In Sydney's Koreatown you can experience the best of K-culture without the journey

Time Out

19 hours ago

With its buzzing nightlife scene, cutting-edge cultural landscape and incredible cuisine, South Korea is quickly becoming a top holiday destination for Sydneysiders looking for an inspiring and delicious escape But if you don't have the dosh to fund plane tickets all the way to Seoul, fear not. In the heart of Sydney's CBD – specifically along the Haymarket stretch of Pitt Street – you'll find Sydney's very own Koreatown: home to a vibrant mix of Korean restaurants, shops and bars serving up Big Seoul Energy in spades. And Squid Game fans, listen up! To celebrate the final season of Netflix's hit series, Netflix will be putting on some very special Squid Game experiences in some of the following Koreatown venues:
Sil Bi Jip
The good times seriously roll at this lively, affordable Korean street food diner and bar. Our advice? Order a round of Somaek (soju and beer cocktails) and the owner Dennis will make them at your table – splashing Korean beer into soju with lively theatrics. Alongside a strong line-up of tasty street food-style dishes and affordable drinks, you'll find retro games and live music every Saturday from 7pm.
Butchers Buffet
The name of this beloved Korean BBQ spot tells you all you need to know. Pile your plate up high with unlimited fresh cuts of beef, pork and chicken, then get grilling – all-you-can-eat seatings last for 90 minutes, and you'll fill your belly for less than $50 per person.
Hama Film X Kono Karaoke
This photobooth and karaoke bar is your one-stop-shop for late-night, Korea-style fun. It's open until 2am Sundays through Thursdays, and until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays, so you can settle in for a good few hours of karaoke and walk away with a head full of memories and a fist full of photos from the fun. A 13-song karaoke session will set you back just $20, so it's a super affordable (and fun) end to your night.
Allta
Allta is an elevated Korean restaurant that serves delicate, carefully crafted degustation menus in a stunning, marble-trimmed space. The intimate restaurant seats only 12 guests, so you can guarantee you'll get the VIP treatment.
Buttered
This Korean bakery in Chippendale is best known for its salt bread – the sweet and salty buttery rolls that have gone viral on social media. But there's a lot more on offer at Buttered – come for the salt bread, stay for the light-as-a-feather tissue bread and incredibly Instagrammable waterfall cake.
789 Korean BBQ
This popular Korean barbecue joint is by the same team behind 678 Korean BBQ in Haymarket and Eastwood, so you know there are experts on hand firing up the grill. Come to this sprawling Darling Square establishment for delicious caramelised meat and excellent soju.
Sáng by Mabasa
Found on Fitzroy Street in Surry Hills, away from the main hustle of Koreatown, this small, family-run eatery specialises in modern Korean dishes. The lunch menu is affordable and delicious – with the crisp kimchi pancake, bulgogi and golden fried chicken wings being our picks. At night, there's an ace set menu for $85 per person.
Hansang Haymarket
This family-run restaurant serves one of Sydney's most beloved beef soups, and so much more. The super extensive menu features all of your Korean faves – from bibimbap and hot pot to a must-order seafood pancake. Arrive hungry.
Hana Cosmetics
This local-loved cosmetics store in the heart of Haymarket is stocked to the gunnels with Korean beauty products. It's open until 8pm every night, so you can pop in on your way to dinner or karaoke and stock up on K-Beauty essentials.
Rococo Seoul
Want to dress the part? Rococo Seoul is one of Sydney's very best Korean fashion stores, selling an excellent line in Korean fashion from some of the country's favourite brands. You'll find this fashion haven in Chippendale's Central Park Mall.