6 Best Korean Restaurants in Knoxville

“First time eating there. Read Grubhub article in paper. He was wrong in his rating, it's a 5! For anyone really serious about Korean/Japanese fine cooking KOKO is a must. It has been said that we eat with our eyes too. Dishes were finely presented and they tasted as good as they looked. Dishes are light and complex without being fussy. I believe they have set the bar for Asian cuisine in Knoxville.“

“The spicy tuna kimbap was really good. I could eat that everyday. People are very friendly and I was unfamiliar with somethings on the menu but they helped me and explained what they were. Don't be intimated by they menu if your not sure what it is, it was the first time try kimbap and I'm so glad I gave it a shot! Highly recommend ?. Also, recommend a kids menu or even a reduced price for a half portion option.“

“Ate here and got great service and food. There was vegetarian accommodations. Delicious sauces.“

“As new management has taken over and they have made parking FREE, it is such a better atmosphere. So many restaurants to choose from. The shopping is top notch and the lawn is such a great place to hang out. 100/10! Way to go Kern's Food Hall for making our downtown even better!“

“Lived in Seoul a dozen years. This place takes me back there. No better Korean food within 200 miles!“

“Absolutely love this place! The Korean food is outstanding easily some of the best I’ve had anywhere. Every Korean dish I’ve tried has been full of flavor and totally satisfying. If you’re specifically craving authentic Korean cuisine, this spot is a hidden gem.

Just a heads-up: if you’re in the mood for more general Asian dishes like hibachi or sushi, this probably isn’t the place for that. But for Korean food? It’s 10/10 and always hits the spot.

Some of my go-to favorites are the jajangmyeon (noodles in a rich black bean sauce , don’t be scared, it looks super dark because of the beans, but it doesn't taste like beans, I promise!), tteokbokki (chewy rice cakes in a sweet and spicy sauce), and the bulgogi (marinated beef that’s tender, savory, and slightly sweet). All three are flavorful, comforting, and delicious you really can’t go wrong with any of them.

The ambiance isn’t the best, but honestly, the food speaks for itself. And if that bothers you, you can always grab it to go. The older lady who works there is always so kind and clearly works incredibly hard she really makes the whole experience feel warm and welcoming.

I seriously wish there were more places like this. Highly recommend for anyone who loves real Korean food at a great price“