I didn't go in because if the low score this time...
Olya Connor
Think of it as the place from North not South Korea. We asked for pork, they didn’t have it. I don’t even know if food is good. The place looks like the old Soviet cafeteria but they charge like it’s an upscale place. There is nothing below $20
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
DeShonay Hudson
I would not recommend this restaurant based on the customer service alone. My friend and I walked in around 6:30 pm (they don’t close until 9 pm), and although there were only about 10 people dining inside, we were told “no more” and denied service. It was confusing and disappointing, especially since they were clearly open and serving others. Good food means nothing if customers are turned away for no reason. I won’t be returning.
Service: 1
Breanna
This place is awesome I just visited today !! Clean calm and quiet atmosphere the staff is so nice and make sure you have everything you need. The food came fast and hot the beef bulgogi was freaking awesome !! 10/10 must try, thank you guys !!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Will
Refused to seat us at 8:00 when their hours are till 9. If you're not going to seat people and hour before you close you should change your hours
Service: 1
Cherie Cline
Best authentic Korean food in the area. Highly recommend. Loved all the dishes! Owner gives a military discount as well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Google User
My family and I spent $80 on a variety of different foods from Korean Gardens yesterday for our Father’s Day luncheon and it was worth every penny. My entire family loved every bite from the rice, fish cakes, bulgogi, kimchi and more. The customer service was excellent and the food was perfectly organized. We will be back.
Aidan Kim
Korean Garden delivers solid, home-style Korean food that’s easy to enjoy, especially if you’re craving comforting staples like spicy pork and tteokbokki. The atmosphere is relaxed, with soft cafe music playing in the background, and service was fast and friendly—the woman serving us (possibly the owner) was especially kind and welcoming.
That said, the interior could use some work. It looks like the space used to be a Chinese restaurant, and the transition wasn’t fully carried through. The paint and walls are a bit rough, and you can clearly see the storage room from some of the tables, which felt unpolished and somewhat distracting. Maybe that’s just me being picky, or maybe it’s reflective of a traditional Korean setup—but either way, the layout didn’t really appeal to me. I am aware that older Koreans do tend to have this sort of layout though.
As for the food: the mandu were smaller than I’m used to (though I usually make mine large at home), but still tasty. The tteokbokki was soft, chewy, and had a great flavor—just like how I make it myself. Paired with the mandu, it was a perfect combo.
The standout was definitely the spicy pork—flavorful, tender, and well-balanced. It tasted like something from a higher-end Korean restaurant, and I’d definitely come back just for that dish.
Overall, Korean Garden is a great spot for casual Korean food with strong flavors and kind service. If you don’t mind a more basic interior, the food makes it worth the trip.
Tom Tanner
Excellent Korean food and service.
Leanne Snelgrove
Absolutely the best Korean restaurant in all of Columbia, SC.
Definitely a hole in the wall, but the food and service were both very good. The menu is not extensive but I think there’s something for everybody. We ordered the mandoo, short ribs and hot stone bibimbap with sides. Everything was fresh and delicious. I especially enjoyed the cucumbers. They offer military discount to Active Duty only. I would definitely visit again.
Emelie Rombe
Delicious food, great and friendly staff, and very authentic! Loved it!! Will eat here again!
I didn't go in because if the low score this time...
Think of it as the place from North not South Korea. We asked for pork, they didn’t have it. I don’t even know if food is good. The place looks like the old Soviet cafeteria but they charge like it’s an upscale place. There is nothing below $20
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
I would not recommend this restaurant based on the customer service alone. My friend and I walked in around 6:30 pm (they don’t close until 9 pm), and although there were only about 10 people dining inside, we were told “no more” and denied service. It was confusing and disappointing, especially since they were clearly open and serving others. Good food means nothing if customers are turned away for no reason. I won’t be returning.
Service: 1
This place is awesome I just visited today !! Clean calm and quiet atmosphere the staff is so nice and make sure you have everything you need. The food came fast and hot the beef bulgogi was freaking awesome !! 10/10 must try, thank you guys !!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Refused to seat us at 8:00 when their hours are till 9. If you're not going to seat people and hour before you close you should change your hours
Service: 1
Best authentic Korean food in the area. Highly recommend. Loved all the dishes! Owner gives a military discount as well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My family and I spent $80 on a variety of different foods from Korean Gardens yesterday for our Father’s Day luncheon and it was worth every penny. My entire family loved every bite from the rice, fish cakes, bulgogi, kimchi and more. The customer service was excellent and the food was perfectly organized. We will be back.
Korean Garden delivers solid, home-style Korean food that’s easy to enjoy, especially if you’re craving comforting staples like spicy pork and tteokbokki. The atmosphere is relaxed, with soft cafe music playing in the background, and service was fast and friendly—the woman serving us (possibly the owner) was especially kind and welcoming.
That said, the interior could use some work. It looks like the space used to be a Chinese restaurant, and the transition wasn’t fully carried through. The paint and walls are a bit rough, and you can clearly see the storage room from some of the tables, which felt unpolished and somewhat distracting. Maybe that’s just me being picky, or maybe it’s reflective of a traditional Korean setup—but either way, the layout didn’t really appeal to me. I am aware that older Koreans do tend to have this sort of layout though.
As for the food: the mandu were smaller than I’m used to (though I usually make mine large at home), but still tasty. The tteokbokki was soft, chewy, and had a great flavor—just like how I make it myself. Paired with the mandu, it was a perfect combo.
The standout was definitely the spicy pork—flavorful, tender, and well-balanced. It tasted like something from a higher-end Korean restaurant, and I’d definitely come back just for that dish.
Overall, Korean Garden is a great spot for casual Korean food with strong flavors and kind service. If you don’t mind a more basic interior, the food makes it worth the trip.
Excellent Korean food and service.
Absolutely the best Korean restaurant in all of Columbia, SC.
Restaurantji Recommends
Very poor
Excellent
Definitely a hole in the wall, but the food and service were both very good. The menu is not extensive but I think there’s something for everybody. We ordered the mandoo, short ribs and hot stone bibimbap with sides. Everything was fresh and delicious. I especially enjoyed the cucumbers. They offer military discount to Active Duty only. I would definitely visit again.
Delicious food, great and friendly staff, and very authentic! Loved it!! Will eat here again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ended up going next door to American deli
Food: 1
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