Ujeong Tteokbokki in Sindang-dong's Tteokbokki Town is famous for chicken feet as fiery as Buldak. At ₩10,000 per order, add enoki, bean sprouts, fried dumplings, and a rice ball on the side. Worth the one-hour wait and cramped seating, it's a must-visit for spice lovers.
At Wooridongne Susan Sijang beside KT Wiz Park, we enjoyed thick-cut gizzard shad and flounder, generous side dishes, and squid fried crisp outside and tender inside. The spacious second-floor dining room appeared to have about 15–20 four-person tables, and the breezy window seats overlooking KT Wiz Park were our favorite. There are indoor restrooms and smoking areas, but no dedicated parking, so consider the nearby Jangan-gu Office parking lot.
Mari Gimbap, on the central passage of Gangnam Station's underground mall, serves 33 kinds of mini gimbap. Gimbap costs ₩1,000–₩1,500, and tteokbokki and sundae sets start at ₩3,500. Free fish cake broth and quick table turnover make it great for solo office workers and international visitors.
Wolgyegwan is a hanok Korean restaurant on Gyeongju's Hwangnidan-gil, offering a hearty combo of marsh snail ssamjang and spicy stir-fried pork. The seasoning isn't too strong, so it's easy to enjoy, and it comes with 6 side dishes and fresh wrap vegetables. Besides the spicy stir-fried pork, there's also beef bulgogi and chicken drumstick medley, and it's an especially popular spot among foreign tourists.
Jang Kalguksu is a popular local spot near Cheonan Terminal known for its delicious Kalguksu (noodle soup) and handmade Tonkatsu. Their signature dishes include Clam Kalguksu and Soybean Paste Kalguksu priced at 10,000 KRW, along with hearty and crispy old-school Tonkatsu. The high turnover keeps wait times manageable before 1:00 PM; while restrooms are inside, there is no private parking, so street parking or asking the owner is necessary.
PopularChanggo 43, located near Gangnam Station, offers premium Hanwoo at reasonable prices. The staff grills the meat for you, and there are various side dishes such as doenjang stew and yukhoe. Because the staff grills the meat directly, it’s recommended for both evening company dinners and lunch meals.
Chowabap is a 3-minute walk from Sadang Station Exit 10 and is famous as Tzuyang's the best sushi I've ever had. The assorted sushi comes as 12 pieces including tuna, salmon, and flounder, and a piping-hot udon served in a stone/clay pot is served as a side dish. On weekday evenings there's typically no waiting (in line); the restaurant has separate men/women restrooms inside, and for parking use the Sadang 1-dong public parking lot.
PopularI visited the famous Iga-ne Yangkkochi Pangyo main branch known for its lamb skewers. The menu includes various skewers and lamb chops. Skewers are served at 250g per person, and side dishes include tomato egg stir-fry, warm noodles, and eggplant dishes. On weekends there's a wait starting around 6 PM; restrooms are located in the building outside to the right, and parking is available at KCC Wellz Tower Building B.
Visited Wirye Hoe Tteuneun Samchun, a sashimi spot near Namwirye Station. Hearty side dishes including seaweed soup, steamed egg, corn cheese, and grilled mackerel, plus thick-cut sashimi! Unisex shared restroom, Seoil-ro Village public parking about a 3-minute walk away, and a smoking spot in front of the shop.