Authentic local restaurants in South Korea
"What did you have for lunch today?" "A convenience store triangle kimbap." This is the common response I often hear from my foreign friends in Korea.
A traditional Korean meal comes with an array of banchan (or side-dishes). Image: Pixabay.
Indulging in cheap Korean cuisine can be a challenge, especially if you’re not willing to forfeit authenticity and taste. Pasta and sushi often come with extortionate price tags here. And should we settle for grilled pork belly costing 18,000 won for a mere 180 grams? It’s pricey. And what about chicken? An order of chicken can now exceed 20,000 won. It seems our options are limited if we want high quality food at an affordable price.
Well-known restaurants with flashy advertisements are often both expensive and lackluster. Take, for instance, a kalguksu (knife-cut noodle) eatery in Myeongdong. It's always crowded with foreigners, yet a bowl of kalguksu costs 10,000 won and comes with poor side dishes. Despite this, people still flock to it. It's truly unfortunate.
A sea-food kalguksu dish. Image: Pixabay
There are many places, tucked away in quiet corners of Seoul, that serve kalguksu for as little as 6,000 won. The portions are generous and the flavours are divine! Much better than the tourist trap kalguksu that many foreigners will experience during their time here. Regrettably, many of these gems remain undiscovered by foreigners. But, there’s an easy solution! Pay attention to the local uncles (ajusshis) and aunties (ajummas) around you.
Embrace the trail of the Ajusshi
In Korea, the term "ajusshi" refers to adult males, typically ranging from their 30s to 60s.
And who savours Korean cuisine the most? The ajusshis. They appreciate reasonably priced, delicious dishes with ample portions. Often, they opt for the same menu items and devour their meals quickly. Seek out Korean eateries near office buildings during lunchtime. If you spot ajusshis wearing ties, it's a positive sign. If the place is bustling, be patient, they won't take too long to finish their meal.
Here are some dishes favoured by ajusshis:
Gukbap (rice soup)
Gukbap is a hearty rice soup dish. It’s typically served with a flavorful beef or pork broth and adorned with various toppings such as sliced beef or pork, green onions, and kimchi. Its affordability and accompanying banchan (side dishes) make it a popular choice among ajusshis.
So-bulgogi (thinly sliced marinated beef)
So-bulgogi is a delightful variation of the well-known bulgogi dish. It features thinly sliced marinated beef stir-fried with onions and other vegetables. The tender meat, savoury marinade, and subtle sweetness contribute to its popularity among locals.
So-bulgogi. Image: Pixabay.
Jeyuk bokkeum (spicy stir-fried pork)
Jeyuk bokkeum is a spicy stir-fried pork dish. Thinly sliced pork is marinated in a zesty sauce and stir-fried with vegetables such as onions and green peppers. It offers the perfect blend of spiciness and tenderness, catering to the discerning palates of ajusshis.
Left: grilled mackerel, Right: spicy stir-fried pork. Image: Hun for Cherry Chu Magazine.
Godeungeo gui (grilled mackerel)
Godeungeo gui showcases grilled mackerel, a beloved fish in Korean cuisine. The mackerel is typically marinated in a soy-based sauce and grilled to perfection. The smoky and savory flavors of the grilled fish make it an enticing choice for ajusshis longing for a taste of home.
Bibimbap (mixed rice with assorted toppings)
Bibimbap is a popular Korean dish consisting of a variety of vegetables, meat, and a fried egg served over rice. It is known for its vibrant colors and flavors, as well as its satisfying and nutritious composition.
Bibimbap is served piping hot. Image: Pixabay.
Ajumma Chefs
If you couldn't spot any ajusshis, venture into the restaurants nearby. If a restaurant bears names like "grandma's touch," "driver's restaurant," or "Korean buffet," it's likely a local establishment. And if the owner happens to be an ajumma, that's the real deal.
Ajumma Chefs are seasoned experts in Korean cuisine – having honed their skills over at least a minimum of 30 years preparing traditional dishes. Don't be deterred if they come across as reserved or unfriendly. In fact, the less amiable they appear, the more proficient they tend to be in the kitchen. In the past, there was even a trend of "grumpy grandma restaurants."
A typical ajumma restaurant street set-up. Image: Wikimedia Commons.
The dishes crafted by these ajumma chefs evoke a nostalgic taste of home for Koreans, and are absolutely moreish for Koreans and foreigners alike. As you savor their creations, childhood memories may come flooding back, occasionally evoking tears.
Try them for yourself
Here are three of our recommended restaurants for you to try on your next visit to Korea.
Hoegi, Jjan-gu-nae restaurant
Address: 25, Mangu-ro 18ga-gil, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Characteristics: A restaurant favored by college students and middle-aged men, located near the University of Seoul.
Advantages: All dishes are prepared in traditional Korean style, reminiscent of home-cooked meals by moms. They are not only delicious but also served in generous portions. Additionally, the affordable prices are favorable. Despite the rising cost of living, dishes like stir-fried pork, grilled mackerel, and beef bulgogi are still priced at 8,000 won each. Moreover, both the side dishes and main courses are served in ample portions. If you crave a nutritious meal that reminds you of your mom's cooking, this is the place to be.
Disadvantages: Not suitable for solo diners due to limited seating – solo diners will be turned away.
Recommended Dishes: Grilled mackerel, stir-fried pork, beef bulgogi, kimchi stew.
Images: Hun for Cherry Chu Magazine
Busan, Minrak Riverside Best Pork Soup (Centum City Branch)
Address: 9-32, Gwanganhaebyeon-ro 370beon-gil, Suyeong-gu, Busan, Republic of Korea
Characteristics: Representing Busan's traditional cuisine, "pork rice soup" is a favorite among middle-aged men. An age-old tradition.
Advantages: One of the notable attributes of Busan Pork Rice Soup is its widespread presence, boasting several branches across the city. Among these, the Haeundae branch stands out not only for its mouthwatering offerings but also for its modern and clean facilities that enhance the overall dining experience.
Disadvantages: It's worth noting that this popularity comes with a trade-off — expect some waiting time, especially during peak hours when eager patrons gather to savor the flavorful goodness. Another consideration is the upward trajectory of prices, which have seen an increase compared to the more affordable past.
Recommended Dishes: Pork rice soup, sundae (Korean blood sausage).
Images: Hun for Cherry Chu Magazine
Naju Restaurant (Sinchon Station)
Address: 10-1, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Characteristics: Nestled within the dynamic tapestry of bustling streets, 'Naju Eatery' distinguishes itself as an economical dining establishment that caters to a diverse range of tastes. One of its standout characteristics is its inherent affordability, making it an accessible option for those seeking a gratifying culinary experience without straining their wallets.
Advantages: 'Naju Eatery' upholds its commitment to reasonable pricing, defying the norm of inflated costs that often accompany such advantageous placements. An inviting aspect of this establishment is its inclusive ethos that warmly embraces solo diners, providing them with a space where they can relish their meals without the need for company, fostering an ambiance of solace and personal enjoyment.
Disadvantages: Situated underground, the dining space might not be the ideal choice for those who favor the ambience of natural light and an airy setting. Moreover, while the diverse menu is an asset, diners who frequent 'Naju Eatery' regularly should be cautious of palate fatigue. The extensive selection, while inviting and exciting, might eventually lead to a sensation of repetitiveness for those who indulge in the restaurant's offerings frequently.
Recommended Dishes: Soybean paste stew, bibimbap.
How to find more gems
Utilizing the ‘KakaoMap’ app is a great way to uncover more authentic local Korean restaurants during your stay. KakaoMap users provide honest reviews without sugarcoating anything. They have high standards and don't hesitate to express their dissatisfaction. If you find yourself perplexed by exaggerated advertisements, consult the KakaoMap app.
It truly saddens me to witness foreign friends purchasing overpriced and lackluster Korean food, which is precisely why I wrote this article. I hope it will guide you through your Korean culinary adventures and provide the push you need to seek out more delicious and affordable options! Eating like a local really is the way to go.
Edited by Chelsea Cheetham.
