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Discovering Iksan’s Hidden Culinary Gems: A Foodie’s Guide to the Best Restaurants

Iksan, South Korea, is a city brimming with delicious secrets waiting to be uncovered. From humble noodle shops with queues snaking down the block to hidden izakayas serving up expertly crafted sashimi, Iksan offers a diverse culinary landscape that’s sure to delight any food lover. This guide takes you on a tour of seven must-try restaurants in Iksan, based on local recommendations and firsthand experience.

Please note: This review focuses on restaurants within Iksan city. Areas near KINTEX are excluded for this review but will be covered in a separate guide.

First Stop: Ilsan Kalguksu – A Noodle Institution

Ilsan Kalguksu (일산칼국수) is a local institution, a place I personally visit at least once a year. This is where our culinary adventure begins. From the moment it opens, expect a line – and during peak hours, that line extends from inside the restaurant all the way to the parking lot. This enduring popularity speaks volumes about the quality of their signature dish: kalguksu (knife-cut noodles).

The menu is refreshingly simple: kalguksu. But the broth is anything but ordinary. A unique blend of clams and chicken creates a deeply flavorful, yet surprisingly clean and refreshing soup base, setting it apart from other kalguksu joints. The noodles themselves are thick, chewy, and perfectly complement the broth. Tender pieces of chicken mingle with the noodles, creating a satisfying and comforting meal.

But the kalguksu is only half the story. The kimchi at Ilsan Kalguksu is legendary. This fresh, geotjeori-style kimchi boasts a strong garlic flavor and a subtle spiciness that perfectly balances the richness of the broth. It’s the kind of kimchi that elevates the entire experience, making the kalguksu taste even better.

The combination of the flavorful broth, the chewy noodles, and the exceptional kimchi is what makes Ilsan Kalguksu so special. It’s a simple dish, executed to perfection. Even the price of the drinks, still just ₩1,000, adds to the charm.

While they don’t offer online ordering or a ticketing system, the restaurant is spacious, and the turnover is quick, so the wait is usually manageable. With only one location, the original Ilsan Kalguksu, the wait is definitely worth it. If you’re in Iksan, make sure to pay them a visit!

Next Up: Popolo Pizza – Authentic Neapolitan Flavors

Located near Jeongbalsan Station, Popolo Pizza (뽀뽈로피자) is a haven for lovers of authentic Neapolitan pizza. They open at 11:30 AM, but eager diners start lining up for waitlist registration well before. The wait can be significant; even if you register early, you might not get a table until the afternoon.

The reason for this popularity? Chef Yoo Joon-hwan, the owner of Popolo Pizza, won the Pizza World Championship in Naples, Italy – the first Korean to achieve this honor. This accolade has only increased the restaurant’s already stellar reputation.

After a considerable wait, I finally got a table and ordered their signature pizzas: Margherita, Popolo Classica, and Bismark. The Margherita, with its simple combination of tomato sauce, basil, and cheese, showcased the quality of the ingredients. The tomato’s acidity and the cheese’s richness were perfectly balanced, and the dough was incredibly moist and flavorful. Knowing that this simple pizza was crafted by a world champion made it even more special.

The Popolo Classica, featuring grilled eggplant, marinated tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and two types of cheese, was a delightful surprise. I was initially unsure about eggplant on pizza, but it turned out to be my favorite of the three. The ingredients were incredibly fresh, and the flavors melded together beautifully.

The Bismark, topped with an egg, was another crowd-pleaser, offering a delicious and satisfying combination of flavors and textures.

Don’t miss the Caprese salad. Served before the pizzas, it features a wonderfully soft and chewy bread baked in their wood-fired oven, along with fresh, high-quality ingredients that stimulate the appetite.

The Spaghetti al Pesto Gola, while not my personal favorite, was a refreshing and clean pasta dish. Its vibrant pesto sauce offered a healthy and light alternative to heavier pasta dishes.

Popolo Pizza’s wood-fired oven, built with heat-resistant bricks, bakes the thin, high-hydration dough quickly, resulting in a unique texture that varies slightly depending on the chef’s touch. The dough at Popolo Pizza is consistently soft, moist, and delicious. Combined with the fresh, high-quality ingredients, it’s an unforgettable pizza experience. The wait is absolutely worth it!

Daebakgak: A Chinese Culinary Gem

Located a short 5-minute walk from Juyeomnyeok Station (Exit 8), Daebakgak (대박각) is a renowned Chinese restaurant. While they open at 11 AM, people start lining up for waitlist registration as early as 10:30 AM. I arrived around 10:10 AM on a weekday and was able to get a table.

The restaurant’s interior has a cozy, izakaya-like ambiance. I ordered three of their most popular dishes: Samsun Gganjjajang (삼선간짜장), Jin Sogogi Jjamppong (찐소고기짬뽕), and Black Pork Tangsuyuk (흑돼지 탕수육).

The Samsun Gganjjajang, a dry-style jajangmyeon, boasts a rich, concentrated flavor from the stir-fried black bean sauce. The sauce wasn’t overly salty or sweet, and the generous portion of Jiri Mountain black pork added a depth of flavor and richness. A variety of vegetables and seafood further enhanced the dish, ensuring that it remained delicious from the first bite to the last. The crispy fried egg on top was a delightful bonus.

The Jin Sogogi Jjamppong, a spicy noodle soup with beef, had a surprisingly mild spice level. The flavorful broth was infused with the rich taste of brisket (차돌박이), and the crunchy bean sprouts added a refreshing element. Despite the richness of the broth, the bean sprouts and vegetables prevented it from being overly greasy, resulting in a clean and satisfying finish.

The Black Pork Tangsuyuk, a sweet and sour pork dish, was served with the sauce already poured over the crispy fried pork. Despite this, the batter remained remarkably crispy from beginning to end. The pork was tender and juicy, with a satisfying chewiness. Complimentary rice is offered, allowing you to savor the leftover jajang sauce.

Considering the generous portions and high-quality ingredients, Daebakgak offers excellent value. It’s also a great option for solo diners. If there’s no line, don’t hesitate to step inside!

Mandon: Tonkatsu Perfection

Mandon (만돈) is located approximately a 10-minute walk from either Jeongbalsan Station (Exit 1) or Madu Station (Exit 4). This restaurant is known for its crispy and tender tonkatsu, fried in premium pork fat. It’s another popular spot in Iksan, with lines forming even before it opens.

While they open at 11 AM, you can register for the waitlist from 10:30 AM onwards. After receiving a number, you’ll be asked to order your meal before being seated. When I visited in the afternoon, some menu items were already sold out. Fortunately, their signature Oroshi Hirekatsu (오로시히레카츠) was still available, so I ordered it immediately.

Each meal is prepared to order, so there’s a slight wait. The Oroshi Hirekatsu consists of six pieces of tender pork fillet, thinly sliced cabbage, rice, salt, wasabi, and mustard. The breadcrumbs are made from freshly ground bread, resulting in an exceptionally crispy exterior. The pork is cooked to perfection using the resting technique, which seals in the moisture, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy meat. The pork was fresh and clean-tasting, with no gamey flavors.

The combination of grated radish (oroshi) and their signature sauce is the highlight of Mandon’s tonkatsu. The refreshing sauce perfectly complements the rich, savory pork, creating a unique and addictive flavor profile that sets it apart from other tonkatsu restaurants. While the prices are comparable to other tonkatsu establishments, the quality and presentation of the meal offer excellent value. Mandon is a great choice for solo diners, couples, or families. If there’s no line, don’t miss it!

Three Hidden Gems Recommended by Locals

These restaurants may be less well known, but are firm favourites amongst those in the know.

Chuncheon No. 1 Dakgalbi: A Spicy and Savory Delight

While technically a hidden gem, Chuncheon No. 1 Dakgalbi (춘천일번지닭갈비) experiences significant wait times from opening until late. As the name suggests, their specialty is dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken). I ordered 2 servings of dakgalbi and udon noodles.

Fresh vegetables and simple side dishes are provided. The staff expertly stir-fry the dakgalbi at your table. After enjoying the rice cakes and vegetables, it’s time to savor the flavorful chicken. The dakgalbi sauce is perfectly balanced, with a delightful blend of spiciness and sweetness. The generous portions of cabbage, sweet potatoes, and other ingredients provide a variety of textures and flavors.

The udon noodles are a must-order. The noodles are incredibly chewy and absorb the sauce beautifully. The staff cook the noodles perfectly, ensuring that they remain firm and chewy throughout the meal. The 볶음밥 (bokkeumbap), or fried rice, is the perfect way to end the meal. Adding cheese creates a rich and savory dish. The portions are very generous, making it a truly satisfying experience. Despite being busy, the staff are friendly and attentive, ensuring a seamless dining experience. From the tender dakgalbi to the flavorful udon noodles and fried rice, Chuncheon No. 1 Dakgalbi offers a complete and satisfying meal. If you’re looking for dakgalbi in Iksan, be sure to visit this restaurant near Juyeomnyeok Station.

Sukktori: Kimchi Jjim Heaven

Located a 10-minute walk from Baekseongyeol Station (Exit 6), Sukktori (숙토리) specializes in kimchi jjim (braised kimchi stew) made with kimchi crafted by a renowned kimchi master. Unlike most stew restaurants that require a minimum of two servings, Sukktori allows you to order a single serving, making it a great option for solo diners. The restaurant features a unique self-service bar with unlimited side dishes, ramen noodles, seaweed, and drinks, adding to the dining experience. The restaurant is clean and modern, and they even provide packaging materials for leftover food.

I ordered the Pork Neck Kimchi Jjim with Bone Broth. Rice is ordered separately, and you can choose from a variety of options. Before your meal arrives, help yourself to the self-service bar. When I visited, there weren’t any fermented seafood dishes, but the white kimchi and young radish kimchi were incredibly delicious, proving the kimchi master’s expertise.

The combination of tender pork neck, well-fermented kimchi, and rich bone broth creates a deep, savory flavor that intensifies as it simmers. It was impossible to resist devouring a bowl of rice. When I went to add ramen noodles, I noticed that there wasn’t enough broth, but the staff immediately brought over extra broth, making for a truly heartwarming meal. Sukktori uses domestic ingredients and is passionate about kimchi. If you’re looking for flavorful kimchi jjim in a clean and pleasant atmosphere, visit Sukktori near Baekseongyeol Station.

Ino: A Refined Izakaya Experience

Located within a 7-minute walk of Baekseongyeol Station (Exit 6) , Ino (이노) offers Japanese-inspired cuisine and aged sashimi. This izakaya has received the Blue Ribbon award for four consecutive years. The friendly staff guided me to my seat. The restaurant has a cozy and intimate atmosphere, making it a great choice for a quiet meal with friends or a romantic date.

I ordered the Chef’s Choice Assorted Sashimi (2 servings), Aemil Soba, and Tuna, Egg, Cucumber and Shrimp Maki. The sashimi platter featured approximately ten varieties of fresh fish. The thick slices of aged sashimi had a wonderful texture and flavor. The restaurant prides itself on maintaining the highest level of freshness, and the variety of sashimi cuts and preparations was impressive. The selection changes seasonally, providing a reason to visit throughout the year.

The Aemil Soba, featuring chewy buckwheat noodles and a variety of ingredients, was incredibly flavorful when mixed with the special sauce. The portion was generous, and the clean, refreshing flavors were very satisfying. Ino offers a diverse menu with a focus on quality. If you’re looking for an upscale and relaxing izakaya experience in Iksan, Ino near Baekseongyeol Station is a great choice.

These restaurants are popular for good reason. They offer delicious food and memorable dining experiences. Personally, I was particularly impressed with Ilsan Kalguksu and Popolo Pizza and plan to revisit them when I have more time.

Thank you for joining me on this culinary adventure in Iksan!

Location Assessment via Google Search

I’ve conducted a Google search for “Restaurants in [Iksan, South Korea]” to provide a broader perspective on the dining scene. The search results highlight the diversity of culinary options available, ranging from traditional Korean cuisine to international flavors. Many user reviews echo the sentiment that Iksan offers a surprisingly high concentration of quality restaurants, often at reasonable prices. The search results also indicate that Iksan is actively promoting its local food scene to attract tourists. Based on user reviews and the sheer number of establishments, Iksan appears to be a haven for food enthusiasts.