Orange County is home to some of the best Korean food in Southern California, with Fullerton holding one of the largest Korean American communities in the United States. Feeling hungry? Here’s Inside Fullerton’s guide to the best Korean eateries in North OC.

1) Myungrang Hot Dog (Korean Corn Dog)

Korean-style corn dogs (핫도그) are eaten on sticks and are most commonly filled with mozzarella cheese and sausage. Myungrang Hot Dog is a restaurant located in The Source OC in Buena Park and Garden Grove that is definitely worth a taste. Top your hot dog with ketchup and mustard for the perfect bite, and if you’re trying out a cheese hot dog make sure to sprinkle on some sugar for a deliciously unique combination.

2) Mr. BBQ (Korean BBQ)

Korean BBQ (삼겹살), the most famous Korean food in the U.S., is a distinctive dine-in experience where you can choose from a variety of meats that are cooked on a grill that is built into your table. Some common meats to choose from are pork belly, bulgogi and short ribs. You can’t have a main without a side dish, and Korean BBQ joints are very aware of this. Side dishes such as steamed eggs, cheese corn, rice and soybean paste stew are available.

Mr. BBQ in Fullerton is a great spot for Korean BBQ rookies or maestros. They have over 20 different proteins to choose from and sides that are to die for. If you’re looking to spice up your regular Korean BBQ go-tos, lettuce wraps are a great way to enhance your meal. Add ingredients such as meat, kimchi, rice, and garlic to a leaf of lettuce and wrap it for a well-rounded combination.

3) JAWS TPK (Tteokbokki)

Tteokbokki (떡볶이) is a popular and delicious Korean food. It consists of chewy rice cakes, boiled eggs, scallions, fish cake, and sometimes ramen noodles—all in a red spicy and savory broth. Originally, the food was sold in traditional markets in Korea, but many franchises have been created to share the food throughout the world. You can experience Tteokbokki in various restaurants. JAWS TPK, a great restaurant that serves tteokbokki, is located on the third floor of The Source OC in Buena Park. Tteokbokki isn’t their only specialty; they also sell kimbap, fries, fish cake soup (known as ohdeang tang), and ice cream sundaes.

Taken from the Fall 2023 print issue of Inside Fullerton. Read it here.