Spotted in Korea: Celebs’ Go-To Restaurants

Baekhwa Yang-gopchang

Steps from Jagalchi’s sea breeze, grills crackle and perfume the street with sesame and garlic while bite-sized gopchang turns glossy and crisp. A true Busan local favorite, it is the spot for a late-night feast after a market stroll when you want heat, smoke, and a cold beer.

Menu highlight: mixed platters of small and large intestines seared until snappy outside and creamy inside. Peak hours can mean a wait, so arrive early or embrace the line because the payoff is big.

Story & space: Stainless tables, quick tongs, and friendly staff who snip each piece just right. It is boisterous and perfect for friends who love a lively table.

Chowon

Charcoal kisses premium Hanwoo for that savory sweet jumulruk aroma that floats across the room. Locals love the square-cut beef tongue for its springy chew that melts as the fat warms on the grill.

Menu highlight: two-bull grade sirloin jumulruk, thick beef tongue, spicy marinated intestines, with tripe soup and noodles to finish. It fills fast at dinner so set a CATCHTABLE alert for prime slots.

Space & service: Classic Seoul grill house energy with attentive pacing that suits date night or a small group celebrating something good.

Motown Seoul

Morning light pours in and the room smells like fresh grinds while plates arrive with that tidy editorial look that makes you reach for your camera. Music threads through the space and brunch feels easy and warm.

Menu highlight: a rotating lineup of brunch plates, fresh coffee, and desserts made with care. For groups of four or more, call ahead as seating is limited and weekends can be busy.

Story & space: A compact neighborhood favorite on Songridan-gil with a tasteful vinyl soundtrack. Come early if you want the quiet corner seats.

Epoom

Bowls of jjambbong arrive in a red, fragrant cloud with cuttlefish, shrimp, and even pufferfish rising through a broth touched by real wok smoke. Prices are gentle and crowds show up for honest spice that warms you from the first spoonful.

Menu highlight: spicy seafood jjambbong with smoky fire flavor plus comfort sides that round out the table. Avoid the mid-afternoon break and plan for a short wait at peak meal times.

Space & story: A straightforward Chinese spot with brisk service and bright tables that keep the turnover steady and the soup hot.

Dosan Bunsig

Nostalgia gets a stylish polish as the room fills with the tomato-sweet perfume of tteokbokki and the buttery crunch of a katsu sando. It is the kind of quick stop that fuels an Apgujeong shopping day and still feels special.

Menu highlight: Yukhoe Gimbap that marries sesame and pear brightness with velvety beef and a thick cutlet sandwich layered on carefully aged tenderloin. Expect a short queue at peak lunch and move early for smoother service.

Story & space: A retro set with glass bottles and old-school trays that photograph beautifully while keeping the focus on precise comfort flavors.

Mukgeori

Three decades of know-how shows in the balance of crisp edges and custardy centers on every piece of gopchang. The room carries a lively hum and the smell of chives and sesame makes the first bite feel inevitable.

Menu highlight: a range of small and large intestines and tripe that the staff handle confidently on the grill. It is popular with locals so plan a slightly off-peak visit if you prefer a calmer pace.

Space & service: Classic vents and stainless tables with a seasoned team that guides first timers without fuss.

Geumhak Kalguksu

A market staple where knives work through fresh dough and bowls of jang kalguksu steam with savory depth. Bean sprout bibimbap adds a clean crunch and toasted sesame that makes the set feel complete.

Menu highlight: jang kalguksu and bean sprout bibimbap that suit travelers and locals alike. Check Sunday operations and go early at lunch to avoid sell-outs.

Space & story: A homey room with quick turnover that keeps the noodles springy and the broth piping hot for the next wave of market wanderers.

Hue 135

In the evening the room settles into a gentle glow and dry aged steak leads a composed course with smart wine pairings. At lunch it shifts to comforting hot pot rice sets that feel restorative yet refined.

Menu highlight: two dinner courses built around dry aged steak and a lunch focused on assorted rice hot pot. A reservation fee applies and overseas card deposits are non refundable, and dinner courses can be pre ordered on CATCHTABLE.

Story & space: Polished Hannam dining with attentive hospitality that guests commend for careful cooking and a relaxed pace.

Yooyongwook BBQ Lab

A group-friendly barbecue den where courses arrive paced for sharing and the room hums with grill smoke and laughter. Private rooms make celebrations feel easy and comfortable for longer meals.

Menu highlight: set barbecue dining for parties of four to six only. Full prepayment is taken as the reservation and deposit refunds follow a sliding policy and corkage is limited to one bottle of whisky or wine with a fee and there is no dedicated parking so plan a nearby lot.

Space & story: Many rooms include private bathrooms which guests love for comfort. Book ahead on CATCHTABLE for weekend evenings.

Gentle Kitchen

Western plates built with Korean ingredients carry a gentle rhythm from a one person kitchen. Aromas drift up the stairs and the vibe is like dinner at a friend’s place with a good wine shelf.

Menu highlight: seasonal European leaning dishes cooked to order. The chef works solo so food may take time and the third floor is for dining while the fourth floor is for wine and you can note your preference when reserving on CATCHTABLE.

Story & space: A kind, intimate spot that rewards unhurried meals and conversation. Ideal for dates or a slow solo lunch.

Why book now?

Star-loved places move quickly. Prime grill seats, quiet window tables, and weekend brunch hours can disappear in a refresh. CATCHTABLE shows real time availability so you can claim the perfect slot and focus on what matters like what to order first.