2 Best Restaurants in Side Trips from Seoul, South Korea

Suwon is virtually synonymous with galbi (beef ribs), and Kabojung is its most renowned purveyor. This massive place serves high-quality, albeit pricey, servings of Korean hanwoo beef, beautifully marbled and grilled on the bone. If you're not in the mood to splurge, there's imported U.S. beef, too, for much less. Finish your meat with a serving of chilled noodles or rice soup. There's a pretty extensive list of traditional alcohols, whiskeys, and wines, too. There's also a lunch menu that's much easier on the wallet.

One of many grilled eel restaurants near the port of Deoreomi on the eastern coast of the island, Wonjo Seonchangjip has been serving fine grilled eel since 1979. You can grill the meat as is, or baste it with a tangy sauce; either way is delicious. Finish your meal with a bowl of noodles or a stone pot of rice. A shot or two of soju doesn't hurt the experience, either. The restaurant also enjoys pleasant views over the water.