Your TL;DR Guide to Eating in Southern California’s Koreatown
TL;DR: Misoolkwan is the perfect group-friendly, trendy eatery in Buena Park’s Koreatown District. Located at the Source OC, this retro-pub is designed in a nostalgic fashion, calling back to the 70s in Korea. While prices can appear higher, note that all dishes are meant to be shared. No reservations – everything is on a first come, first serve basis so arrive early to guarantee your spot on a busy night.
Hi everyone! It’s been a minute since I last posted. It’s been busy lately, but there is a place I absolutely have to share with you all. In the past, I’ve talked about my love for The Source OC’s many culinary delights. And today, I wanted to spotlight one place that I glossed over during my first breakdown – Misoolkwan.
What Makes Misoolkwan Special
On all my trips to the Source, Misoolkwan always stands out. A towering, retro-looking wooden structure on the top floor of the plaza, this pub certainly has the visual-appeal.
Nostalgically-designed after a 70s Korean street-tent style eatery (called a pocha** in Korean), Misoolkwan dazzles in wooden motifs, with painted “windows” that mimic the night light streaming in through the tent sides.
**It always amazes me how words can be completely ordinary things in one language and…not fit for everyday conversation in another. Be careful when using this word in Southern California as it is a slur in Spanish, specifically for Mexican-Americans and Mexican emigrants.**
The restaurant actually shares space with M Korean Barbeque, which is also under the same ownership. If you’ve been following along with TL;DR Travels for a bit, then you’ll know I typically like to include some information on the owners or location’s history. At the moment, it’s pretty difficult to find anything more in depth on this spot other than its design inspiration. I can, however, affirm it truly is one-of-a-kind.
Instead of the usual background, I can dig into the restaurant name a little bit. In Korean, there are these characters/words called hanja. Hanja are Chinese root-words that, when studied, offer deeper insight into a word’s overall meaning. Misoolkwan, as far as I can tell, is based on these roots:
- Mi – I struggled with this one for a bit, so I would appreciate any correction or additional information from native Korean speakers. Mi could stand for beauty, but it also is used to represent America. From context, I think American fits better.
- Sool – the Korean word for alcohol
- Kwan – a hanja word meaning building or hall
Overall, then, the name means something along the lines of “the American Alcohol Hall.” Now, I am not Korean nor am I a native speaker, so take what I have to say with a grain of salt and I once again welcome any correction in the comments!
The Logistics
At a Glance
Address: 6982 Beach Blvd STE C-320, Buena Park, CA 90620
Hours: 11AM – 12AM (Daily)
Parking: Free
Price: $20+
Reservations: None
Parking for the Source OC
Parking is pretty easy at the Source – for a more in-depth explanation, head over to my breakdown on the Source here.
The Best Time to Visit
As a pub-style eatery, Misoolkwan definitely gets busier further into the night hours. Misoolkwan operates on a first come, first serve basis, so you won’t be able to make a reservation. If you are coming with a larger group, aim to get there closer to 5 – I’ve always had my choice of tables at this time. After 6, things start to get full and lines will begin to form.
What is the Dining Experience Like at Misoolkwan?
Misoolkwan is a vibe. It’s casual and fun, with music pumping through the speakers. In a way, it sort of feels like a bunch of college-friends working. You will need to flag the staff down when you need something as it can get busy – so don’t be afraid to try and get their attention.
Almost everything is served family-style, meaning this place is perfect for groups. It is quiet enough to chat and relax, especially if you arrive before 6:30ish.
Prices and Tipping
Considering dishes are meant to be shared, the total price per person can run $20 and up (rather than per dish). Obviously, the more dishes and drinks you order, the higher that price will go. In my experience $20-$30 for a few dishes and a pitcher split between several people is a decent expectation.
Unlike many other restaurants in the U.S., you do not tip at Misoolkwan. They already add in a 10% gratuity to cover that – my price overview above factors this in.
Can Families/Kids Enjoy Misoolkwan?
You will see families with young kids here. Even though it’s pub-style, it does have a strong community feel and the larger, shareable plates make it great for a variety of groups. That being said, there isn’t a ton of space to run around and there aren’t dedicated kid-friendly menu options, so it might not be ideal for the kids in your life. Also, it becomes more and more packed on the weekends and in the evening, so families may want to come early (closer to that 5pm time or before) to make the most of the calmer environment.
What to Order
So far, there have been no misses on the menu.
Surprisingly, my favorite thing has consistently been the pork belly & kimchi plate (surprisingly because pork belly isn’t usually very high on my list). Paired with cooked garlic cloves and jalapeño slices, this dish is packed with flavor. And the kimchi fights any greasiness associated with pork belly, giving it an overall clean finish with a snappy bite.
Tteokbokki is a great accompaniment to any meal, but keep in mind it is on the smaller side (if you love this dish and are in groups larger than 3, I suggest ordering 2 from the start).
If you’re searching for a little chimaek (Korean fried chicken + beer) action, then you’re in the perfect spot!
You may notice I didn’t mention anything too healthy/vegetable focused or desert-specific. While there are some side options (like a seafood green onion pancake) there aren’t a ton of traditional sides or healthier alternatives – this is definitely a comfort-food establishment. You can venture outside the restaurant to one of the Source’s many other businesses to complete your gastronomical outing.
Conclusion
Everyone deserves good food with good people – and Misoolkwan delivers at both. Perfect for a casual night with friends or family, Misoolkwan is certainly worth checking out on your next group hang out! Let me know how your experience was.
What other places would you like me to review at the Source?
TL;DR Travels 
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