The City of Pines is home to a sizable number of Korean restaurants. But if you wanted to sample one, I’d highly recommend this location. 

With two branches in Baguio City, Wood Nymph Restaurant is the first and oldest Korean restaurant serving traditional fare, including samgyeopsal, bibimbap, and bulgogi. One of the main locations is at 36 Military Cutoff Rd, which is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. However, we were only able to dine at the branch inside SM Baguio’s 2/F, Luneta Hill Dr, which is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Both branches are open every day, so it doesn’t matter when you visit.

Do you love Korean food as much as I do? Find out more about their offerings!

If you enjoy trying new foods, especially Korean cuisine, Wood Nymph restaurant is unquestionably the place to go, as they have a large selection of menu options for diners of all ages. The menu includes a variety of foods, including chowder stew, rice toppings, dishes featuring pork and beef, snacks, and desserts. Additionally offered are hotpot and noodles, which are ideal for Baguio’s chilly climate. Also, they serve a wide range of beverages, including coffee, tea, beers, juices, wines, and sodas. Besides that, they offer fruit shakes, a Greek yogurt bar, and waffle ice cream, all of which are guaranteed to be hits with children.

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On a limited budget? Not a problem!

This is a great place for families and large groups. They provide a set menu for 4-6 people that costs between 1,250 and 2,600 pesos and includes a hot pot, an entree, noodles, soup, rice, and drinks, depending on the set you choose. If you’re on a shoestring budget, don’t worry; they have an ala carte dish that’s also ideal for sharing that starts at 380 pesos. However, if you’re going out to eat alone or just with one other person, they also offer a set meal that serves one, as well as rice toppings if you prefer a reasonably priced option. 

The setting is lovely because you can choose to either stay inside or go outdoors to take in the scenery. The beautiful chandeliers give the indoor area a timeless, exquisite appearance. However, we find that staying outside is far more pleasurable and allows us to enjoy the fresh air. Along with modest tables for two people, they also provide large tables to accommodate big groups. The place is also exceptionally clean and orderly, as I personally witnessed a maintenance worker sweeping when we came.

When you initially check the menu, you might think it’s pretty pricey. However, considering how much legitimate Korean food costs, Wood Nymph’s price is actually reasonable and worthwhile. You will later understand and think to yourself, “You got what you paid for,” when your order is brought to your table, I guarantee it!

Let me share our dining experience with you.

At the moment we got there, we had to wait for a member of the service staff to hand us the food menu. However, all they did was glare at us. When we finally understood that it should be taken from the counter by us, the customers, we just had that moment of clarity. Thankfully, the staff member who approached us was really nice, personable, and constantly had a smile on his face, which we appreciated. 

Following that, we placed an order for the menu’s top five choices. Given that the food was provided one at a time, their service was merely average in pace. The side dishes are delivered first in a period of 10 to 15 minutes, followed by the subsequent courses in one to two minutes. They offer the following six side dishes: Sukju Namul (Seasoned Bean Sprouts), Mu Saengchae (Spicy Radish Salad), Sigeumchi Namul (Seasoned Spinach), Oi Muchim (Spicy Cucumber Salad), Kimchi (Fermented Vegetables), and Gamja Jorim (Braised Potatoes). Bulgogi is the second dish given. Tangsuyuk comes in third. While Tangsuyuk is served on a square serving plate and Bulgogi is prepared on a sizzling plate, both dishes feature outstanding plating. Korean dumplings, or mandu, are the fourth item to be served alongside sauce. And Yukgaejang, which is the final dish served, is placed in a large porcelain serving bowl.

I can confidently say that all five of these meals are truly authentic Korean fare and are great for sharing. My husband and I can hardly finish any of the dishes because they all come in enormous servings. We simply decided to take our leftovers home at that time. The leftovers are transferred into microwave-safe containers before being placed in an eco-friendly bag. The fact that they package the leftover food in reusable and environmentally friendly materials is what I adore the most.

We sampled a few of their best-selling menu items, which include:

🥢 Japchae

Japchae from Wood Nymph is bursting with savory and subtly sweet flavors. Actually, it resembles the pancit from the Philippines. The type of noodles used is the only variation. The japchae noodles have an elastic and sticky texture. I’m not quite sure whether that’s the correct texture, but the noodles are stuck together, making it difficult to eat. It’s a little bit dry as well, but fortunately, it’s so flavorful and goes perfectly with the crunchy vegetables and the beef on top. Overall, this dish is a must-try since I almost consumed the entire amount. Very tasty!

🥢 Mandu

Mandu can be purchased in Baguio in various markets and retail establishments. However, head to Wood Nymph if you’re craving authentic Korean dumplings! Here, mandu is served pan-fried in 8 medium-sized pieces that can serve 2-4 people. My husband’s all-time favorite is actually this one. The mandu made by Wood Nymph is crispy on the outside but juicy on the interior. I absolutely love their sauce as well, as it perfectly balances the flavors of sour, salty, and spicy. There is no way anyone could turn down this delectable side dish!

🥢 Sacheon Tangsuyuk

No matter if it’s pork, fish, or chicken, I definitely enjoy sweet and sour dishes. Furthermore, Wood Nymph’s tangsuyuk had just captured my taste buds! I can tell by looking at it that it’s already really appetizing. The majority of you undoubtedly already have a basic understanding of what a sweet-and-sour meal tastes like, but I can assure you that Wood Nymph’s tangsuyuk is unlike any other because it has a distinct flavor. The combination of crunchy veggies and tender, slightly crispy pork is one of my favorite parts. It has the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors without being too strong. And the sauce nicely coats the meat so that you can taste its mouthwatering flavor in every bite.

🥢 Yukgaejang

When visiting Baguio, Wood Nymph’s yukgaejang will be your go-to comfort meal because it is the ideal dish to ward off the chill. This one has a spicy flavor and is ideal to drink out of the bowl while devouring the main courses, making it a great complement to the other meals. Yes, it’s spicy, but my son really enjoys it since he loves soup. In light of this, the level of spice is appropriate and bearable. Although there only appear to be a few in the image, it is actually good for sharing. Just to be completely honest, the shredded beef is chewy, possibly as a result of improper simmering, but other than that, the soup is fantastic, and the spices, toppings, and flavorings are all cooked to perfection.

🥢 So Bulgogi

The flavor of the bulgogi from Wood Nymph is a harmonious blend of savory, slightly sweet, and a touch salty. Among these five best sellers, this is my personal favorite. Although the beef’s texture varies, with some pieces being soft and others being chewy, I can assure you that it is still incredibly flavorful and delicious. I may conclude that it has been adequately marinated because every bite makes me want to have more. You can be totally convinced that a cup of rice will not be enough for this scrumptious dish. If you would like your Wood Nymph dining experience to be memorable, I strongly suggest that you include it in your order.

Why wait any longer? Visit this renowned and authentic Korean restaurant in Baguio City today!

Angelica Reyes

Who I am is like a daily puzzle, but when I get it right, everything just falls into place. I'm a working mom, a devoted wife, and a mother. Balancing these roles is a challenge and so I prioritize my tasks, making sure I’m putting my energy where it counts. Feel free to benefit from my thoughts and ideas shared on this blog!

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1 comment on “Wood Nymph Restaurant: The First Korean Restaurant in the City of Pines

  1. Someone recommended me this korean restaurant so me and my family decided to give it a try .The food was worth it with reasonable price .As someone like me who already went to korea and taste almost every korean food i can say it almost taste the same though some korean dishes is not yet available .I hope in time they can add more to their menu.