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안녕하세요 친구 !

There isn’t a neighbourhood close to campus that makes me more nostalgic than Koreatown. After spending more than a year in the wonderful city of Seoul, I find myself longing for the delicious food and the never-ending nightlife.  Unfortunately, a plane ticket ain’t cheap and the TTC fare to Christie station is much better for the budget-conscious grad student. So what is there to do in Koreatown? Eating, dancing, and singing! How can you go wrong?

Where to Eat?
Buk Chang Dong Soon Tofu
691 Bloor St. W
SE corner of Bloor and Clinton – only Korean writing on Green and Yellow sign (북창동 순두부)
I’ll be honest, a lot of the food I’ve tried in Koreatown has been pretty disappointing. I’ve heard that if authenticity is what you’re after, Yonge and Finch offers a much broader selection of good fare. That being said, Buk Chang Dong Soon Tofu (북창동 순두부) offers a pretty good Dolsot Bibimbap and Bulgogi in my experience and keeps entrée prices under $9. Added bonus: includes free, unlimited sides such as various kimchi and soy beans. Not bad!

Dolsot Bibimbap – rice, carrots, cucumber, mushrooms, beansprouts, egg, radish, ground beef and pure deliciousness. Served with miso soup.

My wonderful date for the evening (he hasn’t sent me an invoice yet), Greg, also enjoyed the Seafood Soon Dubu which is a great spicy stew perfect for cool autumn and winter evenings.

 

Seafood Soon Dubu – served with rice.

If you’re looking for Korean food, and/or affordable, good eats I definitely recommend this restaurant. However, don’t come here looking for a romantic evening, it’s really low-key and has a very “get in, get out” vibe to it. Practicality, not romance is the name of the game here.

Where to Dance?
Just footsteps away from Buk Chang Dong Soon Tofu on the SW corner of Bloor and Clinton, is the aptly named “Clinton’s”. From the front of the bar it appears fairly typical. At the back, however, is an awesome dancefloor that features one of my favourite bi-weekly events of the city: Girl and Boy 90s Dance Party. It starts up at 10pm and has a $5 cover. Check out the facebook link to find out what Friday’s it is happening! Hint: next one will be December 2^nd, 2011.

Where to… Sing?
Yes, you heard me, SING! Noraebang (or karaoke as we frequently refer to it here) is perhaps my favourite of all Korean cultural artifacts. Unlike the North American version, noreabang (translates into singing room) is just that – a room that you rent hourly and sing the night away with only your closest friends. No longer must you embarrass yourself in front of total strangers! I’ve frequented two noraebangs, and this is what I found:

XO Karaoke
693 Bloor St. West, upstairs
416-535-3734

The more aesthetically pleasing of the two, XO Karaoke is a must if you are planning a big party (10+ people). They have a huge room that can fit 20 people comfortably. Drinks are brought to the room as ordered.

Rates:
Big Room (11-20 people): $60/hr + drinks
Medium Room (6-10 people): $40/hr + drinks
Small Room (1-5 people): $20/hr + drinks
Drinks: Domestic beers are $5.25, others range from $6.25-$6.75

If you’re interested in the big party room on a weekend make sure to call and reserve in advance.

Gorhe Gorhe Karaoke
708 Bloor St West, basement
416-916-2720

The more authentically Korean of the two, this place has charm and friendly service that brings me right back to Seoul. Although room rates are similar, drinks are a bit cheaper and again, a friendly smile or 5 goes a long way. Unfortunately this operation doesn’t have the big party room that XO does, however, they are much less fussy here about the people maximum in rooms.

Rates:
Medium Room (6-10 comfortably – could fit more): $40/hr
Small Room: (1-5 people): $20/hr
Drinks: Range from $5-$6 – shots are $6.

If you want to make noraebang a regular activity, be sure to pick up a business card on the way out – attend 5 sessions and get 30 min free (on Monday to Thursday).

So, my friends, there it is – a fun-packed evening in Koreatown. What other neighbourhoods do you love? Do you have other favourite places I missed in the Bloor and Christie area?