Anguk-dong in Seoul is one of the few neighbourhoods in Seoul where you can see an interesting juxtaposition of old and new architectural styles, featuring traditional Korean houses made from bricks contrasting with modern shop fronts.

Its favourable position near tourist attractions such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village has made Anguk-dong a popular destination among those who are interested in culture and cafe hopping.

Here are 8 Places To Check Out In Anguk-dong, Seoul.

#1 C FLAMINGO

Aesthetically pleasing desserts are everything but where better to enjoy them than C Flamingo? The dessert cafe at Anguk-dong may not have real flamingoes but it certainly has an appealing array of cakes and beverages.

64 Bukchon-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2-722-3454
Nearest Station: Anguk

#2 CAFE BORA

One of the better-known dessert cafes in Anguk-dong, Cafe Bora’s speciality is their Purple Sweet Potato Iceflakes which is essentially bingsu made with sweet potato. Other bingsu flavours you can get there are Green Tea and Strawberry.

For those who are not a fan of bingsu, Cafe Bora offers other sweet treats including Sweet Potato Ice Cream, Steamed Sweet Potato Bun and Chickpea Ice Cream.

75-3 Yulgok-ro 3-gil
Sogyeok-dong, Jongno-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 70 8613 5537
Daily: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Anguk

#3 DODO

Visitors are welcomed by the sight of a lovely front garden as they walk into dodo. The cafe specialises in coffee, but you can also find food like tacos (W6,000), hamburger (W7,000) and their signature waffles (W13,000) on the menu.

Bukchon-ro 5-gil
119-1 Samcheong-Dong, Jongno-gu
Tel: +82 2 737 7236
Daily: 11am – 10.30pm
Nearest station: Anguk

#4 GLOBO COFFEE FAKTORY

We are letting you in on a little secret that we found out at GLOBO Coffee Faktory—there is a secret hideout nestled within the cafe! Just looking at the modern entrance of the cafe, we could hardly believe our eyes when we found out that there is a hidden spot that looks almost like a traditional Korean tea house.

GLOBO Coffee Faktory roasts their own coffee beans in-house with a large probat roaster and guests are able to choose up to seven different types of coffee beans from around the world.

17 Bukchon-ro 5ga-gil,
Sogyeok-dong, Jongno-gu,
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2-722-6269
Daily: 9.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Anguk

#5 HIT THE SPOT BAKERY

You cannot miss this two-storey French bakery which serves an impressive array of artisanal fresh bakes. If you cannot decide what to order, go for their best seller which is the Ice Cream on Brioche.

#6 MUKSHIDONNA

Mukshidonna Tteokbokki is a simple Korean restaurant that focuses on serving stews in a communal pot, and the stew is up to you to customise. The base is basically the same stock, and you pick from an array of ingredients to go into your pot.

It has several outlets in Seoul—including Garosugil and Hongdae—but you should dine at the original outlet at Anguk-Dong.

74-7 Yulgok-ro 3-gil,
Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu,
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 723 8089
Daily: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Anguk

#7 O’SULLOC TEA HOUSE

O’sulloc is a tea salon in Seoul that pays homage to Korean green tea from Jeju Island, with branches in Myeongdong, Apgujeong, Insadong and Daehangno. With green tea as the core ingredient, the cafe offers ice cream, tea, green tea milk spread and more.

There are also tea accessories sold in the stores for you to purchase as souvenirs or for individual use back at home.

170 Gwanhun-dong, Jongno-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 732 6427
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Anguk 

#8 RADIO M

Another dessert cafe at Anguk-dong neighbourhood, Radio M is a paradise for those with a sweet tooth. Their attention is focused on three things only—coffee, desserts and bingsu. If you are not intending to stay for long, you can also grab a cup of coffee, tea or smoothie on the go at their takeout counter.

128-4 Sogyeok-dong, Jongno-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 737 4669
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Anguk

Seoul has no lack of aesthetically-pleasing and Instagram worthy cafés, and Stylenanda Pink Pool Café is definitely one of them. This beautiful café has got to be one that fashionistas should mark on their bucket list the next time you are in Seoul.

Their gorgeous pastel pink interior reminds us of the famous Sketch Cafe in London and it will not be the only thing that will leave your jaws hanging—believe it or not, they have an actual pool within the café itself!

Many would be familiar with Stylenanda—one of South Korea’s leading online fashion brands. Stylenanda houses several concepts under one roof—from a boutique hotel to shophouses where sales of accessories and apparels take place to an entirely pink café, make sure to not miss this spot out!

Taking up an entire section of the Stylenanda Pink Pool Café is their pool, making this space the true #instagramgoals.

Here is where you can go ahead and snap as many shots as you wish—every corner of the café is stylish and makes for a perfect backdrop for OOTD shots. The café may not be the biggest in size, but trust us when we say that you can get plenty of amazing shots in this photogenic café.

If you are looking to escape the cold weather outside, a cuppa hot coffee would be perfect to sip on while you chill in this pretty space.

They offer quite an extensive range of beverages—pick from a variety of coffee, teas, shakes and even diet beverages in the likes of Lemon Detox and Real Tomato Juice.

Boasting a minimal yet chic interior, fun boutique-café concepts and totally photogenic pastries, Stylenanda Pink Pool Café in Hongdae is definitely worth a visit.

Stylenanda Pink Pool Café
335-21 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea (Hongdae)
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Hongdae

Tucked away on a street in Samcheong-dong in Seoul, GLOBO Coffee Faktory is an unassuming cafe front with a gorgeous secret hideout deep within it. If you stroll into the cafe, you will be greeted by a massive coffee roaster as the cafe roasts their own beans.

We knew we had to have a taste of their coffee after being pleasantly overwhelmed by the aroma of coffee beans. Little did we know that deeper into the cafe, is a patio with indoor and alfresco seating with natural sunlight streaming in. How delightful!

The patio at the back of the cafe is probably one of the most photogenic spots we have stumbled upon in Seoul, South Korea. The quiet and intimate ambience makes the patio a great place to sit and relax for a bit while sipping on some amazing coffee.

The patio area is amazing. The contrast of old and new makes the area so ethereal. Think bamboo bench seats, white stones and potted plants alongside cobalt blue sofa seats and Parisian-like white tables and chairs. However, if the weather is too warm, you can also take a respite from the sun indoors.

The indoor seating area just beside the patio is small but cosy with gold and marble tables and comfortable sofa seats. You can read, catch up on work or simply relax with a drink or a dessert here for a calm and stress-free afternoon.

To order some drinks and desserts, you would have to head to the front of the cafe where the massive roaster is. We purchased an Iced Latte, Iced Matcha Latte and a Tiramisu cake as a light snack before lunch.

The coffee is just as fantastic as we anticipated. The aroma of the coffee was distinct, even in an iced latte. The beans tasted different from the usual Australian beans we have regularly. It was stronger and packed a punch.

The Iced Matcha Latte was nothing to shout about but it was a pleasant treat nonetheless. It was not overly sweet and it went well with the dessert we ordered. The Tiramisu was light and the sponge cake inside was fluffy and airy.

GLOBO Coffee Faktory
Sa jik dong, Jong no gu
Seoul 03044
South Korea
Tel: +82 2-722-7848
Mon to Fri: 8am – 7pm
Sat: 11am – 6pm
Sun: 12.30pm – 8.30pm

Nestled within a residential area, Anthracite Coffee Roasters stands out amongst the buildings surrounding it. Anthracite Coffee Roasters is a café chain in Seoul, South Korea and this particular outlet in Yongsan-gu is our favourite. The café occupies the entire old building, with an open-space terrace on the second floor.

The impressive interior excited us the moment we stepped in. The first floor is the main counter area where the skilled baristas whip up aromatic cuppas for you to enjoy. The backdrop of the counter is a digital wall mural that displays futuristic and cosmic digital art that adds a little something extra to the gorgeous architecture and interior design.

You can grab a beverage and snack of your choice and head to level 2, where the main seating area is. If the weather is nice and cool, you can even grab a seat outside on the terrace.

No matter what coffee you like, they have the works. Enjoy the original splendour of coffee with their range of Espressos which they have beautifully named–Pablo Neruda, Natsume Soseki and William Blake–some of the most celebrated poets in history. The complex flavours of good coffee mirror an alluring poem, both enticing the body and soul of the consumer.

They specialise in both single origin and a carefully-curated list of house blend coffee that you can choose from. You can pick from a plethora of different single origin choices such as–Ethiopia, Kenya, Honduras and Guatelama, each with its own one-of-a-kind flavours and aromas.

As the weather was pretty warm in Seoul on the particular day of our visit, we opted for an Iced Latte (6,000 Won), using their own signature house blend beans. From one coffee lover to another, we can tell that a lot of effort was put in to create this ideal blend of coffee here.

The Piora Original Iced Tea (6,500 Won) was a delightful and refreshing treat but it fell short of impressing us after we had a taste of the amazing coffee whipped up by the baristas. So we say, skip the tea and stick to what they do best.

Anthracite Coffee Roasters in a must visit in Seoul if you are a huge fan of coffee. Even if you are not obsessed with coffee, a trip here might just make you one!

Anthracite Coffee Roasters
738-20 Hannam-dong
Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2-797-7009
Mon to Fri: 9am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Hangangjin

Ssamziegil is an art and cultural building in Insadong, Seoul. 

As a cultural complex, Ssamziegil’s role is to retain the nostalgia of Insadong’s old streets and alleys that are filled with antique shops that reflect a piece of old Seoul. Since 2004, the place has been receiving tourists and locals who are interested in traditional artwork, visiting folk art galleries and attending craft workshops.

With so many interesting exhibitions to see and things to do, you have to pop by Ssamziegil the next time you are in Insadong.

Encompassing 42,700 square feet of land space in total, there are more than 70 shops for you to browse through! Some of these shops used to operate in Insadong before moving over after the building was constructed.

You may not notice it at first glance but the building has been designed with a spiral-like walkway which circles around the courtyard.

There are five entrances that will lead you to the courtyard, which is the main resting area for the public. Walk down to the basement and you will find Gallery Bob and a few restaurants to keep your tummy filled up.

The remaining four floors in Ssamziegil features designer art shops, small cafes and fashion apparels—with the Sky Garden, Galpi book cafe and a resting area right at the topmost level.

Do not forget to take many pictures of fascinating art exhibitions, which is also one of the highlights of our visit to Ssamziegil. Besides that, there are also many wall paintings and graffiti painted on the stairways which add some vibrancy to the building.

We could not resist walking nearer to this booth as the cartoon characters caught our attention and we had to watch the artist in action. If you are looking for a memorable souvenir as a keepsake, having a talented artist draw your own cartoon character can be a very interesting experience!

You can also make your own signature stamp at Ssamziegil too! There are many graphic designs you can follow to make your stamp unique. If you are not keen on this, there are other handicraft workshops too.

Expect to see a collection of artwork done by college students and master craftsmen put on display. If you are curious about the price of a painting or drawing, just walk into the shops and there will be friendly assistants who will answer your inquiries.

Food stands can be found in the building for those looking for a quick bite. They offer Korean snacks that can be found in night markets and a range of drinks to replenish your thirst. This particular stall offers poop bread with delicious fillings such as red bean and chocolate.

We also found another coffee stand on the second floor that offers excellent iced latte which perked us up immediately. Otherwise, rest your feet at one of the few tea houses and indulge in a scrumptious afternoon tea with your friends.

Ssamziegil
44 Insadong-gil
Jongno-gu, Seoul
Tel: +82 2 736 0088
Daily: 10am – 8.30pm
Nearest Station: Anguk

Garosu-gil is possibly our favourite area in Seoul. The hipster neighbourhood is where you will find quaint cafes, lifestyle boutiques, local labels, cosmetics shops and several international brands. The tree-lined street has a certain charm to it that makes you want to hang around the area a little longer.

With all the options available, you can easily spend a day there with your friends as you cafe hop, try on different designer clothing together and take a stroll down the lively street. What’s more, there is always a hidden gem lurking at every corner, waiting to be discovered.

This guide to 21 Cafes In Garousu-Gil You Must Visit When In Seoul will give you an overview of the best cafes you are able to find there.

BASILUR TEA AND COFFEE

There are many simple joys in life and we do not need fancy food and alcohol every day. Just an iced tea and a comfortable space to sit back and watch the world go by.

Basilur Tea And Coffee is one of those. Occupying the second and third level of a building in Garosu-gil, the space is perpetually packed but strange enough, the crowd does not overwhelm. And the splendour of the drinks house sure took our breath away.

Sinsa-dong Gangnam-gu 2nd floor 554
Seoul, South Korea
Daily: 9am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Sinsa

CAFE DE PARIS

Despite being hidden in an alley that is not visible from the main street, Cafe de Paris is hard to miss with its striking blue exterior and Parisian-style huge windows. Elegant and chic, Cafe de Paris is where the locals hang out to people watch while hiding away from the crowd on the main street.

The food menu is simple though, as the cafe is more for casual drinks such as European coffee and tea. What is evidently popular is their signature Mango Smoothie (W16,000).

551-2 Sinsa-dong
Gangnam-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +822 514 8282
Daily: 10am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Sinsa

COFFEESMITH

This is one huge coffee house to visit when you need a drink. We took a while to digest the comprehensive drinks menu, but more than that, we were taken in by the sheer grandeur of Coffeesmith. It is easily one of the most elaborate coffee house in Garosu-gil with its multi-level outlet, and the fragrance of their brew lured us in.

The menu has drinks for both caffeine and non-caffeine drinker. Pick from a wide range of coffee, teas and juices, and read a magazine as you idle the afternoon away.

536-20, Sinsa-dong
Gangnam-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 3445 3372
Mon to Thu, Sun: 9am – 1.30am
Fri & Sat: 9am – 2.30am
Nearest Station: Sinsa

DEUX AMIS PATISSERIE

Deux Amis Patisserie is a terrific patisserie serving gorgeous cakes and tarts that will make anyone weak in the knees and it is one of our favourite places to go for desserts in Seoul. Try their Strawberry Tiramisu Tart and Caramel Cake.

535-9 Sinsa-dong
Gangnam-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 3443 0030
Nearest Station: Sinsa

DISH ROOM BY DORE DORE

We are absolutely in love with Dish Room. It was one of those love-at-first-sight moments for us, and we knew we had to step in for a midday perk-me-up. Priding themselves to serving a menu that emphasizes “eat well, live well”, Dish Room by Dore Dore has a display of salads and healthy warm food to pamper its patrons.

What would get your attention, we reckon, is the stunning cakes display. They are tall and majestic, and any cake lover will be sold. From rainbow to many other layered cream cakes, Dish Room by Dore Dore is a must-go when in Garosu-gil.

546-18 Sinsa-dong
Gangnam-gu,
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 02 511 2115
Nearest Station: Sinsa

IKOVOX COFFEE

Another cafe that pays homage to good coffee is Ikovox Coffee. It may seem like an unassuming corner unit in one of the smaller streets of Garosu-gil, but it sure is no less popular among locals and tourists alike. The outlet is always packed with coffee lovers who just need a relaxing space to settle down with friends while sipping a seriously good cuppa.

Ikovox Coffee is definitely your thing if you are serious about coffee.

I Tae Won 1 Dong, 140-863
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 2790 5578
Daily: 8am – 12am
Nearest Station: Itaewon

GOOD NIGHT AND GOOD LUCK

The name of the cafe does not quite make sense and we raised our brows when we first heard about it. Plus, it requires a bit of walking from the main side of Garosu-gil. But take that stroll and you will be welcomed by a small yet stunning cafe.

The monochrome-theme cafe is known for their cheesecakes, and while we thought it was just slightly underwhelming, it is still a nice and quiet space for a little break from all that walking. The coffee is pretty decent, by the way!

161 Road in Gangnam Nonhyeon 41
Sin Sa Dong
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 70 4220 2014
Nearest Station: Sinsa

KOBALT KAFE

Look no further if you are searching for a cosy place to have a gathering with your girlfriends. Previously just a shop opened by Kobalt Design Studio, Kobalt Kafe has expanded to become a European-style bistro that is famed for their house brews.

The cafe serves beverages such as Italy coffee, various types of French tea and healthy drinks made from seasonal fruits alongside a range of aesthetically-pleasing cakes. If you happen to fall in love with the lovely rustic interior design, some of the furniture displayed in the cafe are sold on their website!

35-5 Gangnam-daero 160-gil
Gangnam-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 3443 1513
Mon to Sat:12pm – 10pm
Sun: 12pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Sinsa

LA POMME DESSERT CAFE

La Pomme Dessert Cafe’s cakes and desserts are prepared fresh in-house, and they are all so pretty. We like the seats by the windows; don’t you too?

135-889, Apgujeong, Gangnam-gu
a 10-way 35, Sin sa dong
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 545 4508
Nearest Station: Sinsa

LAY BRICKS

We did a second take when we stumbled upon Lay Bricks. On the first impression, we thought it was a mini factory of sorts, but we were wrong; it is an industrial-style cafe that is so bloody sexy! The place is well, predominantly laid with bricks, and sewing machines and oil tins are used as tables and chairs.

It is one of those secret hideouts where you can escape from the madness of the world and just enjoy some cold brew at.

153 Road in Gangnam Nonhyeon 46
Sin Sa Dong
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 545 5513
Daily: 12pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Sinsa

LATTE KING

Yet another place to go to for cold brew is Latte King, this hole-in-the-wall cafe that serves cold brew on tap. It is a little inconspicuous from the main road, but look out for the iconic cat logo and you are on your way to some summer thirst-quenchers.

Choose from Cold Brew Ice Coffee (W4,300), Cold Brew Coffee Beer (W4,800), or Cold Brew Hibiscus (W4,300). There are also many juices to pick from if you prefer something without caffeine!

15 12 (giljeom avenue)
Sin Sa Dong, Seoul, 133-848, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 544 0729
Nearest Station: Sinsa

 LINE FRIENDS STORE & CAFE

Line Friends Store & Cafe was one of our first stops during our recent trip to Seoul, and you would not believe how excited we were. The multi-level outlet features huge merchandise sections and a cafe, and is filled with excitement and laughter of all like-minded fans of Line.

Be seated at the cafe and to tuck in to the cutest Line Friends macarons and brownies. We don’t know how you are going to do it but we didn’t even have the heart to bite into our Brown and Cony macarons!

535-15, Sinsa-dong
Gangnam-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Daily: 12pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Sinsa

MINOS COFFEECULT

Located at the start of Garosu-gil is Minos Coffeecult, one of the best places to rest your feet in between shopping. There are both indoor and outdoor seating. Step in for a cuppa and to simply zone out while the world goes by. We love how Minos Coffeecult has a wide range of magazines—a great alternative to an idyllic afternoon at Garosu-gil.

Minos Coffeecult uses coffee beans from Anthracite Coffee Roasters. Don’t like caffeine? Minos also has other drinks such as Sweet Pumpkin Latte, Marron Latte and Green Tea Latte at W6,200 each.

Hallym 547-1 Sinsa-dong
Gangnam-gu, 2nd floor, Sin Sa Dong
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 70 8818 4601
Daily: 24 Hours
Nearest Station: Sinsa

MR HOLMES BAKEHOUSE

Mr. Holmes Bakehouse is a popular bakery that hails all the way from San Fransisco, California. The dessert place specialises in crusty croissants, a mouthwatering array of baked goods and house brew coffee.

Those who are unsure of what to get there may like to try they are known for—their signature Cruffin (W5,500). The cream fillings are rotational so you may be trying out a different flavour when you visit on different days.

34 Apgujeong-ro 10-gil
Gangnam-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 02 547 2004
Daily: 10am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Sinsa

MUG FOR RABBIT

Intriguing and inviting, Mug For Rabbit spots a slightly industrial look juxtaposed with Parisian chairs. Loud tracks fill the cafe, and the crowd in there is a good-looking one. The two-storey unit is yet another place for you to rest your feet over drinks and hearty chats, and we especially love that mezzanine.

We say go in and grab a quick juice, kick your shoes off and let your hair down. By night, Mug For Rabbit transforms into an alluring space with long-hanging and dimly-lit lamps.

153 Road in Gangnam Nonhyeon 53 (boulevard second store)
Sin Sa Dong
Seoul, 135-889, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 3443 7488
Nearest Station: Sinsa

OSULLOC CAFE

Osulloc is a tea salon that pays homage to Korean green tea from Jeju Island. With an extensive menu of different teas—both hot and iced—and an assortment of green tea desserts such as swiss rolls and tiramisu, there will always be something to fall in love with.

It is a cosy cafe with a very inviting laid-back vibe. Wooden furniture dominate the facade, sounds of ice blending and excitement from patrons fill the space; the lights are kept dim, but just as well, because no matter what time it is out there, we just want to recline into our seats and immerse ourselves into this relaxing environment while enjoying our green tea everything.

175 Road in Gangnam Nonhyeon 6 (Apgujeong points)
Sin Sa Dong
Seoul, 135-892, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 3448 5967
Mon to Fri: 9am – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Sinsa

REMICONE

This soft serve lab is one you must not miss! You see that smiley soft serve there? Yes, you deserve an award for being so cute.

Build your own soft serve here at Remicone. The first step is to choose a cup or ‘cone’. Then, pick a flavour—milk, salted caramel or chocolate. Top it off with your choice of honey caviar, cotton thunder, hazelnut crumble, honey chip, popping sugar or fleur de sel. There you have it. Now, take out your cameras and snap a dozen photos before sharing it on your social media platforms!

Apgujeong, Gangnam-gu
a 14-way 24-, Sin sa dong
Seoul, 135-890, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 6207 1029
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Sinsa

SARUBIA

This retro-looking place had us feeling like we stumbled upon a gem at the back alley. Sarubia is slightly off the main street, but it is not difficult to spot. Look out for the display of mismatched chairs lining the entrance.

On the menu, put your attention to the pasta section—Aglio Olio (W16,000), Seafood (W19,000), and Carbonara (W17,000). Want some pizzas? There is the Margherita (W20,000) and Rucola (W21,000).

153 Road in Gangnam Nonhyeon 57
Sin Sa Dong
Seoul, 135-889, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 540 7344
Mon to Fri: 11am – 2am
Sat: 11am – 1am
Nearest Station: Sinsa

THE FLYING PAN

Talk about beautiful white spaces and flowers in abundance! The Flying Pan is one like that, and the timeless elegance stole our hearts. Stepping into the slightly Parisian cafe gives us a strange sense of familiarity, yet took us by surprise altogether. Every detail of The Flying Pan is something to discover, and it is little wonder this cafe is ever popular with the locals.

The menu is a typical European one, with signatures including Free Range Eggs Benedict (W15,000), Bacon French Toast (W15,000), and Mentaiko & Leek Pasta (W16,000). It may not be the cheapest place to dine at, but it sure is a lovely cafe to spend some time with your loved ones.

Road 8, Sin Sa Dong
Seoul, 135-889, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 514 5585
Daily: 10.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Sinsa

THE NILK FACTORY

Taking up the first floor of a building, the nilk factory offers a range of cold-pressed almond milk in different flavours, coffee, tea and gluten-free cakes. The cafe is not for those who are looking for a full meal but it is where you can hang out with your girlfriends or partner for afternoon tea or dessert.

the nilk factory’s signature drinks include Almond Je’taime (300ml – W7,500, 500ml – W12,600) and Mixed Nuts (300ml – W7,500, 500ml – W12,600).

32 Gangnam-daero 162-gil
Gangnam-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 2039 0821
Nearest Station: Sinsa

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1202 COFFEE COUNTER

Dog owners who are looking for a pet-friendly cafe in Garosu-gil can stop by 1202 Coffee Counter which opened in March 2017. The lifestyle cafe has a market space where visitors can purchase tote bags and small potted plants such as various breeds of cactus.

Our favourite spot at the cafe is by the counter, where you can sip on aromatic coffee while watching the locals go about their day. For humid days, we would recommend their Cold Brew (W6,000), Lemon Tea (W6,500) and Grapefruit Tea (W6,500).

518-15, Sinsa-dong
Gangnam-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 3442 1202
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Sinsa

For more recommendations, read our guides to discover the best places to visit in Seoul.

Take a walk around Gyeongnidan-gil and you will fall in love with the area instantly. The quiet hood is charming at every turn and surprise after surprise awaits.

The neighbourhood is further up from Itaewon and it is filled with many Indie coffee shops and boutiques, trendy barber, lifestyle shops and local designers. And among them all, one cafe that we really love is Berkeley Coffee Social.

Berkeley Coffee Social isn’t of an impressive scale nor is it particularly outstanding. But we love the space for its homely vibes.

It is where the residents hang out at when they need their morning cuppa or simply a space to work from; it is evident from the crowd. The crowd is a simple one—locals in the most casual outfits, some with laptops, some with their cats.

The humble cafe in the hood roasts and brews coffee from many parts of the world. You know this means that you have to try their Joe.

Berkeley Coffee Social also does simple toasts that are a great hit among its patrons. While toasts do not sound like the most exciting thing to eat, know that they are still lovingly prepared with freshly baked bread and hearty homemade spreads. And hey, they do take effort in the presentation too!

The next time you are in Seoul, be sure to drop by Berkeley Coffee Social in Gyeongnidan-gil for a cuppa.

Berkeley Coffee Social
Yongsan Itaewondong 255-32
Seoul South Korea 04344
Tel: +82 2 792 2048

Heading to Seoul? Read our Seoul guides to discover the best things to see, do and eat in the city.

There are many reasons why we love Seoul—one of it being the city’s happening cafe culture. From mega coffee chains to independent concept cafes, you can find them all in Seoul.

While we were exploring the quieter side of Gyeongridan in Itaewon, we found the perfect cafe for days when you are just looking to spend your afternoon away from the hubbub of the city. And that cafe is called ‘n dear‘.

As with many cafes in Seoul, n dear provides free wifi and a delectable range of coffee, tea and alcoholic beverages.

n dear’s chic, modern bohemian theme features clean furnishings with a white tile countertop and splashes of colour statements from the flowers, potted plants and colourful seating.

Simple interior pieces are well put together to accentuate the theme; the result is an effortlessly cool space with comfortable vibes to make you feel right at home. Their floor-to-ceiling glass window allows sunlight to stream in during the day.

If you need that caffeine boost, n dear has a decent selection including Americano (W5,000), Caffe Latte (W5,500) and Cappuccino (W5,500).

Not up for coffee? They also have non-coffee drinks such as Melting Choco (W6,000), Chai Latte (W6,000) and Iced Tea made with real fruits (W6,000).

A delightful drink that would help you cool off from the heat is the Lemon Ginger Ade (W6,500). It is essentially a sparkling drink that really helps to quench your thirst after all the walking around the neighbourhood.

Other flavours you can consider are the Lemon Peach Ade, Grapefruit Ade and Berry Ade (W6,500).

There are also four bottled beer choices on their menu—1664 Blanc, Big Wave, Longboard and Taedonggang Pale Ale.

cafe n dear
247-1 Itaewon-dong
Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Daily: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Hangangjin

The streets of Seoul are packed with many independent cafes, of which most are beyond outstanding—in terms of both aesthetics and the wide range of coffee and baked goods that they offer.

Yet, it was not hard to decide which cafe was our favourite among all. Cafe Onion in Seongdong-gu neighbourhood—also known as the Brooklyn of Seoul— checks all the boxes that we are looking for in a cafe. The industrial-themed cafe has their own bakery and an open rooftop terrace for guests to chill at.

For those who are visiting Seoul, you cannot skip Cafe Onion for anything in the world. Read on to find out why this is our all-time favourite cafe in Seoul. 

Before Cafe Onion was born, the same building was previously used for many other purposes, including a supermarket, a repair shop and a metal factory. The chic industrial-themed cafe that you see today is a reflection of its past, with cement floors, stained grey walls and chipped red bricks.

Having an in-house bakery means guests are able to enjoy warm pastries that are freshly baked from the oven.

We noticed that their staff is quick in refilling the trays, so just be a little patient if the item you are looking for is out of stock.

Most of the tables on the ground level are catered for communal dining, so expect to share tables with other visitors. Despite so, there is ample space for you to move around or have private conversations with your friends.

There are also sofa seats for those who wish to lounge around and laze the afternoon away with a drink and some light bites.

Head further in and you will notice that there is a sunny courtyard accompanied with long wooden benches. This spot is perfect for those who visit during colder days as you can bask in the warm glows of the sun.

Cafe Onion’s rooftop terrace is where busy locals unwind after a day of work or school. The cool breeze and calm ambience help you to forget about the pressures of life as your attention is focused on excellent coffee and food instead.

It feels like you are being teleported into another world as you watch the crowd hustle down the streets and hear the background hum of traffic.

Cafe Onion is perhaps best known for its Pandor (W5,000/ S$6.02), which is a pastry topped off lavishly with icing sugar. The airy pastry was decent and we enjoyed having it as a sweet treat with iced coffee.

Cafe Onion offers a range of house brews such as Cappuccino (W5,000/ S$6.02), Flat White (W5,000/ S$6.02) and Cafe Latte (W5,000/ S$6.02).

Otherwise, go for other beverages including Pineapple with Coconut Water, Carrot Juice (W5,000/ S$6.02) and Matcha Latte (W6,000/ S$7.22).

Cafe Onion
277-135 Seongsu-dong 2(i)-ga
Seongdong-gu, Seoul
Mon to Fri: 8am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Seongsu

For more recommendations, read our Seoul food and travel guides featuring the best places to visit.

Serious coffee drinkers will find plenty of options in Seoul, and one of the most popular destinations in the uber-cool Seongsu-dong neighbourhood—also known as the Brooklyn of Seoul—is Daelim Changgo Gallery CO:LUMN.

More than just a cafe offering pretty food, Daelim Changgo Gallery CO:LUMN is also an art gallery where you can admire various art exhibitions—from larger-than-life art installations to creative paintings. The exhibitions change from time to time so guests can always look forward to something new there.

Daelim Changgo Gallery CO:LUMN is also located near to Common Ground, a hipster container market which has been making rounds on social media so you can visit both places on the same day!

Housed in an old red brick building, you will never guess what this space was used for initially. It was previously a rice mill in the early 70s and then a simple storage area in the 90s.

Daelim Changgo Gallery CO:LUMN opened its doors to public in May 2016, after much effort has been made to convert it to an art gellery and cafe.

If there is one thing you will not fail to notice, that would be the extremely spacious interior. Most of the tables are good for communal dining and yet, there was enough space for you to wal karound comfortably. Now, can you imagine how enormous the place is?

The high ceilings are open to allow natural sunlight to filter in, which is essential for the trees planted in the cafe to grow well. The cafe oozes with a calm ambience as guests are surrounded by tall trees with luscious green leaves that dance in the wind.

With free wifi provided, guests can choose to do some work in peace there while having a cuppa or wander around to admire the art pieces. Even if you are not into art, you will be amazed by the grandeur and creativity of certain art exhibits.

The menu features full meals such as pasta, pizza and party plates but if you are there for a quick bite, they have pastries as well. For drinks, go for their house brews, fresh juices or beers.

Their Blueberry Tart (W9,000/ S$10.84) came with fresh blueberries and sweet cream atop a crusty pastry base. The portion size was great for sharing among friends and makes for a great afternoon snack if you are up for something sweet on your palate.

Of course, you have to pair a sweet treat with an aromatic cup of Cappuccino (W6,000/ S$7.22). We loved how the freshly pulled espresso came with bitter after tones which were not too overwhelming because it was balanced with hot milk.

If you are looking for alternatives, try their Nitro Coldbrew Coffee (W9,000/ S$10.84), Cacao Latte (7,000 won/S$8.43) or Vanilla Affogato (W7,000/ S$8.43).

Craving for a beer instead? You can either have bottled beers, draft beers or the one and only signature craft beer—Mikkeller. The cafe serves beers throughout the day, so do not be shy to spend on them!

The Mikkeller (W9,000/ S$10.84) is a type of pale ale beer which has a strong bitter taste. The reddish-orange beer has a crisp taste to it and is for those who enjoy something in between a dark stout and light lagers.

There are so many cafes in Seoul that are worth visiting and Daelim Changgo Gallery CO:LUMN definitely ranks high on our list.

Daelim Changgo Gallery CO:LUMN
78, Seongsui-ro
Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 02 499 9669
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Seongsu

For more recommendations, read our Seoul food and travel guides featuring the best places to visit.

Does the name ‘Ban Bossy Boutique‘ ring a bell? Those who have heard of the feminist movement in 2014 where the use of the term ‘bossy’ should be discouraged to describe women would probably know where this cafe got its inspiration from.

Boasting primarily pastel colours in pink, mint and white, walking into Ban Bossy Boutique is like stepping into Barbie-land. It is the perfect spot for afternoon tea with your girlfriends, complete with Instagram-worthy backdrops and an appealing array of cupcakes.

The beautiful cafe is tucked away on the third level of a building in Hongdae. The next time you find yourselves in Seoul, you know where to head to.

Ban Bossy Boutique’s dining area features sparkling marble table tops in white, turquoise and rose gold colours which stand out against the white walls while seating is on pastel coloured chairs. The large potted plants in the light-filled cafe offered some tropical summer vibes as well.

Go to the cafe early if you want to get the best seats, which are by the window. During the day, sunlight filters through the floor-to-ceiling glass panels so you have optimal lighting for your OOTD and food pictures!

Ban Bossy Boutique overlooks the bustling Hongdae street, which is frequented by locals, young students who study in the vicinity and tourists. For an unparalleled view, head to their balcony where you can watch the world go by.

An afternoon tea at Ban Bossy Boutique looks something like this—munching on exquisitely decorated cupcakes and sipping on a pretty beverage. Yes, this is the life in Seoul!

We love how the details of the sugar flowers of their Flower Cupcake (W7,500/ S$9.03) stood out. However, it is a pity that the cupcake looks better than it tastes as we found it to be slightly dry and lacking in flavour.

Their drinks options range from espresso-based drinks such as Latte (W5,500/ S$6.62) and Cappuccino (W5,500/ S$6.62) to juices including Detox Green (W7,500/ S$9.03) and Power Orange (W7,500/ S$9.03).

Ban Bossy Boutique
3/F, 17-Waoosan ro- 19-22
Mapo-Gu, Seoul, Korea
Tel: +82 02 337 9896
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Hongdae

Queenmama Market is one of the coolest hangouts in Seoul. It combines an urban lifestyle boutique that spans across two levels and a mezzanine, an entire level of curated books, and a huge cafe that does some serious coffee business.

It is a stunning space, to say the least.

With four levels of wonders, Queenmama Market—opened by designers Jinyoung Kang and Hanni Yoon—is a destination in Apgujeong, Gangnam-gu for a little retail and coffee therapy. It is also every fashionista’s dream for there is no lack of photo spots here.

You might miss Queenmama Market from the road if you are not paying attention closely. The standalone building has an entrance that’s covered in lush greenery with some chairs for casual lounging in the outdoors.

Upon stepping in, you’d be greeted by the first level of the pop-up market. Of potted cacti and tall plants, gardening needs and several ranges of home fragrances, anyone would be tempted to bring something home from Queenmama Market to beautify their houses.

Special mention to the range of home fragrances that have been curated especially for the boutique; every brand and scent have been carefully picked and you’d be spoilt with some of the best local brands.

There are a total of two levels of the pop-up market where brands and merchandise would change periodically. On the second level sits OhBoy! the shop that is stocked with eco-friendly goods.

On the third floor of the building is PARRK, a huge book store of interesting books for adults.

The fourth level is Manufact, a ground for serious coffee lovers. The rooftop coffee house is (still) filled with huge potted plants and perfumed with the aroma of coffee. There is only coffee on the menu and nothing else; but that’s what you need to be there for anyway.

Manufact deals with cold brew, but if that is not up your alley, there is also your regular brews. For Hand Drip coffee, the beans are mainly from Ethopia and Peru; they are W4,000 each. Otherwise, your Espresso variations include the usual Flat White and Americano, also at W4,000 each.

Grab a cup of coffee, take a seat at the outdoors and take in the wondrous views of either the residential park or the quiet(er) neighbourhood; Queenmama Market is indeed a fantastic pit stop in Seoul.

Queenmama Market
50 Apgujeong-ro 46-gil, Sinsa-dong
Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Tue to Sat: 10.30am – 8pm
Sun: 12pm – 8pm
Nearest Station: Apgujeong

[New] Mr Holmes Bakehouse is opening its first outlet in Singapore in June 2021.

One of the hottest destination to see and be seen in Seoul right now is Garosu-gil. The place is home to tons of cafes, independent fashion labels, bars and so much more. Since it is not possible to cover the entire area within a trip, we decided to revisit this lifestyle destination again.

One bakery cafe that caught our attention on the spot is Mr. Holmes Bakehouse. This popular bakery hails all the way from San Fransisco, California and specialises in crusty croissants, a mouthwatering array of baked goods and house brew coffee.

When you are in Garosu-gil, do not forget to include Mr. Holmes Bakehouse into your must-go list.

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The bakery takes over the first level and that is where you can buy pastries to-go. If you are looking to chill there instead, head over to the staircase at the right side and you will be able to find the cafe on the second floor.

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The first thing we noticed was a marble countertop with a wide selection of baked goods enshrined behind polished glass. Pick what you like among the pastries that are available for the day and have it together with an aromatic cup of coffee.

Guests can choose to sit by the window and people watch—an excellent option for solo visitors who are there to do some work or simply dropping by for a relaxed afternoon tea session.

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Those who are unsure of what to get there may like to try they are known for—their signature Matcha Croissant (W4,400/ S$5.30) and Cruffin (W5,500/ S$6.62).

While we also enjoyed the Cruffin’s crispy exterior, we find the cream filling slightly too sweet for our liking. The cream fillings are rotational so you may be trying out a different flavour when you visit on different days.

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The Matcha Croissant really impressed us as it was extremely crusty and the airy layers are a dream come true for all croissant lovers.

Other croissant flavours include Cheese Croissant (W4,600/ S$5.54), Churro Croissant (4,500won/S$5.42) and Ferrero Rocher Croissant (W4,400/ S$5.30).

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Alternatively, you can also go for Strawberry Scone (W3,300/ S$3.97) or Sticky Bun With Salted Caramel (W4,400/ S$5.30).

Mr. Holmes Bakehouse
34 Apgujeong-ro 10-gil
Gangnam-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 02 547 2004
Daily: 10am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Sinsa

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Garosu-gil is easily our favourite area in Seoul. Decked with quaint cafes, lifestyle boutiques, local labels, cosmetics shops and several international brands, the tree-lined street radiates charm like no other.

Every trip to Seoul sees us returning back to Garosu-gil and spending an entire day there, but time never seemed to be enough; there is just so many gems waiting to be discovered. Cafe-hopping or window shopping or simply people watching, you will love it at Garosu-gil all the same.

And because Seoul’s cafe scene is second to none, we have decided to compile a list of our favourite cafes, coffee shops and dessert places in Garosu-gil. Here, take a look why Seoul is the benchmark for cafes all around the world with our list of Garosu-gil cafes.

#1 BASILUR TEA AND COFFEE

You see, there are many simply joys in life, and we do not need fancy food and alcohol every day. Just an iced tea and a comfortable space to sit back and watch the world go by.

Basilur Tea And Coffee is one of those. Occupying the second and third level of a building in Garosu-gil, the space is perpetually packed but strange enough, the crowd does not overwhelm. And the splendour of the drinks house sure took our breath away.

Sinsa-dong Gangnam-gu 2nd floor 554
Seoul, South Korea
Daily: 9am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#2 CAFE DE PARIS

Despite being hidden in an alley that is not visible from the main street, Cafe de Paris is hard to miss with its striking blue exterior and Parisian-style huge windows. Elegant and chic, Cafe de Paris is where the locals hang out to people-watch, while hiding away from the crowd in the main street.

Not much about eating here though; the cafe is more for casual drinks such as European coffee and tea. What is evidently popular is the signature Mango Smoothie (W16,000).

551-2 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Tel: +822 5148282
Daily: 10am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#3 COFFEE CHU

We first chanced upon this cafe when we were strolling the streets of Itaewon. For churros lovers like us, our eyes lit up upon realizing a whole menu of specialty churros. Coffee Chu is our answer to bad days, and we’ve had it several times now – their churros are mood lifters. The outlet at Garosu-gil is a lot more inviting with a stylish interior and balcony seats.

Though the menu includes many fancy churros such as Fritters Churros (W3,500) with flavours including berries, peanut, chocolate and nuts; we prefer ours plain with good ol’ chocolate dip. And it is only W3,500 per serving!

682-10, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
(7 Itaewon-ro 54-gil)
Tel: +82 2 790 6821
Daily: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Hangangjin

#4 COFFEESMITH

This is one huge coffee house when you need a drink. We took a while to digest the comprehensive drinks menu, but more than that, we were taken in by the sheer grandeur of Coffeesmith. It is easily one of the most elaborate coffee house in Garosu-gil with its multi-level outlet, and the fragrance of their brew lured us in.

The menu has drinks for both caffeine and non-caffeine drinker. Pick from a wide range of coffee and teas and juices, and read a magazine as you idle the afternoon away.

536-20, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2-3445-3372
Mon to Thu, Sun: 9am – 1.30am
Fri & Sat: 9am – 2.30am
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#5 DEUX AMIS PATISSERIE

Deux Amis Patisserie is a terrific patisserie serving gorgeous cakes and tarts that will make anyone weak in the knees. It is one of our favourite places to go for desserts in Seoul. Try their Strawberry Tiramisu Tart and Caramel Cake.

535-9 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu
Tel: +82 2 3443 0030
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#6 DISH ROOM BY DORE DORE

We are absolutely in love with Dish Room. It was one of those love-at-first-sight moments for us, and we knew we had to step in for a midday perk-me-up. Priding themselves to serving a menu that emphasizes “eat well, live well”, Dish Room by Dore Dore has a display of salads and healthy warm food to pamper its patrons.

What would get your attention, we reckon, is the stunning cakes display. They are tall and majestic, and any cake lover will be sold. From rainbow to many other layered cream cakes, Dish Room by Dore Dore is a must-go when in Garosu-gil.

Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, 546-18, Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 02-511-2115
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#7 IKOVOX COFFEE

Another cafe that pays homage to good coffee is Ikovox Coffee. It may seem like an unassuming corner unit in one of the smaller streets of Garosu-gil, but it sure is no less popular among locals and tourists alike. The outlet is always packed with coffee lovers who just need a relaxing space to settle down with friends while sipping a seriously good cuppa.

Ikovox Coffee is definitely your thing if you are one of those serious coffee drinker. Perhaps, you can pop by during lunch hour as it is significantly less crowded then.

I tae won 1 dong, Seoul, 140-863, South Korea
Tel: +82 2-2790-5578
Daily: 8am – 12am
Nearest Station: Itaewon Station

#8 GINKGO AVENUE

This is easily one of the prettiest cafes in Garosu-gil. We fell in love with it immediately upon stepping in to its premise. It was a breezy afternoon, and we picked the table at the balcony so that we could people-watch while enjoying brunch. The cafe has a small menu, but it was enough to please. Brunch was Croque Madame (W5,800) and Green Tea Waffles (W9,000 for 2 pieces and 2 scoops of ice cream) for us. And boy, did we enjoy our waffles! Fans of Bingsu, you will be entertained here too with four different creations.

Ginkgo Avenue is also dedicated to bringing you quality brew. With a roastery on the third level, they put their heart and soul into roasting the best coffee beans for patrons; we sure loved our Hand Drip Coffee (W7,500).

Sin sa dong, Seoul, 100-411, South Korea
Tel: +82 2-548-8620
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#9 GOOD NIGHT AND GOOD LUCK

The name of the cafe does not quite make sense and we raised our brows when we first heard about it. Plus, it requires a bit of walking from the main side of Garosu-gil. But take that stroll and you will be welcomed by a small yet stunning cafe.

The monochrome-theme cafe is known for their cheesecakes, and while we thought it was just slightly underwhelming, it is still a nice and quite space for a little break from all that walking. The coffee is pretty decent, by the way!

161 Road in Gangnam Nonhyeon 41, Sin sa dong, Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 70-4220-2014
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#10 LA POMME DESSERT CAFE

This two-storey space is a favourite we found from our first trip three years ago. Previously known as X, La Pomme Dessert Cafe has since been given a little revamp. Its popularity remains unchanged, and it sees a crowd daily at its cosy unit.

The cakes and desserts are prepared fresh in-house, and they are all so pretty. We like the seats by the windows; don’t you too?

Apgujeong, Gangnam-gu, a 10-way 35, Sin sa dong, Seoul, 135-889, South
Tel: +82 2-545-4508
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#11 LAY BRICKS

We did a second take when we stumbled upon Lay Bricks. On first impression, we thought it was a mini factory of sorts, but hell we were wrong; it is an industrial-style cafe that is so bloody sexy! The space is well, predominantly laid with bricks (hence its name, perhaps), and sewing machines and oil tins are used as tables and chairs.

It is one of those secret hideouts where you can escape from the madness of the world and just enjoy some cold brew at, we’d like to think.

153 Road in Gangnam Nonhyeon 46, Sin sa dong, Seoul, 135-890, South Korea
Tel: +82 2-545-5513
Daily: 12pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#12 LATTE KING

It seems Koreans have a thing for cold brew. And another place to go to for cold brew is Latte King, this hole-in-the-wall cafe that serves cold brew on tap. It is a little inconspicuous from the main road, but look out for the iconic cat logo and you are on your way to some summer thirst-quenchers.

Choose from Cold Brew Ice Coffee (W4,300), Cold Brew Coffee Beer (W4,800), or Cold Brew Hibiscus (W4,300). There are also many juices to pick from if you prefer something without caffeine!

15 12 (giljeom avenue), Sin sa dong, Seoul, 133-848, South Korea
Tel: +82 2-544-0729
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#13 LINE FRIENDS STORE & CAFE

Line Friends Store & Cafe was one of our first stops during our recent trip to Seoul, and you would not believe how excited we were. The multi-level outlet features hugeee merchandise sections and a cafe, and is filled with excitement and laughter of all like-minded fans of Line.

Be seated at the cafe and to tuck in to the cutest Line Friends macarons and brownies. We don’t know how you are gonna do it but we didn’t even have the heart to bite into our Brown and Cony macarons!

535-15, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea
Daily: 12pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#14 MINOS COFFEECULT

Sitting just next to Forever21′s flagship boutique at the start of Garosu-Gil is Minos Coffeecult, one of the best places to rest your feet in between shopping. There are both indoor and outdoor seating. Step in for a cuppa and to simply zone out while the world goes by. We love how Minos Coffeecult has a wide range of magazines; great alternative to an idyllic afternoon at Garosu-Gil, yes?

Minos Coffeecult uses coffee beans from Anthracite Coffee Roasters. Don’t like caffeine? Minos also has other drinks such as Sweet Pumpkin Latte, Marron Latte and Green Tea Latte at W6,200 each.

Hallym 547-1 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, 2nd floor, Sin sa dong, Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 70-8818-4601
Daily: 24 Hours
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#15 MUG FOR RABBIT

Intriguing and inviting, Mug For Rabbit spots a slightly industrial look juxtaposed with Parisian chairs. Loud tracks fill the cafe, and the crowd in there is a good-looking one. The two-storey unit is yet another place for you to rest your feet over drinks and hearty chats, and we especially love that mezzanine.

We say go in and grab a quick juice, kick your shoes off and let your hair down. By night, Mug For Rabbit transform into an alluring space with long-hanging and dimly-lit lamps.

153 Road in Gangnam Nonhyeon 53 (boulevard second store), Sin sa dong, Seoul, 135-889, South Korea
Tel: +82 2-3443-7488
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#16 OSULLOC CAFE

Osulloc is a tea salon that pays homage to Korean green tea from Jeju Island. With an extensive menu of different teas – both hot and iced – and an assortment of green tea desserts such as swiss rolls and tiramisu, there will always be something to fall in love with.

It is a cosy cafe with a very inviting laid-back vibe. Wooden furnitures dominate the facade, sounds of ice blending and excitement from patrons fill the space; the lights are kept dim, but just as well, because no matter what time it is out there, we just want to recline into our seats and immerse ourselves into this relaxing environment while enjoying our green tea everything.

175 Road in Gangnam Nonhyeon 6 (Apgujeong points), Sin sa dong, Seoul, 135-892, South Korea
Tel: +82 2-3448-5967
Mon to Fri: 9am – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#17 REMICONE

This soft serve lab is one you must not miss! You see that smiley soft serve there? Yes, you deserve an award for being so cute.

Build your own soft serve here at Remicone. The first step is to choose ‘cup or ‘cone’. Then, pick a flavour - milk, salted caramel or chocolate. Top it off with your choice of honey caviar, cotton thunder, hazelnut crumble, honey chip, popping sugar or fleur de sel. There you have it. Now, take out your cameras and snap a dozen of photos, then share it on your social media platforms!

Apgujeong, Gangnam-gu, a 14-way 24-, Sin sa dong, Seoul, 135-890, South Korea
Tel: +82 2-6207-1029
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#18 SARUBIA

This retro-looking place had us feeling like we stumbled upon a gem at the back alley. Sarubia is slightly off the main street, but it is not difficult to spot. Look for out the display of mismatched chairs lining the entrance, and don’t forget to grab a photo at the iconic exterior.

On the menu, put your attention to the pasta section – Aglio Olio (W16,000), Seafood (W19,000), and Carbonara (W17,000). Want some pizzas? There is the Margherita (W20,000) and Rucola (W21,000).

153 Road in Gangnam Nonhyeon 57, Sin sa dong, Seoul, 135-889, South Korea
Tel: +82 2-540-7344
Mon to Fri: 11am – 2am
Sat: 11am – 1am
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#19 THE FLYING PAN

Talk about beautiful white spaces and flowers in abundance! The Flying Pan is one like that, and the timeless elegance had our hearts. Stepping in to the slightly Parisian cafe gives us a strange sense of familiarity, yet took us by surprise altogether. Every detail of The Flying Pan is something to discover, and it is little wonder this cafe is ever popular with the locals.

The menu is a typical European one, with signatures including Free Range Eggs Benedict (W15,000), Bacon French Toast (W15,000), and Mentaiko & Leek Pasta (W16,000). It may not be the cheapest place to dine at, but it sure is a lovely cafe to spend some time with your loved ones.

Road 8, Sin sa dong, Seoul, 135-889, South Korea
Tel: +82 2-514-5585
Daily: 10.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

For more recommendations, read our guides on the best places you must visit in Seoul.

The world is not done with the Korean craze just yet.

This Korean city is fascinating to say the least. There are so many things to see, so much to do, lots to eat, and many to fall in love with. Think of the palace visits, day trips to surrounding islands, street snacks and authentic Korean samgyetang, crazy cosmetics shopping and bargain-scouting at the universities, Lotte World, and K-pop.

We can only say that if you haven’t been to Seoul, you are missing out, and you need to understand what tickles the world. Fans of the city, do you also agree with these 24 Reasons to Love Seoul?

#1 GAROSU-GIL, A BEAUTIFUL TREE-LINED STREET WITH MANY NICHE BOUTIQUES, CHIC CAFES, AND FANCY RESTAURANTS

Located between Sinsa-dong and Apgujeong, Garosu-gil – which means “tree-lined street” in Korean – is fast becoming the hippest area in Seoul. It is a paradise where you can find niche boutiques, chic cafes, fancy restaurants and trendy hair salons; and every shopfront is a photo spot.

Be charmed by the whole charisma of this area where every soul is well-dressed; entice your senses with the unique offerings of arts, fashion and food; spend a day here and you will want to go back to Seoul again and again.

Read: 19 beautiful cafes in Garosu-gil that you must visit.

#2 GYEONGBOK-GUNG – THE MAIN ROYAL PALACE OF THE JOSEON DYNASTY

Gyeongbok-gung was the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. Take a walk through the ancient fortress, and learn about how the Korean royalty lived and breathed their culture.

#3 SAMGYETANG – THE WORLD’S FAMOUS KOREAN GINSENG CHICKEN SOUP

No one leaves Seoul without a piping hot bowl of ginseng chicken soup, or better known as samgyetang. The most famous Korean Ginseng Chicken restaurant in Seoul is Tosokchon – certainly a must-visit when you are in the city. We would suggest coming here for lunch before visiting Gyeongbokgung palace, which is just located 5 minutes away.

5, Jahamun-ro 5-gil
Jongno-gu, Seoul
Tel: +82 2 737 7444
Nearest Station: Gyeongbokgung Station (Exit 2)

#4 VISIT TO NORYANGJIN FISHERIES WHOLESALE MARKET

Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market – often compared to Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market – is certainly one of the must-visit places when you are in Seoul. There are many stalls in the market where you can buy fresh sashimi, lobsters, crabs, prawns, live octopus, and a whole lot of other seafood which you probably have not seen before. After purchasing the seafood (make sure to bargain), go to the back of the market to find a restaurant to cook them for you in your preferred style(s).

#5 BUKCHON HANOK VILLAGE – A CHARMING TRADITIONAL VILLAGE

A traditional village located just a stone’s throw away from Gyeongbok-gung, Bukchon Hanok Village is a charming enclave of old and new. ‘Hanok’ refers to the traditional houses that date back to the Joseon Dynasty. Today, the village is filled with teahouses, guesthouses and cultural centres.

#6 HAVE DESSERTS AT PASSION 5

If you ask for only one dessert spot in Seoul, it will be Passion 5. They have five different categories of dining all under one roof – gelato corner, bakery take-out station, patisserie and café, chocolatier and a full-fledged restaurant. Everything on display is so pretty that you are so going to have a hard time deciding on just one.

Passion 5 is also listed as one of our 10 favourite cafes in Seoul.

272, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Tel: +82 2 2071 9507
Nearest Station: Hangangjin

#7 MYEONGDONG – COMSESTIC HEAVEN IN SEOUL

Situated in the central of the capital city, Myeong-dong is a concentrated area that bustles with life all the way till 11pm. Besides the regular street snacks, coffee joints, random apparel boutiques and lifestyle services parlours, Myeong-dong houses all the local beauty brands – Think Etude House, The Face Shop, Tony Moly, Innisfree, Holika Holika, Aritaum (for Laneige) etc - and is the to-go pad for cosmetic shopping in Seoul.

There are restaurants and local eateries along every street in Seoul, each specialising in their respective dishes. Here’s a guide on the 17 restaurants, eateries and cafes to dine at in Seoul.

#8 LOTTE WORLD – INDOOR THEME PARK, OUTDOOR AMUSEMENT PARK, HOTEL, SHOPPING MALLS UNDER ONE ROOF

A major recreation centre in Seoul, Lotte World is one fascinating place to be at. With an indoor theme park that’s the world’s largest, and outdoor amusement park, a luxury hotel, many belts of shopping malls, sport facilities, movie theatres, and a Korean folk museum. It is massive, and you can easily spend a day here. Lotte World opens all year round, even through winter.

#9 N-SEOUL TOWER AT NANSAM PARK FOR THE BEST VIEW OF SEOUL

N Seoul Tower at Nansam Park offers a bird’s eye view of Seoul. If you are planning to head there, we suggest to make a reservation for lunch at N-Grill steak restaurant – a revolving restaurant located at the top of N Seoul Tower which offers a terrific and value-for-money set lunch.

#10 EXPLORE SAMCHEONG-DONG, A QUAINT AND CHARMING AREA WITH LOTS OF ART GALLERIES, CAFES AND BOUTIQUES

Just a stone’s throw away from Gyeongbokgung is the quaint area of Samcheong-dong, where you can find several art galleries, cafes, eateries and boutiques. The National Folk Museum of Korea is also located within this neighbourhood.

#11 KOREAN BBQ PARTY ALL DAY EVERY DAY

No trip to Seoul is complete without a round of meat feast. Or many rounds, for that matter. Because it is ultra satisfying and a very quintessential Korean thing to do, and we really would not mind BBQ-ed pork belly every day if it wasn’t so fattening!

#12 MIDNIGHT SHOPPING AT DONGDAEMUN

Going to Dongdaemun – the fashion centre of Seoul – was quite an experience for me. For some reason, I have always pictured the wholesale fashion centre to be messy and disorganised – like Bangkok’s Platinum Mall, or Taipei’s Wufenpu. Instead, Dongdaenum turned out to be an area with endless trendy shopping malls with nicely decorated shops displaying arrays and arrays of the latest fashion pieces.

#13 HONGDAE – A HIPSTER NEIGHBOURHOOD IN SEOUL

We’d love to think of Hongdae as the most happening area of Seoul. In the day, you can shop your fill with all the indie boutiques and cosmetic shops; when night falls, the whole area transform to a party of street basking, bars and random dancing. If you are lucky to be there during the right period, there are occasional flea markets too.

#14 EWHA WOMEN UNIVERSITY SHOPPING

This is a shoppers’ heaven. Ladies, listen up – a massive range of fashion awaits. You can find all sorts of styles and price points here, alongside bars, restaurants, stationery shops and cosmetic boutiques. This is also the place where you scout for the best bargains; even the Korean students get dressed up here!

#15 CRAZY COSMETICS SHOPPING – YOU NAME IT, SEOUL HAS IT

Seoul is synonymous with everything beauty-related – cosmetics, skincare, eyelash extension, facial reconstruction, plastic surgery… you name it, and I am pretty sure they have it. While not everyone is game to go under the knife, we are still vain deep within us, and wherever possible, we want to look our best. Without cosmetic procedures, we can still have fun at Seoul with the endless streets and alleys of beauty offerings. Think your favourite brands like Etude House, Innisfree, Laneige, Tony Moly and The Face Shop. Well, and many more, of course.

#16 EAT YOUR WAY THROUGH SEOUL’S BEST STREET SNACKS

Well, well. What can we say? Eat your way through Seoul, of course! There will surely be something that entice – French fries dog, tornado chips, BBQ squid, meat skewers, spicy rice cakes… and the list goes on. Just remember to not wear skinny jeans.

Strolling along the streets of Seoul means feasting on Korean Street Snacks non-stop. Here are 15 Korean Street Snacks That You Must Try When in Korea.

#17 VISIT SEOUL DURING THE CHERRY BLOSSOMS PERIOD

But of course, if you are lucky enough to be at Seoul during the cherry blossoms period, you’d learn of the sheer beauty that those pretty pink flowers have to show you. Every bit stunning, and they are memories that will forever be etched in your heart.

#18 DINE AT A POJANGMACHA (ROADSIDE TENT)

Or otherwise known as roadside tents. We love to eat at a pojangmacha – small tented restaurants on wheels, or roadside street stalls – where locals go for snacks and drinks after work. You can easily find one to have Samgyeopsal, Ddeokbokki and wash it down with soju. If you are going to Namdaemun Market, there is a stretch of pojangmachas at the entrance of the market.

#19 DAY TRIP TO NAMI ISLAND

Plan an escapade to Nami Island and embrace the Korean culture and nature. Nami Island is home to several art galleries, as well as the Song Museum. There are also indoor and outdoor stages for performances, and the most iconic of all is the Metasequoia Path – one of the main filming locations for Korean Broadcasting System.

Plenty of tourists traverse the dazzling urban cityscapes that Seoul has to offer. However, a great deal of adventure lies beyond the nation’s capital, and within the rustic and beautiful countrysides of South Korea. Here are 3 adventures that you must experience in Korea.

#20 K-POP FEVER

Because what is a trip to Seoul without dancing to Girls’ Generation and G-dragon’s tracks on the streets, right? Everywhere you go, regardless of time, someone somewhere will blast K-pop songs and that is when you heck the world, tap your feet and start shaking your bombom!

#21 GANGNAM IS MORE THAN JUST OPPA GANGNAM STYLE

Psy’s Oppa Gangnam Style took the world by storm, and we are pretty certain everyone knows about Gangnam by now. Gangnam-gu – which literally means “South of the River” – is one of the twenty five gu which makes up the city of Seoul. Make a stop at Gangnam Station – the busiest station in the whole of Seoul. There, you can find hip restaurants, bars and eateries.

#22 MUKSHIDONNA TTEOKBOKKI

There are many one-pot goodness in the world – different varieties and all that – but there is nothing that has wow-ed us as much as Mukshidonna Tteokbokki Restaurant did.

We are going to have you read on, and you have to, because if you go to Seoul and you miss this, you are really missing out in life. Mukshidonna Tteokbokki Restaurant is completely our idea of comfort, and it is so affordably priced that you can eat it often.

#23 KYUNGRIDAN-GIL – A LOVELY NEIGHBOURHOOD FILLED WITH COSY CAFES AND CUTE SHOPS

Quite possibly our new favourite area in Seoul (besides Garosu-gil), Kyungridan is a up-and-coming neighbourhood filled with quaint and cosy cafes and lifestyle shops. You have to spend a day to explore this neighbourhood.

#24 GWANGJANG MARKET

Gwangjang Market is one of the largest and oldest traditional markets in South Korea. You can find many stalls selling vegetables, meat, fish, clothing, textile and kitchenware. But the highlight here is definitely the food stalls selling all kinds of Korean food. Gwangjang Market is famous for the Bindaetteok (or Mung Bean pancakes), make sure you try it when you are there.

Fans of Running Man might find Gwangjang Market very familiar (watch episode 186).

For more recommendations, read our curated food and travel guides on the best things to do, eat and see in Seoul.

Located between Sinsa-dong and Apgujeong, Garosu-gil – which means “tree-lined street” in Korean – is fast becoming the hippest area in Seoul. An intriguing combination of the old and new, this quarter exudes an inexplicable charm that warrants a visit, and definitely one of the things that you must do when you are in Seoul.

Here are 5 things that we love about Garosu-gil in Seoul.

1. GAROSU-GIL IS A PARADISE FOR THE CAFE-HOPPER

I often wonder how long it’d take to visit all the cafes in Seoul. Acknowledged by the locals themselves, Seoul is a café paradise with lovely coffee houses sprouted all over the city – you wouldn’t need to travel far to find a decent one. Other than Korean chain cafes such as coffeesmith and Homestead Coffee, Garosu-gil is populated with lots of bakeries and bistros that will have you spoilt for choice.

From fusion restaurant School Food to enchanting cafes like Café Oui (which serves adorable 3D coffee art and whose portions are extremely generous), these places are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they also make your tummies very happy.

Read our guide to the 10 cafes that you must check out in Seoul.

2. WHEN SHOPFRONTS BECOME PHOTO SPOTS

It is hardly an understatement to say that Seoul is a shopping haven.

There’s inexpensive and made-in-Korea shopping at the underground malls in Gangnam, and then there are deals to grab all night long at Dongdaemun. So what makes shopping at Garosu-gil special?

Known as a fashion promenade, you get your fix of international brands such as Forever 21, Massimo Dutti and Zara, as well as Korea’s very own home-grown labels including Åland and 8ight seconds. Besides chain stores, Garosu-gil is a breeding ground for aspiring and independent designers. If one-of-a-kind is your cup of tea, give this street a shot.

The thing which really stands out at Garosu-gil is, in fact, the curiously decorated shop fronts that spell “effort” and which easily become photo spots for trigger-happy visitors. Lest you say we didn’t warn you, the boutiques here look so pretty that they make you want to check out the store, even when you have nothing to buy.

3. WHERE EVERYONE LOOKS LIKE A MODEL

You know a place’s great for people-watching, when even the shop assistants are stylishly dressed and well-groomed. A frequent hang-out for local fashionistas and buyers, Garosu-gil embodies an interesting mix of haute couture and commercialism. While it is not as upmarket as Cheongdamdong and Apgujeong, it is not overly mainstream and thus retains its “arty-farty” vibe. Spend a few hours here and be impressed by the passers-by who look as if they just walked out of a fashion shoot.

4. HIGHER CHANCES OF BUMPING INTO CELEBRITIES

As we have noticed Garosu-gil getting featured on TV programs, this trendy area has become a hot spot for filming, partly due to its close proximity to various entertainment agencies.

To name examples, popular idol group EXO visited this street more than once when they were filming variety-reality show EXO Showtime, while BEAST was recently spotted in this area to shoot their new program BEAST’s Show Time. We don’t encourage celebrity-stalking, but do keep your eyes peeled while hanging out in Garosu-gil. Who knows, you might just get lucky.

5. ESCAPE THE CROWD IN OTHER TOURISTS DISTRICTS

In recent years, the human traffic in Myeongdong and Hongdae have increased multifold, thanks to brilliant marketing by the tourism board and the Hallyu wave.

Although these areas are still definitely a must-go, most of us do crave for some tranquility during our vacation. As compared to the bustling streets of tourist hotspots, Garosu-gil offers a good alternative to meet all our needs – eating, shopping and relaxing.

Night owls may find Myeongdong boring after 10pm and non-party animals may find Hongdae and Gangnam a little rowdy after midnight; this gives you more reason to check out Garosu-gil, before it gets too crowded.

GETTING TO GAROSU-GIL: Sinsa Station (Line 3), Exit 8. Walk straight for three blocks (approximately 250m) and turn left onto Garosu-gil.

About the writer:
Dang Hui Ling is a bilingual (English and Chinese) Entertainment and Lifestyle writer at Singapore online portal xinmsn. With a thirst for good food and travels, she shares her gastronomical adventures and shoulder-rubbing encounters with celebs on Instagram.

Korean BBQ, Kimchi jjigae (stew), ginseng chicken soup, bulgogi, kimchi pancake, Korean-style fried chicken, bibimbap… Korean cuisine revolves around rice, kimchi, and lots of meat. The Koreans love their BBQ, but food in Korea is more than that. There are restaurants and local eateries along every street, each specialising in their respective dishes.

Here is a guide on where to eat in Seoul, featuring a few of our favourite Korean BBQ restaurants, a traditional Korean restaurant that serves 30 classic banchans, the most popular ginseng chicken soup restaurant, and several outstanding cafes with brilliant concepts.

#1 Brother Korean Food Restaurant

We did midnight shopping at Dong Dae Mun every other day when at Seoul, and we would not return to the hotel without having a hearty supper here. It is located beside Art Plaza and Studio W Shopping Mall, in an alley that houses many other eateries and serve to all the staff working in the vicinity.

#2 Deux Amis

A cafe that we like in Garosil-gil is Deux Amis, a terrific patisserie serving gorgeous cakes and tarts that will make anyone weak in the knees. It is a must-stop for desserts when you are in Seoul. Try their Strawberry Tiramisu Tart and Caramel Cake.

Deux Amis is also listed in our guide to dessert spots in Seoul.

535-9 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu
Tel: +82 2 3443 0030
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#3 Han Chu Korean Fried Chicken

If you ask locals where to go for the best Korean fried chicken in Seoul, many will point you to Han Chu Korean Fried Chicken Restaurant. The fried chicken, while not as meaty as we would like it to be, was still very good – especially the spicy rendition which was spicy, tangy and very addictive.

549-9 Shinsa-dong
Gangnam-gu Seoul
Tel: 02 3446 5778
Daily: 5pm – 3am
Nearest Station: Apgujeong

#4 Lepure Cafe

A bright and cheerful cafe in the day, Lepure Cafe transforms into a nice and enchanting little Japanese corner in the evening as the lights are dimmed and candles are placed on each table. Lepure has a concise Japanese-inspired dessert menu which features pretty creations like Chocolate Roll Cake, Strawberry Short Cake, Cheesecake and Chocolate Tart (5,000 won – 5,800 won/ S$5.60 – S$6.50) – which optimises quality ingredients to give every item a premium taste. The juice list is also impressive, leaving us spoilt for choice for organic options.

Lepure Cafe is also listed in our guide to dessert spots in Seoul.

1F 534-8 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu
(35 Apgujeong-ro 10 gil)
Tel: +82 2 545 4508
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#5 Glamorous Penguin

Itaewon is known for its diverse range of restaurants – offering anything from Thai food to Spanish tapas and Mexican tacos – but the area also has plenty of nice cafes too, and one of the places that we like is Glamorous Penguin, tucked at a back alley off the main road near Hangangjin station.

The three-story café has pretty good cakes – think red velvet, carrot cake, raspberry cake, maple apple cake (7,000 won for a slice) – and if the weather is good, get a table at the rooftop and read a book while enjoying a cuppa.

Glamorous Penguin is also listed in our guide to 10 cafes in Seoul.

743-41 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
(Itaewon-ro 49-gil)
Tel: +82 2 790 7178
Nearest Station: Hangangjin

#6 Hong Gi Wa Zip

You know you are in the right place when there are only locals dining in the establishment. We stumbled upon this homely Korean restaurant when we were wandering in the Hongdae area. Besides the popular Samgyetang, they also serve the classic dishes like Kamjatang (25,000 for small) – spicy boiled pigs rib; Possam (25,000 won for small) – boiled pork slices with kimchi; and the very delicious Takdori (25,000 won for small) – spicy boiled chicken soup.

347-29 Seogyo-dong
Mapo-gu, Seoul
Tel: 02 324 9858
Nearest Station: Hongik University

#7 Jiyugaoka

There are many cafes in the Samcheong-dong area, but Jiyugaoka deserves a special mention. We love that the café is not only small and cosy, but it also has good cakes, all freshly baked by the owners daily on site. The café is perfumed with the lovely scent of the baked goods, and we love sitting by the al fresco table to people-watch.

Jiyugaoka is also listed in our guide to 10 cafes in Seoul.

Yunposun-gil 46
Tel: +82 2 6487 6156
Nearest station: Anguk

#8 Maple Tree House

Located behind Hamilton Hotel in Itaewon is Maple Tree House, a posh BBQ restaurant known for serving premium meats. Prices here are much steeper than the usual Korean BBQ restaurants, but the reason why regulars come back again and again is because of its signature Korean Jeju Black Pork Belly (17,900 won for 160g) and premium Korean Beef Sirloin (34,900 won for 150g).

Hamilton Hotel 2F, 116-1 Itaewon dong
Yong san gu, Seoul
Tel: 02 790 7977
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Itaweon

#9 N Grill

If you are making a trip to the N Seoul Tower, we would recommend to have a meal at N Grill. N Grill is a revolving restaurant at the top of the N Seoul Tower and it offers a birds’ eye view of the city. N Grill has a fantastic set lunch which is reasonably-priced for the quality. Good steaks in a nice ambience with a terrific view.

1-3 Yongsandong 2(i)ga-dong
Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Tel: +82 2 3455 9297
Mon to Fri: 11am – 2pm, 5pm – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Myeong-dong

#10 Na Ri Sik Dang

Another place which we stumbled upon is Na Ri Sik Dang. It is a neighbourhood joint where locals frequent for its BBQ pork belly (11,000 won). We also had the Bean Paste Stew (7,000), which was the best that we had during this trip.

To find Na Ri Sik Dang, look out for the alley in between Audi Showroom and Trevia Italian Restaurant. It is a few minutes walk from the station.

8 Itaewon-ro 49-gil
Tel: 02 793 4860
Nearest Station: Hangangjin

#11 No 813 BBQ Restaurant

This Korean BBQ restaurant in Garosil-gil offers several value-for-money sets which range from . The set that we ordered came with beef flank, beef sirloin, homemade sausage, pumpkin, mushroom and an egg stew.

Gangnam-daero 152-gil
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

#12 Passion 5

This is a chic concept destination with 5 different categories of dining all under one roof –- gelato corner, bakery take-out station, patisserie and café, chocolatier and a full-fledged restaurant. If you love desserts like we do, you must make a trip to Passion 5 when you are in Seoul.

Passion 5 is also listed in our guide to 10 cafes in Seoul.

272, Itaewon-ro
Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Tel: +82 2 2071 9507
Nearest Station: Hangangjin

#13 Sigol Bapsang

Our top pick is Sigolbapsang, a small traditional Korean restaurant at Hannam-dong, which is just ten-minute walk from Itaewon station. For 8,000 won, you can sample up to 30 classic banchans. Be surprised by the spread of traditional and modern dishes, and enjoy your experience in a rustic setting that radiates the old Seoul charm. And yes, you can have them refilled. Sigol Bapsang opens for 24 hours daily, so if you are feeling hungry at night, here is a spot that you can drop by.

738-17 Hannam-dong
Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Tel: 82 2 793 5390
Nearest Station: Itaweon/Hangangjin station

#14 Take out drawing

Take out drawing is a gorgeous two-story café, which doubles as an exhibition space. It serves a variety of organic beverages alongside delicious baked goods. This is a trendy spot where you can easily spend a day catching up with friends.

Take out drawing is also listed in our guide to 10 cafes in Seoul.

140-861, Itaewon-dong (Noksapyeong),
Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Korea
Tel: +82 2 790 2637
Nearest Station: Hangangjin

#15 Tosokchon Ginseng Chicken

The most famous Korean Ginseng Chicken restaurant in Seoul, Tosokchon is a must-visit when you are in the city. There is only ginseng chicken on the menu, and when a restaurant is brave enough to dish out only one signature, we expect a lot. And indeed, it lives up to the hype. We would suggest coming here for lunch before visiting Gyeongbokgung palace, which is just located 5 minutes away.

5, Jahamun-ro 5-gil
Jongno-gu, Seoul
Tel: +82 2 737 7444
Nearest Station: Gyeongbokgung Station (Exit 2)

#16 Yoogane

This may be a restaurant chain, but they serve good chicken galbi. A meal here is relatively affordable – they charge by per person, and you can choose from a menu of meat and seafood combinations, We opted for the spicy chicken and marinated octopus (9,000/pax). Together with kimchi, potato and rice, the chicken galbi kept our souls happy in between shopping at Myeongdong.

3-1 Myeong-dong 2-ga, Jung-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +02 3789 3392
Nearest Station: Myeong-dong

#17 55 Beonji Ramyon

We chanced upon this ramyon shop when we were exploring Samcheong-dong. Tucked in a narrow alley, 55 Beonji Ramyon is easy to miss if you are not looking out for it. What makes their ramyon stand out is the use of seasoned red pepper paste sauce and a specially prepared soup base. On the menu, you can find different variations of ramyon such as Seafood Fried Ramen (13,000 won), Bulgogi Ramen (9,000 won), and Jiamppong Ramen (7,500 won).

55-1 Hwa-dong, Jongno-gu
Seoul, South Korea
(44-6 Bukchon-ro 5ga-gil)
Tel: +82 2 722 2997
Nearest station: Anguk

For more recommendations, read our guide on 10 Things to do in Seoul.

Seoul is a very fascinating city with many things to do. In the day, you can go sight-seeing at palaces, visit one of the many museums, drop by N Seoul Tower for a glimpse of the city, or cafe-hop at hip areas like Garosu-gil, and Samcheong-dong. And at night, Hongdae – an area near the Hongik University known for its urban arts and indie music culture, clubs and entertainment – comes alive.

Other places like Itaewon and Gangnam have plenty of bars and clubs where party-goers can drink and dance and merry-make like there is no tomorrow. And of course, the midnight shopping at Dongdaenum Market. Seoul is truly a city that never sleeps. Here are 10 Things to do in Seoul.

Korean BBQ Dinner

The Koreans love their meat. And it is so easily available and relatively affordable. When exploring the streets of Seoul, it is no surprise to see Korean BBQ shops dotting the linear of every lane and corner. Embrace the Asian spirit of communal dining, indulge in a spread of meats of different cuts and marinate, grill your own dinner and enjoy it with the assortment of banchan (Korean side dishes) and condiments. Look out for our guide on Where to eat in Seoul as we introduce some of our favourite Korean BBQ restaurants in the city.

Spend a day at Garosu-gil

Garosu-gil, which translates to tree-lined street, is my favourite area in Seoul. It is an upscale area where you can find niche boutiques, chic cafes, fancy restaurants and trendy hair salons. Be charmed by the whole charisma of this area where every soul is well-dressed; entice your senses with the unique offerings of arts, fashion and food; spend a day here and you will want to go back to Seoul again and again.

Read our guide on 10 cafes to visit in Seoul

Make a stop at Gangnam

Psy’s Oppa Gangnam Style took the world by storm, and I am sure everyone knows about it by now. Gangnam-gu – which literally means “South of the River” – is one of the twenty five gu which makes up the city of Seoul. Make a stop at Gangnam Station – the busiest station in the whole of Seoul. There, you can find hip restaurants, bars and eateries.

Eat at a pojangmacha (roadside tent)

One of the things that I had always wanted to try prior to my trip to Seoul was to eat at a pojangmacha – small tented restaurants on wheels, or roadside street stalls – where locals go for snacks and drinks after work. While the South Korean government has been trying to close down some of the roadside tents (due to hygiene and health reasons), there are still plenty of pojangmachas around, so you can easily find one to have Samgyeopsal, Ddeokbokki and wash it down with soju. If you are going to Namdaemun Market, there is a stretch of pojangmachas at the entrance of the market.

Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market

Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market – often compared to Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market – is certainly one of the must-visit places when you are in Seoul. There are many stalls in the market where you can buy fresh sashimi, lobsters, crabs, prawns, live octopus, and a whole lot of other seafood which you probably have not seen before. After purchasing the seafood (make sure to bargain), go to the back of the market to find a restaurant to cook them for you in your preferred style(s).

Eat Samgyetang – Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup

Samgyetang, or Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup, is synonymous with Korea. You will be amazed by the ginseng options, but never mind that, because whatever it is, Samgyetang is a well-loved comfort food. The typical Samgyetang is served in a pot-like bowl, chock-full of chunky chicken, ginseng and other herbs. And if you did not already know, it is a meal on its own because Korean-styled glutinous ice is stuffed inside the chicken.

N Seoul Tower

N Seoul Tower at Nansam Park offers a bird’s eye view of Seoul. If you are planning to head there, we suggest to make a reservation for lunch at N-Grill steak restaurant – a revolving restaurant located at the top of N Seoul Tower which offers a terrific and value-for-money set lunch.

Cosmetic Shopping at Myeong-dong

Seoul is synonymous with everything beauty-related – cosmetics, skincare, eyelash extension, facial reconstruction, plastic surgery… you name it, and I am pretty sure they have it.

Have fun at Seoul with the endless streets and alleys of beauty offerings in the happening area of Myeong-dong. Trust me when I say that even the typical men with zero interest in masks and moisturisers will give in and reach out for that bottle of very affordable face lotion. And needless to say, Myeong-dong is a heaven for females.

Shop at Dongdaemun

Going to Dongdaemun – the fashion centre of Seoul – was quite an experience for me. For some reason, I have always pictured the wholesale fashion centre to be messy and disorganised – like Bangkok’s Platinum Mall, or Taipei’s Wufenpu. Instead, Dongdaenum turned out to be an area with endless trendy shopping malls with nicely decorated shops displaying arrays and arrays of the latest fashion pieces.

And the best part? They operate from night till 6am in the morning. We found ourselves cabbing to Dongdaemun when we were so bored at the hotel and could not get to sleep at ungodly hours. So this is what they meant by “Shopping never stops in Seoul”.

Also, look out for the roadside stalls in the area that sell yummy Korean street food. They are the perfect pitstops after shopping.

Take a tour at one of the great palaces of Seoul

South Korean has a very rich history, and for first-timers to the city, a trip would not be complete without visiting one of the five famous royal palaces in Seoul. Transport yourself back in time, and walk down the same paths that the royalties walked.

Flights to Seoul from Singapore Singapore Airlines and Korean Air are the best options for non-stop flights. Budget airlines Fly Scoot and AirAsia have stopovers at Taipei and Kuala Lumpur respectively.

Best time to visit Seoul It really depends on your objective. For those of you who are not afraid of the cold, winter in Seoul can be quite an experience. Otherwise, go during spring to catch the cherry blossom, or during autumn for the perfect weather.

Tips for Seoul Getting around the city via the Seoul Metropolitan Subway – the world’s most extensive subway system – can be quite confusing, especially for first-timers. Make sure you map out the places that you want to visit before leaving the hotel.

For more recommendations, read our guide on where to eat in Seoul.

K-pop fans probably do not need any convincing to visit Seoul – the capital of Korea, and one of the most exciting cities in Asia. But even if you do not know Girls’ Generation or Super Junior, there are still plenty of reasons to head to Seoul. If you still need any further persuading to book a holiday there, here is a list of our favourite dessert spots in Seoul.

Passion 5

If you ask us to recommend just one place in Seoul, it will be Passion 5. They have five different categories of dining all under one roof – gelato corner, bakery take-out station, patisserie and café, chocolatier and a full-fledged restaurant. Trust us, you will be tempted to order all the cakes from the patisserie.

Passion 5 is also listed as one of our 10 favourite cafes in Seoul.

272, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Tel: +82 2 2071 9507
Nearest Station: Hangangjin

Be-witch Private Label Gourmet

The cakes at Be-witch are not cheap – 14,850 won (S$16.50) for a Strawberry Cheesecake and 13,750 won (S$15.40) for a Red Velvet – but what you get is good quality cakes done with love and care. The cafe itself is small (only 2 tables) and it is the perfect place to go for a break when you are in Garosugil.

533-8 Shinsa-dong, Gangnam-Gu
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

Deux Amis Patisserie

Further down the road from Be*witch is Deux Amis, a terrific patisserie serving gorgeous cakes and tarts that will make anyone weak in the knees. It is a must-stop for desserts when you are in Seoul. Try their Strawberry Tiramisu Tart and Caramel Cake.

535-9 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu
Tel: +82 2 3443 0030
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

Life is just a cup of cake

If you are cafe-hopping in the Itaewon-ro area, a place that is worth visiting is Life is just a cup of cake, a cute little cupcake bakery. There are the usual flavours (4,800 won each) like Chocolate, Berry, Tiramisu and Vanilla, but for something different, we recommend their White Chocolate Earl Grey and Blueberry Cream Cheese.

738-16 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu
Tel: +82 2 794 2908
Nearest Station: Hangangjin

Kyotofu

Kyotofu, New York’s favourite modern Japanese dessert bar, is also in Seoul. Believe the hype, Kyotofu has really good desserts. Even if you do not have a sweet tooth, they have a selection of savoury Japanese food on the menu.

268 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Nearest Station: Hangangjin

442 Yeongdeungpodong 4(sa)-ga (15 Yeongjung-ro)
Times Square, Yeongdeungpo-gu
Tel: +82 2 749 1488
Nearest Station: Yeongdeungpo

Lepure Cafe

A bright and cheerful cafe in the day, Lepure Cafe transforms into a nice and enchanting little Japanese corner in the evening as the lights are dimmed and candles are placed on each table. Lepure has a concise Japanese-inspired dessert menu which features pretty creations like Chocolate Roll Cake, Strawberry Short Cake, Cheesecake and Chocolate Tart (5,000 won – 5,800 won/ S$5.60 – S$6.50) – which optimises quality ingredients to give every item a premium taste. The juice list is also impressive, leaving us spoilt for choice for organic options.

1F 534-8 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu
(35 Apgujeong-ro 10 gil)
Tel: +82 2 545 4508
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

For more recommendations, read our guide on where to eat in Seoul.

I have always heard a lot about the café scene in Seoul, and my recent trip to this capital city has proven the hype right. All that I had seen left a deep impression on me. I visited many outstanding cafes with unique concepts, lovely  interior designs and refreshing menus that I never thought I would have known of.

There are so many goods cafes in Seoul that it will be impossible to come up with a complete guide. Instead, I will share some of my favourite places. Here is a list of the 10 cafes that you must visit in Seoul.

Beans Bins

Beans Bins is a speciality coffee and waffles café chain. The branch in Hongdae is situated on the second level and it provides a good view of the main shopping street. Come here for their signature ice cream waffle and a cuppa after shopping.

163-19, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Tel: +82 2 325 0737
Nearest Station: Hongik University

Bloom and Goute

Located in one of the alleys at Garosu-gil, Bloom and Goute is a nice cafe where the highlights are coffee, desserts and flowers. It has a brunch menu which features dishes like Eggs Benedict (15,000 won), meatball and hummus (15,900 won) and teriyaki chicken sandwich (9,200 won).

545-24 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
(35-1 Apgujeong-ro 10-gil)
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

Coffee Chu

Having churros with hot chocolate dip is always a good idea, so it made me wonder why nobody had thought of opening a cafe selling churros. That was, of course, until I chanced upon Coffee Chu in Seoul. I was very excited when I stepped into the cafe. A cafe devoting itself to serving differently kinds of freshly made churros with a variety of dips? I am sold.

682-10, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
(7 Itaewon-ro 54-gil)
Tel: +82 2 790 6821
Nearest Station: Hangangjin

Dodo Cafe

When in Samcheong-dong, drop by Dodo Cafe for a break. They specialise in coffee, but you can also find food like tacos (6,000 won), hamburger (7,000 won) and their signature waffles (13,000 won) on the menu.

Bukchon-ro 5-gil
119-1 Samcheong-Dong, Jongno-gu
Tel: +82 2 737 7236
Nearest station: Anguk

Glamorous Penguin

Itaewon is known for its diverse range of restaurants – offering anything from Thai food to Spanish tapas and Mexican tacos – but the area also has plenty of nice cafes too, and one of the places that we like is Glamorous Penguin, tucked at a back alley off the main road near Hangangjin station. The three-story café has pretty good cakes – think red velvet, carrot cake, raspberry cake, maple apple cake (7,000 won for a slice) – and if the weather is good, get a table at the rooftop and read a book while enjoying a cuppa.

743-41 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
(Itaewon-ro 49-gil)
Tel: +82 2 790 7178
Nearest Station: Hangangjin

Jiyugaoka

There are many cafes in the Samcheong-dong area, but Jiyugaoka deserves a special mention. We love that the café is not only small and cosy, but it also has good cakes, which the owner bakes on site. The café is perfumed with the lovely scent of the baked goods, and we love sitting by the al fresco table to people-watch.

Yunposun-gil 46
Tel: +82 2 6487 6156
Nearest station: Anguk

Momo Cot

A trip to Garosugil is probably not complete without a pit stop at the always bustling and noisy Momo Cot for a munch or two and a latte. The lawn at the foot of the cafe is a wonderful spot to watch the world go by. And oh, if you are a fan of Suecomma Bonnie’s shoes, she has a boutique just above the cafe.

535-17 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

Passion 5

I was mightily impressed with Passion 5, a chic concept destination with 5 different categories of dining all under one roof –- gelato corner, bakery take-out station, patisserie and café, chocolatier and a full-fledged restaurant. If you love desserts like me, you must make a trip to Passion 5 when you are in Seoul.

272, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Tel: +82 2 2071 9507
Nearest Station: Hangangjin

Take out drawing

Take out drawing is a gorgeous two-story café, which doubles as an exhibition space. It serves a variety of organic beverages alongside delicious baked goods. This is a trendy spot where you can easily spend a day catching up with friends.

140-861, Itaewon-dong (Noksapyeong),
Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Korea
Tel: +82 2 790 2637
Nearest Station: Hangangjin

Toms Cat Cafe

There are plenty of cat cafes in the Hongdae area, but if you only have time to check out one place, go to Toms Cat Cafe. Here, you can enjoy a cup of coffee in the company of 33 cats roaming around freely in the premise.

3F, 358-125, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Tel: +82 8900 0450
Nearest Station: Hongik University

For more recommendations, read our guide on where to eat in Seoul.