Rocky's Burger is a short walk from the main gate at Osan Air Base, South Korea. (Christopher Green/Stars and Stripes)
While South Korea has so much delicious food to offer, from banchan to bingsu, sometimes you just want a good old-fashioned cheeseburger and fries.
When I found myself in the mood, Rocky’s Burger on Shopping-ro, in the Sinjang-dong section of Pyeongtaek, was exactly what I was looking for. There’s no way you can miss this diner with its enormous, blinking “Rocky’s Burgers” sign.
Once inside, I felt like I’d stepped onto the set of “Grease.” Everything from the red-and-white patent leather seats to the jukebox to the old Coca-Cola ads were so authentic.
The stage is set for a 1950s sitcom at Rocky's Burger in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. (Christopher Green/Stars and Stripes)
The only piece of modern technology was a touchscreen ordering system for the menu that switches from Korean to English.
The menu has a range of food options, from a bacon cheeseburger and tater tots to Philly cheese steaks and chili cheese fries, not to mention six flavors of milkshakes.
I ordered the classic burger with fries and a cola. It cost less than 15,000 won (about $12.15). All the food was reasonably priced; the most expensive item was about 12,000 won.
My drink arrived first, in a frosty classic Coca-Cola glass, followed shortly by the rest of my meal.
The fries were perfectly seasoned, and the burger tasted exactly as you would imagine in a diner like this. The buns were light but not squishy; the lettuce and onions were crisp, and the patty itself was hot and fresh off the grill. All of that combined was delicious.
The food tastes just like home at Rocky's Burger in the Sinjang-dong section of Pyeongtaek, South Korea. (Christopher Green/Stars and Stripes)
To top it off, the staff was very friendly and attentive.
If you find yourself in the area hanging out with friends, doing some shopping or if you just want a little slice of home, stop by Rocky’s Burger.
Rocky’s Burger
Location: 8 Shopping-ro, Sinjang-dong, Pyeongtaek, South Korea
Directions: From the Osan Air Base main gate, cross Shopping-ro and proceed about 60 feet; the restaurant is on your right.
Hours: Open 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Sunday; takeout and delivery available
Prices: Burgers and sandwiches start at approximately $7.50.
Dress: Casual
Information: 31-667-4502
