!Pop Factory!

This week I was fortunate enough to discover Pop Factory, a relatively new, hip Italian restaurant. After our fist visit, my friend Aaron and I think it needs to be shared with the waygooks of Ulsan and visitors alike. It is located in Namgu Jeong, at the south end of the park (울산문화예술회관) behind the Ulsan Art and Cultural Center (and KBS building).  It offers a traditional menu of pizza, pasta, wine, coffee, beer, and soda.  It was recommended by several friends, who report that since opening, it has had impressive crowds for lunch and dinner service.  It is owned by Mr. Soel Jeong Won.  His wonderful pizza pies have fresh and delicious cheese, sauce, and crust. What more could anyone ask for?  The most impressive item in my opinion is the margherita  pizza (pictured), cooked in a stone pizza oven. With it’s papyrus-thin and crispy crust with real cheese, light sauce, and a drizzle of pesto makes you forget you’re in Korea.  Pop  Factory also offers pizza in apple cinnamon, veggie, and mushroom varieties, all between 15,000-20,000 won each.  The pasta dishes are tasty, though like in most Korean restaurants, the pasta itself is spaghetti only.  BBQ dishes and salads are also on the menu.  Each entre is served with homemade, sweet pickled vegetables (it wouldn’t be Korea without something pickled!). The atmosphere is charming and modern without being disgustingly cute, like so many Korean Italian restaurants tend to be.  The decor, lighting, furniture, and music combine to make an inviting and comfortable atmosphere.  It would not be out of place in a posh neighborhood in Seoul. I was a bit disappointed that there was no Italian soda (the name got my hopes up since in the midwest USA ‘pop’ means soda!).  There is a respectable red wine and beer selection, however.  I will be visiting this restaurant again very soon, and I hope to see you all there! (Phone 052-900-9997)