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Korean cuisine · 2026 ranking

The 10 Best Korean Restaurants in Pattaya (2026)

Hand-picked by editors. Verified within the last 6 months. No paid placements.

Pattaya's Korean scene runs deeper than the chain KBBQ buffets. Quiet pockets of South Pattaya and Jomtien have proper grills with thick-cut samgyeopsal, marinated galbi, and tableside banchan rotations. Plus a growing wave of Korean fried chicken specialists, soju bars, and bibimbap counters that draw both Korean expats and curious locals. Here's what's worth your appetite.

How we ranked them

The ranking

1Bonchon Pattaya
* 4.3 (2.4k) ·$$ ·Multiple (Central Pattaya, Jomtien, Pattaya Klang)
"Bonchon's path to becoming Pattaya's default Korean restaurant is a study in chain-discipline: take one technique - the Korean double-fried chicken method - execute it identically across every loca..."

The technique itself is the reason the chain works. Korean fried chicken is fundamentally different from American Southern fried chicken: the double-frying process drains fat from the chicken skin, leaving it almost glass-like in its crispness when bitten. This crisp shell is the carrier for the lacquered sauce - either soy-garlic (sweeter, deep...

Order: Soy-garlic double-fried chicken, Spicy (gochujang) double-fried chicken, Half-and-half chicken combo

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For KBBQ, two rules: ask for the staff to do the grilling for you (especially with marinated cuts — they burn fast), and order the gye-ran-jjim (steamed egg) — it's usually the best thing on the table. For Korean fried chicken, the soy-garlic flavor is the gateway; once you've tried that, work your way up to the spicy yangnyeom.

Frequently asked

What is the single best Korean restaurant in Pattaya?

By our scoring (rating x review volume x editorial depth) it's Bonchon Pattaya in Multiple (Central Pattaya, Jomtien, Pattaya Klang) - but the right answer depends on what you want.

Are these Korean restaurants tourist traps or real local favorites?

We weight against tourist-trap signals - high review volume but middling ratings, recent complaints about portion shrinkage or stale ingredients. The list skews toward places long-term Pattaya residents and food-savvy expats actually go back to.

Do I need to book ahead?

For the top 3-4 entries (especially Friday/Saturday and during November-February high season), yes - 24 hours ahead is safer. The casual entries usually accept walk-ins.

How often is this list updated?

We re-verify every entry quarterly and after any major review or news indicates a change in quality, hours, or ownership.

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