Restaurants
In this chapter, I am going to introduce you to my favorite restaurants in Seoul. We'll go over traditional Korean restaurants, Western restaurants, cafes, pubs, bars, vegan options, and more. Let's dive in!ย
Traditional Korean Cuisineย
K-Barbecue
Korean Barbecue has become famous around the globe in recent years: And for good reasons! Its unique combination of delicious crisp meat, lettuce that cuts through the grease, and the tangy taste of kimchi, is just so addicting! If you visit Seoul, you can't leave without having a Barbecue at least once. Here are my favorite places to do so.
Choban Restaurant
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Probably the best barbecue place I've ever been to! They serve next-level pork belly and other beef & pork cuts.
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Sindosegi
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I visited this place multiple times with my co-workers and love it for its spicy ribs, and the delicious kimchi jjigae!
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Ddaengcho Gopchang | ๋ก์ด๊ณฑ์ฐฝ
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A true hidden gem! This restaurant serves gopchang (grilled beef small intestine). This place is not very known amongst foreigners and tourists yet, so it's a must-visit if you want to blend in with the locals.
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Tteokbokkiย
Tteokbokki are rice cakes in a spicy sauce, one of the most beloved Korean dishes around the world. Don't forget to try the real deal when you're in Seoul.ย
I Love ShinDangDong
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Shindangdong is an area in Seoul famous for Tteokbokki. "I love Shindangdong" is one of the restaurants in this district that serves OG-style Tteokbokki with lots of toppings, my favorite kind of Tteokbokki!
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Toboki
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Located in Shindangdong is Toboki, probably the most creative Tteokbokki restaurant in Seoul. In their bunny-themed three-story building, they serve fusion-style Tteokbokki dishes and sides.
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Namdobunsik Ikseon
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Located in the trendy area of Ikseondong, this restaurant serves Tteokbokki and other "Bunsik" (Korean snack food).
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Dookki Tteokbokki Hongdae
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Dookki is a buffet-style Tteokbokki-restaurant. I love it because you can experiment with different sauces and toppings. There are multiple branches of this franchise scattered around Seoul.
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Noodle-Dishesย
Next to rice, noodles are a Korean's favorite carb! Seoul has lots of restaurants that serve noodle dishes โ Hot or ice cold.
Myeongdong Kyoja Main Restaurant
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Myeongdong Kyoja is a highly popular restaurant that specializes in dumplings (Mandu) and knife-cut noodle soup (Kalguksu). I would say this place lives up to the hype, but do expect long lines if you decide to go!
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Yukssam Naengmyeon Hongdae Branch
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Yukssam Naengmyeon is a franchise with branches across Seoul. They serve cold noodles (Naengmyeon) with their signature side of charcoal-grilled bulgogi at affordable prices.
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Changdae Chogae Kalguksu | ์ฐฝ๋์กฐ๊ฐ์นผ๊ตญ์
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Changdae Chogae Kalguksu serves knife-cut noodle soup with clams. I especially liked their spicy version!
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Bibimbapย
Bibimbap is a classic Korean dish that translated means "mixed rice". These restaurants perfected this dish:ย
Mokmyeoksanbang
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Mokmyeoksanbang is a Michelin-guide restaurant in Seoul that serves Bibimbap and other Korean dishes. It's located right by Namsan, so I do recommend dropping by if you are in the area!
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Mokmyeoksan Horaengi
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Here's another option to eat Bibimbap near Namsan! Mokmyeoksan Horaengi serves traditional cuisine inside a beautiful Hanok building in Namsan Park.
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Kimbap
Kimbap are Korean rice rolls that are packed with vegetables, ham, tuna, and other ingredients. Perfect as a quick snack or a light meal.ย
Yeongmi Gimbap
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When I was an exchange student in Seoul, I visited this Kimbap store almost every day. Best affordable Kimbap in town!
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Wonjo Nude Cheese Kimbap | ๅ
็ฅ่ฃธ้ฃฏๆฒ์์กฐ๋๋์น์ฆ๊น๋ฐฅ
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Wonjo Nude Cheese Kimbap stands as one of the most famous sellers at Gwangjang Market. They serve nude (inside-out) tuna-cheese kimbap with an optional side of japchae (stir-fried glass noodles). This vendor rose to fame through Korean star chef Paik Jong Won who praised their food in one of his shows.
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Chick Gimbap Myeongdong | ๋ณ์๋ฆฌ๊น๋ฐฅ ๋ช
๋์
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Opt for this place if you want to try more elevated Kimbap and unique flavor combinations that are different from your average Kimbap.
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Korean Fried Chicken
Korean Fried Chicken is loved by many. You can get fried chicken at a lot of places in Seoul but here are two options that go beyond your typical franchise.ย
Artmonster
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Artmonster is a pub that specializes in craft beer and foods that go well with beer such as pizza and chicken. It's a franchise with multiple branches in Seoul. I recommend this place if you want to try Korean fried chicken in a hip ambiance.
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Hyodo Chicken Gwanghwamun
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You can get great fried chicken everywhere in Korea, but if you are in Seoul, you have the chance to try fried chicken that is a little bit more "outside of the box". Such as the dishes you can try at Hyodo Chicken: They serve chicken that is topped with ingredients usually used to make banchan (side dishes), such as myeolchi (dried anchovies) or lotus roots.
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Seafood
Two options for seafood lovers, like myself:
JJukkumi Blues Sinchon | ์ญ๊พธ๋ฏธ๋ธ๋ฃจ์ค ์ ์ด๋ณธ์
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Jjukkumi is often translated as baby octopus. However, that term can be misleading. Youโre not actually eating babies! Jjukkumi is a fully-grown but smaller kind of octopus. Their texture is relatively tender and not as chewy as usual octopus. Thatโs why jjukkumi is a favorite of many Koreans!
At Jjukkumi Blues in Sinchon you can try this type of octopus with a side of Korean-style corn cheese - A perfect combination!
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Nakgopsae Mijangwon | ๋๊ณฑ์๋ฏธ์ฅ์
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Nakgopsae is a dish that originated from Busan. It's essentially a spicy stew that contains Nakji (octopus), Gopchang (beef large intestines), and Saeu (shrimp) โ The first syllables of each main ingredient form the name Nakgopsae.
Of course, to taste the real deal you would have to go to Busan but this place comes close!
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Fine-Dining
Of course, Seoul also offers lots of fine dining options: For special occasions or if you want to splurge on a next-level food experience.ย
KwonSookSoo
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KwonSookSoo is a fine-dining restaurant that serves modern takes on traditional Korean cuisine. It has two Michelin stars! They have an English website where you can book a table (link below).
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Sumugdang
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If you are looking for high-end Korean food that is plated absolutely beautifully, this is the place to go! You can book a table through catchtable (link below).
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I'm So Seoul
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I'm So Seoul offers a unique blend of modernity and traditional charms. This fine-dining restaurant is most known for its high-quality Hanwoo Beef.
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North Korean Foodย
Ever been curious what North Korean food might taste like? In Seoul, you get the chance to try authentic North Korean cuisine.ย
Pildong Myeonok
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Pildong Myeonok is a Michelin guide restaurant that has been serving Pyeongyang cold buckwheat noodles (naengmyeon) for decades. North Korean cuisine is known for its mild taste and Pildong Myeonok's naengmyeon may taste bland to you if you are used to stronger flavors or seasonings โ But it's incredibly refreshing and addicting during summer months!
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Gaeseong Traditional Dumpling House | ๊ฐ์ฑ๋ง๋ ๊ถ
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Gaesong Traditional Dumpling House is located in Insadong, the traditional heart of the city. Gaesong is a city in North Korea and this restaurant was established in 1970 by an elderly Gaeseong native. They have been serving handmade Gaeseong-style dumplings for three generations.
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Vegan/Vegetarianย
Vegan and vegetarian food options in Seoul are still scarce but they do exist. Let me introduce you to some of my favorites places.ย
Cafe SIVA
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Cute restaurant that serves vegan dishes inspired by Korean cuisine.
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Maji
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Maji is a fully vegan restaurant, serving Korean temple food. This place is also great to visit if you don't speak Korean or can read Hangeul, as there is an English menu and the owner speaks English as well.
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JeomJeomJeom JeomJeomJeom
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A vegan restaurant that serves Korean fusion dishes in a medium price range. English menu is available on their website!
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Local Fast Food-Chains
In this section, I am introducing you to some must-try local fast food chains, perfect for when you need a quick fix. These stores are all franchises so you will find them in almost every district in Seoul.
LOTTERIA Hongdae
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Lotteria is a must-try if you are in Korea! It's the first-ever fast-food chain that opened in South Korea and to this day they make (in my opinion) the best Korean cuisine-themed burgers, such as the Bulgogi Burger.
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Moms Touch Gangnam Station
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Mom's Touch is the most popular chicken burger chain in Korea. If you like KFC, you're going to love this one!
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No Brand Burger
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No Brand Burger is one of the more recent fast-food franchises that opened in Korea. They are known for the low price, yet decent quality of their burgers.
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Isaac Toast & Coffee Myeongdong Cathedral
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So many visitors that I have spoken to praise Isaac Toast and I love it too as a quick mid-day snack or easy breakfast! They sell grilled sandwiches with various toppings, such as cheese, ham, and bulgogi at affordable prices.
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Othersย
Some honorable mentions!ย
Chori Sanggyeong
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One of my favorite places to eat near Seoul Forest! They specialize in clay-pot rice dishes.
Disclaimer: Korean menu only!
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Dobu
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Dobu is a small restaurant near Hongdae that offers a modern take on Korean food. I recommend their course menu!
Disclaimer: Reservation through Catchtable necessary (link in their Instagram bio)
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Sinsajeon
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Sinsa Jeon is a popular restaurant in the Gangnam district for traditional Korean pancakes that are often paired with Makgeolli, Korean rice wine. Just a disclaimer: This place does get crowded on weekends!
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Okeunnae Dakgalbi
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A popular spot for OG-Dakgalbi amongst locals. Expect lines during peak times.
Disclaimer: No English menu
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Samcheongdong Sujebi ์ผ์ฒญ๋์์ ๋น
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Sujebi is a hand-pulled dough soup served in a savory anchovy broth. Samcheongdong Sujebi is a Michelin guide restaurant that has been serving this Korean cuisine staple since 1982.
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Grandmother's Recipe | ํ ๋จธ๋์ ๋ ์ํผ
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One of my favorite restaurants near Seoul Forest! "Grandmother's Recipe" serves traditional Korean food, aiming to recreate the taste of a mother's cooking.
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Asian Cuisines
Japaneseย
Japanese cuisine is super popular in Korea, especially classics like Donkatsu and Ramen.ย
Katsup Hongdae ์นด์ธ ์
ํ๋์
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A great place to try Donkatsu at affordable prices. I recommend their Kimchi Cheese Katsu Nabe!
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Tasty Cube | แแ
ฅแผแแ
ฒแจแแ
งแซแแ
ฆ
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I've been to this place multiple times because I just can't get enough of their Tantanmen! Tasty Cube ์ ์ก๋ฉด์ฒด is also awarded with a Michelin Bib Gourmand.
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Oreno Ramen Insa
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Oreno Ramen is my favorite place to get Japanese Ramen in Seoul. I love the light but deep taste of their chicken stock.
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Chineseย
There are so many Chinese restaurants in Seoul, that it would be almost impossible to count them all. Some dishes sold in most Chinese restaurants could be labeled as Korean-Chinese food; dishes that are served in Chinese restaurants in Korea but have been "Koreanized" and are not typically being served in the same way in China. Examples are the super popular foods Jjajangmyeon (Black bean sauce noodles) and Jjamppong (Spicy noodle soup with seafood).ย
Jin Jin
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Jin Jin is a traditional Chinese restaurant that is Michelin Bib Gourmand listed. This restaurant is perfect if you are looking for Chinese dishes outside of "Koreanized" favorites such as Jjjajangmyeon, Jjjamppong, and Tangsuyuk.
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Hong Kong Ban Jeom | ํ์ฝฉ๋ฐ์ 0410 ๊ฐ๋จ์ญ์
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"Hong Kong Ban Jeom" is a chain by Korean star chef Paik Jong Won, so you can find branches everywhere in Korea. I especially recommend this place to people who have never tried Chinese-Korean dishes such as Jjamppong, Jjajangmyeon, and Tangsuyuk because this place lets you order set menus, so you can get a taste of everything!
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Vietnamese
Next to Chinese and Japanese restaurants, you will also see a lot of Vietnamese restaurants scattered around Seoul.ย
Qua | ๊พธ์ ์ฑ์๋ณธ์
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Qua is a Vietnamese restaurant located near Seoul Forest. It's known for its beautiful interior and delicious Vietnamese classics such as Pho and Bun Cha.
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Western Cuisine
As a modern, globalized city, Seoul, of course, offers a lot of options for the ones craving Western cuisine as well.
BARO_PASTAMARKET
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Baro Pastamarket is a small restaurant nestled away in a side alley near Chungmuro station. They serve Korean takes on popular pasta dishes, salads, steaks, and more. They also offer a selection of different wines.
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Projec.D
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Yes, their pizza is amazing. But my favorite part of Projec.D is their amazing rooftop view of Dongdaemun Gate! Especially vibe-y on hot summer nights.
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Brot ART
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As a German living in Seoul, I do crave German bread and pastries once in a while. This is when I visit Brot ART, a bakery in Seoul that serves bread after German recipes.
Pro Tip: If you are visiting during Christmas time โ Their Stollen tastes amazing!
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Original Chicago Pizza & Pub
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I like this place for the vibes and the food! But do be aware that the pizza dough might be slightly more sweet than what you might be used to.
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Desserts
Korean desserts are on another level. Check out some of my favorite places below!
Hanjeongseon
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Incredibly popular shop that sells traditional Korean rice cakes filled with fresh fruit. A must-visit!
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Mildo
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Mildo is a famous bakery located near Seoul Forest. They are known for their sweet and fluffy bread.
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Myosa
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Myosa is one of my favorite cafes to have desserts with traditional Korean flavors, such as green tea, and black sesame. I recommend their Bingsu (shaved ice)!
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Cafes
One of the things Korea is famous for is its aesthetic cafes! Here is a selection of my favorites.ย
Nudake
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The Nudake cafe is located in the stylish area Sinsa in Gangnam and takes the concept of desserts to an avant-garde level.
Nudake, a sister brand of the fashion powerhouse Gentle Monster, blurs the line between art and pastry with its unique desserts. The interior of the store and pastries offered change regularly, but at the moment the theme is "croissants".
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Haus coffee & dessert
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"Haus" is a cute Hanok cafe located inside Jangchungdan Park near Donguk University. A great spot to enjoy some drinks and take some insta-worthy pictures.
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Secondaire | ์์ฝฉ๋ฐ LIVE
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A great place to have brunch in the Seoul Forest-area. They also sell homemade jams on the first floor of their building.
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Irin Iljan | 1์ธ1์
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This cafe has been going viral on Social Media for its beautiful view of Eunpyeong Hanok Village. Besides the stunning view, the cafe offers a variety of coffee and other drinks, traditional Korean desserts, cake, and even some lunch options, such as pasta dishes.
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EERO | ์ด๋ก
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I never thought you could leave a cafe feeling completely zen. That was before I visited Eero. This new cafe is located near ๊ต๋์ญ. The theme is ํดํ (haetae), a mystical creature from Korean folklore. They have an indoor waterfall (yes, really) and other art installations and offer desserts and drinks inspired by traditional Korean.
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Clementine
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An adorable cafe that is also a flower shop! Located near Seoul Forest.
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Cafe Tung | ํ
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Breathtaking views of Changdeokgung and Namsan Tower โ And most importantly: Amazing coffee and cake!
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Tenu | ํ
๋์ปคํผ ใใใผใณใผใใผ
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Cafe in Yeonnam-dong where you can roll your won mochi!
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Brady's Coffee Bar
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Brady's Coffee Bar is probably the most aesthetic and insta-worthy cafe I've been to in Seoul! Come here for delicious cheesecake and beautiful pictures.
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Oyatkkot
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Beautiful Hanok cafe that offers delicious drinks and desserts. I recommend ordering one of their Bingsu (shaved ice) options!
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Earth Dome
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This place is a true hidden gem, tucked away in a side alley near Chungmuro station and Namsangol Park. All of their drinks can be ordered with vegan milk alternatives.
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Cheongsudang Cafรฉ
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Cheongsudang is a famous cafe franchise with branches in multiple Korean cities. The cafes are known for their beautiful interior and unique desserts.
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Knotted
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Knotted is an iconic Korean cafe and bakery with multiple branches in Seoul, specializing in doughnuts.
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Osulloc Tea House Bukchon
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This relatively new cafe is owned by the Korean tea brand Osulloc. Visit this place for tea-based desserts and drinks and traditional Korean vibes.
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Molto Italian Espresso Bar
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In recent years, espresso bars have become popular in Seoul. This one is my favorite, as it offers a nice view of the Myeongdong Cathedral.
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Manhole Coffee | ๋งจํ์ปคํผ
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Manhole Coffee is a popular photo spot during Christmas time, but I recommend coming here for their delicious financiers!
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Bars & Pubs
Drinking with friends and co-workers is a huge part of Korean culture. Subsequently, there are a ton of bars and pubs in Seoul, waiting to be explored!ย
NOCT
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Noct is a bar offering a beautiful view of Hangang River. They offer a range of wine and side dishes.
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Daramgee Bar
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Daramgee Bar has been recommended to me by a Korean friend. They offer a wide range of Korean traditional liquors and Korean "Anju" (Dishes to be eaten alongside alcoholic beverages).
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Spring Garden Seongsu
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Spring Garden is a wine bar located in Seongsu. Besides the wine, their food is also very good!
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Zoo Sindang
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Zoo Sindang is probably the most unique bar that exists in Seoul. The theme is "zodiac". All cocktails are based on zodiac signs and the entry looks like the entry of a fortune telling shop.
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Beer King Myeongju | ๋งฅ์ฃผ์๋ช
์ฃผ
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A Korean-style pub located in central Hongdae. I highly recommend their strawberry makgeolli!
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Joseon Sidae | ์กฐ์ ์๋
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The interior of this bar in Hongdae is inspired by the Joseon period. Come here for good drinks, nice food and traditional Korean vibes.
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Travel Tips for Foodies
Don't overlook street food!
... because youโll miss out on some of the best food Korea has to offer, trust me!ย Street food is a huge part of Korean food culture and a must-try if you want to experience authentic Korean food. Plus: Street food is budget-friendly.
You will find little stalls selling street food scattered across every Korean city. They are located in and around subway stations, on highly frequented streets, and inside traditional markets (์์ฅ/ si-jang), such as Gwangjang Market in Seoul.
Got dietary restrictions?
Just a disclaimer: Korean cuisine is diverse and has a lot to offer, but it often includes ingredients like meat, seafood, and soy, which might not suit everyoneโs dietary needs, such as vegetarians, vegans, or those with allergies.
Step out of your foodie comfort zone in Korea
Koreaโs culinary landscape is rich with flavors and textures, ranging from savory to sweet, and from crunchy to tender. If you venture beyond what you already know, you might discover new favorite dishes and gain a deeper understanding of Korean culinary culture.
Try some traditional Korean beveragesย
When youโre out there trying all the amazing food, donโt just stop at the dishes โ Korean traditional drinks are a whole adventure on their own!
Think about it: every culture has its unique drinks that go hand-in-hand with their food, right? In Korea, itโs no different. These drinks arenโt just about quenching your thirst; they actually add a whole new layer of flavor to your meal.
You can find my recommendations for places to try traditional drinks in the section "Bars/Pubs".ย
Useful Vocabularyย
Iโm allergic toโฆ = ์ ๋ โฆ ์๋ ๋ฅด๊ธฐ๊ฐ ์์ด์. (Jeoneun โฆ allerugi ga isseoyo)
Water, please. = ๋ฌผ ์ฃผ์ธ์. (Mul juseyo)
I want to pay. =ย ๊ณ์ฐ ํ ๊ฒ์. (Gyesans halgaeyo)
Please make it not spicy. = ๋งต์ง ์๊ฒ ํด์ฃผ์ธ์. (maep-ji anh-ge hae-ju-se-yo)ย
I canโt eat spicy food. = ๋งค์ด ๊ฑฐ ๋ชป ๋จน์ด์. (mae-un geo mot meok-eo-yo)
Is it spicy? =ย ๋งค์์? (mae-wo-yo?)ย
Do you want to make your trip to Korea unforgettable but you just don't have the time and resources to plan your itinerary?
Let me do the heavy lifting for you! Check out my travel services by clicking the link below!ย
Thank you for your support and safe travels!ย
- Lara โจ
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