The Honolulu restaurant scene bustles with a vast array of ethnic eateries that reflect the cultural diversity of the Hawaiian islands. Among those choices is Korean food, known for its fiery stews and barbecued meats served alongside banchan--Korean vegetable side dishes.
From small hole in the wall take out shops to larger restaurants, Korean food afficionados will have plenty to choose from when visiting Honolulu. These are a few of Honolulu's most popular Korean eateries that have gained a following among Honolulu locals. Many of these restaurants are located in close proximity to Waikiki and Alamoana.
Open 24 hours, this clean and spacious restaurant is ideal for a late night meal. Enjoy the sushi bar or choose from a large menu of barbecued meats, every day Korean fare, seafood entrees and more. Main courses are served with a large assortment of vegetable side dishes. Park at the Alamoana shopping center and walk to the restaurant. The parking lot at Sorabol is small and parking is scarce. Lunch specials cost approximately $10 to $14 per entree, and dinner entrees cost $10 to $30 as of 2010.
Sorabol Korean Restaurant
805 Keeaumoku St.
Honolulu, HI 96814-2312
(808) 947- 3113
sorabolhawaii.com
For a quality Korean take-out meal, visit Gina's. Located inside the Market City Shopping Center, this family-run hole-in-the-wall serves large portions of standard Korean menu items such as kal bi, barbecue chicken, fish jun and mandoo along with plentiful side dishes for under $10, as of 2010. Free parking is available inside the shopping center.
Gina’s Korean Barbeque
2919 Kapiolani Blvd.
Honolulu, HI 96826-3503
(808) 735-7964
ginasbbq.com
This restaurant is located between a gentleman's club and an adult superstore, but don't let that deter you from enjoying their food. Try their barbecue meats, which can be cooked on the table top grill, or the fiery chili based seafood stews served in a sizzling stone pot. Entree prices range from $10 to $16 as of 2010.
Seoul Garden Yakiniku
1679 Kapiolani Blvd.
Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 944-4803
Known for having the best wan kalbi, or king kalbi on the island and plenty of complimentary banchan side dishes, Shillawon attracts mostly Korean visitors. Indulge in the all-you-can-eat barbeque buffet that allows you to choose a variety of meats--beef tongue included--from a menu, before cooking it yourself at the table. This clean and spacious restaurant also offers private rooms that can be rented for parties or large groups. Entrees cost from $10 to $16 as of 2010, and the buffet is $25.
Shillawon
747 'Amana St., Apt 1904
Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 944-8700
Yu Chun's house specialty is black noodles and naeng myong, or chilled Korean noodles. For something different, try the black noodles in an icy broth or the G.I. stew, a hot pot consisting of kim chee, sausage and ham. Vegetarians diners can enjoy the cold buckwheat noodles with vegetables. The restaurant also serves the usual Korean barbecue dishes and spicy stews as well as set menus for two people, which run $25 to $40 for two diners as of 2010.
Yu Chun
1159 Kapiolani Blvd.
Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 589-0022
yuchunhawaii.com
