It’s difficult to find out where the best places are and where to avoid. Believe me, this is what I do for a living. I don’t have some magic map, and I usually don’t get secret emails about new places. I network.

To make it easier on all of us, here are some ways to keep track of the best Korean and non-Korean places in Seoul. Many of them are Facebook groups with lively discussions.

Korean Food Lovers Seoul (Facebook) Korean food is everyone in Seoul (DUH). The trick is finding the good stuff.

Mexican Food Lovers Seoul (Facebook) Add your Mexican food finds and tips.

Pizza Lovers Seoul (Facebook) Seoul is going through a pizza renaissance. This is where it gets documented.

Sandwich Lovers Seoul (Facebook) Korea is where sandwich craft goes to die. This is where we find the good sandwiches to keep the good places in business.

Booze Lovers Seoul (Facebook) Share cocktails, wine, beer, and other imbibable finds in and around Seoul.

Burger Lovers Seoul (Facebook) The group, started by Devin Rupert, that started it all

ZenKimchi Facebook Page – We post tips, restaurants, and subjects for discussion

ZenKimchi Twitter – Real time finds from all over the Korean and international internet

Here’s what you’d find if you’d been following us.

On the cover of SEOUL Magazine this month. I haven’t read the article yet, but it’s a small interview.

We’ve been extremely busy as of late. Earlier this month we were fixers for the National Geographic show “Chef on the Road,” which should air sometime in November. I’ve also been working hard with our partners at Korea DMC, setting up an army of websites tailored to tourists and expats. It doesn’t look like much now, but wait till you see what’s coming up!

Food Tours

Our tours are still going strong through the summer. Remember that in Korea, summer is the time to watch scary movies. The logic is that it helps chill you in the heat. So it’s a great time to also go on our Dark Side of Seoul tour ($35). Sign up here.

RESTAURANTS

Byeol Nal Pocha 별날포차 Roast chicken on a cafeteria tray and old school dosirak (bento)
Abalone feast at Udo Haegwang Sikdang 우도해광식당 off of Jeju Island
Scrumptious sushi at Sushi Jo 스시조 in Myeong-dong
The Seoul Reaper: Swiss cheese, ham, fried egg, kimchi, siracha and mayo at Zombie Burger in Des Moines
Bistro K in Melbourne
DC rejoice! BonChon fried chicken has opened in Arlington, VA

RECIPES

Seoulistic shows how to make ramen Korean style
Quick Cucumber Kimchi from Taking on Magazines via Fine Cooking Magazine
Green Plum Syrup from Kimchimari
Korean Chicken, Japanese Salad from The Boston Globe
A Korean blogger made blueberry pancakes. Guess where they decided to screw it up. (HINT: One thing doesn’t belong on top)
Ah, that’s better. Thanks Fat Girl.
Shin makes Sweet Red Beans for patbingsu

From the Instagram

Search for ZenKimchi on Instagram

“Chicken Mu” – I thought only cows went, “Moo!”

Old Unfashioned at Woo Bar in the W Seoul Walkerhill. W29,000.

Jian, he’s a playah! Watch out!

Tea Part Tuesday at Chili King. W5,000 cocktails and half-priced starters. From left: Kim Jong Un’s “Sea of Fire” wings, The King’s wings, “One night in Bangkok” wings

Le Cordon Bleu blue cheese burger at Chili King. Now with housemade bacon.

Finally tried Caffe Bene’s Blacksmith Italian chain restaurant. As predicted, very freakin’ scary. This is an ad for their “Traditional Ingredients Festival.” I guess to them traditional Italian ingredients include kimchi and sweet potatoes on a pizza.