Donnas Doughnuts
It is not too often that a small shop opens up that not only makes delicious food but also inspires people. However, that is exactly what Donnas Doughnuts is, delicious and inspiring. I hope that this article can show just how proud I am that this little shop exists and that the owner follows her dreams. To be honest, when I talked to the owner, I was so impressed by her story that I decided to add it to what would normally be just your typical restaurant review. The Story Before you can understand the risk that the owner, Kim Bomin took, you have to understand the reality that many young people face here in Korea. Every kid HAS to finish school at the top of their class and they HAVE to attend a “good university” in order to even get a chance at getting an interview. The reason you often hear the phrase “hell joseon” is because many students face the harsh reality of life here in Korea and never really have a chance to escape it. Young people work hard at school and at after-school academies to get into a good university but too many fail at following their dreams. Too many children grow up missing their calling in life. However, Bomin...
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SeBurger: Cali-Style Burgers in Mugeo-Dong
It’s been a few years since we have had a decent all around burger place in Ulsan. There are places to get a decent burger at the local bars and they are tasty, but when you want a burger for lunch on a Tuesday, you need at solid no frills burger joint. In Korea, these are very hard to come by. Years ago, we had one place that successfully emulated the famous In-N-Out burgers. Sadly, they faded away and the shop is now a noodle place. However, one place in Mugeo-Dong, has managed to create an amazing burger that tastes great and does NOT come dripping with sweet chili sauce and costs 18,000 won. That place is SeBurger. I have wondered about this place for a few years. Typically, I shy away from the “handmade burgers” because of the sugar-high that you get from the 1L of sweet chili sauce and whatever else has been added to the burger to make a savory food sickeningly sweet. However, after getting tired of fast-food burgers, I decided to try SeBurger and see if it lived up to the 5-star reviews on Naver. A Taste of Home Upon entering, the place looked like an actual american-style diner. Red and white tiled walls and a ketchup pumping station....
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Tulla: Homestyle German Cuisine
The area around the Unmunsa temple is beautiful. What makes it even better is the small village that sits just outside the entrance. It is a charming area filled with restaurants and shops. Everything that you’d expect to find in a small village in the mountains in Korea. Everything except the homestyle German restaurant, Tulla. When I first heard about it, I was not expecting much. I have been burned by this “homestyle {insert foreign country} food” claim before....
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The Lighthouse: Classic Pizza in a Comfortable Space
If you have lived in Ulsan long enough, you will know that good pizza is hard to comeby. Pizza in Korea for the most part is a different type of thing than what we are used to back home. Sadly, while many Koreans enjoy a pizza with sweet potato, steak, shrimp and chocolate sauce. However, the average foreigner does not share the same opinion. Lighthouse bridges the gap so to speak. It is close enough to what foreigners think...
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Homemade Hamburgers in Ok-Dong
Words and Images by Jack Glowacki I have been living in South Korea for over 15 years now, Ulsan, Busan, Masan, Gyeongju and back in Ulsan since 2011. In that time I have seen a number of fabulous restaurants, which cater to the expat community providing comfort food, disappear without a trace. It’s like losing a good friend, a good friend who knew how to cook well. I spent the past 3 years living in Okdong, Ulsan, and if...
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5 Hidden Cafes in Seongnamdong
If you were to tell me 15 years ago that “old downtown” would be a trendy area full of cafes and trendy restaurants, I would have laughed in your face. Sure, the main shopping area always had a decent assortment of shops and restaurants but it was far from “trendy” and not to mention there was that little matter of the red-light district just down the road. Seongnamdong was an area that you went to have a “good time”...
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Bela Moti
Before we start, I should probably explain that I adore Indian food. I’m British, so a Tikka Masala is basically our national dish and I was also the Secretary of my University’s Curry Society (Yes, we had one.). I have personally high curry standards and whilst Namaskar and Shalimar have filled a gap, neither has really truly satisfied me. But this has all changed now. I went along on a Saturday night with three friends. Bela Moti is...
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**CLOSED** Dano: The Chef Without Borders
**THIS RESTAURANT IS NOW CLOSED** There is not another expat who has given more to this community than Dan Gauthier. From his work establishing many charities and his volunteer work he established himself as a pillar of the community and an example for us all. However, it is his passion and dedication to cooking that is the real story here. Dan’s passion for cooking showed in the chilli that he makes for numerous volunteer events and in his dedication...
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Cafe Renew
With the wave of cheap coffee shops popping up all over the city, it is no surprise that quality is being swapped out for quantity. However, there is one cafe that opened up recently that is sticking to their guns and making some great coffee. Cafe Renew is located near Up Square in Samsandong and is worthy of a visit. Their coffee is expertly prepared by top baristas who make an effort to create and atmosphere where everyone feels welcome....
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The Best Bakeries in Ulsan
Bakeries are nothing new in Ulsan. However, when it comes to good bakeries that cater to a western palette is something altogether different. However, good news is on the way as there are a number “hidden gems” located around the city that will satisfy your bread carvings once and for all. Rencontre Located in Guyeongri, near the KEB bank, at the edge of the main shopping area by the parking garage. This has to be one of the more...
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