Mickey's Notes

Hey everyone! Are you ever stuck wondering where to take your foreign friends when they visit Seoul? You want to feed them something amazing, but you also have to keep things like spice levels or dietary preferences in mind. Don't worry—I've got you covered! Here are 10 fantastic restaurants in Seoul that effortlessly blend traditional Korean flavors with modern trends. Trust me, your friends will be thanking you long after the trip is over! 1. Myeongdong Kyoja (Myeongdong) – Comforting Noodles & Garlic Kimchi Must-Try: Kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup) & Mandu (dumplings) Why it's great: This place is a regular in the Michelin Guide for a reason. The warm, rich chicken broth paired with noodles is super comforting, but the real star of the show is their intensely garlicky kimchi. It’s an unforgettable intro to K-food! Address:  129 Toegye-ro, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea 2. Gwangjang Market - Yukhoe Jamaejip (Jongro 5-ga) – Fresh Beef Tartare Must-Try: Yukho...

Kimchi is the undisputed heart of Korean culinary culture. More than just a simple side dish ( banchan ), it represents thousands of years of traditional food preservation, deep family heritage, and a foundational balance of flavors that accompanies almost every Korean meal. What Is Kimchi? Kimchi is a traditional Korean dish made of salted, fermented vegetables seasoned with an array of aromatic spices, herbs, and seasonings. While most people instantly picture the classic red, spicy cabbage dish, kimchi actually refers to an entire category of fermented preparations that vary widely by region, season, and key ingredient. Five (5) Popular Types of Kimchi 1. Baechu Kimchi (배추김치 - Napa Cabbage Kimchi) The most famous and widely consumed variety. Napa cabbage leaves are salted, rinsed, and coated with a seasoning paste made of gochugaru (Korean chili powder), garlic, ginger, green onions, and salted seafood ( jeotgal ). It can be eaten fresh or left to ferment for a complex, tangy flav...

Korean BBQ ( Gogigui ) is one of the most vibrant, interactive, and flavorful dining experiences in the culinary world. Unlike traditional Western dining, where meals arrive fully prepared, Korean BBQ brings the kitchen directly to your table. If you are stepping into a Korean barbecue restaurant for the first time, this guide breaks down everything from choosing your meats to mastering table etiquette. What Is Korean BBQ (Gogigui)? Korean BBQ, known in Korea as Gogigui (고기구이, literally "meat roast"), is the practice of grilling marinated or unmarinated meats on gas, charcoal, or induction grills built directly into the dining table. It is a deeply social experience centered around shared plates, fresh wraps, and continuous grilling alongside friends and family. How Restaurant Grills Work Most Korean BBQ tables feature a recessed grill in the center equipped with an overhead or underground exhaust system to pull smoke away. Charcoal ( Sut ) vs. Gas Grills: Charcoal provides...

Korean cuisine is famous worldwide for its bold, savory flavors, vibrant colors, and unique balance of sweet, spicy, and fermented ingredients. Whether you are dining at a lively Korean barbecue joint or grabbing a bite from a night market stall, these 15 dishes are essential to understanding Korean culinary tradition. Iconic Staples & Rice Dishes 1. Kimchi (김치) The foundation of Korean cuisine, kimchi is a traditional side dish made of salted and fermented vegetables—most commonly napa cabbage or daikon radish—seasoned with chili powder, garlic, ginger, and scallions. 2. Bibimbap (비빔밥) A colorful bowl featuring steamed rice topped with warm sauteed vegetables, sliced beef, a fried egg, and a spoonful of spicy-sweet gochujang (chili paste). Mix everything together before taking your first bite! 3. Kimbap (김밥) Often referred to as Korean sushi, kimbap consists of cooked rice, pickled radish, veggies, and meat rolled in dried seaweed sheets and sliced into bite-sized rounds. It i...

At its heart, Korean cuisine relies heavily on rice, vegetables, meats, and seafood. What sets it apart is the reliance on fermentation—such as gochujang (red chili paste), doenjang (soybean paste), and ganjang (soy sauce) —and the tradition of banchan , a variety of complimentary side dishes served alongside every main meal. Meals are typically shared, creating a communal and interactive dining experience. Rice & Noodle Dishes Rice and noodles form the core of daily meals in Korea, serving as the canvas for complex seasonings and fresh toppings. Bibimbap (비빔밥): A warm bowl of rice topped with seasoned vegetables, beef, a fried egg, and gochujang . Mix everything together thoroughly before eating. Gimbap (김밥): Often called Korean sushi, this consists of rice, cooked vegetables, pickled radish, and meat wrapped in seaweed and sliced into bite-sized rounds. Kimchi Fried Rice (김치볶음밥): Stir-fried rice cooked with aged kimchi, pork or spam, and topped with a sunny-side-up egg. Jap...

If we had to pick just one soul food that absolutely must not be missing from a Korean table, I'm sure it would be kimchi-jjigae. However, isn't it true that many of you have worried because the unique deep and spicy taste you get in restaurants doesn't come through when you boil it at home? Today, we have prepared a golden recipe for pork kimchi-jjigae full of the know-how of Master Baek Jong-won, the synonym for hand-taste that never fails. By adding just one very simple tip, the taste of the soup becomes on a whole new level, so be sure to follow along for tonight's dinner menu! Preparing Essential Ingredients (Serves 3-4) Main Ingredients: 3 cups of well-aged, sour kimchi (about 300g), 1. 5 cups of pork (for jjigae, either shoulder butt or pork belly) (about 150~200g) Vegetable Ingredients: 1 leek, 1 green cheongyang chili (or jalapenos), 1 red chili, 1/2 block of tofu, 1/2 onion. Broth and Seasoning:   4 cups of rice water (or plain water) (about 800ml),...

These days, when people in Seoul want to travel in a slightly different way, many are turning to the Han River Bus. At first, I wondered, 'Is a bus on the Han River really convenient?' But after trying it myself, I found it has a unique charm compared to regular buses or the subway. The most impressive part was being able to enjoy the Han River scenery through the window while traveling. Today, for those using the Han River Bus for the first time, I will summarize how to ride, fare information, the piers, and my actual boarding experience. Please note that operating hours and pier operations may change, so I recommend checking real-time information before your visit. How to Ride the Han River Bus The Han River Bus is a water-based public transportation system operating along the Han River in Seoul. Currently, it operates with eastern and western routes centered around Yeouido, connecting places like Jamsil, Ttukseom, Seoul Forest, Oksu, Apgujeong, Yeouido, and Magok. Especially...