Top 10 Must-Visit Restaurants in Korea for Winter - Warm Up with Delicious Food

 In the chilly winter months, nothing beats a warm, comforting meal to lift your spirits. Korea’s winter season brings a variety of seasonal dishes, from hearty soups to fresh seafood, that are perfect for cold weather. This post introduces ten restaurants across Korea that offer unique and satisfying winter dining experiences. Whether with family, friends, or loved ones, enjoy the cozy flavors of winter at these recommended spots.



1. Seoul - Jinmi House (Seolleongtang Speciality Restaurant)

Jinmi House is famous for its rich, flavorful Seolleongtang (ox bone soup) in Seoul. Simmered for hours, the warm, hearty broth is perfect for a cold winter day.

  • Recommended Dish: Seolleongtang (ox bone soup), Gomtang
  • Location: Jongno-gu, Seoul

2. Busan - Haeundae Beef Rib House (Charcoal-Grilled Beef Ribs)

Located near Haeundae Beach, this restaurant is known for its charcoal-grilled beef ribs. The smoky, savory ribs are delicious and even more enjoyable with a view of the winter sea.

  • Recommended Dish: Charcoal-grilled beef ribs, raw beef ribs
  • Location: Haeundae-gu, Busan

3. Gangneung - Grandma’s Soft Tofu (Sundubu Specialty)

Gangneung’s sundubu (soft tofu stew) is well-loved in winter for its smooth texture and flavorful broth. Made with the region’s special tofu, this stew is a must-try in cold weather.

  • Recommended Dish: Sundubu-jjigae (soft tofu stew), grilled tofu
  • Location: Gangneung, Gangwon Province

4. Jeonju - Hyundaeok (Bean Sprout Soup)

Jeonju is known for its comforting bean sprout soup, perfect for warming up on a cold winter morning. Hyundaeok has a long history of serving this popular, refreshing soup with crunchy bean sprouts.

  • Recommended Dish: Bean sprout soup, Makgeolli (traditional rice wine)
  • Location: Jeonju, North Jeolla Province

5. Jeju - Myungjin Abalone (Grilled Abalone)

Winter is a great time to enjoy fresh abalone in Jeju, and Myungjin Abalone is known for its delicious grilled abalone and abalone porridge, offering both health benefits and fantastic flavor.

  • Recommended Dish: Grilled abalone, abalone porridge
  • Location: Jeju City, Jeju Island

6. Sokcho - Daepo Harbor Crab House (Snow Crab Speciality)

In winter, the snow crab season begins, and Sokcho’s Daepo Harbor is a perfect place to try it fresh. The restaurant specializes in steamed snow crab, a real treat during the colder months.

  • Recommended Dish: Steamed snow crab, crab stew
  • Location: Sokcho, Gangwon Province

7. Andong - Maeksong Jugyeom Korean BBQ (Salted Pork BBQ)

This Andong BBQ spot is known for its unique preparation of salted pork grilled over oak charcoal, giving it a distinctive smoky flavor. It’s a hearty choice for warming up in winter.

  • Recommended Dish: Salted pork BBQ, oak-grilled pork
  • Location: Andong, North Gyeongsang Province

8. Pyeongchang - Alpensia Resort Korean BBQ (Mountain BBQ)

Known for its winter sports facilities, Pyeongchang is also a great place for BBQ. The Korean BBQ restaurants around Alpensia Resort serve high-quality beef and pork, grilled to perfection.

  • Recommended Dish: Korean BBQ (beef and pork), grilled pork belly
  • Location: Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province

9. Incheon - Chinatown Jjajangmyeon House (Korean-Chinese Black Bean Noodles)

Incheon’s Chinatown is the birthplace of jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles), a favorite dish during winter for its warm, savory flavor. This area offers authentic, rich jjajangmyeon that’s perfect for cold days.

  • Recommended Dish: Jjajangmyeon, jjamppong (spicy seafood noodle soup)
  • Location: Chinatown, Incheon

10. Gwangju - Tteokgalbi Village (Grilled Short Rib Patties)

Gwangju’s tteokgalbi (grilled short rib patties) is a winter favorite, offering a savory, tender meat patty served with rice. This village has multiple restaurants specializing in this dish, known for its rich flavors.

  • Recommended Dish: Tteokgalbi, grilled short rib patties
  • Location: Gwangju, South Jeolla Province

Winter in Korea is the perfect season to indulge in warm, hearty meals that soothe the soul. These ten restaurants across the country offer everything from comforting soups to flavorful grilled meats, perfect for enjoying with loved ones. For anyone exploring Korea in winter, these dining spots are a must for savoring the season's warmth and flavors.




Comments