Essentials
Money in Korea
Best exchange rates, ATMs & how to pay
Read guide →Korean cuisine (hansik) is built around balance — fermented sides (banchan), a steaming bowl of rice, and a main dish that changes with the season. Meals are served all at once rather than in courses, and sharing dishes at the table is the norm. The depth of flavor comes from slow-fermented pastes like doenjang (soybean) and gochujang (chili), which form the backbone of soups, stews, and marinades across the country.
Gangnam-gu is Seoul's upscale business and entertainment district south of the Han River. Home to K-pop entertainment companies, COEX Mall, and the Apgujeong-Rodeo shopping strip, it attracts young professionals, tourists, and K-drama fans. Restaurants here tend toward the polished and premium, with a density of international cuisine, high-end Korean dining, and trendy cafés.
The sesame oil Makguksu is especially delicious, and the perilla oil version is great too. I drove all the way from Seongnam for this! You can also have barley rice (boribap), so it’s a very filling meal. Since it's the weekend, I was lucky enough to get a seat without any waiting
The server was very attentative and offered recommendation which was unexpected dining in Gangnam. As I waited, as it's typical, the side dishes and water came out. Another pleasant surprise was that it was a warm and savory barley water especially for a winter dinner. Now, the main was the 참기름 막국수 paired with 육전. Warm egg battered beef slices with "cold" noodles, there's not much more to say other than thank goodness! 😋
This is the best makguksu (buckwheat noodles) I've ever had! I highly recommend both the Perilla Oil Makguksu and the Sesame Oil Makguksu! The Yukjeon (pan-fried battered beef) set is also a must-try as the price is great! The dumplings are also top-notch, so there's no menu item I could give up, which means I'm super full;;;
