4 Must-Try Korean Restaurants in Fukuoka | Local Food Expert Picks

Hello, I’m Shiro. Fukuoka is geographically close to Korea, and it boasts a high density of renowned restaurants where you can enjoy authentic Korean cuisine. From a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its Korean pig’s trotters that has landed in Fukuoka for the first time after winning Michelin for nine consecutive years, to a hidden gem for medicinal Samgyeopsal frequented by celebrities, and a legendary course meal restaurant known for having “too many prohibitions,” the Korean dining scene in Fukuoka is truly diverse.

This time, I have carefully selected four restaurants that have gained attention on YouTube. Each has a completely different character. Depending on your travel schedule and preferences, I hope you find your favorite spot.

1st Restaurant: Ohyang Jokbal & Ganjang Gejang Tenjin Daimyo Branch (Tenjin, Daimyo)

In March 2025, the Korean pig’s trotters restaurant “Ohyang Jokbal,” which has won Michelin for nine consecutive years in Seoul, made its debut in the Tenjin Daimyo area of Fukuoka. This restaurant, operated by the KollaBo group, specializes in Jokbal (Korean-style pig’s trotters) and Ganjang Gejang (soy sauce marinated crab), and has become a hot topic among local food enthusiasts since its opening.

Attraction of the Restaurant

Ohyang Jokbal (pig’s trotters finished with five spices) features a unique texture that is both jelly-like on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender on the inside. The experience of enjoying the flavors of a Michelin-rated pig’s trotters restaurant in Fukuoka is an unmissable opportunity for Korean food lovers. Ganjang Gejang (soy sauce marinated crab) is so perfectly paired with rice that it is often called “a rice thief,” and its rich umami spreads throughout the mouth. For inbound travelers, the rarity of being able to taste the same flavors as in Seoul in Fukuoka is a strong attraction.

Restaurant Information

Check reviews and English menu on Tabelog

2nd Restaurant: Korean Cuisine MUGEN (Yakuin)

Located in the Yakuin area, “Korean Cuisine MUGEN” is a popular authentic Korean restaurant frequented by celebrities and well-known figures, garnering immense support among local foodies. The signature dish, medicinal Samgyeopsal, features pork belly grilled over charcoal, infused with the flavors of herbs and traditional Chinese medicine, and regular customers unanimously agree that “once you eat this, you can’t be satisfied elsewhere.”

Attraction of the Restaurant

MUGEN’s medicinal Samgyeopsal uses pork belly blended with multiple medicinal herbs, and the fragrant aroma that rises as it cooks sets it apart from other restaurants. When you take a bite, the sweetness of the fat and the refreshing taste of the herbs spread simultaneously, and the light aftertaste is also appealing. The fact that celebrities frequent the place speaks volumes about the high standard of the dishes. I recommend this restaurant to those who want to experience the true Korean culinary culture in Yakuin among local regulars.

Restaurant Information

Check reviews and English menu on Tabelog

3rd Restaurant: PADO KOREAN RESTAURANT (Ropponmatsu)

Located just 1-2 minutes on foot from Ropponmatsu Station, “PADO KOREAN RESTAURANT” is a stylish establishment that combines a chic atmosphere with authentic Korean cuisine, making it popular among adult women. The restaurant features the popular Korean dish “Nakgopseu” (spicy octopus, shrimp, and pork hot pot) as its signature dish, gaining attention on social media as “Instagrammable Korean cuisine.”

Attraction of the Restaurant

PADO’s interior is designed with a stylish aesthetic in calm tones, creating a “sophisticated atmosphere that doesn’t feel like a typical Korean restaurant,” which attracts adult women. The signature Nakgopseu features plump octopus, shrimp, and pork, all intertwined in a special spicy miso sauce, deepening in flavor as you eat. The Deji Kalbi (pork ribs) is also a popular menu item, praised for its balance of meat quality and seasoning. The visually appealing dishes are perfect for social media posts, making it a hit among inbound travelers seeking a “stylish Korean dining experience.”

Restaurant Information

Check reviews and English menu on Tabelog

4th Restaurant: Korean An (Korean) (Kozasa, Sakurazaka)

Known for its reputation of having “too many prohibitions but the best taste,” “Korean An” is a hidden gem that operates on a completely reservation-only basis, phone reservations only, requires a minimum of four people, and only accepts cash, which has sparked much discussion. However, the reason reservations are constant is that the taste of their 5,500 yen omakase course is so moving that it transcends the rules.

Attraction of the Restaurant

The charm of Korean An is simple. With only one type of course, the focus on the dishes is unparalleled. The omakase course, packed with the owner’s dedication, combines seasonal ingredients with traditional Korean cooking methods, offering fresh surprises with each dish. The numerous “prohibitions” are rather seen as a testament to the restaurant’s commitment and passion for cooking, and the deeper the flavor becomes with each visit, the more fans travel from all over the country. Few places fit the term “Hidden Gem” as well as this one.

Restaurant Information

Check reviews and English menu on Tabelog

Comparison Table of 4 Restaurants

The four restaurants introduced this time each have completely different faces, from Michelin-awarded Korean restaurants to celebrity-frequented medicinal Samgyeopsal, stylish spaces for women, and the legendary hidden gem known for having “too many prohibitions.”

Please enjoy the authentic Korean dining scene nurtured by the geographical and cultural proximity between Fukuoka and Korea from multiple angles. I hope you find your favorite spot according to your travel purpose.