In many of the Korean movies and television shows i've seen, the characters will often stop (usually late at night) at what looks like a little outdoor restaurant under a tent. Most of them seem to be in Seoul (in the shows and movies) and look the same or very similar: one counter, a little fridge with beverages including a couple different kinds of Soju and several small round tables with a couple little stools pulled up to them. It seems that the people there usually eat noodles? and the characters always drink Soju, usually one of the characters (why always the female?) drinks too much!
I was wondering what these places are called, if they are typically only open at night or if they are open 24 hours. Are they all over South Korea or just in the bigger cities like Seoul? What can a person expect to eat there? I'm also curious as to what the specific appeal of these places is, as opposed to eating at a "dine in" or "sit down" restaurant. Like: is the food faster or cheaper or are they open later than other places or is there a certain comfort factor? Would it almost be equivalent to an American going to a nicer version of Denny's at 2:00 AM with friends? It always looks like so much fun to eat at one of these places, especially if you are with a group of friends out late. I'm totally ignorant about Korean culture, but would love to learn more and would love to visit South Korea someday. If i want to eat at one of these "tented restaurants" though, i figured i should find out what to call them!
I was wondering what these places are called, if they are typically only open at night or if they are open 24 hours. Are they all over South Korea or just in the bigger cities like Seoul? What can a person expect to eat there? I'm also curious as to what the specific appeal of these places is, as opposed to eating at a "dine in" or "sit down" restaurant. Like: is the food faster or cheaper or are they open later than other places or is there a certain comfort factor? Would it almost be equivalent to an American going to a nicer version of Denny's at 2:00 AM with friends? It always looks like so much fun to eat at one of these places, especially if you are with a group of friends out late. I'm totally ignorant about Korean culture, but would love to learn more and would love to visit South Korea someday. If i want to eat at one of these "tented restaurants" though, i figured i should find out what to call them!