By Timothy Aldinger
Colorado Springs offers many options for lovers of authentic Korean cuisine.
Colorado Springs, Colorado is a city near the geographical center of the state of Colorado with an estimated population (2009) of 414,358. It is located at the base of Pikes Peak at the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains; the average elevation is 6,035 feet, though some western areas of the city exceed 9,000 feet. The city's diverse cultural assets include most every type of international cuisine, including several exceptional Korean restaurants.
Halla San Korean BBQ
Halla San is a traditional Korean barbecue designed to accommodate both small and large groups for public or private dining. The authentic Korean dishes are prepared at the table. The family owned and operated Halla San is the oldest Korean restaurant in Colorado Springs, with a loyal clientele originally composed of Korean War veterans who established themselves in the area's military economy.
Specialties include meat dishes such as ju-mul-luk and tong gar-bi, and spicy soups such as yuk-gae-jang. Extensive selections of soju, wine and beer are also available.
Halla San Korean BBQ
1231 North Academy Boulevard
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
719-622-9595
hallasanbbq.com
Yummy Korean BBQ
Yummy Korean is the affordable favorite of the local Korean population and is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. for breakfast of soup and Kimchee. Lunch and dinner specialties include Yaki Mandoo (fried dumplings), Hae Mul Pajeon (seafood pancake), Jap Chae (sweet noodle), Yellow Corvina, Eckel Mackerel, Pacific Saury, O-Sam (squid pork), Je-Yook (Pork), Nakgi (octopus), and Gop Chang (broiled beef tripe).
The staff is bilingual (Korean and English) and the atmosphere features Korean music and television.
Yummy Korean BBQ
4703 North Academy Boulevard
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
719-266-9944
Tao's Oriental Cuisine
Tao's Oriental Cuisine is located near the Air Force Academy and is the area's premiere carry-out outlet for Korean, Chinese and Thai food. Tao's is open for lunch and dinner every day of the week, with a dining room that accommodates up to 50 people.
Tao's Oriental Cuisine
13888 Gleneagle Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80921-3214
719-481-3418
taosoriental.com
Tong Tong Restaurant
Tong Tong is the most affordable option for traditional Korean in the Springs, with reasonably large portions for under $7. It is located in a strip mall on the south part of town with convenient in/out parking for carryout.
Tong Tong Restaurant
2036 South Academy Boulevard
Colorado Springs, CO 80916
719-591-8585
San Chang House
San Chang House is a comfortable, moderately-priced casual establishment specializing in Bulgoki and accessible combination dishes with many sides (featuring various kimchi, meats, spinach and sprout rice dishes). The novice-friendly menu and service are non-intimidating for the suburban clientele of its northwest location.
San Chang House
3659 Austin Bluffs Pkwy
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
719-598-1707
Resources
About the Author:
Timothy Aldinger brings 20 years of experience as an instructional design consultant and corporate training strategist in the automotive, environmental, health and insurance industries. His professional writings have been published by Ford Motor Company, Chrysler Corporation, General Motors, Volkswagen, Toyota, Nissan and many other major corporations. Aldinger received his Bachelor of Arts in political theory from Michigan State University.
Photo Credits:
korean festival noodles image by Lucid_Exposure from
Fotolia.com
