(Contents)<\/h2>\n\n- A Route for Exploring Koreatown from Tsuruhashi Station\u2014Map Included!<\/a><\/li>\n
- \u2460Get Your Cheese Corn-dogs at Songhot-Osaka on the Main Street<\/a><\/li>\n
- \u2461 Sundubu & Cold Noodle Lunches at Minzoku-mura on Miyuki-dori Shopping Street<\/a><\/li>\n
- \u2462If You\u2019re Buying Kimchi, Go to Yamada Shoten\u2014Celebrating 40 Years in Business<\/a><\/li>\n
- \u2463Hungry? Grab and Go from Nori-chan!<\/a><\/li>\n
- \u2464Snap a Photo with Korea’s Guardian Deity “Dol Hareubang”<\/a><\/li>\n
- \u2465 Learn Local History at Osaka Koreatown History Museum<\/a><\/li>\n
- \u2466 And Specialty Croissant Around the Corner from Miyuki-dori<\/a><\/li>\n
- \u2467 Souvenirs and Kawaii Korean at Kansei Kukan<\/a><\/li>\n
- \u2468 Korean Food Souvenirs from Korea 1st Store<\/a><\/li>\n
- Enjoy Koreatown Your Way\u266a<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
A Route for Exploring Koreatown from Tsuruhashi Station\u2014Map Included!<\/h2>\n
![\"illustrated](\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2024\/06\/recommended-courses-in-osaka-koreatown-img01.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Koreatown is the nickname for the three shopping streets and the surrounding area near Momodani and Tsuruhashi in Ikuno Ward of Osaka City. There just isn’t enough time in the day to write about all the shops I’d like to visit in Koreatown.
\nFor now, I\u2019ve decided to create a course that starts at Tsuruhashi Station on the JR Loop Line, passes through the main street called Miyuki-dori Shopping Street<\/em>, and leaves time for walking around\u266a
\nDepending on how long you plan to stay in Koreatown, you can probably visit all nine spots I recommend. It would take somewhere from about three hours to half a day.<\/p>\n\n
\n\u2460 Songhot-Osaka<\/a>, cheese corn-dogs
\n\u2461 Minzoku-mura<\/a>, cold noodles& sundubu
\n\u2462 Kimchi no Yamada Shoten<\/a>, popular kimchi shop
\n\u2463 Nori-chan<\/a>, yangnyeom chicken
\n\u2464 Stone statue of Korea’s guardian deity “Dol Hareubang<\/a>”
\n\u2465 Osaka Koreatown History Museum<\/a>
\n\u2466 And<\/a>, stylish specialty croissants
\n\u2467 Kansei Kukan<\/a>, cute Korean miscellaneous goods
\n\u2468 Korea 1st Store<\/a>, Korean food store\n<\/div>\n\nOsaka Koreatown<\/h3>\n
![\"Entrance](\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2024\/06\/recommended-courses-in-osaka-koreatown-img02.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Address: 5-3-17 Momodani, Ikuno-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
\nBusiness hours: Varies by store
\n(Most stores seem to be open from 10am to 6pm)
\nRegular holidays: Varies by store.
\n(Most stores seem to be closed on Wednesdays)
\nAccess: Approximately 15 minutes walk from JR Loop Line Tsuruhashi Station\/Momodani Station
\nPrice: Varies by store
\n(For reference, I spent about 5,500 yen)
\nOfficial website: https:\/\/osaka-koreatown.com<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\u2460Get Your Cheese Corn-dogs at Songhot-Osaka on the Main Street<\/h2>\n
If there’s one thing I absolutely have to have when I\u2019m in Koreatown, it’s the cheese corn-dogs!<\/p>\n
![\"Korean](\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2024\/06\/recommended-courses-in-osaka-koreatown-img03.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
There are lots of corn-dog shops in Koreatown, but the one I recommend the most is Songhot-Osaka, which opened in 2023. The corn-dogs at Songhot are so good because they are freshly fried and oh-so-crispy!<\/p>\n
![\"cheese](\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2024\/06\/recommended-courses-in-osaka-koreatown-img04.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
It takes about 5 to 7 minutes from buying your ticket at the vending machine until you get to bite into your corn dog, because they are fried fresh. This means you can eat a freshly fried crispy corn dog that\u2019s piping hot! Top it with sweet sugar, ketchup, and a salty sauce such as mustard.
\nI also ordered the Mozzarella Cheese Dog (480 yen tax included), which was delicious!
\nWhen you take a bite of Songhot’s Cheese Dog, you’ll be greeted with chewy mozzarella cheese overflowing from the inside. The cheese seems to stretch on forever and I can\u2019t get enough of the sweet and salty flavors\u2661<\/p>\n
\nSonghot-Osaka<\/h3>\n
Address: 2-16-21 Tsuruhashi, Ikuno-ku, Osaka
\nBusiness hours: 9am to 6pm
\nOpen daily
\nAccess: About 8 minutes walk from Tsuruhashi Station on the JR Loop Line
\nPrice: 300 yen to 700 yen
\nInstagram\uff1a https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/songhot__osaka\/<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\u2461Sundubu & Cold Noodle Lunches at Minzoku-mura on Miyuki-dori Shopping Street<\/h2>\n
Next, I stopped by a restaurant called Minzoku-mura which has a great lunch menu featuring cold noodles and sundubu<\/em> (soft tofu dishes)!<\/p>\n![\"stone](\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2024\/06\/recommended-courses-in-osaka-koreatown-img05.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Overwhelmed by the number of people on the main street of Koreatown, Miyuki-dori Shopping District, I was looking for a retreat. So I stopped in this restaurant because it has such a fun storefront.<\/p>\n
![\"Sundubu,](\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2024\/06\/recommended-courses-in-osaka-koreatown-img06.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
The Sundubu set meal (1,350 yen including tax) looks like this. As you can see from the photo, it arrives sizzling hot! The spicy soup was filled with soft tofu and mushrooms. This is the real taste of authentic Korean home cooking.<\/p>\n
![\"cold](\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2024\/06\/recommended-courses-in-osaka-koreatown-img07.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
It was a hot day, so I also tried the cold noodles (1,300 yen including tax).
\nThe cold noodles have an amazing texture! And is that apple? I tasted something fruity in the soup. And when I added vinegar, the flavors changed to a sort of sweet saltiness, which was really addicting. Personally, I prefer a little less sweetness, but it was still good.<\/p>\n
\nMinzoku-mura<\/h3>\n
Address: 3-14-18 Higashikobashi, Higashinari-ku, Osaka
\nBusiness hours: 11am to 9pm
\nOpen daily
\nAccess: Approximately 15 minutes walk from Tsuruhashi Station on the JR Loop Line
\nPrice: Lunch 1,300 yen to 2,000 yen\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\u2462If You\u2019re Buying Kimchi, Go to Yamada Shoten\u2014Celebrating 40 Years in Business<\/h2>\n
![\"line](\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2024\/06\/recommended-courses-in-osaka-koreatown-img08.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
While walking along Miyuki-dori shopping street, I noticed a huge line. At the very front of that line was a huge selection of different types of kimchi! This shop\u2014Yamada Shoten\u2014has been in business for over 40 years. They sell around 80 types of kimchi all year round.
\nTheir reviews say stuff like \u201cYamada Shoten is the most famous kimchi shop in Japan\u2019s Koreatown!\u201d \u201cI love this shop. For the last 10 years now, every time I go to Osaka, I buy kimchi here.\u2019’ \u201cTheir kimchi is so good that I went back to buy it two weeks in a row.” This shop is popular with rave reviews.<\/p>\n
![\"Huge](\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2024\/06\/recommended-courses-in-osaka-koreatown-img09.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
They sell a wide variety of kimchi that you can’t buy anywhere else, like the jumbo scallop kimchi, herring roe kimchi, mountain yam, celery, burdock root, lotus root, octopus, squid, and so much more!
\nKimchi no Yamada Shoten often has a long line in the afternoon, so I recommend going in the morning.
\nIt\u2019s also possible to order online through their website. So if you are interested and you can\u2019t get to the store, please check it out.<\/p>\n
\nKimchi Yamada Shoten<\/h3>\n
Address: 4-9-6 Momodani, Ikuno-ku, Osaka
\nBusiness hours: 7am to 6pm
\nOpen daily
\nAccess: Approximately 20 minutes walk from Tsuruhashi Station on the JR Loop Line
\nPrice: 500 yen to 5,000 yen (depending on the type and amount of kimchi that you buy)
\nWebsite: https:\/\/www.yamada-syouten.com\/<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\u2463Hungry? Grab and Go from Nori-chan!<\/h2>\n
![\"Takeout](\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2024\/06\/recommended-courses-in-osaka-koreatown-img10.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Miyuki-dori shopping street is full of shops that sell takeaway items. Now that you’ve come to Koreatown, you’ll probably see a lot of food that you want to try on the spot!
\nWhile walking through the neighborhood, I found a Korean restaurant called Nori-chan with very reasonable prices! You can buy small portions of chijimi<\/em> (savory Korean pancakes), gimmari<\/em> (fried nori rolls), and glutinous rice snacks with lots of sugar. This is the perfect place to stop if you want a snack on the go.You can eat yangnyeom chicken for as little as 100 yen (tax included). There\u2019s no way I can\u2019t stop here!<\/p>\n\nNori-chan<\/h3>\n
Address: 5-5-7 Momodani, Ikuno-ku, Osaka
\nBusiness hours: 9am to 6pm
\nClosed: Wednesdays
\nAccess: Approximately 20 minutes walk from Tsuruhashi Station on the JR Loop Line
\nPrice: 100 yen to 500 yen\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\u2464Snap a Photo with Korea’s Guardian Deity “Dol Hareubang”<\/h2>\n
![\"Korean](\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2024\/06\/recommended-courses-in-osaka-koreatown-img11.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
When I stopped in Miyukimori Dai 2 Park for a restroom break, I encountered some strange stones.
\nApparently these are traditional Korean stone statues called Dol Hareubang. The word means “old man made of stone” and in Korea they are considered guardian deities that prevent disaster. They also bring peace.<\/p>\n
\nDol Hareubang Stone Statues<\/h3>\n
Address: 5-4-4 Momodani, Ikuno-ku, Osaka\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\u2465Explore Local History at Osaka Koreatown History Museum<\/h2>\n
![\"Osaka](\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2024\/06\/recommended-courses-in-osaka-koreatown-img12.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
When I saw the Dol Hareubang I felt closer to Korean culture. And then I discovered a place where you can learn a lot about the history of Koreatown, a museum called Osaka Korea Town History Museum! I was intrigued so I went in. (Admission: 300 yen for adults)<\/p>\n
![\"Items](\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2024\/06\/recommended-courses-in-osaka-koreatown-img13.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
At the museum, you can learn about the history of Koreatown from past to present.
\nFrom stories about the K-POP and Korean wave booms that have been gaining momentum beginning in the 20th century, to the connection with the regional name “Ikaino” from the Korean Peninsula, which has been passed down from long ago. The museum is a great place to learn about the origins of Koreatown through exhibits, a map of the surrounding area, panels with trivia, and touch panels with lots of detailed information.<\/p>\n
\nOsaka Korea Town Museum<\/h3>\n
Osaka Korea Town Museum
\nAddress: 4-4-11 Momodani, Ikuno-ku, Osaka
\nBusiness hours: 10am to 5pm
\nClosed: Wednesday
\nAccess: Approximately 15 minutes walk from Tsuruhashi Station on the JR Loop Line
\nPrice: General 300 yen (Group of 10+ 200 yen per person)
\nStudent: 100 yen *Student ID required
\nElementary, middle, & high school students: 100 yen
\nPreschool children: free
\nPersons with a disability certificate\/attendant: 100 yen
\nWebsite: https:\/\/oktmuseum.or.jp\/<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\u2466 And Specialty Croissants Around the Corner from Miyuki-dori<\/h2>\n
![\"High-end](\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2024\/06\/recommended-courses-in-osaka-koreatown-img14.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
After learning about the history of Koreatown and using my brain, I realized I needed something sweet. Then I came across And<\/em>, a croissant specialty store that just opened on February 23, 2024!
\nIt’s a popular bakery with locations in Uehonmachi and Utsubo Park. And the stylish interior is decorated with delicious-looking croissants in incredible flavors like rich pistachio, red bean paste, and mascarpone.<\/p>\n![\"Whipped](\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2024\/06\/recommended-courses-in-osaka-koreatown-img15.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
This time, I tried the most popular croissant\u2014the Cinderella Croissant! It\u2019s filled with whipped cream from Hokkaido\u266a It goes without saying that the crispy croissant and mildly sweet whipped cream compliment each other perfectly. Whipped cream inside a croissant is a genius-level idea!<\/p>\n
\nAnd, Koreatown location<\/h3>\n
Address: 4-1-40 Momodani, Ikuno-ku, Osaka
\nBusiness hours: 11am to 5pm
\nClosed: Mondays and holidays
\nAccess: Approximately 10 minutes walk from Tsuruhashi Station on the JR Loop Line
\nPrice: 350 yen to 500 yen each
\nInstagram\uff1ahttps:\/\/www.instagram.com\/and_uehonnmachi\/<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\u2467Souvenirs and Kawaii Korean at Kansei Kukan<\/h2>\n
![\"pop](\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2024\/06\/recommended-courses-in-osaka-koreatown-img16.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Next, I headed to one of the places I wanted to go today, Kansei Kukan\u266a
\nThis shop carries a lot of interesting products like stationery, posters, postcards, memo pads, stickers, tableware, hanging scrolls, candles, figurines, lamps, etc.\u2606
\nThere are many wonderful Korean brands with cute characters that are even more charming once you know the concepts behind them. So I’d like to introduce a few of the characters that I fell in love with\u266a<\/p>\n
![\"pop](\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2024\/06\/recommended-courses-in-osaka-koreatown-img17.jpg\")
\n![\"pop](\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2024\/06\/recommended-courses-in-osaka-koreatown-img18.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\u2606”JOGUMAN”
\nJoguman, features a dinosaur motif who always appears with a relaxed expression. The brand is gaining popularity in Korea because dinosaurs, like humans, while very ordinary, still live special lives every day.
\nTheir concept is \u201cWe are small beings, but that doesn’t mean we are unimportant.” The artwork expresses the artist’s desire to provide a small amount of happiness that subtly permeates your daily life.<\/p>\n
![\"pop](\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2024\/06\/recommended-courses-in-osaka-koreatown-img19.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\u2606”PERCENTAGE”
\nPercentage features ghost characters, and the brand motto is to \u201cfill your life with valuable things in a balanced way.\u201d The illustrations that depict important moments in life with cute characters are gaining popularity from a wide range of people.<\/p>\n
![\"pop](\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2024\/06\/recommended-courses-in-osaka-koreatown-img20.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\u2606”MUZIK TIGER”
\nMuzik Tiger, which means \u201cunemployed tiger\u201d was originally started by a couple who were corporate designers who wanted to quit their jobs and become unemployed to live a life of freedom!
\nThe images of the tigers getting away from work and spending their time freely are expressed in a poppy casual style. In today’s world where people are so busy with work that they don’t have much time for themselves, the characters seem to reflect the wish \u201cto be able to live freely and do what you want to do.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"pop](\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2024\/06\/recommended-courses-in-osaka-koreatown-img21.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t these characters look even cuter when you knew the concept behind the brand?
\nCome get your favorite concept-inspired goods at Kansei Kukan!<\/p>\n
\nKansei Kukan<\/h3>\n
Address: 3-4-12 Momodani, Ikuno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
\nBusiness hours: 10:00~18:00
\nClosed: None
\nAccess: Approximately 12 minutes walk from Tsuruhashi Station on the JR Loop Line
\nWebsite: https:\/\/www.gamsung.jp\/<\/a>\u3000
\nInstagram\uff1ahttps:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/C4h3Nk9PYRZ\/?img_index=1<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\u2468Korean Food Souvenirs from Korea 1st Store<\/h2>\n
![\"Korea](\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2024\/06\/recommended-courses-in-osaka-koreatown-img22.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
I don’t want them to become luggage to haul around while I\u2019m sightseeing, so I tend to buy souvenirs at the last minute! (lol)
\nSo when I was on my way back to the station, I stopped to buy some Korean food items at Korea 1st Store before heading home.<\/p>\n
![\"Korea](\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2024\/06\/recommended-courses-in-osaka-koreatown-img23.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
This shop sells a variety of Korean foods, from cup noodles to sweets, drinks, and seasonings.
\nThe cup noodles here seem to be cheaper than prices at other stores. So I got some Noguri, a kind of Korean instant ramen that I’ve gotten addicted to recently. The tasty seafood flavors go so well with the spicy soup. You\u2019ve got to try it.
\nThe store accepts payment by credit card, so it’s a good place to stop, even if you\u2019ve spent all your cash after spending a day in Koreatown.<\/p>\n
A Route for Exploring Koreatown from Tsuruhashi Station\u2014Map Included!<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
Koreatown is the nickname for the three shopping streets and the surrounding area near Momodani and Tsuruhashi in Ikuno Ward of Osaka City. There just isn’t enough time in the day to write about all the shops I’d like to visit in Koreatown. Address: 5-3-17 Momodani, Ikuno-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture If there’s one thing I absolutely have to have when I\u2019m in Koreatown, it’s the cheese corn-dogs!<\/p>\n There are lots of corn-dog shops in Koreatown, but the one I recommend the most is Songhot-Osaka, which opened in 2023. The corn-dogs at Songhot are so good because they are freshly fried and oh-so-crispy!<\/p>\n It takes about 5 to 7 minutes from buying your ticket at the vending machine until you get to bite into your corn dog, because they are fried fresh. This means you can eat a freshly fried crispy corn dog that\u2019s piping hot! Top it with sweet sugar, ketchup, and a salty sauce such as mustard. Address: 2-16-21 Tsuruhashi, Ikuno-ku, Osaka Next, I stopped by a restaurant called Minzoku-mura which has a great lunch menu featuring cold noodles and sundubu<\/em> (soft tofu dishes)!<\/p>\n Overwhelmed by the number of people on the main street of Koreatown, Miyuki-dori Shopping District, I was looking for a retreat. So I stopped in this restaurant because it has such a fun storefront.<\/p>\n The Sundubu set meal (1,350 yen including tax) looks like this. As you can see from the photo, it arrives sizzling hot! The spicy soup was filled with soft tofu and mushrooms. This is the real taste of authentic Korean home cooking.<\/p>\n It was a hot day, so I also tried the cold noodles (1,300 yen including tax). Address: 3-14-18 Higashikobashi, Higashinari-ku, Osaka While walking along Miyuki-dori shopping street, I noticed a huge line. At the very front of that line was a huge selection of different types of kimchi! This shop\u2014Yamada Shoten\u2014has been in business for over 40 years. They sell around 80 types of kimchi all year round. They sell a wide variety of kimchi that you can’t buy anywhere else, like the jumbo scallop kimchi, herring roe kimchi, mountain yam, celery, burdock root, lotus root, octopus, squid, and so much more! Address: 4-9-6 Momodani, Ikuno-ku, Osaka Miyuki-dori shopping street is full of shops that sell takeaway items. Now that you’ve come to Koreatown, you’ll probably see a lot of food that you want to try on the spot! Address: 5-5-7 Momodani, Ikuno-ku, Osaka When I stopped in Miyukimori Dai 2 Park for a restroom break, I encountered some strange stones. Address: 5-4-4 Momodani, Ikuno-ku, Osaka\n<\/p><\/div>\n When I saw the Dol Hareubang I felt closer to Korean culture. And then I discovered a place where you can learn a lot about the history of Koreatown, a museum called Osaka Korea Town History Museum! I was intrigued so I went in. (Admission: 300 yen for adults)<\/p>\n At the museum, you can learn about the history of Koreatown from past to present. Osaka Korea Town Museum After learning about the history of Koreatown and using my brain, I realized I needed something sweet. Then I came across And<\/em>, a croissant specialty store that just opened on February 23, 2024! This time, I tried the most popular croissant\u2014the Cinderella Croissant! It\u2019s filled with whipped cream from Hokkaido\u266a It goes without saying that the crispy croissant and mildly sweet whipped cream compliment each other perfectly. Whipped cream inside a croissant is a genius-level idea!<\/p>\n Address: 4-1-40 Momodani, Ikuno-ku, Osaka Next, I headed to one of the places I wanted to go today, Kansei Kukan\u266a \u2606”JOGUMAN” \u2606”PERCENTAGE” \u2606”MUZIK TIGER” Don\u2019t these characters look even cuter when you knew the concept behind the brand? Address: 3-4-12 Momodani, Ikuno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka I don’t want them to become luggage to haul around while I\u2019m sightseeing, so I tend to buy souvenirs at the last minute! (lol) This shop sells a variety of Korean foods, from cup noodles to sweets, drinks, and seasonings.
\nFor now, I\u2019ve decided to create a course that starts at Tsuruhashi Station on the JR Loop Line, passes through the main street called Miyuki-dori Shopping Street<\/em>, and leaves time for walking around\u266a
\nDepending on how long you plan to stay in Koreatown, you can probably visit all nine spots I recommend. It would take somewhere from about three hours to half a day.<\/p>\n
\n\u2460 Songhot-Osaka<\/a>, cheese corn-dogs
\n\u2461 Minzoku-mura<\/a>, cold noodles& sundubu
\n\u2462 Kimchi no Yamada Shoten<\/a>, popular kimchi shop
\n\u2463 Nori-chan<\/a>, yangnyeom chicken
\n\u2464 Stone statue of Korea’s guardian deity “Dol Hareubang<\/a>”
\n\u2465 Osaka Koreatown History Museum<\/a>
\n\u2466 And<\/a>, stylish specialty croissants
\n\u2467 Kansei Kukan<\/a>, cute Korean miscellaneous goods
\n\u2468 Korea 1st Store<\/a>, Korean food store\n<\/div>\nOsaka Koreatown<\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n
\nBusiness hours: Varies by store
\n(Most stores seem to be open from 10am to 6pm)
\nRegular holidays: Varies by store.
\n(Most stores seem to be closed on Wednesdays)
\nAccess: Approximately 15 minutes walk from JR Loop Line Tsuruhashi Station\/Momodani Station
\nPrice: Varies by store
\n(For reference, I spent about 5,500 yen)
\nOfficial website: https:\/\/osaka-koreatown.com<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\u2460Get Your Cheese Corn-dogs at Songhot-Osaka on the Main Street<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\nI also ordered the Mozzarella Cheese Dog (480 yen tax included), which was delicious!
\nWhen you take a bite of Songhot’s Cheese Dog, you’ll be greeted with chewy mozzarella cheese overflowing from the inside. The cheese seems to stretch on forever and I can\u2019t get enough of the sweet and salty flavors\u2661<\/p>\nSonghot-Osaka<\/h3>\n
\nBusiness hours: 9am to 6pm
\nOpen daily
\nAccess: About 8 minutes walk from Tsuruhashi Station on the JR Loop Line
\nPrice: 300 yen to 700 yen
\nInstagram\uff1a https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/songhot__osaka\/<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\u2461Sundubu & Cold Noodle Lunches at Minzoku-mura on Miyuki-dori Shopping Street<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\nThe cold noodles have an amazing texture! And is that apple? I tasted something fruity in the soup. And when I added vinegar, the flavors changed to a sort of sweet saltiness, which was really addicting. Personally, I prefer a little less sweetness, but it was still good.<\/p>\nMinzoku-mura<\/h3>\n
\nBusiness hours: 11am to 9pm
\nOpen daily
\nAccess: Approximately 15 minutes walk from Tsuruhashi Station on the JR Loop Line
\nPrice: Lunch 1,300 yen to 2,000 yen\n<\/p><\/div>\n\u2462If You\u2019re Buying Kimchi, Go to Yamada Shoten\u2014Celebrating 40 Years in Business<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
\nTheir reviews say stuff like \u201cYamada Shoten is the most famous kimchi shop in Japan\u2019s Koreatown!\u201d \u201cI love this shop. For the last 10 years now, every time I go to Osaka, I buy kimchi here.\u2019’ \u201cTheir kimchi is so good that I went back to buy it two weeks in a row.” This shop is popular with rave reviews.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\nKimchi no Yamada Shoten often has a long line in the afternoon, so I recommend going in the morning.
\nIt\u2019s also possible to order online through their website. So if you are interested and you can\u2019t get to the store, please check it out.<\/p>\nKimchi Yamada Shoten<\/h3>\n
\nBusiness hours: 7am to 6pm
\nOpen daily
\nAccess: Approximately 20 minutes walk from Tsuruhashi Station on the JR Loop Line
\nPrice: 500 yen to 5,000 yen (depending on the type and amount of kimchi that you buy)
\nWebsite: https:\/\/www.yamada-syouten.com\/<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\u2463Hungry? Grab and Go from Nori-chan!<\/h2>\n
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\nWhile walking through the neighborhood, I found a Korean restaurant called Nori-chan with very reasonable prices! You can buy small portions of chijimi<\/em> (savory Korean pancakes), gimmari<\/em> (fried nori rolls), and glutinous rice snacks with lots of sugar. This is the perfect place to stop if you want a snack on the go.You can eat yangnyeom chicken for as little as 100 yen (tax included). There\u2019s no way I can\u2019t stop here!<\/p>\nNori-chan<\/h3>\n
\nBusiness hours: 9am to 6pm
\nClosed: Wednesdays
\nAccess: Approximately 20 minutes walk from Tsuruhashi Station on the JR Loop Line
\nPrice: 100 yen to 500 yen\n<\/p><\/div>\n\u2464Snap a Photo with Korea’s Guardian Deity “Dol Hareubang”<\/h2>\n
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\nApparently these are traditional Korean stone statues called Dol Hareubang. The word means “old man made of stone” and in Korea they are considered guardian deities that prevent disaster. They also bring peace.<\/p>\nDol Hareubang Stone Statues<\/h3>\n
\u2465Explore Local History at Osaka Koreatown History Museum<\/h2>\n
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\nFrom stories about the K-POP and Korean wave booms that have been gaining momentum beginning in the 20th century, to the connection with the regional name “Ikaino” from the Korean Peninsula, which has been passed down from long ago. The museum is a great place to learn about the origins of Koreatown through exhibits, a map of the surrounding area, panels with trivia, and touch panels with lots of detailed information.<\/p>\nOsaka Korea Town Museum<\/h3>\n
\nAddress: 4-4-11 Momodani, Ikuno-ku, Osaka
\nBusiness hours: 10am to 5pm
\nClosed: Wednesday
\nAccess: Approximately 15 minutes walk from Tsuruhashi Station on the JR Loop Line
\nPrice: General 300 yen (Group of 10+ 200 yen per person)
\nStudent: 100 yen *Student ID required
\nElementary, middle, & high school students: 100 yen
\nPreschool children: free
\nPersons with a disability certificate\/attendant: 100 yen
\nWebsite: https:\/\/oktmuseum.or.jp\/<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\u2466 And Specialty Croissants Around the Corner from Miyuki-dori<\/h2>\n
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\nIt’s a popular bakery with locations in Uehonmachi and Utsubo Park. And the stylish interior is decorated with delicious-looking croissants in incredible flavors like rich pistachio, red bean paste, and mascarpone.<\/p>\n<\/p>\nAnd, Koreatown location<\/h3>\n
\nBusiness hours: 11am to 5pm
\nClosed: Mondays and holidays
\nAccess: Approximately 10 minutes walk from Tsuruhashi Station on the JR Loop Line
\nPrice: 350 yen to 500 yen each
\nInstagram\uff1ahttps:\/\/www.instagram.com\/and_uehonnmachi\/<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\u2467Souvenirs and Kawaii Korean at Kansei Kukan<\/h2>\n
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\nThis shop carries a lot of interesting products like stationery, posters, postcards, memo pads, stickers, tableware, hanging scrolls, candles, figurines, lamps, etc.\u2606
\nThere are many wonderful Korean brands with cute characters that are even more charming once you know the concepts behind them. So I’d like to introduce a few of the characters that I fell in love with\u266a<\/p>\n
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\nJoguman, features a dinosaur motif who always appears with a relaxed expression. The brand is gaining popularity in Korea because dinosaurs, like humans, while very ordinary, still live special lives every day.
\nTheir concept is \u201cWe are small beings, but that doesn’t mean we are unimportant.” The artwork expresses the artist’s desire to provide a small amount of happiness that subtly permeates your daily life.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\nPercentage features ghost characters, and the brand motto is to \u201cfill your life with valuable things in a balanced way.\u201d The illustrations that depict important moments in life with cute characters are gaining popularity from a wide range of people.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\nMuzik Tiger, which means \u201cunemployed tiger\u201d was originally started by a couple who were corporate designers who wanted to quit their jobs and become unemployed to live a life of freedom!
\nThe images of the tigers getting away from work and spending their time freely are expressed in a poppy casual style. In today’s world where people are so busy with work that they don’t have much time for themselves, the characters seem to reflect the wish \u201cto be able to live freely and do what you want to do.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\nCome get your favorite concept-inspired goods at Kansei Kukan!<\/p>\nKansei Kukan<\/h3>\n
\nBusiness hours: 10:00~18:00
\nClosed: None
\nAccess: Approximately 12 minutes walk from Tsuruhashi Station on the JR Loop Line
\nWebsite: https:\/\/www.gamsung.jp\/<\/a>\u3000
\nInstagram\uff1ahttps:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/C4h3Nk9PYRZ\/?img_index=1<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\u2468Korean Food Souvenirs from Korea 1st Store<\/h2>\n
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\nSo when I was on my way back to the station, I stopped to buy some Korean food items at Korea 1st Store before heading home.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\nThe cup noodles here seem to be cheaper than prices at other stores. So I got some Noguri, a kind of Korean instant ramen that I’ve gotten addicted to recently. The tasty seafood flavors go so well with the spicy soup. You\u2019ve got to try it.
\nThe store accepts payment by credit card, so it’s a good place to stop, even if you\u2019ve spent all your cash after spending a day in Koreatown.<\/p>\n
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