3 Best Restaurants in Seoul, South Korea

This extremely popular restaurant takes donkas (Korea's version of Japanese pork cutlet), to a whole other level. If you think you've had good versions of the dish before, think again, because Jeongdon absolutely knocks it out of the park. Their signature dish is tenderloin donkas, with thick, succulent pieces of prime pork cut into medallions and cooked until still pink in the middle. The panko breading is perfectly crispy and the juicy flavor of each bite is heavenly. The restaurant's decor is Japanese retro with almost an American diner feel. Just make sure to have some time to spare, as there's almost always a line.  

Chef Yim Jung-sik made waves with this restaurant that takes traditional Korean fare, such as bibimbap and gimbap (Korean sushi rolls) and transforms them into a fine dining experience. Jungsik specializes in course meals that draw from a variety of influences, but are always given a distinctly Korean touch. The service is kind, attentive, and discreet, the atmosphere chic, and the wine list is custom-curated to pair with the current menu. There is a reason why Michelin gave this place two stars.  

Seasonal ingredients guide the menu at this intimate contemporary Korean bistro that often incorporates worldly flavors. You might order home-style classics like cold buckwheat noodles, grilled pork belly, or seoritae (black soybean) with mascarpone or a vegetable lasagna.