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.
Gangseo-gu in western Seoul is a rapidly developing residential and commercial district near Gimpo Airport. The area has a growing food scene with a mix of established Korean restaurant clusters and newer commercial developments bringing café chains and international options to the expanding population.
I've been here occasionally, but despite its upscale image, the service is a mess. I made a group reservation a long time in advance, but when I called just before the scheduled date, they canceled my reservation outright, saying there was a reservation conflict. So, I asked if I could at least get a boxed lunch and eat in the restaurant, but they said that was also fully booked. It's so frustrating because they seem to be prioritizing the people who made the reservations, ignoring my reservation order. Actually, aside from the great location, I didn't think it was anything special, but this experience is truly shocking. I've been to countless restaurants, but this is the first time I've been canceled like this. Everyone, be careful when making reservations. You never know when you might get a cancellation.
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