Looking for the best restaurants, cafes, and spots for drinks in Pyeongtaek? Or maybe you are looking for the best restaurants near Camp Humphreys or Osan Air Force Base. Here are the winners of the 2024 Best of Pyeongtaek Awards! What is South of Seoul? Founded in 2015, the South of Seoul (SOS) volunteer organization supports ex-pats living outside Seoul. The SOS volunteers manage multiple Facebook groups, the South of Seoul Facebook page, the South of Seoul blog, the SOS Public Health Program, and the South of Seoul AI Assistant to help English-speaking international residents thrive living across Korea. Our volunteers adore the rich life we live south of Seoul, and we feel honored to help new arrivals discover the hidden magic it holds. For example, Pyeongtaek-si is a rewarding mix of city life and country life which can make it a challenge for new arrivals since access may feel complicated. However, with a little information like the ‘Best of Pyeongtaek Poll Winners’ list, Pyeongtaek-si can be a delightful place for new arrivals and long-term international residents alike. What is the South of Seoul Best of Pyeongtaek Poll? South of Seoul is proud to host the 8th Annual Best of Pyeongtaek Poll to celebrate our delicious and delightful community. The Best of Pyeongtaek Awards provide a chance for the international community to support their favorite people and places. How did the South of Seoul Best of Pyeongtaek Poll change in 2024? For 2024, South of Seoul added a few new categories and withdrew a few to respond to the changes in our community’s dining needs and culinary interests. Since SOS volunteers stay closely connected with the community, we adjust the categories each year to reflect changes in the community. We actively assess the current needs of the international community by analyzing the information and questions shared in our various community groups. Such an agile program design means the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll is a little different each year. Who votes in the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll? The South of Seoul Best of Pyeongtaek poll is open to the public. We make every feasible effort to reach outside the South of Seoul community into the communities around us to gain an authentic insight into the preferences of English-speaking international residents in Pyeongtaek. SOS volunteers feel confirmation bias does not serve the greater good, so we seek opinions outside of our own sphere of influence. We want the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll to hold accurate information, whether that information matches our beliefs or not. South of Seoul limits each business to 3 wins. We do this to keep the poll results engaging, helpful, and informative. In addition, since write-in votes are allowed, and some businesses may have an overwhelming advantage due to location and language ability, limiting the number of wins per business to 3 categories creates a better experience for all involved. South of Seoul volunteers want to meet the community’s authentic needs. Therefore, the South of Seoul Best of Pyeongtaek Poll provides us with the insight we need by reflecting on the opinions of others. That said, nothing about this poll is scientific. It is for fun and for community development. We level the playing field by leaving the poll open for two weeks so that community members can vote once a day and deeply support the people and businesses they love. What did you learn from the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll in 2024? When reviewing the responses to The Best of Pyeongtaek 2023 poll, we found that English-speaking international residents’ comfort zone in Pyeongtaek-si retracted in 2024 for the first time. We can see this trend based on the decrease in votes for locations beyond Sinjang-dong and Anjeong-ri. We hope this see this reverse in 2025 as we share new places across the city. In 2024,13% of Best of Pyeongtaek winners won for the first time. After a large turnover in 2023, we found many of the favorite spots continued to lead the way. It’s exciting to see so many favorite places stand the test of time. In 2024, we saw that South of Seoul continues to be a leader in information in Pyeongtaek. Our Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook Group has been a powerhouse of information with the community that allows us all to come together to support people every single day. The hard work of each Pyeongtaek Food & Fun member has driven the group to become one of the most influential places for international residents living in Pyeongtaek to gather information.  In 2024 we saw United on the ROK’s influence grow across the community. They became the 3rd most-read, English-language publication in Pyeongtaek-si. We love to see our community partners growing and thriving. Congratulations to their talented volunteer team. Pyeongtaek Insight rose to the second most-read English-language publication and the South of Seoul blog came in first! Thank you to everyone for your support. In 2024, Best of Pyeongtaek Poll participants prioritized the following when choosing a restaurant 1) Parking, 2) Affordability, 3) Recommended by A friend, 4) Proximity to home, and 5) English Menu (dropped from 4th). The biggest change we saw was that people desire to stay closer to home. Enough talking, time to get down to business. *drum roll please* We are proud to announce the amazing, hard-working, talented winners of The Best of Pyeongtaek 2023. Go visit them all! BEST NEIGHBORHOODS Pyeongtaek-si offers a unique mix of urban convenience and rural charm, making it a great place for a variety of lifestyles. Whether you’re looking for a bustling city atmosphere, a quiet countryside retreat, or something in between, this area has plenty of options. From neighborhoods with easy access to public transportation and shopping to more peaceful, family-friendly communities, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the top spots for international residents in 2024, based on accessibility, amenities, and overall livability! SOSABEOL Offers the Best Experience for Date Nights In the South of Seoul moderated Pyeongtaek Food & Fun group people often ask, “Where can we go on a date?” Every year since the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll started, Sosabeol has been the date night choice of English-speaking residents of Pyeongtaek. Past Awards: PAENGSEONG-EUP (ANJEONG-RI) Offers the Best Experience for Hanging Out Friends and Families The English-speaking residents of Pyeongtaek have spoken and chosen Paengseong-eup (this includes Anjeongri-ri). This is the first win for Paengseong (Anjeongri) as in the past, Sosabeol has swept all of the votes for Best “Date Night” Neighborhood, Best “Family” Neighborhood, and Best “Hangout” Neighborhood. So, if you want to hang out with friends or find new friends, maybe consider visiting Anjeong-ri for an evening of bar hopping and evening fun. Most Visited Traditional Markets In 2024 we asked Expats to vote for the most Most Visited Traditional Markets. The Top 3 most shopped traditional markets are Tong Bok Market, Anjeongri 5 Day Market, and Songtan Traditional Market. Make sure to visit these the next time you need some groceries for the house: 1) Tongbok Market, 2) Anjeong-ri 5 Day Market (temporary street market), 3) Songtan Market BEST MEAT RESTAURANTS Best International Grilled Meat: BRAAI REPUBLIC Braai Republic in Paengseong-eup is well known for its generous plates of South African comfort food, including grilled lamb, ribs, chicken, and more. Their hearty meat pies are also a must-try. With a long history in the community, Braai Republic has been winning Best of Pyeongtaek awards since 2018. In both 2023 and 2024, they took home wins for Best African Restaurant and Best International Grilled Meat, making them a top spot for those craving rich, flavorful dishes. They also have a location in Seoul, but their Pyeongtaek branch remains a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Braai Republic’s Other Best of Pyeongtaek Awards Best American BBQ Restaurant: SMOKETOWN If you’re craving authentic American BBQ, Smoketown has you covered with two great locations—one at AK Plaza and another near Camp Humphreys. Their slow-smoked meats are packed with flavor, and their homemade sides bring the perfect balance of comfort and tradition. Whether you’re in the mood for brisket, ribs, or pulled pork, many feel that Smoketown delivers a satisfying meal every time. With convenient locations and a reputation for quality, it’s no surprise they’re a top pick for BBQ in Pyeongtaek! Best Pork Galbi Restaurant: HWA HWA & THE TASTY GRILLED SHORT RIBS (Tie) HWA HWA (a brand with locations across Gyeonggi-do and Chunchannam-do) is a favorite for its flavorful and tender pork galbi and plentiful bancheon (side dishes). The restaurant serves up classic grilled short ribs with a rich, savory marinade that pairs perfectly with traditional Korean side dishes. The cozy setting and sizzling platters of meat make it a great spot for gathering with friends or family. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Korean BBQ or trying it for the first time, HWA HWA is a delicious choice. Since it has many locations, including one in Paengseong-eup, it remains a crowd favorite year after year. The Tasty Grilled Short Ribs focuses on the meat. It serves up pork short ribs with a choice of regular or spicy sauce, offering something for everyone. For an extra treat, you can order a side of cheese fondue to dip your ribs in, adding a creamy, indulgent twist to the meal. The mix of smoky grilled flavors and bold seasonings makes this spot a great place for a satisfying Korean BBQ experience. If you love pork galbi with a little extra flair, this is the place to go! Best Korean BBQ Restaurant: ARIRANG Arirang in Paengseong-eup has been a go-to spot for Korean BBQ for many years. Known for its flavorful grilled meats and traditional side dishes, it’s a great choice for families, couples, and company gatherings. The restaurant offers spacious seating, including large tables and private rooms, making it ideal for both small and big groups. Plus, with plenty of parking and a cozy café next door, it’s easy to relax and enjoy a full dining experience. Whether you’re craving a hearty meal or a post-BBQ coffee, Arirang has you covered. Arirang’s Other Awards: Best NOT Fried Chicken: SOUS VIDE CHICKEN PUB Sous Vide Chicken Pub, located in Sosabeol, is renowned for its tender, flavorful chicken dishes prepared using the sous-vide method. A standout menu item is the Bomb Chicken—a whole chicken cooked sous-vide, encased in a flaming dough bubble, and stuffed with melted cheese and pepperoni, offering a unique and memorable dining experience. The pub also brews its own beers on-site and provides an English menu, making it accessible for both locals and visitors. The spacious dining area is ideal for families, work events, and gatherings with friends. Owner, Mr. Kuk is known for his warm hospitality, ensuring every visit feels welcoming. For those driving, be aware that parking in Sosabeol can be challenging without a Korean credit card; it’s advisable to park in nearby neighborhoods and walk to the venue. Sous Vide Chicken Pub Other Awards: Best Fried Chicken: HO CHICKEN & BRUXIE (Tie) This year’s Best Fried Chicken award goes to two standout spots! Ho Chicken is a local favorite known for its crispy, flavorful Korean fried chicken, with options ranging from classic golden-fried to bold, saucy flavors. It’s the perfect place to enjoy crunchy, juicy chicken with friends. Bruxie brings an American twist with their famous fried chicken sandwiches served on fluffy waffles. Their crispy chicken, paired with sweet and savory flavors, makes for a meal you won’t forget. Whether you love Korean-style fried chicken or crave a unique chicken sandwich, these two winners have something delicious for everyone! Best Duck Restaurant: PUMPKIN DUCK SHABU SHABU For an exceptional shabu-shabu experience in Pyeongtaek, Pumpkin Duck Shabu Shabu stands out as a top choice. Their signature dish features tender duck cooked inside a Korean pumpkin, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors. Accompanied by a variety of fresh side dishes, this meal is both hearty and satisfying. Given the generous portions, it’s advisable to arrive with a hearty appetite. For larger groups, ordering two ducks can comfortably feed up to eight people. Whether...

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If you are looking for the best restaurants to try in Anjeongri near Camp Humphreys, here is a list of spots I keep going back to again and again. (Updated in July of 2023) How I Chose Restaurants for this List These 15 restaurants are where I have eaten most often over the last 1-8 years. My decision on where to eat in Anjeongri is influenced by many factors such as: consistency over time, nearby parking, speed of service, ease of ordering, depth of flavors, the freshness of ingredients, and the homesickness-factor to name a few. Instead, of trying to live for what I knew before, I chose my favorite spots based on what I want now. I love spicy and heavily seasoned food. I’m also a fan of fresh veggies and diverse textures. However, I don’t like complex menus. I want the restaurant I eat at to specialize in something. Fusion food and new things make me excited even though I might not like them the first time I try them. I super hated Korean pizza the first time I tried it, but now I am a fan. Life is funny that way, sometimes change sucks but turns out to be amazing after the shock. Stay open and stay flexible. My 15 Favorite Spots on Anjeongri Obviously, your list of top places will end up being a lot different from mine. I’ve lived in South Korea for over a decade which means I’m not looking for food that tastes exactly like home. My memory of what “home” food tastes like has certainly eroded and the taste of food in other countries that I have called “home” has also evolved since my last visit. This is a list of what serves my heart and my taste buds, not a list of authenticness. I don’t really care about that at all. I travel to discover and not to flavor police creative chefs. Hopefully, this list can help you get started on your own favorites list that you will share in the Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook group. You can also leave your reviews in the South of Seoul app! Please note, I’ve attempted to organize these starting from the Camp Humphreys walking gate and moving east. This means that the first restaurants are closest to the gate and the last restaurants are furthest. Looking for a Neighborhood Near Camp Humphreys with Delicious Food? Another neighborhood near Camp Humphreys is Dunpo where you can find delicious countryside restaurants. I highly recommend making the short trip to try these spots as well. Amazing Korean and international food in this diverse community. Lanae Rivers-Woods, MAITLanae Rivers-Woods moved to Korea in 2011 where she lives in the countryside with her family, friends, and puppies. She holds a BSSW (Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work), a MAIT (Master’s of Arts in International Teaching), and registered by the Pyeongtaek Korean Times with the Korean government as a Cultural Expert. Ms. Rivers-Woods used her 15 years experience as a social architect, UX/UI designer, and technology consultant to found South of Seoul in 2015. South of Seoul is a volunteer organization that leverages technological tools to mitigate cultural dissonance in multi-cultural communities. Through South of Seoul, Ms. Rivers-Woods works with independent volunteers, non-profit organizations, businesses, local & federal government, universities, and US military organizations to develop solutions to support English speaking international residents in rural South Korea. Additionally, Ms. Rivers-Woods founded the South of Seoul smart phone app available for Google Play and iPhone. The app provides information a resources for those living and traveling in South Korea. When she isn’t in South of Seoul development meetings or working her day job, Ms. Rivers-Woods loves to be outside at skate parks, the beach, or playing in the mountains. www.southofseoul.net

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