K-drama star Lee Jong-suk's favourite restaurants in Seoul

Below, the Big Mouth actor shares some of his must-visit restaurants when visiting the South Korean capital

There is a certain allure to discovering hidden gems and establishments which only the locals know about. So when exploring South Korea’s vibrant culinary landscape, it’s best to ask a local.

And who better to ask than K-drama star Lee Jong-suk? In an email interview, the actor had no trouble sharing his five favourite restaurants to visit in Seoul. His quick response shouldn’t come as a surprise.

After all, the Secret Garden star is very familiar with Seoul’s vibrant dining scene, having opened the now-defunct cafe 89 Mansion in 2017.

“Make sure to try these foods whenever you visit Korea,” he says. Read on for his personal recommendations to try on your next trip.

In case you missed it: K-drama star Lee Jong-suk on his childhood dreams of becoming an actor, his favourite Singaporean dish and more

1. Modern Shabu House

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Visit this shabu-shabu and sukiyaki restaurant for a comforting hotpot meal. Choose from over six fragrant broths ranging from truffle to soybean paste. Pick your favourite meats and vegetables from its extensive a la carte menu, or opt for a set, like the Modern Shabu House signature course. The set features four selected cuts of beef and pork, accompanied by vegetables.

Modern Shabu House (multiple locations), South Korea, Seoul, Jongno-gu, Cheongjin-dong, 246, +82 2-2251-8501

2. Daeseong Galbi

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Fans of pork ribs will revel in Daeseong Galbi’s offerings. Go for its soy-based pork, grilled until beautifully charred and juicy. Other meat dishes are available too, including beef sirloin, pork belly and seasoned crab. Complement your protein with a warm and spicy bowl of kimchi stew.

Daeseong Galbi, South Korea, Seoul, Seongdong-gu, Seongsu-dong 2(i)-ga, +82 31-564-1887

3. Somunnan Gamjatang

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Enjoy comforting pork bone soup at this speciality joint. Its stews come brimming with pork bone, potato and mushrooms, and bathed in a rich broth. Once you’ve finished the meat, savour the leftover broth by adding some rice, vegetables and seaweed. As the joint is known to have snaking queues, get there early to avoid the crowd. There’s no rush though, as the joint is open for 24 hours—meaning that you’ll be able to get your dose of gamjatang at any time of the day.

Somunnan Gamjatang, 45 Yeonmujang-gil, Seongsu-dong 2(i)-ga, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea, +82 2-465-6580

4. Dakeuro Ga

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Take a break from exploring Dosan park and enjoy a hearty chicken-filled meal at Dakeuro Ga. You won’t want to miss out on its dakgalbi, a traditional dish of succulent chicken marinated in a sweet and spicy gochujang-based sauce and stir fried until crisp. Opt to pair your protein with either a bowl of rice or noodles, which will be cooked together with the chicken. Wash the spicy dish down with a refreshing pint of beer or glass of soju.

Dakeuro Ga, 55 Eonju-ro 172-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea, +82 2-518-9936

5. Gyerim Sikdang

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While you’re in Jongno-gu, stop by this restaurant for spicy braised chicken. Its spicy broth is filled with garlic, chicken and leek and stewed until aromatic and flavourful. Once you’ve finished the meat, let the broth boil until it becomes thick and rich before savouring the leftovers with a serving of noodles.

Gyerim Sikdang, 39 Donhwamun-ro 4-gil, Jongno 3(sam)-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea, +82 2-2263-6658

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Topics

South Korea Korean food Lee Jong-suk K-drama star Big Mouth Doctor Stranger

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