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Your 2023 Korean Food Journey: A Recap of Unforgettable Dining Experiences

As 2023 draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on a year filled with incredible flavors and memorable meals. Join me as I revisit my top dining discoveries from the past year, categorized into three unique experiences: the heartwarming Korean-style Imokase, unbeatable value Omakase, and indulgent All-You-Can-Eat Buffets. Get ready to add some fantastic spots to your must-try list!

1. Discover Korea’s Unique “Imokase” Experience

“Imokase” is a delightful Korean twist on omakase, where “Imo” (auntie) prepares a feast of authentic Korean dishes using the freshest seasonal ingredients. Imagine home-cooked meals with a gourmet touch!

Goheungjip (고흥집) – Authentic Jeollado Flavors Near Hankuk University of Foreign Studies Station

• Location: Near Hankuk University of Foreign Studies Station (외대역).
• Details: Operated by an owner from Goheung, Jeollanam-do, this spot prides itself on daily fresh seafood, homemade sesame oil, and exceptional kimchi. Dishes range from perfectly braised tofu to grilled eel and even sea bream jeon with a hint of curry. Their seafood cooking expertise is evident in every dish, from perfectly boiled seafood to crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside grilled fish. They even sell their delicious homemade side dishes!
• Price: 40,000 KRW per person for a diverse array of seasonal seafood and authentic Jeollado flavors.
• General Rating: Highly recommended for its commitment to fresh, quality ingredients and outstanding homemade flavors.

Munhwa Pocha (문화포차) – Unbeatable Octopus & Banchan Value in Yeongdeungpo

• Location: Yeongdeungpo (영등포).
• Details: Also run by a Jeollado native, Munhwa Pocha specializes in boiled octopus (mun-eo sukhoe). For an incredibly low price, you get freshly boiled live octopus along with an astounding spread of over ten homemade side dishes, including chewy seasoned vegetables and freshly made muk. The octopus is cooked to perfection—tender yet chewy and full of flavor.
• Price: Just 10,000 KRW per person for the octopus and a generous variety of side dishes.
• General Rating: Exceptional value for fresh octopus and authentic Jeollado banchan, though be aware it’s a small, casual space (only 4 tables) with limited dining time and a no-frills service style, perfect for lively gatherings with close friends.

Cheonggye Eosijang (청개어시장) – Masterful Aged Sashimi in Euljiro

• Location: Euljiro (을지로).
• Details: This hidden gem excels in aged raw fish (sukseong hoe). For a set price, you receive an impressive assortment of sashimi along with various exquisite side dishes served on elegant ceramic ware—a pleasant surprise for a market-style eatery. Their homemade ssamjang, packed with garlic, is a highlight. The generous cuts of fish (including sea bream, flounder, mullet, and spotted sea bass) are expertly prepared and served on a cold stone to maintain freshness. The meal concludes with a flavorful spicy fish stew.
• Price: 30,000 KRW per person.
• General Rating: Offers fantastic quality aged sashimi and side dishes, showcasing deep culinary skill and great value.

2. Savvy Dining: The Best Value Omakase Spots

Omakase doesn’t always mean breaking the bank. Here are some incredible spots offering premium experiences at surprisingly affordable prices.

Nim (님) – All-You-Can-Eat Omakase for Drink Lovers in Yeoksam-dong

• Location: Yeoksam-dong (역삼동).
• Details: While not a traditional restaurant, Nim offers a unique all-you-can-eat omakase experience for an hour, focusing on diverse dishes served as appetizers with drinks. The menu varies daily, featuring everything from sashimi and skewers to yukhoe and grilled Hanwoo, all made with organic ingredients and natural spring water. They boast a wide selection of alcoholic beverages, including sake, wine, whiskey, and Yebisu draft beer.
• Price: 30,000 KRW per person for one hour of unlimited food.
• General Rating: An excellent choice for those who enjoy a variety of dishes with their drinks in a relaxed setting, offering great value for alcohol enthusiasts.

Horosatto (호로사또) – Sashimi Omakase for an Unbelievable Price Near University of Seoul

• Location: Near University of Seoul (서울시립대).
• Details: In an era of rising prices, Horosatto is a true treasure. A chef with experience in Japan single-handedly prepares three exquisite dishes for an incredibly low price. My visit included a five-variety seasonal sashimi platter, expertly aged and diverse, followed by two other daily specials. They also offer a fantastic 10,000 KRW solo dining set (draft beer + a snack) and other affordable à la carte options.
• Price: 10,000 KRW per person.
• General Rating: An absolute gem, providing unbelievably high-quality sashimi and creative dishes for an exceptional price.

Kkeullim (끌림) – High-Quality Hanwoo Omakase in Nonhyeon-dong that Won’t Break the Bank

• Location: Nonhyeon-dong (논현동).
• Details: Hanwoo (Korean beef) omakase is typically expensive, but Kkeullim defies expectations by sourcing beef directly from farms. Recently renovated from a Korean pub, it now offers a Hanwoo omakase experience that’s both high-quality and affordable. The courses are thoughtfully composed, featuring various Hanwoo dishes (using premium Hanwoo cow) and delicious homemade side dishes, all prepared with the chef’s expertise. The friendly service from a chef with extensive hotel experience enhances the dining pleasure.
• Price: Lunch options from 39,000 KRW to 45,000 KRW; Dinner options from 49,000 KRW to 59,000 KRW.
• General Rating: Outstanding value for Hanwoo omakase, delivering excellent quality, diverse dishes, and impeccable service.

3. Indulge Without Limits: Top All-You-Can-Eat Buffets

For those times you want to feast to your heart’s content, these all-you-can-eat buffets offer incredible variety and value.

Broadway at Kensington Hotel Yeouido (켄싱턴 호텔 여의도 브로드웨이) – Premium Hotel Buffet at a Smart Price

• Location: Kensington Hotel Yeouido (여의도).
• Details: While other hotel buffets hit astronomical prices, Broadway offers a refined experience at a more accessible rate. Though it may have fewer dishes than some competitors, the quality is consistently high, featuring well-aged sashimi, live sushi stations, a good variety of seafood, and flavorful hot and cold dishes. Lunch includes unlimited draft beer, while dinner adds unlimited wine. The dessert and coffee selection completes a satisfying meal.
• Price: Weekday Lunch: 59,900 KRW; Weekday Dinner: 79,900 KRW; Weekend/Holiday Lunch & Dinner: 99,900 KRW.
• General Rating: Considered one of the best hotel buffets at its price point, offering excellent quality and included beverages.

Mosin Guro Wol Main Branch (모신구월본점) – Fresh & Abundant Jeon Feast in Incheon

• Location: Incheon (인천).
• Details: Perfect for cold weather, this all-you-can-eat “jeon” (Korean pancake) restaurant offers freshly made pancakes right after you order—no pre-made, reheated batches here! The selection includes staples like donggeurangttaeng (meat patties), zucchini, tofu, and pollack jeon, with a rotating daily special. Their homemade, perfectly balanced sweet and sour dipping sauce complements the jeon beautifully. A wide variety of makgeolli (rice wine) is also available.
• Price: 10,000 KRW per person.
• General Rating: Amazing value for fresh, delicious, and generously portioned jeon, making it an ideal spot for a hearty meal with makgeolli.

Zest Buffet at Conrad Hotel (콘래드 호텔 제스트 뷔페) – The Ultimate Lobster Extravaganza in Seoul

• Location: Conrad Hotel, Seoul.
• Details: Zest Buffet transforms into a special “Lobster Buffet” every Friday, offering over ten types of lobster dishes, from steamed and cheese-grilled to fried and even a lobster ganjang-gejang style. Beyond lobster, the regular buffet dishes are also available, and lucky draws add an element of excitement during your meal. It’s a grand affair for crustacean lovers.
• Price: Friday Lobster Buffet: 165,000 KRW per person; Regular Buffet: 135,000 KRW per person.
• General Rating: A luxurious splurge ideal for special occasions or for anyone wanting to indulge in unlimited high-quality lobster and seafood without limits.

There you have it—a curated list of my top dining experiences from 2023. From the unique charm of Imokase to the surprising value of omakase and the decadent offerings of all-you-can-eat buffets, I hope this guide inspires your next culinary adventure. Wishing you a healthy and joyful year ahead, and I look forward to sharing more delicious finds with you!