Coffee Hanyakbang ; Hyeminseo
This antique cafe used to be the medical center, Hyeminseo, since 14 Century, in Joseon Dynasty. The place, itself is very unique and authentic. I felt like I am in the past. Classic and nostalgic. Drip coffee is super nice. There is “Yanggwaja(Western Desserts)” shop across the coffee shop(2 steps away each other), both are same owner but different items they provide. The frame is from renaissance era but the desserts and drinks are from contemporary. The most famous doctor in 16 Century scarified his life here to save commoners in Korea. While tasting the coffee and tartes here, respecting his life and appreciating the ancient interiors is quite relaxing from the busy city life in Seoul.
Hangsang, Korean homemade buffet
Korean homemade small buffet. Located in the middle of residence area. They started its business from the Korean side dishes’ making. It is somewhat hard to find vegetarian restaurants in Korea, but here they provide mostly vegetables with less than 3 items of fish, meat or other seafood. Price is reasonable but quite crowded mostly. Buffet is only for the lunch from 11:30 to 14:00. If you do not have Korean friends, it would be great place to taste “the real Korean mom’s home dishes”. Buffet is self -service as we all know.
Sinchon Seollongtang, Korean traditional dish
Koreans like soup. There are many kinds of soup meal, such as Soondaeguk, Chueotang, Galbitang, Doganitang, Gamjatang, etc. Seollongtang is also one of those beloved soup meals nationwide. In general, most of soup meal restaurants serve only radish kimchi and cabbage kimchi with the meal. However, Sinchon Seollongtang serves it with various side dishes, which are truly delicious. Seollongtang itself is also good quality compare to other franchise ones, but their sides dishes are worth to taste even. This is near to Seoul Forest station. Busy hours (lunch time), single person is not accepted.
Jageumseong , Korean-Chinese Restaurant
It is very small size restaurant around the corner. Jajangmyeon used to be the most beloved dish from kids from 1970’s to 1980’s. This restaurant is not special in terms of interior, location, etc. One of merits might be the price. But what I like from this place is the taste of the dish that recalls my childhood. You can find many nice, fancy and wonderful Jajangmyeon places in Korea, but here quite ordinary with retro atmosphere. The spice for the dishes is the big smile of the old couple.
Huni sirakguk, Traditional Korean
Located in Tongyeong city. Very small and typical traditional market’s restaurant. Sirakguk is typical soup of this city. Even I tasted for the first time in Korea. The soup is made from fish and the material of other small dishes from the region. Half are spicy and half are not spicy but oily. It is far from Seoul, but I can go there just for this meal. Anyone who is keen to know local color in Korea should not miss the Sirakguk.
