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.
• Difficulty for Foreigners: Low • Price Range: Lunch ~15,000 KRW, Dinner ~30,000–40,000 KRW per person • Space: Comfortable and traditional Korean dining setting • Recommended Menu: Mushroom Hot Pot (버섯전골) or whatever • Pro Tip: Service is super friendly, and the food feels healthy yet flavorful. The basic side dishes, especially the namul (seasoned veggies) and multigrain rice, are really well-prepared. Portions are generous, and the overall taste makes you feel like you’re eating something good for your body. Lunch is a great deal at 15,000 KRW per person, making it one of the better-value Korean set meals around. Dinner is pricier (30,000–40,000 KRW per person) but still worth it for the quality. Mushroom Hot Pot (버섯전골) is a must-try—packed with fresh mushrooms and a rich, earthy broth, it’s a great comforting meal, especially on colder days. Avoid weekdays from 12–1 PM unless you’re okay with a wait—tons of office workers come here for lunch. If you’re looking for a solid traditional Korean meal with great portions and a healthy touch, Songhwa Main Branch (송화 본점) is a great pick!
Korean blogger posts. Links open original posts on Naver.
They turned me away at 7.00 PM as I was just 1 person. It’s not like they were closed, they had loads of people dining inside. She asked how many, after I had said “for 1”, she pointed to the door
