Exploring Top Restaurants in Gangnam
Gangnam, a vibrant district in southern Seoul, is renowned for its upscale shopping, entertainment, and dining experiences. For visitors looking to immerse themselves in the best of Korean cuisine and international flavors, Gangnam offers a diverse array of restaurants that cater to all tastes and budgets. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the culinary landscape of Gangnam.
Korean BBQ
Korean BBQ is a quintessential dining experience in Seoul, offering a unique blend of grilled meats and social interaction. Restaurants in Gangnam specialize in providing high-quality meats, often marinated in flavorful sauces, and a variety of side dishes.
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Yeongdonggeujip (영동그집): This restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, offering fresh meats and vegetables for a healthy BBQ experience. It's known for its classic Korean BBQ setup and seafood options. Be prepared for long queues, but the wait is well worth it.
Address: 42-8, Bongeunsa-ro 1-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Opening Times: 4:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. (Weekends: 12:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.)
Prices: $4 – $26 (5,000 – 34,000 won)
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Kkubdang (꿉당): Listed in the Michelin Guide Seoul 2023, Kkubdang is celebrated for its elegant atmosphere and exceptional pork neck dishes. The pork is aged for 15 days before being grilled on charcoal, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.
Address: 615 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul
Opening Times: 7 days a week, 15:00 – 22:50 p.m.
Prices: $5 – $15 (6,000 – 19,000 won) -
Budnamujip (버드나무집): Another Michelin Guide entry, Budnamujip is famous for its charcoal-grilled beef and traditional Korean Beef Galbitang. This family-run restaurant has been a staple since 1977.
Address: 434, Hyoryeong-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul
Opening Times: 11:00 – 22:00
Prices: $11 – $92 (15,000 – 120,000 won)
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Saedoljib (새돌집): Known for its lively atmosphere and wide selection of meats, Saedoljib is a great spot for casual dining with friends or family. Reservations are recommended due to its popularity.
Address: Na-dong, 14, Eonju-ro 148-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Opening Times: Monday – Friday: 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., Saturday – Sunday: 12:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Prices: $7 – $19 (9,000 – 25,000 won)
Seafood
For seafood enthusiasts, Gangnam offers a range of fresh and delicious options:
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Meongteongguri Kkomjangeo (멍텅구리 꼼장어): This restaurant specializes in grilled eel and other traditional Korean seafood dishes. The attention to detail in presentation and service makes it a standout.
Address: 1F, Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Opening Times: 4:30 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. (Closed on Sundays)
Prices: $7 – $33 (9,000 – 42,800 won)
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Golbaengi Sinsa (골뱅이 신사): Renowned for its spicy sea snail salad (golbaengi muchim), this restaurant offers a variety of seafood dishes, including sashimi and seafood hotpot.
Address: 32, Gangnam-daero 156-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Opening Times: Tuesday – Sunday: 16:30 – 4:30 a.m., Monday: 16:30 – 1 a.m.
Prices: $14 – $53 (19,000 – 69,000 won)
Italian Fusion
While Gangnam is primarily known for Korean cuisine, there are also opportunities to explore fusion dishes:
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Italian Fusion: Although specific Italian fusion restaurants are not highlighted in Gangnam, the area's diverse culinary scene often incorporates international flavors into traditional Korean dishes. For a taste of Italian fusion, you might need to explore menus at some of the more modern Korean restaurants.
Gangnam Dining Options
Gangnam offers a wide range of dining options beyond Korean BBQ and seafood:
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Nongmin Baekam Sundae (농민 백암 순대): Specializes in traditional Korean blood sausage (Sundae), made with fresh pig blood and various spices.
Address: 20-4, Yeoksam-ro 3-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Opening Times: Monday – Friday: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Closed on Sundays)
Prices: $6 – $25 (9,000 – 32,000 won) -
Tteokdoritang (떡도리탕): Famous for its spicy rice cake stew and Tteokbokki, this restaurant is perfect for those who enjoy spicy Korean dishes.
Address: 28-9 Teheran-ro 1-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Opening Times: Monday – Saturday: 11:30 a.m. – 11:00 p.m., Sunday: 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Prices: $15 – $28 (20,000 – 37,000 won) -
Jangseoneun-nal (장서는 날): Offers a variety of traditional Korean dishes inspired by regional markets. Their "Hansang" series allows you to try multiple dishes at once.
Address: 35 Gangnamdaero 78-gil, Seoul
Opening Times: 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. (Break time: 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
Prices: Varies
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Gamseong Taco (감성타코): For a change of pace, this cozy Mexican restaurant offers delicious tacos, burritos, and fajitas.
Address: B1 of 406, Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Opening Times: Monday – Friday: 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Prices: $6 – $13 (9,000 – 17,000 won) -
Shake Shack Gangnam Branch (쉐이크쉑): An American fast-food chain offering signature burgers and shakes.
Address: Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Prices: Varies
Tips for Foreign Visitors
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Reservations: Many popular restaurants in Gangnam require reservations, especially on weekends. Use platforms like Naver or KakaoTalk to book ahead.
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Language: While many restaurants have English menus, it's helpful to learn basic Korean phrases like "annyeonghaseyo" (hello) and "gamsahamnida" (thank you).
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Payment: Cash is widely accepted, but many places now also take credit cards. Mobile payment apps like Toss and KakaoPay are also popular.
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Dress Code: For high-end restaurants, dress smartly. Casual attire is fine for most BBQ and casual dining spots.
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Cultural Etiquette: When dining with Koreans, it's customary to wait for the eldest to start eating first and to use chopsticks correctly.
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Explore Beyond Main Streets: Venture into smaller alleys to discover hidden gems and local favorites.
- Try Local Drinks: Pair your meals with traditional Korean drinks like Makgeolli (rice wine) or Soju.
By following these tips and exploring the diverse dining options in Gangnam, you'll be able to fully immerse yourself in the vibrant culinary culture of Seoul. Whether you're a fan of spicy Korean dishes, fresh seafood, or international flavors, Gangnam has something for everyone.
