Really pleasant ladies that cook wonderful food. Their kimchi is very fresh and crunchy and I really enjoyed the kimchi stew. It was very flavorful. The fish was also wonderful perfectly cooked. Very tasty with simple seasoning on it. I definitely look forward to trying the grilled mackerel. The next time I come. read more

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Amazing service, the ladies are super nice and the place is a true joke in the wall in a tiny Korean grocery shop. The food is amazing and worth coming to check it out and give it a try. The kimchi stew was my favorite. read more

Seoul Restaurant - Kimchi stew and pork - Korean Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Great food, very simple restaurant. It wasn't really busy, I went at 1:30 on a weekday. Everyone worked out was super nice, would definitely go back. read more

Seoul Restaurant - Spicy seafood soup - Korean Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

The best food I've had in Columbia, and absolutely the best Korean food. And I've lived here for 15 years and been everywhere. I went for lunch for my birthday on a Saturday. We ordered spicy soft tofu stew (extra spicy), stir fried pork, kimchi pancake, and fried beef dumplings. It was so much food! The sides were the cherry on top. Everything had so much flavor, and so many different flavors and textures between everything, especially the sides. I enjoyed hot tea, and my partner enjoyed a Korean soda. The staff were so helpful and accommodating! I purchased a big container of kimchi on the way out. Don't sleep on this place!! It's unbelievable. I can't wait to come back and try everything. read more

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Do not let the outside confuse you - this is a hidden gem! I ordered the Bulgogi and this has to be some of the best bulgogi that I have experienced outside of Korea! The two ladies that run the restaurant are amazing and kind! I will definitely be back! It is a small and welcoming place! read more

Seoul Restaurant - Bulgogi - Korean Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Walked in to this small and unassuming spot that we almost missed while passing through on our way to NC. Saw the reviews and it was on our path so we had to try it. We LOVE beef bulgogi. Tiny seating area inside a store with the most authentic food we've had yet. The beef was cooked perfectly and very tender with a hint of sweetness. The banchan and rice served and kimchi was all perfect additions. Service was great and our server was extremely friendly and welcoming. Highly recommend this place. Don't let the menu intimidate you if you're unfamiliar. Just ask questions. read more

Seoul Restaurant - Banchan - Korean Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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The food is great and the customer service is outstanding. It is a restaurant and grocery store combined, so it may be confusing when you first walk in. I am never disappointed. read more

Back again for another amazing meal. I had Sundubu this time and it was perfect. Do not be distracted by the fact you are sitting inside half of a grocery store, this is the absolute best Korean food anywhere around. Service is great as well, with the bancham better than anywhere. You get around ten different types of bancham, which most treatments don't even offer. The hot corn water was also perfect. Don't walk, run!!!! This place is great. read more

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This is a true hole in the wall, no nonsense Korean restaurant. The space is half grocery store and half restaurant, so don't let that throw you off the moment you walk in. The food is fantastic, and I plan on returning soon. read more

DO NOT LET THE OUTSIDE FOOL YOU! Their food is 100/10! This mom and pop store/restaraunt is as authentic as you can get! Not to mention the sweet and kind workers and the great and amazing food! read more

Just AMAZING. It's really authentic and delicious. The to fu stew and the squid were both freshly cooked. A lil bit spicy but acceptable. The service was also friendly and thoughtful. I'd give this place a 11 out of 10!!! read more

Seoul Restaurant - Spicy To Fu stew - Korean Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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One of the best Korean restaurants I've ever been to in my life! Food was absolutely delicious and the staff were super friendly. Can't wait to come back! read more

Seoul Restaurant - Bulgogi, short ribs, ban chan and soonduboo - Korean Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Went to this place on a Sunday at around 1 pm. At first I will admit we were a bit intimidated by the menu and not quite sure how or what to order, but both a nice couple nearby and our server helped us out and guided us through the menu and what to expect. We were also surprised to find that the restaurant was also a shop, so we did a little shopping. The atmosphere was very welcoming! We ended up ordering the stir-fried squid ($16.99) and the kimchi stew with pork ($14.99) both at "normal" spice levels. The dishes came with banchan and some rice, which were advised generally came with meals that don't have noodles in it. The banchan we got* were beets, kimchi, black beans, broccoli, two kinds of bean sprouts, mushrooms, cucumber, some sort of peppers, what I believe to be bok choy, bamboo shoots, and a few others that we couldn't place. I was a big fan of my stir-fried squid. I ended up cleaning my plate (including the rice). I was so stuffed at the end that I didn't have room for most of the banchan, but I was able to at least try a little bit of everything. I will say the dish wasn't necessarily spicy, but it had that subtle kind of heat that didn't burn your mouth but rather made your nose drip. My friend was very happy with her kimchi stew, and ended up taking half home and the rest of her rice. She and I were both stuffed at the end. We will for sure be returning! *forgive me if I explained it weird. Not sure how to use banchan in a sentence. ---------- Over all: Stir-fried squid: 9.5/10 Kimchi stew with beef (friend's review): 9/10 Service: 10/10 Total: ~$32 (we also got a bunch of snacks after) read more

Seoul Restaurant - Stir-fried squid, banchan, and kimchi stew - Korean Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

This is an easy 5 for me. Soon as you step in you're greeted by these sweet elderly ladies. I ordered take out beef bulgogi, see picture, man I've never seen Korean restaurant that gives out sides and that have that type of presentation. Portion to price is definitely a gem, I don't really see this often. The beef by itself is well marinated, adding gochujang to it take it to another level. Overall, take out came out pretty quick when I ordered it in the restaurant. Parking is not great but the food makes it up. I will definitely come back. Side note, I don't know but its a plus for me when they weren't stingy with the utensils and napkins.. read more

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As all the other reviews- Do not let the outside fool you! It's probably one of the best Korean places I've eaten at in South. Carolina! The Mackerel was delicious, the Spicy Squid was equally so and the Dol sot Bibimbap was amazing! All of the food was very fresh! We also had the seafood pancake for an appetizer that was the best I've ever eaten. If you like Korean food, you will LOVE this place! Super clean as well! read more

This small restaurant and grocery is, as others noted, unassuming from the outside, but the food is amazing. The main course comes with many small dishes of vegetables and other sides. I had the Bulgogi. It was delightful and savory. The Bibimbap was sizzling and even more intriguing dishes were at tables around us. _ read more

Stumbled upon this place on Yelp when looking for a lunch spot on the edge of Columbia. My husband was stationed in Korea previously and so we are always on the lookout for authentic (unAmericanized) Korean food. This place is very unassuming from the outside, do not be deterred! The service is warm, friendly, and efficient! The food was incredible, absolutely delicious and perfectly prepared. My husband said he felt like he was walking right back into a little market in South Korea and that it was the most authentic Korean food he's had here in the States. It's not flashy or fancy, but my word is it GOOD. The ladies running the place are incredibly sweet and you feel like a guest in their home. If you like real Korean food, this is a must try! read more

Seoul Restaurant - Kimchi hot pot - Korean Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

This one came up under a search for hole in the wall restaurants near me. Situated within a small Korean grocery, the food was outstanding. The beef and leek soup was as good as I've ever had. The bebop in the hot stone bowl was excellent. If I actually live near here, this would be a regular stop on my dining rotation. Very friendly staff read more

If you are looking for authentic Korean fare, Seoul is a solid choice to consider. Located on Decker Blvd, but dont blink, you may pass it by. It dual purposes as a grocer and sit down restaurant making it easy to take care of shopping and dining in one trip. The menu is large consider the restaurant's small size. Staff are friendly and truly make you feel welcomed and like you are dining in their home. Prices are reasonable especially in comparison to the not-so authentic downtown options. If you are looking for ambiance I would not suggest but if you want authentic fare you wont leave disappointed. Tonight I went with the small scallion pancake which run in at $12.99 Despite its 'small' designation the pancake was filling and I even had to ask for a to-go box as it was too large to consume in one sitting. The pancake was perfectly cooked and filled with a variety of seafood including mussels, shrimp, and squid. Definitely would order again. Be sure to stop by on Saturdays to try their handrolled kimbop. read more

Seoul Restaurant - Close up of Scallion Pancake - Korean Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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Very cozy & relaxed atmosphere. Thoroughly enjoyed the Korean food, & recommend others try it . . .

If you want to feel like you're in Korea, and want to have a long term and more personalized experience this is the place to go. My boyfriend and I got the tteoboki, seafood pancake, and the chewy cold noodles with squid. First of all, I've travelled all over the US, and also in Korea and I will tell you this. The seafood pancake is AMAZING, they put more seafood than veggies. The pancake is also not too thick. The tteoboki is a little spicy, and mind you I love spice. My boyfriend got the chewy cold noodles with squid and he has not shut up since we ate em. In his words "This place is legit" . Ambiance is very simple, as its inside a grocery store but it adds to the charm. The owner was very friendly, attentive. Service was fast, and efficient. I highly recommend this place!! read more

Seoul Restaurant - Korean Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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Oh my goodness! My little family gained some Aunties. The food is so delicious and the ladies were so sweet and attentive. They spoke with my daughter and played with my son. They offered so much help. We watched tv together and laughed about answers on Family Feud. The restaurant is easy to pass up....BUT DON'T! I wish I would have taken pictures of our food, but it was so delicious that my kids dove in before I had a chance! The beef bulgogi was amazing and the cild noodle with spicy sauce was perfect. My son loved the pear in the dish, so the owner brought out more pear for him. This place is really like eating at your Auntie's house. There are maybe 6 tables in the restaurant (which also has a store). It is very clean and authentic. WE WILL DEFINITELY BE BACK! read more

For Columbia, it was pretty good and as authentic as you can get here. But the beef bulgogi for example was very plain and was not tasty at all. The other dishes we had were pretty decent. The place is really a hole in the wall, but I couldn't care less about that, but I did expected the prices to be better since they are not paying for a good locale. read more

I am a Korean from korea. They make real korean food. I moved to NYC I still miss this place.

Decided to try this place based on the rating and was not disappointed in the least. It's a small store/restaurant that has a few tables and Korean/Asian ingredients for sale. Drinks are in the cooler next to the register. Everything on the menu sounded great and had pictures since I'm unfamiliar with some of the dishes. I ordered the beef and leek soup and my husband ordered the chicken bulgogi. The waitress/cashier advices me to get the regular and not the spicy since it's already spicy which was great since it was quite spicy. It took about 10 mins for our food to come out. They brought out the banchan and rice that went along with our dishes. The food arrived bubbling and sizzling it was so hot and smelled amazing. Once our food was cool enough to eat it was amazing, the soup was spicy about a level 4-5 at an Indian place that does a 1-10 scale. I definitely couldn't have gotten the soup spicier and been able to eat it myself. Everything in the soup was cooked perfectly and even the veggies I didn't know were delicious. Joe's bulgogi was a little spicy like 2-3 spice lvl. The chicken was tender and yummy. All of the banchan was unique and delicious to help cut the heat. Will definitely come here again to try something else from the menu. Serving sizes are big so we also had left overs for dinner. The lady who served us was also very nice and helpful too. Definitely a small family business that loves what they do. read more

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This place is a somewhat hidden gem with delicious food and super friendly service. It's worth a trip to Columbia!

My friends and I really like this Korean restaurant. It's not a fancy one, but the lady who runs the front and back of the house is very sweet and can cook. We all enjoyed what we ordered: seafood pancake, bulgogi, short ribs, and spicy beef stew. You get rice and side dishes with your meal. read more

Amazing food and fantastic family operation. Expect to be surrounded by 80 year old Korean ladies and Korean families who delight in people trying the food. One time a group gave my kids Korean chips and they loved them. It's a whole vibe in that place and I love it read more

The front door is kind of hilarious but it is a very cute Korean grocery store/restaurant when you walk in. There were 3 very nice Korean women when my dad and I walked in. They were super friendly and began to prepare the food as soon as we were ready to order. (That's how we knew we were about to be eating real good) I ordered the spicy beef and leek soup: very very spicy but delicious nonetheless. We also had the squid and bulgogi. The bulgogi was not spicy at all- the squid yes but again delicious. Reasonably priced and will be coming back:) read more

Hole in the wall with amazing service and amazing food, especially the banchan dishes. Highly recommend dolsot bibimbap and the galbi.

This restaurant not fancy at all but listen FOOD IS OUTSTANDING SO SO SO DELICIOUS!!! . If I could I can leave 10 out of 10. Now I'm put in my favorite restaurant l read more

Seoul Restaurant - Spicy beef stew - Korean Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

I was pleasantly surprised. It's basically a market with a small little restaurant in the back. The food was excellent and very authentic. We will definitely go back and the price was excellent as well. We really enjoyed speaking to who we assumed was the owner. She's a character. It does not look like much but don't let the appearance for you. The food was fantastic. read more

Rainy, cold days equal Korean or Vietnamese soup. Ok first of all it's a grocery store. Yes, a store with a few seats and tables in the corner. They gave us free unsweetened hot Korean tea. Not tasty but definitely welcomed as it helped knock off the chill. At least 8 banchan which were very flavorful. I had the seafood soup with tofu. Tofu was still in large squares not very conducive to eating boiling hot soup. Two small pieces of blue crab, two small back bones of fish, onions, a few greens and ALOT of beans sprouts. I like sprouts but they used it overwhelmingly like a noodle. Spicy broth was great but everything else was ok. read more

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Was not expecting a restaurant in a market..but makes sense. Loved the food. Will definitely return. read more

Seoul Restaurant - Galbitang plus banchans, so good. Can't wait to try everything else on the menu. - Korean Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

The outside maybe intimidating but I come here for the comfort food. The side dishes have a brightness to them that stand out. I've got to get me a jar of their napa cabbage kimchee with ginger in it. read more

Seoul Restaurant - It's not much to look at from the outside but the flavors inside are worth it. - Korean Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Absolutely phenomenal food and experience!! The two ladies that served us were superb in every respect. My wife and I and our daughter and her boyfriend devoured 4 separate dishes-- pork belly cooked at our table, bulgolgi, a pork dish and a delicious calamari special. Can't wait to go back soon!! Best in Columbia for sure!! read more

The restaurant had just closed, but the 2 women opened for us & cooked us a great meal. Delicious & reasonably priced. We had bulgogi & the seafood pancake. Better than most Korean food we've had in CA & TX!! Highly recommend! Attached Asian store is great too! read more

Amazing food, amazing price. Just wanted to update the menu photos because current ones are outdated. read more

Seoul Restaurant - Yukgaejang - Korean Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

This place has awesome food. Yes you think you pulled up to a questionable bldg and yes there's a little store inside but the food is awesome, the korean ladies preparing the food are so nice and happy to see you. read more

Korean food at it's best! Korean hospitality at it's best! My favorite stop after a visit to Columbia. Have been there several times and never had any disappointments. Take home some kimchi when you leave...they have containers to go......yum. Reminds me of a little neighborhood place in Seoul. read more