You are walking on a random street in Seoul, and suddenly you are hungry. You check Google Maps, but there is not enough information. You enter a random restaurant, but the food is terrible.
Stop relying on Google Maps for food in Korea. Today, I will reveal my personal secret method to find the Best Restaurants in Korea. This is not a common tourist tip; it is my own “Algorithm” that never fails.
Why Google Maps Fails in Korea 🗺️
As mentioned in my previous “Map App Guide,” Google Maps does not have enough local data in Korea. The ratings are often outdated or written only by tourists.
To find real local food, you need to use two apps together: Naver Map and KakaoMap. I call this the “Double Check Strategy.”
Step 1: Naver Map for “Candidates” (Quantity) 🔍
First, open Naver Map. This app has the largest database of restaurants in Korea.
📥 Download Naver Map:
🤖 Android (Google Play)
🍎 iOS (App Store)
The “Manual Scan” Strategy
Since Naver Map sometimes hides the “Sort by Reviews” button, you need to scan the list manually. Focus on the “Visitor Reviews” (방문자리뷰) count.
- Action: Click the “Restaurant” (or Food) button on the map.
- Scan: Scroll down the list and look for the numbers.
- Target: If you see “999+” or over 500 reviews, pick it as a candidate. High numbers mean the place is very active and popular among locals.
Step 2: KakaoMap for “Verification” (Quality) ⭐
Now you have 3 candidates from Naver. But are they actually tasty? Or just famous for marketing? This is where KakaoMap comes in.
📥 Download KakaoMap:
🤖 Android (Google Play)
🍎 iOS (App Store)
Unlike Naver, KakaoMap still uses the Star Rating system (0.0 ~ 5.0).
🏆 Editor’s Secret Pick: The “Kakao 4.0 Rule”
Here is the most important part of this guide. Korean users on KakaoMap are extremely harsh and critical. They rarely give 5 stars.
My Personal Rating Standard:
⭐ 3.0 ~ 3.5: Average. Just okay.
⭐ 3.6 ~ 3.9: Good. Worth visiting.
⭐ 4.0 or higher: Amazing. This is a guaranteed Best Restaurant in Korea.
[My Secret Hack]: Take the restaurant name from Naver and search for it on KakaoMap. If the rating is over 4.0, go there immediately!
Simulation: How I Find a Lunch Spot 🍜
Let’s say I am in the Gangnam area and want to eat lunch. Here is exactly what I do to find the Best Restaurants in Korea.
- Open Naver Map and click the “Food” button.
- Scan the list: I see “Gangnam BBQ House” has 1,200 reviews. It looks famous.
- Open KakaoMap and search for “Gangnam BBQ House”.
- Check the stars.
- If it is 3.2 stars: I skip it. (Probably just marketing).
- If it is 4.2 stars: I run to the restaurant.
Bonus Tip: Watch Out for “Break Time” 🕒
To successfully find the Best Restaurants in Korea, you must know about “Break Time.” Many popular restaurants close between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM to prepare for dinner.
Always check the operating hours on Naver Map before you visit, or you might find a closed door.
FAQ: Finding Food in Korea ❓
Q: Why are KakaoMap users so harsh?
A: It is part of the internet culture. Kakao users tend to leave honest, sometimes brutal, feedback compared to Naver blogs.
Q: What if I can’t read Korean menus?
A: Use Papago image translation. Most popular places also have English menus or kiosks.
Q: Do I need a reservation?
A: Popular places (4.0+ stars) might have a waiting line. Go early (before 11:30 AM or 5:30 PM).
Conclusion: Trust the Data, Not Luck
Finding the Best Restaurants in Korea is a game of data. Use Naver for the list, and use Kakao for the truth.
Follow this “Editor’s Secret Hack,” and you will never have a bad meal in Korea.
Now you are ready to find the real Best Restaurants in Korea like a local. Enjoy your meal!