Looking for amazing food and drinks in rural restaurants in Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do? You have come to the right place. We have ten recommendations for the next time you find yourself in the beautiful mountains of Gangwon-do. About Pyeongchang-gun (평창군) When most people think of Pyeongchang-gun, they picture snow-covered mountains, Olympic ski jumps, and breathtaking national parks. But for food lovers? Pyeongchang holds a very special place as a quiet culinary gem nestled in the heart of Gangwon Province. From earthy mountain vegetables to hearty buckwheat noodles and some of Korea’s cleanest beef, this high-altitude destination offers a down-to-earth taste of Korea’s rural food roots. Whether you’re here for winter sports, hiking trails, or peaceful countryside vibes, don’t miss these 10 stunning restaurants in Pyeongchang that show off the best of Gangwon-do cuisine. Car Required Realistically, you need a car to truly explore the culinary delights of Pyeongchang-gun (평창군). Many of the best restaurants offering traditional, regional dishes that showcase the area’s natural ingredients exist in more remote areas. These hidden gems often require a bit of travel to reach, whether it’s a farm-to-table restaurant or a family-owned eatery specializing in mountain vegetables and locally sourced tofu. Taking a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, venture beyond the main tourist areas, and uncover the authentic flavors that make this region such a special place to eat. What to Look For on Pyeongchang Menus Here’s a summary of regional specialties to look for at restaurants in Pyeongchang. The following menu items reflect the area’s mountain climate, clean air, and agricultural traditions. Here is what to look for on the menu when ordering: Hanwoo (한우) Raised in the clean, high-altitude pastures of Daegwallyeong, people in Korea love Pyeongchang’s Hanwoo beef (한우) for its tenderness and rich flavor. Look for it grilled (bulgogi or galbi) at specialty barbecue restaurants. Hwangtae (황태) Daegwallyeong, Pyeongchang-gun is especially famous for hwangtae (황태), pollack air-dried in the frigid mountain winds. You’ll find it grilled, stewed in haejangguk (황태해장국, hangover soup), or served spicy in stir-fry. Find some pollack stew for breakfast and start your day off right. Sanchae (산채) Local restaurants serve sanchae jeongsik (산채정식) (set meals with foraged wild greens), showcasing ingredients like bracken, bellflower root, and fernbrake. Korean often include fermented sauces and tofu with sanchae meal sets. Tofu (두부) Pyeongchang is also a fantastic place to try fresh, handmade tofu (두부) made with local spring water and Gangwon-do soybeans. Due to the region’s clean air and mineral-rich water, many consider the Pyeongchang tofu dishes cleaner with a nuttier flavor. Such tofu options often come as part of traditional set meals (정식). Dodeok (도덕) Root Dodeok root, also called Codonopsis lanceolata, is a root vegetable known for its mild sweetness and slightly earthy flavor. Korean’s often use dodeok in soups, stews, and traditional herbal teas for its health benefits. Within Korean medicine, they often use dodeok to strengthen the body, improve stamina, and aid digestion. In Pyeongchang, you can often find it as part of the sanchae jeongsik (mountain vegetable set meals), adding both flavor and medicinal value. Makguksu (막국수) A specialty of Gangwon-do, makguksu (막국수) is a cold buckwheat noodle dish served with spicy sauce or in icy broth. It’s especially popular in summer and known for its clean, nutty flavor. Makgeolli (막걸리) Makgeolli is a milky, unfiltered rice wine made from a mixture of rice, water, and nuruk (a traditional fermentation starter). It has a slightly sweet, tangy flavor and is often served chilled or at room temperature in a wide, shallow bowl. Known for its creamy texture and lower alcohol content (around 6-8%), makgeolli is often paired with jeon (전, pancake) or enjoyed during social gatherings. Craft Beer (수제 맥주) These days, you can’t miss the craft beer. Some breweries in Pyeongchang might use buckwheat, mountain herbs, and spring water in their beer, offering distinctive local brews not found elsewhere in Korea. Make sure to try a flight when you are in the area. Gamjajeon (감자전, Potato Pancake) In Pyeongchang and other parts of Gangwon-do, gamjajeon (감자전) is a beloved dish, especially during colder months. Made from grated potatoes, sometimes mixed with onions, and pan-fried until crispy, these savory potato pancakes are a comforting dish often served with a soy-based dipping sauce. 10 Recommended Spots in Pyeongchang Now that you know what to look for, here are some stunning restaurants in Pyeongchang: Other Posts You Will Find Helpful Keep reading and learn more about foodie spots in Gangwon-do. South of SeoulFounded in 2015, the South of Seoul team consists of volunteers on three continents working together to support English-speaking people traveling or living in South Korea. South of Seoul volunteers work with organizations and individuals across South Korea to improve equitable access to information across South Korea. Much of South of Seoul’s information focuses on Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Blogs published under the authorship of “South of Seoul” include blogs compiled by multiple volunteers to improve access to standardized information unrelated to individualized personal experiences. www.southofseoul.net

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Looking for a beer drinkin weekend south of Seoul? Here is the perfect itinerary filled with craft beers and hiking.

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A quick write-up of my recent trip to Fundamental Brewing, a brewery and taproom in Suwon. It’s about a 40-50 minute drive from downtown Pyeongtaek and about the same from Anjeong-ri. Thanks, Pyeongtaek Travelers for letting us at The Pyeongtaek Craft Beer Society share this wonderful treasure of a brewery with your community. About Fundamental Brewing This was my second trip to Fundamental, and boy/girl, was it worth it! As one should do before driving some distance in “the new world” (reference COVID-19), we called to verify Fundamental was open, validate rules for party numbers (per COVID-19 guidelines), and ensure dogs were still allowed. Yes, they were open on Saturday evenings; for parties of more than two, all members had to show their COVID-19 vaccination cards (we brought our physical cards in case photos didn’t make the cut), and YES, well-behaved dogs were allowed! Jack Bauer, my part Catahoula Hound / Border Collie mix, definitely stole the show. Many of the patrons asked to pet him and even snuck some Instagram selfies with him. Jack loved every moment of it. The establishment is family-friendly with a couple of high chairs available for the kiddos and there is a very large parking lot right out front. The atmosphere of Fundamental is very posh and modern–not something that would be typical in the US or Canada. It appeared more of a date spot or a place to impress a potential client. Sure, it was casual enough, but lacked character, unless simplistic and modern is your taste. The ability to see the brewing equipment through a glass wall was impressive AND it was super-cool they were barrel-aging some of their beers. I love the warm and inviting feeling barrels invoke. Fundamental Brewing is Dog Friendly Regardless of the more overall more formal’ish atmosphere, Fundamental allows dogs–indoors! The tables have industrial steel-type legs, making it easy to tie our pup up without fear of ruining their furniture. We asked and they provided a water bowl. GREAT JOB, Fundamental! My Experience at Fundamental Brewing We arrived fashionably late, around 8pm, and most of the taproom was still lively. After showing our vaccination cards, we were seated and handed menus. Some temporary confusion ensued as all the beers on the menu were written in Korean, although the food portion was written in both Korean and English. One of our party “reminded” us the beer menu was written over the bar IN ENGLISH. Silly us. Fundamental used an old-school American billboard-type signage for their English beer menu. After deciding what to eat and drink, we patiently waited for our server to arrive. Silly us AGAIN, as we were supposed to order our food and drinks at the bar! We ordered a couple Hot Chili Lasagnas, Buffalo Wild Wings, Fried Shrimp Dumplings, Honey Glazed Pork Belly, Berlin Curry Sausage, Fried Flat Potato w/ Butter Garlic & Sour Dip, Nachos w/ Homemade Salsa, few orders of French Fries, a couple of sprites, and several different types of beers. The lasagna and glazed pork stood out the most to me. The lasagna had the perfect amount of spice, flavor, and cheese! The glazed pork belly…I should’ve ordered three for myself. It was more of a pork belly steak than what we would typically associate with Korea, which is sliced pork belly, “samgyupsal,” at Korean BBQ establishments. The thick, moist bites almost melted in my mouth. This dish was heavenly. The food is mostly appetizers, meant to be shared. Prices are comparable to mid-priced stateside restaurants, with the highest priced dish being the pork belly at ￦14,500. There is also a lunch menu available at more moderate prices, up to ￦9,000. Enjoy coffee and not beer? There is a decent coffee menu, as well. What I Drank at Fundamental Brewing I started with the G.A.P. Pale Ale and Squall Session IPA, followed by the Hae Tae Pilsner, Jinie Stout, DDH Session IPA, Junky Milk IPA, and Nuty Bery Imperial Porter. All beers had unique flavor profiles with a couple leaving me utterly speechless but in a great way. My favorite was the Disco DDH Session IPA. Why? It reminded me of my current favorite IPA (see my review of the Voodoo 1985 on The Pyeongtaek Craft Beer Society page). There was one beer we could not quite characterize as the flavor was TOO unique–the Weing Golden Strong. I’m going to drink one next time to try to unravel the mystery flavor. My Opinion of Fundamental Brewing Overall, the beer was wonderful. There are three size options for beers: 1) Small (0.23L); 2) Medium (0.36L); and 3) Large (0.48L). I wanted to sample as much as I could, so I kept with the smalls, which were mostly ￦4,500. Prices were as low as ￦3,500 for a small Joey Lager and went up to ￦9,000 for a large Nuty Bery Imperial Stout (9.6% ABV). My only complaint was they did not offer beers flights, or a small beer sampling typically served on a wooden board. It would’ve been nice to get a small sample of ALL the beers, even in a shot glass. I believe they do offer free samples, but don’t quote me on that. I went in very ambitious, hoping to sample all 14 of their beers, but only made it through seven smalls. I suppose one should pace themselves and perhaps drink several sips from each beer rather than drink large gulps, but I hate to waste beer, so I made sure to drink every single drop. The Families Overall Experience at Fundamental Brewing My friends and family, including my son, Micah, and our pup, Jack, had a great time bonding over food and beer (no beer for Micah, Jack, or our designated driver). I was quite impressed with my son’s phone photography skills, as well. I will definitely return, likely for lunch, with my family and pets. I always have a good time at Fundamental Brewing. Closed on Mondays and open Tuesday-Sunday, 1100-2200.* Photo credits for the first five photos go to Fundamental Brewing. The remaining are thanks to my son, self, cousin, and brother-in-law. Shout-out to our designated driver, my cousin-in-law! We might never have made it home (safely) without you. Thanks for the company, guys (and gal)! Follow Us On Facebook Follow Osan Craft Beer Club or The Pyeongtaek Craft Beer Society for more news about beer in Pyeongtaek. Who are we? We are craft beer lovers who live and work in South Korea. You can learn more about craft beer in Korea by joining or following us on Facebook or Instagram. Learn more below! Osan Craft Beer Club A social group at and near Osan AB. OCBC tries to meet weekly and loves exploring local and distant beer destinations. Follow the OSBC Instagram Pyeongtaek Craft Beer Society A social group in Pyeongtaek and near USAG Humphreys. PCBS loves to sample local and import beers and post descriptive descriptions of these beers. Mike Smith, Pyeongtaek Craft Beer SocietyFounder of the Pyeongtaek Craft Beer Society, Mike Smith is currently studying for a Master Brewers Certificate while living and working in South Korea. The Pyeongtaek Craft Beer Society fosters friends and a love for craft beers across South Korea. The group provides a welcome and inclusive space to learn about new beers, share beer stories, and generally geek out about all things brewing. Anyone is welcome to join their Facebook group to learn more about Korean craft Beer. www.facebook.com/groups/847899272568598/

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Bijeon2dong is on the rise and is now easily the hippest place in the city to go out on a Friday night.  New bars are opening here each month and right now these are the top 5 sexiest choices for grabbing beverage in Bijeon2dong. All of these locations have been entered into the app and await your reviews. We don’t include the addresses in the blog because addresses in this area don’t work correctly yet, especial in Google. Instead we have WAZE Navigation that will open directly from the app and take you straight there. Parking can be a hassle so either park in a garage or double check to make sure there are no CCTV cameras to give you tickets. Also, if you do drive, don’t drive drunk. Taxis in Korea are plenty affordable. Buses to this area include the: 1-1, 10, 5, 7-1, 15, 999, 6, 91 Where Craft Beer Market makes the magic happen. Craft Beer Market This is the place with the most heart for beer. They have setup their own micro-brewery while also selling craft brew favorites from around the country and abroad. These guys have a real passion for beer. Since home brewing is still relatively new to the country I’m sure they will have hits and misses, but it’s so fun to be part of the adventure. So many taps at 4 Frost, so little time. CLOSED: 4Frost – Community Member Report A hip couple runs this super-hip little bar with a great view and a smooth vibe. Excellent place for a date night. A classy option for a night out on the town. With a wide variety of craft taps, great views, and a lovely menu it’s the perfect place to talk all night. They manage to make outdoors romantic in summer and winter. 1987 Rooftop Lounge If you are looking for the sexiest place in town to grab a cocktail, you have found it. This is a must place to take your next date or girls night out. All kinds of snacks and sexy cocktails to sip while taking in the views of Pyeongtaek. No stairs or elevators required for Daily Beer. Daily Beer One of the few street level options, their beer selection is limited but consists of safe comfortable classics. An excellent place to grab a drink while you wait for your movie to start. It might not be where you hangout all night, but it is the easiest place to duck in and wet the whistle. Who doesn’t want to drink all the drinks with this view? Iron Beer When you and the crew are looking for a big space with plenty of room and a fantastic balcony, go here. They have shots, pub games, and space. It’s not really great for a date, but THE best place for large groups out to have a great time. IMPORTANT: For those new to Pyeongtaek. ALWAYS use WAZE Navigation when visiting Bijeon2dong. Since this is a new neighborhood no addresses work in maps. Our WAZE links work off of latitude and longitude so they will get you there.) For address and WAZE directions to anything on this blog download the South of Seoul App from either Google Play or Apple App Store.  Why we do this: We made the app to accompany the blog because it’s easier to keep update with current information. In the past we’ve tried keeping the information on the blog but it’s too hard for us to maintain the information in two places at once over time. Since we compile and write blogs around a full time jobs without compensation, we need to do it the most efficient way possible with as few steps as possible. 

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