10 Stunning Restaurants in Pyeongchang
Looking for amazing food and drinks in rural restaurants in Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do? You have come to the right place. We have ten recommendations for the next time you find yourself in the beautiful mountains of Gangwon-do.
About Pyeongchang-gun (평창군)
When most people think of Pyeongchang-gun, they picture snow-covered mountains, Olympic ski jumps, and breathtaking national parks. But for food lovers? Pyeongchang holds a very special place as a quiet culinary gem nestled in the heart of Gangwon Province. From earthy mountain vegetables to hearty buckwheat noodles and some of Korea’s cleanest beef, this high-altitude destination offers a down-to-earth taste of Korea’s rural food roots.
Whether you’re here for winter sports, hiking trails, or peaceful countryside vibes, don’t miss these 10 stunning restaurants in Pyeongchang that show off the best of Gangwon-do cuisine.
Car Required
Realistically, you need a car to truly explore the culinary delights of Pyeongchang-gun (평창군). Many of the best restaurants offering traditional, regional dishes that showcase the area’s natural ingredients exist in more remote areas. These hidden gems often require a bit of travel to reach, whether it’s a farm-to-table restaurant or a family-owned eatery specializing in mountain vegetables and locally sourced tofu. Taking a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, venture beyond the main tourist areas, and uncover the authentic flavors that make this region such a special place to eat.
What to Look For on Pyeongchang Menus
Here’s a summary of regional specialties to look for at restaurants in Pyeongchang. The following menu items reflect the area’s mountain climate, clean air, and agricultural traditions. Here is what to look for on the menu when ordering:
Hanwoo (한우)
Raised in the clean, high-altitude pastures of Daegwallyeong, people in Korea love Pyeongchang’s Hanwoo beef (한우) for its tenderness and rich flavor. Look for it grilled (bulgogi or galbi) at specialty barbecue restaurants.
Hwangtae (황태)
Daegwallyeong, Pyeongchang-gun is especially famous for hwangtae (황태), pollack air-dried in the frigid mountain winds. You’ll find it grilled, stewed in haejangguk (황태해장국, hangover soup), or served spicy in stir-fry. Find some pollack stew for breakfast and start your day off right.
Sanchae (산채)
Local restaurants serve sanchae jeongsik (산채정식) (set meals with foraged wild greens), showcasing ingredients like bracken, bellflower root, and fernbrake. Korean often include fermented sauces and tofu with sanchae meal sets.
Tofu (두부)
Pyeongchang is also a fantastic place to try fresh, handmade tofu (두부) made with local spring water and Gangwon-do soybeans. Due to the region’s clean air and mineral-rich water, many consider the Pyeongchang tofu dishes cleaner with a nuttier flavor. Such tofu options often come as part of traditional set meals (정식).
Dodeok (도덕) Root
Dodeok root, also called Codonopsis lanceolata, is a root vegetable known for its mild sweetness and slightly earthy flavor. Korean’s often use dodeok in soups, stews, and traditional herbal teas for its health benefits. Within Korean medicine, they often use dodeok to strengthen the body, improve stamina, and aid digestion. In Pyeongchang, you can often find it as part of the sanchae jeongsik (mountain vegetable set meals), adding both flavor and medicinal value.
Makguksu (막국수)
A specialty of Gangwon-do, makguksu (막국수) is a cold buckwheat noodle dish served with spicy sauce or in icy broth. It’s especially popular in summer and known for its clean, nutty flavor.
Makgeolli (막걸리)
Makgeolli is a milky, unfiltered rice wine made from a mixture of rice, water, and nuruk (a traditional fermentation starter). It has a slightly sweet, tangy flavor and is often served chilled or at room temperature in a wide, shallow bowl. Known for its creamy texture and lower alcohol content (around 6-8%), makgeolli is often paired with jeon (전, pancake) or enjoyed during social gatherings.
Craft Beer (수제 맥주)
These days, you can’t miss the craft beer. Some breweries in Pyeongchang might use buckwheat, mountain herbs, and spring water in their beer, offering distinctive local brews not found elsewhere in Korea. Make sure to try a flight when you are in the area.
Gamjajeon (감자전, Potato Pancake)
In Pyeongchang and other parts of Gangwon-do, gamjajeon (감자전) is a beloved dish, especially during colder months. Made from grated potatoes, sometimes mixed with onions, and pan-fried until crispy, these savory potato pancakes are a comforting dish often served with a soy-based dipping sauce.
10 Recommended Spots in Pyeongchang
Now that you know what to look for, here are some stunning restaurants in Pyeongchang:
Duboo Memilchon
0507-1465-7818
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Hangul Name:
두부메밀촌
Hangul Address:
강원 평창군 용평면 운두령로 274
Description:
Duboo Memilchon is a rustic eatery specializes in authentic Korean tofu and buckwheat dishes, offering fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Signature dishes include tofu jeongol (stew), grilled tofu, and buckwheat noodles. With ample parking and a peaceful ambiance, it's an ideal stop for travelers exploring Pyeongchang’s scenic beauty.
Memilkkot Hyanggi
0507-1409-9909
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Hangul Name:
메밀꽃향기
Hangul Address:
강원 평창군 봉평면 이효석길 33-5
Description:
Memilkkot Hyanggi in Pyeongchang’s Bongpyeong is a rustic, traditional Korean restaurant specializing in healthful dishes made with 쓴메밀 (black buckwheat). Signature items include 타타리 수제묵 (handmade buckwheat jelly), 타타리 메밀국수 (buckwheat noodles), and 타타리 수육 (boiled pork with wild garlic). The spacious hanok-style setting, use of traditional earthenware, and focus on local ingredients create an authentic, wellness-oriented dining experience.
White Crow Brewing
033-333-1201
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Hangul Name:
화이트 크로우 브루잉
Hangul Address:
강원 평창군 방림면 고원로 65
Description:
A split menu of four seasonal beers and their flagship four brews offers an excellent variety to showcase their craft and to highlight ingredients grown in the region (sampler flights are available for both!). The water comes from a well drilled on site, providing a crisp, clean slate to build on for both their brewing and the fantastic cooking that comes out of the Brewerys kitchen. Poutine, pizza, and fish and chips are the big 3 to name amongst others, that were each prepared in the finest form many of us have had in a long time, or ever in Korea. Spending hours at this place is too easy, some might say... White Crow has been open since 2019 and has grown in popularity and notoriety quite fast, but is clearly just getting started. They often host events and recently concluded a food-collaboration partnership series which Im sure we will see more events like it soon. If you can only spend a day in this region, make it a long one, but we highly recommend you stay in a hotel or pension nearby - Welli Hilli, Dunnae, and some Camping/Pensions offer you a variety of options to spend the night. The closer to White Crow, the better!
Daegwallyeong Hanwoo Plaza
0507-1443-7222
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Hangul Name:
대관령한우프라자
Hangul Address:
강원 평창군 봉평면 무이진등길 37
Description:
Daegwallyeong Hanwoo Plaza in Bongpyeong offers premium Korean beef in a rustic, countryside setting. Specialties include 480-hour aged Hanwoo sirloin, chima sal, and ancho sal. The restaurant also serves beef tartare bibimbap, cold buckwheat noodles, and beef bone soup. With spacious indoor seating, a pet-friendly garden, and ample parking, it's perfect for families, groups, or travelers near Yongpyong Resort. Reservations are recommended.
Bongpyeong Memil Migayeon
0507-1405-8805
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Hangul Name:
봉평메밀미가연
Hangul Address:
강원 평창군 봉평면 기풍로 108
Description:
Bongpyeong Memil Migayeon is a countryside hanok-style eatery led by renowned buckwheat master Oh Suk‑hee. They feature 100% pure buckwheat dishes, including buckwheat sprout yukhoe, pure soba, spicy bibim noodles, and crispy buckwheat pancakes. Using routine-rich bitter buckwheat grown on-site, the menu is both healthy and flavorful. The serene setting, generous parking, and warm service make it a top stop in Bongpyeong. Ideal for food lovers and travellers.
Daegwallyeong Jayeonae
0507-1358-3372
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Hangul Name:
대관령자연애
Hangul Address:
강원 평창군 대관령면 눈마을길 39
Description:
Daegwallyeong Jayeonae offers a classic, health-focused dining experience in Pyeongchang. Specialties include meat wraps (meongil ssam) with charcoal-grilled pork or beef, accompanied by house-made fermented vegetable banchan. Their signature Jayeonae Makguksu features 100% pure buckwheat noodles, and they also serve Pyongyang-style cold noodles and spicy beef soup. The spacious, pet-friendly interior and ample parking make it ideal for families and groups. Reservations are recommended.
Dugeun Dugeun Kongkong
0507-1402-0910
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Hangul Name:
두근두근콩콩
Hangul Address:
강원 평창군 미탄면 서동로 4149
Description:
Dugeun Dugeun Kongkong, located on Seodong-ro in Mitan-myeon, Pyeongchang, serves house-made tofu dishes like tofu steak, tofu cutlet, and soft tofu stew, often paired with pork or octopus. They also offer coffee, smoothies, and teas. Family-run and pet-friendly, the space includes indoor and outdoor seating with parking. Please call ahead before visiting for smoother service. Lunch reservations (11:30–2:00) are not accepted, and early closing is possible if ingredients run out. Group bookings are welcome. 휴무 may change due to family events.
GamjaNe
0507-1411-1948
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Hangul Name:
감자네
Hangul Address:
강원 평창군 진부면 방아다리로 360
Description:
GamjaNe, located at 360 Bangadari-ro in Jinbu-myeon, Pyeongchang, is a well-known local spot specializing in dakbokkeumtang (spicy braised native chicken) and gondre dolsotbap (thistle rice in a stone pot). The cozy, countryside setting and rich, flavorful stews make it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Popular with celebrities like Lim Young-woong and Lee Chan-won. Naver reservations recommended. Free parking available across the road.
Heundeulbawi
0507-1407-6788
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Hangul Name:
흔들바위
Hangul Address:
강원 평창군 봉평면 태기로 1
Description:
Heundeulbawi is a beloved Korean restaurant known for its traditional mountain vegetable set meals (산채정식). Dishes include pine-needle grilled mackerel, soy-marinated crab, mung bean pancakes, and over 100 varieties of wild greens and root vegetables. With a hanok-inspired interior, private rooms, and generous house-made banchan, it’s ideal for families, groups, or anyone seeking a healthy and satisfying Korean dining experience. Reservations are accepted
Buil Restaurant
033-335-7232
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Hangul Name:
부일식당
Hangul Address:
강원 평창군 진부면 진부중앙로 100-5
Description:
Buil Restaurant is a local favorite known for its singular menu of mountain-vegetable set meals (산채백반), crafted from over 20 varieties of fresh wild herbs and vegetables sourced from nearby mountains. The meal includes rice, rich soybean‑paste stew, stone-pot roasted rice cakes, and house-made tofu simmered in a traditional cauldron . Parking and reservations are available, and the homey, sit-down style dining makes it perfect for families and travelers seeking authentic, healthy Korean flavors.
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Founded in 2015, the South of Seoul team consists of volunteers on three continents working together to support English-speaking people traveling or living in South Korea. South of Seoul volunteers work with organizations and individuals across South Korea to improve equitable access to information across South Korea. Much of South of Seoul’s information focuses on Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
Blogs published under the authorship of “South of Seoul” include blogs compiled by multiple volunteers to improve access to standardized information unrelated to individualized personal experiences.
South of Seoul
Founded in 2015, the South of Seoul team consists of volunteers on three continents working together to support English-speaking people traveling or living in South Korea. South of Seoul volunteers work with organizations and individuals across South Korea to improve equitable access to information across South Korea. Much of South of Seoul's information focuses on Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Blogs published under the authorship of "South of Seoul" include blogs compiled by multiple volunteers to improve access to standardized information unrelated to individualized personal experiences.
