After nearly two weeks of burgers, pasta, pizza, and enough poutine to last a lifetime, I found myself craving something warm, hearty, and homemade. It was a cold day in October too. That’s when I stumbled across Seoul Country Korean Restaurant while scrolling through Google Maps.
The moment I stepped inside, I had a good feeling. It looked and felt like a family-run place, with Korean staff and a simple, no-frills interior that reminded me of the casual eateries I’ve visited in Seoul. The reviews online weren’t the best, but honestly, I figured they were probably from people who didn’t know what to expect from authentic Korean food.
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| kimchi jjigae with sidedishes and rice |
I went with a Korean friend I met at the hostel, who was also missing home. I ordered kimchi jjigae, a spicy and savoury kimchi stew made with aged kimchi and tofu, served bubbling hot with a bowl of rice. As is typical in Korean meals, it came with a generous spread of side dishes, and we added a plate of crispy fried mandu, or Korean dumplings, to share.
The food hit the spot. The kimchi jjigae was tasty and perfectly spicy (not too much), and it was exactly what I needed on a cold day. The mandu was perfectly cooked - crispy on the outside and really flavorful and juicy on the inside.
Overall, the meal was comforting, delicious, and genuinely reminded me of the meals I’ve had while traveling around South Korea. The portions were solid, the prices reasonable for Banff, and while service was a bit slow, the place was busy and the staff looked like they were doing their best with a small team.
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| mandu with dipping sauce |
If you’re in Banff and craving something different from the usual Western fare, Seoul Country Korean Restaurant is worth checking out. Especially if you’ve spent time in Korea or just love Korean food, this place offers a warm, nostalgic break from the tourist-heavy food scene. It might not be fast or fancy, but it’s authentic, and that’s what matters.
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