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 standout here is definitely the Black-Garlic Samgyetang. The chicken is tender enough to fall off the bone, and the addition of the Black Garlics gives the soup a rich, balanced, healthy depth that most places lack. You can tell they take pride in the preparation—from the presentation on elegant tableware to the wild ginseng accents. It’s a 'health-boost' meal that actually tastes like real food.
It was a rainy wet day in Seoul and samgyetang is indeed a very good idea. The broth is light and I would prefer if it was more salty. The chicken is small and flavorful. We also ordered the fried whole chicken which I think needs more flavor. Service is good and food served out in a fast manner.
Korean blogger posts. Links open original posts on Naver.
Very authentic good Korean food. Porridge, butter rice all good. Chicken soup is lighter type of taste. Overall not bad.
