popular. Kinda hidden! I like their pies more than their cakes

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💥Western/Pasta/Hamburgers💥

Rocka Doodle Nashville Hot Chicken Apgujeong 💲

@HangwithCharlie

Love their burgers. They also have branches in Seongsu, and Itaewon but I haven't been to those branches.

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💥Korean BBQ💥

💥Korean Dishes💥

쌈도둑 💲💲

@HangwithCharlie

Specializes in dishes that suit Ssam (lettuce/vege wrap). Ssam (leaf vegetables), and side dishes are all you can eat/refillable. and you choose the main dish. Good for groups and vegetarians and vegans!

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💥Unique💥

Crab 52 💲💲💲💲

@HangwithCharlie

All you can eat lobster and crab buffet. Super gourmet and known as the most expensive buffet in Korea. $200 USD per person. There's lots of youtube videos too. You have to book either through Naver or Catch table app. Try and book the window seats for the most amazing view from the 52nd floor!! For parties over 5 ppl, give them a call! The lobsters and crabs are pre-steamed (since they take too long otherwise) honestly, refer to the most recent reviews. As of June 2024, the steak station is a little disappointing and the ginger crab has mixed reviews but overal, really worth it for a special occasion.

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💥Snacks💥

London Bagel Museum Dosan 💲💲

@HangwithCharlie

Expect lines!! Last time I went on a Thursday morning and arrived at around 10am. There was a 40min wait to dine in, and about a 5min wait line for take aways. It's kinda worth it to try at least once! Get their maple pecan cream cheese!! Potato cheese bagel was also an experience. Super duper busy during peak times but you can use catch table. I put 💲💲 since its most people spend ~20,000 easy.

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💥Other (International foods)💥

Suwon

💥Cafes💥

Moi coffee classic 💲💲

@HangwithCharlie

Good coffee and really cute interior. I often saw Native English teachers giving 1:1 lessons by the corner tables. The food is pricey and I probs only recommend their macaroon and cookies. Maybe the pizza too. Not the soufle pancakes though.

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Notting hill bakery 💲💲

@HangwithCharlie

Cozy atmosphere with the most aesthetically pleasing cakes. Insta worthy and ideal for a good sit down chat over cake! Honestly just get whatever cake you feel like. You can't go wrong.

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Waroffle 💲

@HangwithCharlie

Waffle cafe situated on the second floor of the building. The stairs are steep but waffles are worth it! My favourite is the oreo waffle and pistachio cream latte!

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Gyeong-Andang 💲💲

@HangwithCharlie

Modern hanok kind of vibes. They do have coffee but their desserts are more traditional themed like dried persimmon wrapped strawberries etc. Recommend for a sit down and chat over drinks when you get tired of walking in Haenggung-dong

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Goldiseu 💲

@HangwithCharlie

This is Goldie's cafe. They specialize in donuts and coffee! The spacious 2 storey building is perfect for a sweet break during your tour of Haenggung-dong. If i'm beling 100% honest their chocolate latte was a little disappointing.

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Treasure Garden 💲💲

@HangwithCharlie

This brunch bakery cafe is on the second floor of a wedding venue!! They went all out with the interior, with fresh flowers and plants. It's super pretty! You will get amazing pictures with amazing bakery selections too! A lil pricey but totally worth it! I love their baguettes (don't judge, I miss bread) and Galbi cream risotto.

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Treasure Garden is under cafe, even though they sell salads, pasta and risotto. I recommend their vibes and bread more than their brunch menu.

투피스 2piece 💲💲

@HangwithCharlie

Highly recommend! The best soufle pancake place I know. The interior is cute! 2 storeys of antique furniture and calm vibes. I see a lot of 사모님 (Mrs with money lol) gathering here for their afternoon chats. Honestly the pancakes are really really good. They make them fresh so expect 15~ 40(if real busy) wait!

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Grandma's 💲💲

@HangwithCharlie

Hearty sandwiches and paninis. Hurt to have to pay double what I normally would in NZ, but this is the norm in Korea. Cute vibes. Gets 💲💲 cos 11,000 for a sandwhich hurts my soul.

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cafe groovy & books 💲

@HangwithCharlie

Real cute and cozy. Ppl go to read and to chat so the atmosphere can be super quiet and chill or buzzing with life. Not a cat cafe but cats visit and sometimes the owner brings their dogs. Right by the walkway so good to ppl watch

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💥Western/Pasta/Hamburgers💥

Jacksonville town 💲💲

@HangwithCharlie

Highly recommend! This place is really popular and well known on insta and 'naver cafes' (kinda like facebook group pages). The food IS really good. But the steak portion is a bit small. They have THE BEST basil cream pasta. I also recommend the beef taco pancake. Free lemonade if you book with Naver.

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The European 💲💲💲

@HangwithCharlie

Good pizza and pasta. Steak is also great but portions could be bigger.

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Western Table 💲💲💲

@HangwithCharlie

Got all the basic pasta and salads. Recommend it if you like to drink wine with your meal.

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Oh, Italian! 💲💲💲

@HangwithCharlie

Highly recommend! The best pasta place in Gwanggyo imo. Amazing food, drinks and service. Less pricey than other pasta restaurants in the area but the food is so so good. They update their menu from time to time but always fantastic. They also have a sister restaurant according to their website. I haven't been but I reckon they must also be great

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💥Korean BBQ💥

Galbi Myeongga palace 💲💲💲

@HangwithCharlie

Good quality bbq! They also have free ice cream station which reminds me of my childhood when all the bbq places had a children's playroom and ice cream. Their raw beef is also good! (Not completely frozen, with good amount of pear and egg yolk ratio lol)

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Gabojeong Galbi 💲💲💲💲

@HangwithCharlie

Probs the most famous galbi restaurant in Suwon. Fancy and pricey, but the food and service are worth it! They cook the meat for you! Last time I went my uncle paid, so not sure if they ask for tips, Even if they do, it's optional because this is Korea! FYI Before people get married, the couples must go through 상견례. It's a ceremony where the couple and both inlaws meet over a meal. The couple announces their plans of marriage and the in laws congratulate and ask questions etc and Gabojung is one of the places that accomodate for this ceremony (cos its fancy and has private rooms)

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마장동김씨 (Korean pork bbq) 💲💲~💲💲💲

@HangwithCharlie

Good quality Korean pork bbq. Their interior, ingredient prep and presentation are definitely focused on people in their 20s & for SNS.

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💥Korean Dishes💥

시골밥상 Country side table 💲

@HangwithCharlie

Super home-style meals. Popular with locals and busy during lunch. Open from 11 I don't think many of you will visit this place since its not near any attractions. But if you're passing by the neighbourhood, its cheap, filling, and super basic Korean lunch. No english menu or english speaking staff!

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Mr Kodari 💲💲

@HangwithCharlie

Kodari means "half dried Pollock" (Korea has different names for Pollock depedending on how they were preserved). They specialize in the spicy braized kodari, but I alwasy get their fried fish lunch special. The seaweed they provide is not salted and you eat it like a 'Ssam' by wrapping rice and toppings of your liking and dipping it in the soy sauce they provide. If you get the fried fish, they have the soy sauce for fish and another (has chopped chives etc) for the seaweed. Souffle pancake 2 piece is also nearby for dessert!

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Leenagyeong Songtan Budae Jjigae 💲

@HangwithCharlie

Budae Jjigae is the soup created during the Korean war. Made with American ham, sausages, baked beans and mince etc. It's an Korean American fusion dish that's become kind of traditional. This place is super popular with locals so expect lines during lunch!

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Dookki Tteokbbokki 💲

@HangwithCharlie

Franchise tteokbokki restaurant! It's an all you can eat buffet! You can also takeaway (They give you a container and you just stuff it to the MAX). Fun to visit and they have sauces with different spicy levels! You can customize your tteokbokki to your liking, soupy, or barely any sauce with all kinds of different rice cakes and toppings. The flat chinese glass noodles are a must! Also has a station for fried rice

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335 Kitchen 💲💲

@HangwithCharlie

Shabu Shabu restaurant with side menu buffet. The side menu buffet quality isn't too bad, and I always order some 'rice paper' for make your own fresh spring rolls. Just get the minimum and order more if you need. And definitely make the porridge as a Korean dessert!

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Traditional Chuncheon Dakgalbi 💲💲

@HangwithCharlie

Chuncheon is famous for their Dak-galbi (stir-fried spicy chicken) I haven't been to Chuncheon myself but my dad (who has been there) says their pretty authentic, especially their mak-guksu (cold noodles). GET THE CHEESE (They add it last) and you need to order extras from the beginning since they have the same cooking time as the chicken. My go to (can be a lil bit much for two but you can do it) is udon noodles with friend rice or cold noodles at the end. The servers cook it for you! But on the wall it says, 1. once the veggies are added, stir ever 2-3 min 2. You can eat the rice cakes first, once they feel soft 3. Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, you can eat the chicken If you're unsure, ask the server (papago or body language lmao) if the chicken is ok to eat! They have a separate area for groups larger than 20. One thing is that they measure the chicken to the gram but with the udon noodles and friend rice, its filling enough!

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The elephant that went to sea. 💲💲

@HangwithCharlie

Super popular sashimi restaurant! Fresh, high quality sashimi for really good prices. Take aways only, and 30 teams per day.

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💥Unique💥 

호르몬치치 💲💲

@HangwithCharlie

All-you-can-eat meats & "offcuts"! All-you-can-drink option also available! Inspired by Japanese restaurant of the same "off-cut" theme.

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WooJeonOk soy sauce marinated crab 💲💲💲

@HangwithCharlie

Highly recommend! Soy marinated crabs!! They are RAW/uncooked fyi. This restaurant has 3 options. 1. All you can eat (inc legs) = ₩28,900 2. All you can eat (exc legs) = ₩32,900 3. Set meal (Korean female crabs) = ₩35,000 Includes one large crab per person, with spicy marinated crab (side dish), crab stew, fried prawns, salad, other side dishes, rice and noodles (for the crab stew) 4. Special set meal (Imported crab) = ₩12,000 one crab per person, spicy marinated crab (side dish), crab stew, side dishes and rice My advice? get the Set meal (Korean female crabs)

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신촌황소곱창 (Gopchang-Cow intestine over grill) 💲💲💲

@HangwithCharlie

I know cow intestine can be a bit scary for people to try. But honestly they are sooooo gooooood! Get the mix platter for your first time, and find out what you like! 곱창 = Gopchang = small intestine. My fav, idk how to describe it. 대창 = Daechang = large intestine. More chewy 염통=Yeomtong=heart & various parts of the stomach They have another branch near Suwon station

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💥Snacks💥

Salt Factory💲

@HangwithCharlie

Cute lil store that sells heavenly bread rolls (salt bread) No inside seating with about (3) barstools by the counter. Easy enough to eat while walking.

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Dang-Go ne💲

@HangwithCharlie

Cute dango! Tasty enough imo

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Chuplus 💲

@HangwithCharlie

Churros with savoury options! Be aware, they are quite filling! The taco one is a bit difficult to eat while walking also.

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Omalrang Bagel💲

@HangwithCharlie

If you're craving bagels in gwanggyo. This is it. Take aways only but tasty!

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Cafe MIT 💲

@HangwithCharlie

Closest I'm gonna get to, to a good NZ meat pie. Tiny shop (like two tables??), kinda out of the way to visit deliberately. But incase anyone else is also desperate for some meat pie. They heat it up for you if you ask.

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Righteous Mr Kim 💲

@HangwithCharlie

I think I got the translation right. Franchise Kimbap shop! They put a lot of effort into their ingredient prep. Higher quality kimbap than Kimbap heaven (the iconic kimbap franchise) and definitely more sanitary that traditional market kimbaps imo

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Kimbap can totally be a meal,.but if you're travelling, it's a snack since you have all these other foods to try. 

London Bagel Museum 💲💲

@HangwithCharlie

On the 2nd floor. Only opened in May so the waiting line is still super duper long. Use the catch table app. The same menu as other branches!

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💥Other (International foods)💥

WITHOUT-VISA 윗아웃비자 💲

@HangwithCharlie

Philly sandwich

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Rojiura Sushi 💲💲~💲💲💲

@HangwithCharlie

Good quality sushi with great service! The presentation of the sashimi platter is fire. They have a lucky draw(?) event you can participate after paying, for free drink or side menu for next time. They also have a sticker station by the doorway for you to review the service of the staff.

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Mencheulu 💲💲

@HangwithCharlie

Japanese style noodles with intestines! But I really liked their donburi. Can go solo or in groups. But the table is just one long U shaped. See their insta to see what I mean. You pay at the kiosk before entering.

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Lee Choon Bok Tuna 💲💲💲

@HangwithCharlie

Pricey but quality makes up for it! I only went with groups but they have lunch sets for individuals. Not a bad place at all to experience fancy tuna. This is a chain franchise.

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Baby Guiness 💲~💲💲

@HangwithCharlie

I haven't been here!! But its popular whenever I pass it during the evening. Added it in case anyone is really craving a Guiness. I think its a small chain franchise

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Today Banhmi 💲

@HangwithCharlie

My favourite Banhmi place. Pulled pork is the best! The shop is tiny and the boss is kinda shy but the food is really good. This one didn't show up on thatch map so I added it my self. For the exact location, refer to Naver Maps!

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(Naan) Indian Restaurant 💲💲~💲💲💲

@HangwithCharlie

One of the bigger Indian restaurants in Ingye-dong Price is more reasonable than others and the food is good!

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Ginza 💲💲💲

@HangwithCharlie

Fancy Japanese restaurant specializing in course meals. Also a popular destinations for the 'in law first meeting ceremony' for couples as they prepare to get married. Last I went, the aunties kept asking for tips qutie aggresively, and the service was ok.

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Noche Buho-Spanish Pub 💲💲~💲💲💲

@HangwithCharlie

I would recommend this place for groups more than 3 ideally. Menus are for sharing and are quite pricey if you go as a two. Super popular. I don't drink but the vibes were fire. The food is definitely designed to accompany alcoholic drinks. Tasty and the rooftop view was nice with the evening breeze! They have a sister restaurant (fusion) near by and they are also great!

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Noche Kitchen Fusion pub 💲💲 ~💲💲💲

@HangwithCharlie

Tiny restaurant with offering big flavors. They change their menu seasonally but their famous "ex-boyfriend potatoes mousse" always remains!

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Jeju Island

I lived on the East side of Jeju. Quiet and countryside vibes with the only touristy area being "Seongsan Ilchulbong" 12/10 recommend. 

So most of my Jeju reccomendations (non-cafe) will be super popular with locals and probably will not have english menus or english speaking staff. Dare you to try it for the authenticity!

💥Cafes💥

💥Western/Pasta/Hamburgers💥

💥Korean BBQ💥

🚨For Korean BBQ in jeju, they always serve 멸치젓 =Myeolchijeot (Salted anchovies) in a little metal cup? like the picture below.

You MUST let it boil down for a bit. Or else it will taste horrible. I recommend putting the sliced garlic and chop up some green chillies in it too. Many first time visitors form Seoul also make the mistake of eating this sauce without boiling it down. Don't make this mistake y'all.

한울타리한우 💲💲💲~💲💲💲💲

@HangwithCharlie

Highly recommend! The best Korean beef bbq in Jeju hands down. They are a butcher restaurant meaning you buy the meat from the butcher (Last I checked they get fresh beef every Thursday) and eat it at the restaruant adjacent. You choose the quality of the meat! The price range depends on what meat you buy! Check their grade or ask the staff using papago. A++ grade and above? has out of this world marbling.

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Donirang 💲💲~💲💲💲

@HangwithCharlie

Great Korean PORK bbq. No real special recipe, just amazing quality meat. They're popular so might have to line up. They have a free kimchi-jjigae (kimchi stew) coupon on Naver map

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💥Korean Dishes💥

Ssamchongsa sashimi 💲💲💲

@HangwithCharlie

Great fresh sashimi. Remember sashimi is better during winter when the fish stores up fat and the flesh is more chewy? The complimentary side dishes are also fire. The restaurant name probably means "three brothers sssam sashimi". They did a play on words.

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Ji-eun's Table💲

@HangwithCharlie

Home style 백반!! They also go hard out with their portions. Fast, filling, and cheap. Popular with locals!

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💥Unique💥

Ujin Haejangguk 💲

@HangwithCharlie

Highly recommend! Haejangguk means "hangover soup" This place is really popular with long lines and even deliveries to the mainland. Their main is the 고사리 육개장 and I recommend the 녹두 빈대떡 (mung-bean pancake). I always got takeaway and ate it in my car like lmao. The lines are something alright.

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💥Snacks💥

Cali Soft Serve 💲

@HangwithCharlie

Really good ice cream. Trust me. It's a chain but OMG MUST TRY. They have Udo peanut and some other jeju only flavour but my go to is chocolate. Not much on their insta tbh

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Jeju Tiger Seongsan Branch 💲

@HangwithCharlie

Donuts!!! Lots of flavour options to choose from! Due to their location, they are pretty popular so some of their donut flavours might sell out! My favourite is their lemon cream!

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Jeju black pig dumplings 💲

@HangwithCharlie

Made daily and steamed fresh right in front of you! I think the ladies that run it are Chinese? do they know their way around a perfect dumpling skin!! I would say they are above average. Try both kimchi and normal dumplings!

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💥Other (International foods)💥

Pyoseon Udon Shop 💲

@HangwithCharlie

Hearty simple meals. Their cutlets are crispy and open kitchen feels cozy!

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Places in other regions I recommend if you happen to be in the area. 

Forest Outings 💲💲

@HangwithCharlie

A mega cafe! It's decorations change seasonally the one I tried to upload is the 2024 summer look but the picture is too big to fit. Check their insta! I made the mistake of visiting on the new years day so it was super packed. I strongly suggest visiting during the weekdays and avoid weekends and holidays. They have another branch in Ilsan too. When I went I saw at least 3 phones and 2 cards and two (different) baby shoes that people forgot. No one touched them and the few who did, gave it to the staff to deal with instead of stealing them! Was very proud of my country that day hahahaha

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Forest Outings 💲💲

@HangwithCharlie

Haven't been to this branch but the hype is just as massive! Visit during weekdays and expect a huge crowd on weekends and public holidays

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Chain Franchises to try

It's really difficult to add pictures so I'll just put in their Korean names so you can look em up your self.

1. Issac's Toast/ 이삭토스트

toasted sandwiches

2. Egg Drop/에그드랍

another toasted sandwich shop. competitor of above.

3. Mom's Touch/맘스터치

Friend chicken and chicken burgers.

4. Waffle University/와플대학

WAFFLES

5. Sulbing/설빙

Bingsu/shaved ice franchise. Og is red bean paste with canned fruit, jellies and condensed milk but my go-to is Oreo. The national fav seems to be mango.

6. Yupdduk/엽떡

 Tteokkbbokki franchise famous for their spicy, big portion tteokbbokki. Full name is 

7. Paris Baguette/ 파리바게뜨 aka  파바 for short

National bakery franchise (fyi the company is infamous for mistreating their staff and having poor factory management, resulting in lots of accidents)

8. Tou Les Jour/뚜레쥬르

Another national bakery franchise, I support this franchise over the above. The name is hard to remember but its pronounced ttu-le-ju-reu.

9. Bonjuk/본죽

Korean porridge, which is eaten during special days or when one is sick. 

Pumpkin, red bean (eaten during the winter solstice), and abalone are super common/ famous. 

10. Outback Steakhouse/아웃백

11. VIPS/빕스

Steakhouse like outback

Common Coffee chains

1. Mega coffee/메가커피

2. Compose coffee/컴포즈

4. Baekkdabang/백다방

5. Ediya Coffee/이디야커피

6. Twosomeplace/투썸

Fried Chicken Franchise

1. Kyochon 

2. 60계 치킨

3. 네네치킨

4. BBQ 치킨

5. 처갓집 양념치킨

6. 푸라닥 치킨

etc 

I realised there's a LOT of chicken franchises. 

Special shout outs to

옛날치킨/Old fashioned chicken

This one's more of a style of chicken rather than a franchise. Found near traditional markets. No sauce just fried whole chicken. 

KFC

(Compared to NZ KFC, Korea is far superior. Plus they have biscuit (scone) with jam)

Truck chicken

Sometimes they sell these rotating roast chickens from a truck on the side of the road. The insides are filled with glutinous rice etc. A childhood menu.