Explore Korea Like a Local

Hello, my amazing foodie friends! This is Your K-Friend at K.RIDE! 💖

Planning a trip to Seoul? You’re probably wondering, “Where can I find real local food in Gangnam?” 😋 It’s so hard to avoid the tourist traps, right?

Well, don’t you worry! Today, I’m letting you in on a secret. This isn’t just my list; it’s a list powered by real data from Kakao T, Korea’s most-used taxi app! This means these are the spots where actual locals are taking taxis to all day, every day.

So, get your “save” button ready! Here are my top 10 data-backed, K-Friend-approved restaurants in Gangnam. ✨

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🍜 My Top 10 Gangnam Restaurants (Where Locals Actually Go!)

1. Yeongcheon Yeonghwa (영천영화)

• What to Expect: This place is a 24-hour legend, famous for its Hanwoo Yukhoe (Korean Beef Tartare). Seriously, my friends say it’s life-changingly fresh. If you’re new to beef tartare, this is the place to try it!
• Location: 3 Dosan-daero 90-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Cheongdam branch)
• 💡 My K-Friend Tip: Get the Yukhoe Bibimbap (Beef Tartare Mixed Rice). It comes with a side of Doenjang Jjigae (Soybean Paste Stew) that is the perfect complement. Yes, the prices are a bit high, but it’s a true Cheongdam experience!

2. Jangin Dakgalbi (장인닭갈비)

• What to Expect: Dakgalbi (Spicy Stir-fried Chicken) heaven! This is a super popular spot where you stir-fry chicken, cabbage, and rice cakes at your table. It’s fun, it’s delicious, and it’s very foreigner-friendly.
• Location: Multiple branches, including one right near Gangnam Station!
• 💡 My K-Friend Tip: You must get the Cheese Dakgalbi. They’ll add a “river” of mozzarella cheese around the edge for dipping. And always, always save room for Bokkeumbap (fried rice) at the end—they’ll fry it right in the leftover sauce!

3. Sindonggung Gamjatang (신동궁감자탕)

• What to Expect: A 24-hour spot famous for two things: Gamjatang (Spicy Pork Bone Soup) and Sutbul Bbyeo Gui (Spicy Korean BBQ Pork Ribs). The BBQ ribs are smoky, spicy, and so, so addictive.
• Location: 1F, 39 Seolleung-ro 86-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (near Seolleung Station)
• 💡 My K-Friend Tip: While the Gamjatang is great, the BBQ Pork Ribs are the real star. Order them with a side of rice. When you order the ribs, they give you a small bowl of Gamjatang broth on the side for free! Expect a line, even late at night.

4. Jungang Haejang (중앙해장)

• What to Expect: This is the place for Gopchang Jeongol (Beef Intestine Hot Pot) and Haejangguk (Hangover Soup). Open 24/7, it’s considered one of Seoul’s top 3 “hangover cure” spots. The broth is rich, spicy, and packed with super-fresh intestines.
• Location: 17 Yeongdong-daero 86-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (near Samseong Station)
• 💡 My K-Friend Tip: The Gopchang Jeongol is perfect for sharing with friends. But the Bokkeumbap (fried rice) you get after the hot pot is an absolute must-do. Don’t miss it!

5. Samwon Garden (삼원가든)

• What to Expect: A prestigious, “fancy” Korean BBQ experience with a long history. If you want to try top-quality, premium Hanwoo (Korean beef) and Galbi (Ribs) in an elegant atmosphere (with a beautiful garden!), this is it.
• Location: 835 Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (near Apgujeong Station)
• 💡 My K-Friend Tip: This is my recommendation for a special occasion or a “treat yourself” meal. Try the Samwon Traditional Yangnyeom Galbi (Marinated Ribs). It’s a bit pricey, but the quality and service are exceptional.

6. Yeongdong Seolleongtang (영동설렁탕)

• What to Expect: A classic, no-frills spot that’s been serving Seolleongtang (Ox Bone Soup) for over 30 years. The menu is simple: soup or Suyuk (Boiled Sliced Meat). The broth is rich, savory, and pure comfort.
• Location: 24 Gangnam-daero 101an-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul (Right across from Sinsa Station)
• 💡 My K-Friend Tip: Don’t be shy with the green onions and salt/pepper at your table—you season the soup to your own taste! The Kkakdugi (diced radish kimchi) here is also amazing.

7. Choigane Beoseot Kalguksu (최가네버섯칼국수)

• What to Expect: A masterpiece of mushroom! This spot is famous for its Beoseot Maeuntang Kalguksu (Spicy Mushroom Noodle Soup/Hotpot). It’s a spicy, robust broth packed with mushrooms and veggies, then you add noodles.
• Location: 36 Dosan-daero 51-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (near Apgujeong Rodeo Station)
• 💡 My K-Friend Tip: The broth is about as spicy as Shin Ramyun, so most people can handle it! After you finish the shabu-shabu meat and veggies, the fried rice and kimchi at the end are non-negotiable. So good!

8. Changgo43 (창고43)

• What to Expect: Another premium Hanwoo (Korean Beef) specialist! The staff grill the meat for you on a special cast-iron pan, so you can just relax and enjoy.
• Location: 362 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (and many other branches)
• 💡 My K-Friend Tip: After you’ve had your fill of their amazing beef (try the Changgo43 Special!), you have to order the Kkakdugi Bokkeumbap (Diced Radish Kimchi Fried Rice). They’ll scrape the beef fat from the pan and mix it all up… it’s incredible.

9. Shabu Kaden (샤브카덴)

• What to Expect: An elegant Japanese Shabu-Shabu and Sukiyaki restaurant run by a very famous chef in Korea (Chef Jung Ho-young). It’s located inside the Hyundai Department Store, so it’s a perfect lunch spot after some shopping.
• Location: B1F, Hyundai Department Store Apgujeong Main Branch, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
• 💡 My K-Friend Tip: They offer single-serving hotpot menus, which is perfect if you’re dining alone! I love the Mentaiko Cream Udon (Spicy Pollock Roe Cream Udon) as a side.

10. Cosmo Wang Yangkkochi (코스모왕양꼬치)

• What to Expect: Juicy, affordable, and delicious lamb skewers! This is a more casual spot, perfect for grabbing Yangkkochi (lamb skewers) and Tsingtao (Chinese beer) with friends.
• Location: 34 Bongeunsa-ro 1-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (near Sinnonhyeon Station)
• 💡 My K-Friend Tip: The skewers (both regular and rib meat) are the main event, but don’t sleep on their other Chinese dishes like Guobarou (Sweet and Sour Pork) or Malatang!

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🚖 How to Get to All These Spots?

Okay, so now you have your dream list! But let’s be honest, Gangnam is HUGE. 🗺️

These restaurants are spread out across Cheongdam, Apgujeong, Gangnam Station, and Samseong. You could try to navigate the subway, but you’ll waste a lot of time getting lost in those giant underground stations.

This is where I truly recommend K.RIDE! It’s the taxi-hailing app designed just for international travelers like you. It’s my #1 tip for getting around Seoul stress-free.

Why I Tell All My Friends to Use K.RIDE:

• ✅ Multi-language app support: No language stress! The app works perfectly in English, Japanese, Chinese, and 130+ other languages.
• ✅ Foreign card-friendly: This is the best part! You can register your international credit card right in the app. No fumbling for Korean cash after your meal!
• ✅ Automatic destination translation: This is a lifesaver. Just type “Jungang Haejang” in English, and the app automatically translates it for the driver. No need to speak Korean!
• ✅ Fair pricing: The app runs on a fair, standard meter fare, so you never have to worry about being overcharged.

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💖 Eat Well, My Friends!

I really hope this data-backed guide helps you find some truly delicious and authentic meals in Gangnam. Go create some amazing food memories!

And with K.RIDE, getting to your next delicious meal (or back to your hotel after you’re super full!) is the easiest part. 😉

Thanks for reading!
— Your K-Friend at k.ride ✨
See you on the road!