Located in Ikseon-dong Hanok Village, Cheong Su Dang is a incredibly beautiful coffee and dessert cafe housed in a traditional facade.

For those of you who haven’t been to Ikeson-dong, it is a trendy neighbourhood which has plenty of gorgeous cafes, local shops and under-the-radar eateries.

If you are planning to cafe hop in Seoul, you definitely have to add Cheong Su Dang to your list of cafes to visit in Seoul.

To enter the cafe, you have to walk across a flight of stone steps across a small pond which is surrounded by bamboo and lanterns.

The cafe is divided into two main areas. You can opt for the floor seating which comes with a view of the garden.

If you are lazy to take off your shoes, you can try your luck to get a seat at the main table which comes with a pretty plant display as the centrepiece.

They serve coffee, matcha, black tea and fruit drinks and prices range between 5,800 to 7,500 won.

There are six desserts (13,000 – 20,000 won) on Cheong Su Dang’s menu and they include:

• Original Souffle Castella
• Mugwort Souffle Castella
• Strawberry Compote Souffle Castella
• Black Sesame Fromage Cake
• Matcha Fromage Cake
• Strawberry Cake

To be honest, Cheong Su Dang’s drinks and cakes are nothing special, but the interior is so charming.

Cheong Su Dang
31-9 Donhwamun-ro 11na-gil,
Ikseon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Layered is a dessert cafe in Seoul which has an amazing scones and cakes selection. Dessert lovers are in for a real treat here.

It has the most impressive scones line-up we’ve ever seen. There are 13 different types of English scones (both savoury and sweet) as well as a dozen rustic English cakes on display.

Cafe Layered has 2 outlets in Yeonnam-dong and Bukchon (near Anguk station). You can also find it at The Hyundai Seoul’s food hall.

We dined at Cafe Layered’s outlet at Yeonnam-dong when we were exploring the quaint neighbourhood. The cafe is in a two-story bricked building which is located at 223-20 Yeonnam-dong in Mapo-gu.

Some of the scone flavours (prices range from 4,500 – 5,00 won) include:

• Classic Butter Scones
• Fresh Milk Cream Scones
• Matcha Scones
• Cranberry Cream Cheese Scones
• Sweet Pumpkin Cream Cheese Scones
• Basil Pesto Scones
• Double Chocolate Scones
• Spring Onion Cream Cheese Scones
• Cinnamon Pecan Scones
• Caramel Butter Scones
• Earl Grey Fig Scones
• Strawberry Compote Scones

Frankly, everything looked amazing and it was a challenge trying to pick from this line-up. If you like savoury scones, the Spring Onion Cream Cheese Scone is the bestseller at Cafe Layered. We had the Earl Grey Fig Scones and it was absolutely delicious.

The options for the rustic English cakes (7,500 – 8,000 won) include:

• Dark Chocolate Cake
• Carrot Cake
• Cherry Chocolate Cake
• Mango Cake
• Red Velvet Cream Cheese Cake
• Victoria Butter Cream Cake
• Blueberry Cheesecake
• Sweet Pumpkin Cream Cheese Cake
• Black Forest Dark Chocolate Cake
• Juicy Lemon Home Party Cake
• Tiramisu Espresso Coffee Cake
• Mint Chocolate Cake

Do note that you need to order a drink per person regardless of the number of cakes and scones that you get.

If you are planning to visit Cafe Layered at Bukchon, here’s a sneak peek at the other outlet which is housed in a hanok.

The dessert display at Cafe Layered’s Bukchon outlet.

With its amazing scones and cakes selection, this homely cafe has firmly established itself amongst our top 5 favourite cafes in Seoul.

Cafe Layered
223-20 Yeonnam-dong
Mapo-gu, Seoul

2-3 Bukchon-ro 2-gil
Jongno-gu, Seoul

South Korea is a haven for all things delicious. And when you think of Seoul, other than shopping, food will immediately pop into your mind! From bubbling pots of army stew to the ever-changing street food stalls and the well-loved bibimbap, Seoul has it all covered.

Other than the savoury, spicy dishes that Seoul is well-known for, the city is also bursting with hidden dessert spots waiting to be uncovered! Here’s a list of some must-try sweet treats when you’re in the land of BTS and Blackpink. Damn, life’s good when you have a sweet tooth!

BACKEN

Located on the edge of the Sinsa-dong and Garosu-gil area in Seoul, Backen is a cosy, industrial-themed coffee shop. Their rustic interior is further emphasized by their freshly-baked pastries displayed openly on trays.

Try the Raspberry Cream Bun that comes with a coating of chocolate and cookie crumbles. Hidden inside is a light and airy raspberry whipped cream filling that’s sweet and provides a nice contrast to the bun and chocolate!

528-3 Sinsa-dong
Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Tue to Sun: 11am – 10pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Sinsa, Exit 8

CACAODADA

One of the few bean-to-bar chocolate cafes in Seoul, Cacaodada makes all their chocolate from scratch and have a menu dedicated to showcasing their unique creations. It requires a bit of effort to locate in the cafe-filled Mangwon-dong area, but it’s worth the walk!

Give their Chocolate Affogato a try – vanilla bean ice cream is topped off with a freshly-baked cookie. Drizzle their house-made chocolate sauce over it to complete the most decadent chocolate dessert in Seoul. Grab some of their single-origin chocolate if you’re a chocolate lover!

15 Huiujeong-ro 10-gil
Mangwon-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Tue to Sat: 12pm – 9pm
(Closed on Sundays and Mondays)
Nearest Station: Mangwon

CARIN LOUNGE

One of the most instagrammable cafes in Seoul would have to be Carin Lounge. Decked in all-pink and rose gold decor, the cafe is an Instagrammer’s haven. Their pastries are also incredibly beautiful and delicious!

If you’re a fan of mousse cakes, try the Espresso Banana Cake! Coffee-infused mousse envelopes a creamy banana filling atop a crisp tart shell. The pairing of banana and coffee was a match made in heaven.

7 Hongik-ro 2-gil
Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Daily: 10.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Hongdae

DESSERT LAB

Specializing in quirky cakes and pastries is Dessert Lab. They have two outlets in two hip areas of Seoul – Hongdae and Myeongdong. The interior is also rather instagrammable; they have neon lights, dried flowers and have minimalistic decor.

For a bit of a mind-boggle, their Peach cake is actually a raspberry cheesecake! Vanilla mousse is paired with a sweet raspberry jelly filling and oreo crumbles are sprinkled around this petite peach dessert!

332-32 Seogyo-dong
Mapo-gu, Seoul
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Hongdae

55-16 Myeong-dong
Jung-gu, Seoul
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Myeongdong

IKSEON-GORO

One of the prettiest ice cream swirls in Seoul has to be the Purple Berry Softserve in the hipster village, Ikseondong. This quaint hanok-house village was refurbished to house several interesting retail stores, cafes and eateries. All are equally interesting and insta-photo-worthy!

This 2500KRW softserve has a sweet berry-like taste and is super creamy. It’s the perfect icy dessert for the scorching summer heat in Korea!

166-34 Ikseon-dong
Jongno-gu, Seoul
Nearest Station: Jongno-3(sam)-ga, Exit 4

OSULLOC

This famous tea-centric cafe in Seoul has several outlets, originating from Jeju as a tea plantation! Specializing in all-things-tea, Osulloc’s offerings include delicious tea-infused cakes, drinks and chocolate bars.

We like their roll cakes, especially their Hojicha (roasted green tea) roll cake! They’re soft, fluffy and filled with tea-infused cream. Try their Double Matcha Cheesecake too – it consists of matcha sponge, a baked green tea cheesecake layer and a soft cream cheese layer.

Osulloc has several outlets. Check out the full list here.

PAULIN PANCAKE

If you’re a fan of fluffy, cloud-like souffle pancakes, Paulin Pancake at Honggik University will be a must-visit for you when you’re in Seoul. Paulin is a minimalistic cafe that specializes in souffle pancakes.

Their Earl Grey Pool Pancake was to-die-for. Two large souffle pancakes sit in a mildly sweet earl-grey cream sauce and are accompanied with spiced cinnamon apple chunks, crumble and a dollop of fresh whipped cream. It’s an indulgent afternoon treat fit for any tummy!

Wausan-ro 29ga-gil, 862F
Mapo-gu, Seogyo-dong, Seoul
Daily: 11.30am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Honggik University

SEOUL COFFEE

This Instagram-famous hanok-house cafe is appearing everywhere on everyone’s Seoul travel feeds. Serving thick slabs of butter in fluffy bread, whipped cream coffee and several ice cream desserts and tiramisus, Seoul Coffee is a great place to relax and unwind in the Ikseondong area.

Their Vienna Coffee comes with whipped sweet cream on top and is a must-try! Their matcha tiramisu and charcoal bread with butter are quite delicious as well. Do go slightly earlier than they open because there will definitely be queues to go in!

33-3 Supyo-ro 28-gil
Jongno 3(sam)-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Daily: 12pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Jongno 3(sam)-ga, Exit 4

SOBOK

Fans of the pretty ice cream desserts from Sobok in Hongdae were disappointed by their closure but thankfully, Sobok has a small shop at Incheon Airport’s Dessert Hall. They specialize in more traditional Korean-flavoured desserts.

Try their signature Sobok Ice Cream that features a roasted grain-flavoured soft-serve, complete with a bean paste-covered rice cake and candied fruits and nuts. It’s a unique dessert you can only find in Korea!

Incheon International Airport
West of Public Area 4F, Terminal 1
Daily: 6am – 10pm

MIL TOAST HOUSE

Hands-down the best french toast in Seoul is from Toast House in Ikseondong. This cosy cafe has no signboard but has a distinctive toast logo on the outside of the wood-themed shop.

The toast here is steamed fresh to order – these fluffy buns are so addictive. The Blueberry Cream Cheese Toast was one of the best desserts we’ve ever had in Seoul. Drenched in sweet syrup, a burnt sugar top and paired with a block of cream cheese and blueberry compote, it was a super satisfying plate.

30-3 Supyo-ro 28-gil
Donui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Daily: 10am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Jongno-3(sam)-ga, Exit 4

ZAPANGI

One of the more creatively-hidden cafes in the hipster alleys of Mangwon-dong, Zapangi’s entrance is an iconic pink vending machine. The cafe is minimalistic and serves up some seriously Instagrammable desserts.

Their menu consists of sweet treats, including tin cakes and doughnuts, and beverages, all costing no more than 10,000 won. We suggest you order a cup of their signature milk tea to go with their insanely cute cakes and doughnuts!

400-2 Mangwon-dong
Mapo-gu, Seoul
Daily: 10am -11pm
Nearest Station: Mangwon

There is no place like Seoul when it comes to top-notch cafes, restaurants and everything food-related. The vibrant city has so much to offer that is it impossible to cover the best places within a single trip—and we are surely not complaining about that!

Besides discovering about their fantastic street eats at night markets and mouthwatering local dishes in humble eateries, we also came to find out that Seoul is a dessert haven for all with a sweet tooth.

It took us a few trips to Seoul before coming up with this list of dessert places that impressed us with not just their myriad of sweet treats but also their charming atmosphere and chill vibes. If you are looking for a place to hang out with your mates or significant other in Seoul, this is the guide you will need to refer to.

Here are 9 Best Dessert Spots In Seoul where you will find everything from the Korean bingsu to green tea tiramisu and eclairs.

#1 BAN BOSSY BOUTIQUE

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.

Munch on exquisitely decorated cupcakes such as their signature Flower Cupcake (W7,500), sliced cakes (W8,500) that are on a rotational basis and Macaron (W4,800).

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

#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.

149-5 Sogyeok-dong, Jongno-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 70 8613 5537
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Anguk

#3 CAFE ONION

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.

Having an in-house bakery means guests are able to enjoy many varieties of warm pastries that are freshly baked from the oven. The cafe is perhaps best known for its Pandor (W5,000/ S$6.02), which is a pastry topped off lavishly with icing sugar.

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

#4 COFFEE FAKTORY

We are letting you in on a little secret that we found out at GLOBO Coffee Faktory—there is a secret hideout that resembles a traditional Korean tea house nestled within the cafe!

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. Dessert options include Tiramisu (W6,800), Waffles (W15,800) and a selection of cakes.

Bukchon-ro 5ga-gil
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 10 3189 4737
Nearest Station: Anguk

#5 ÉCLAIR BY GARU HARU

Who doesn’t like pretty eclairs? Not us for sure! These French pastries are works of art and we almost couldn’t bear to eat them. Some of the flavours you can find there include Salted Butter Caramel, Yuzu, Chocolate and Earl Grey.

247-9 Itaewon 2(i)-dong, Yongsan-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 337 8090
Daily: 12pm – 8pm
Nearest Station: Hangangjin

#6 FRANK’S

Having tea at Frank’s is every girl’s dream come true. Guests are surrounded by bouquets of pressed flowers while they indulge in aesthetically-pleasing desserts. One must-try item is their rainbow sponge cake.

258-228 Itaewon(2)-dong, Yongsan-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 70 8156 5459
Tue to Sat: 12pm – 11pm
Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Mon: Closed
Nearest Station: Itaewon

#7 O’SULLOC TEA SALON

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 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.

If you are not there for their classic Green Tea Latte, then you have to go for their swiss rolls or Green Tea Tiramisu—it is like a mousse cake that has an airy and creamy center married with green tea powder.

47-1 Myeongdong 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
Tel: +82 2-774-5460
Daily: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Myeongdong

#8 PASSION 5

Passion 5 is a fine dessert emporium located in Itaewon, Seoul.

The upscale cafe cum gallery is made up of five components—cafe, bakery, patisserie, chocolate and lastly, passion from Passion 5?s pâtissiers. Visitors are surrounded by many exquisite dessert creations enshrined behind polished glass and a stellar selection of aromatic baked goods.

Other highlights at Passion 5 include a rotating gelato chiller and the most outstanding eclair display. With almost 300 dessert items featured, it is a feast for your eyes as much as it is for your taste buds.

272, Itaewon-ro
Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Tel: +82 2 2071 9505
Daily: 7.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Hangangjin

#9 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 nilk factory’s signature drinks include Almond Je’taime (300ml – W7,500, 500ml – W12,600) and Mixed Nuts (300ml – W7,500, 500ml – W12,600). Look forward to a curated selection of cakes such as Ice Box (gluten-free chocolate cake), New York Cheese Cake and Carrot Cake.

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

Traveling to Seoul soon? Have a look at our Seoul Travel Guide.

Seoul is one of our favourite destinations in Asia and the city is known for its many distinct and lively districts where you will never get bored of the endless shopping, delicious local food and exciting things to do.

Ask any local where you should go when you are in Seoul and many will tell you that Hongdae is a neighbourhood you must not miss. It is not difficult to guess why Hongdae is one of the top choices—there is just so much going on!

From indulging in spicy Korean Army Stews and getting a tipple with your friends in a bar to street shopping and catching street performances, here are 12 Things To See, Do & Eat When You Are In Hongdae.

WHERE TO EAT

#1 BAN BOSSY BOUTIQUE

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.

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!

19-22 Wausan-ro 17-gil
Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu
Seoul, Korea
Tel: +82 02 337 9896
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 10pm
Sat and Sun: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Hongik University

#2 MUKSHIDONNA TTEOKBOKKI

Mukshidonna Tteokbokki is a fuss-free restaurant that specialises in Budae Jjigae and guests get to customise the stew with an array of ingredients. Every pot comes with tteokbokki (Korean rice cake) by default, and that is their signature.

Popular ingredients on the menu are seafood, bulgogi and cheese but if you are looking for the staples, there is always ramyeon and udon.

22 Hongik-ro 6-gil
Donggyo-dong, Mapo-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Daily: 10am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Hongik University

Photo Credit: shawnongph

#3 SIMPSON TANG

Opened by a pair of Korean singers, Hwang Bo and Shim Tae Yoon, Simpson Tang—also known as Sim Seun Tang to the locals— is another popular Budae Jjigae restaurant to visit when you are in Hongdae.

The soup base is made from ox bones and mixed with red chilli paste and kimchi to produce a fragrant stock. Standard ingredients such as sausages, spam, cabbage and cheese are added into the soup.

30 Yanghwa-ro 16-gil
Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 70-4100-8318
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 9.30pm
(Closed on Sunday)
Nearest Station: Hongik University

Photo Credit: Doma

#4 DOMA

Korean barbecue is not taken lightly by the locals and if quality is what you are after, Doma will not disappoint. Using only beef from Nebraska, diners can choose to get assorted sets with different cuts of meat or get individual meats such as Raw Prime Rib Meat, Bottom Sirloin Triangle and Seasoned Prime Ribs.

Grill them over hot charcoal and enjoy them with a mixture of savoury ban chan dishes!

33 Yanghwa-ro 16-gil
Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 03 3477 5111
Mon to Fri: 5pm – 5am
Sat to Sun: 12.30pm – 3pm, 5pm – 5am
Nearest Station: Hongik University

Photo Credit: OkDongsik

#5 OKDONGSIK

For those who are craving for a comforting bowl of gomtang (beef bone soup), OkDongsik is an up-and-coming restaurant that deserves a mention. Opened in 2017, the cosy restaurant only has counter seats where diners are able to watch the chef at work.

In order to achieve that full-flavoured beef stock that is satisfying till the very last drop, premium black pork meat and bones are simmered for hours in the kitchen. Have the clear soup with plump white rice and some ban chan at the side.

44-10 Yanghwa-ro 7-gil
Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 507 1424 9911
Mon to Fri: 11am – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm
Sat to Sun: 11am – 8.30pm
Nearest Station: Hapjeong

WHERE TO DRINK

Photo Credit: Playground Rooftop Bar & Cafe

#6 PLAYGROUND ROOFTOP CAFE & BAR

Playground Rooftop Cafe & Bar is where you will find the party animals—from foreign exchange students to hip young locals. The two storey bar has its own rooftop space where you can enjoy a beer or cocktail with your friends.

Otherwise, social butterflies will enjoy taking part in their weekly events—language exchange coffee meetings, international parties and cocktail parties are just some to name.

14 Wausan-ro 21-gil
Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 02 337 0774
Mon to Fri: 6pm – 11pm
Sat to Sun: 6pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Hongik University

Photo Credit: gogosallyyyy

#7 VINYL

If street bars are your thing instead, Vinyl is a quirky watering hole where colourful alcoholic drinks are served in transparent IV bags. Go there for their neat range of cocktails but it really is the hipster interior that will keep you lingering on for a chat with your traveling partners.

61-1 Wausan-ro
Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 322 4161
Mon to Fri: 4pm – 12.30am
Sat to Sun: 6pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Sangsu

Photo Credit: Robin’s Square

#8 ROBIN’S SQUARE

For the serious drinkers who are looking for craft cocktails in the Hongdae vicinity, leave it to the experienced bartenders at Robin’s Square to whip up your poison of choice. Nestled on the basement level of the Vans store, the unpretentious bar offers crafts spirits sourced from all over the world.

69 Wausan-ro
Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 6085 6421
Sun to Thu: 7pm – 4am
Fri to Sat: 7pm – 5am
Nearest Station: Sangsu

WHERE TO SHOP

#9 HONGDAE SHOPPING DISTRICT

Located near Hongik University, Hongdae Shopping District is where you will find the best buys at affordable prices that are kept low to attract students.

There are free concerts from time to time, and you can even pop by the Hongdae Free Market from March to November to see shoes, shirts, ceramic accessories and more handmade by Hongik University students.

Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Nearest Station: Hongik University

WHAT TO SEE

#10 STREET PERFORMANCES

Walk down the streets of Hongdae and you will be greeted by many street artistes showcasing their talents. You will most definitely be impressed by the dancers who put up show stopping performances that do not lose out to professional Kpop groups. If you are feeling the beat, no one will fault you for grooving to the music!

Photo Credit: Bunny Cafe

#11 BUNNY CAFE

Animal lovers will find Bunny Cafe right up their alley. Home to 12 adorable furry bunnies of various breeds, visitors get to cuddle up with them and take lots of pictures for keepsake.

What is a trip to an animal cafe without personally feeding them personally? Simply top up W2,000 for a bag of tidbits and you get to feed the bunnies! Do note that you are only allowed to feed the bunnies with food purchased at the cafe.

136-10 Eoulmadang-ro
Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 333 1660
Daily: 1pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Hongik University

Photo Credit: govoyagin

#12 NANTA THEATRE

Catch a live comedic performance at NANTA Theatre which offers excellent shows that will leave you laughing and crying at the same time. There are both cooking and acrobatic shows but the former is what’s most popular there. The best part? You don’t even have to understand Korean to appreciate the shows.

29 Yanghwa-ro 16-gil
Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 739 8288
Nearest Station: Hongik University

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

Can you believe that behind this pretty pink vending machine lies an entire café?

Situated just a stone’s throw away from Mangwon Market is Zapangi, an Instagram-famous café which has a brightly-lit pink vending machine door. Translating to ’vending machine’ in Korean, Zapangi is literally known for their iconic vending machine door.

Here, you can expect a range of cakes served in tins, doughnuts, coffee and their signature milk tea. Zapangi is a café that anyone who has a love for all things pretty or wants a picture to jazz up their Instagram feed should patronise.

If you are heading there via public transport, take the subway to Mangwon Station and take exit 2. Just a short 5 to 10-minute walk through a local neighbourhood would get you to this pretty café!

Besides the iconic pink vending machine door that Zapangi is known for, they serve a neat range of classic desserts and drinks that taste as good as they look. If you’ve ever noticed your Instagram feed brimming with posts of a mermaid cupcake served in a metallic tin, well, you can now join the trend and get one for yourself at Zapangi.

Thier menu is limited to sweet treats, including tin cakes and doughnuts, and beverages, all costing no more than 10,000 won. We suggest you order a cup of their signature milk tea to go with their insanely cute cakes and doughnuts!

Save a spot in your itinerary when you’re heading to Seoul for Zapangi not just so you can snap a few OOTD pictures with their iconic vending machine door, but to indulge in their adorable confectioneries.

If we were you, we’d share them on Instagram because if it isn’t on Instagram, it didn’t happen.

Zapangi Seoul
400-2 Mangwon-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Daily: 10am -11pm
Tel: +82 2 325 8185

For more recommendations, read our Seoul’s travel guides on the best places to discover in the city.

A metropolis, Seoul is home to some of the most spectacular dining establishments in the world that have attracted plenty of foodies from all walks of life to visit the city for their brilliant cafe scene.

With its simple facade, Rose Bakery may not be able to compete when it comes to aesthetics but it is precisely its comfortable and cosy vibes that attracted throngs of locals and tourists to visit if they are just looking for a place to unwind and enjoy mouthwatering brunch items and coffee.

Hailing all the way from Paris, this French cafe shares the same space as popular Japanese fashion label Comme des Garcons, so guests can always go for a shopping spree before or after grabbing a cuppa!

Presented on a long white counter, Rose Bakery’s drool-inducing range of pastries and baked goods are similar to what you will find at their main bakery in Paris.

Have a look at their brunch menu as well; a small selection comprising unpretentious mains such as Egg Crab Sandwich, Avocado Spread Poached Egg Toast and Rose Bakery French Toast.

In the meantime, delight yourself with some coffee, tea, smoothies and fresh fruit juices. Some caffeine options to perk you up include Cafe Latte, Cappuccino, Caramel Macchiato and Cafe Mocha. Otherwise, we would also recommend the Valrhona Chocolate for its dark chocolatey flavour.

If you are in the mood to do some shopping, head over to the Comme des Garcons store and pick up a few fashion apparels before leaving the place!

Rose Bakery
140-893  261, Itaewon-ro
Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Tel: +82 02 790 7225
Daily: 10am – 10pm

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

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

It is difficult to pick the trendiest neighbourhood in Seoul. There is Gangnam for those who are into nightlife, Garosu-gil for its amazing concept cafes and Hongdae, which is a shopping paradise. Needless to say, these popular districts have an energetic and vibrant atmosphere which appeals to many young Koreans and tourists.

However, there are days when we prefer to be away from the crowds and during times like these, we head to Gyeonridan-gil (also spelt as Kyungridan-gil or Gyeongnidan-gil) in Itaewon instead.

Located just 10 minutes away from Myeong-dong by taxi, Gyeonridan-gil is a charming neighbourhood which boasts cafes, restaurants, bakeries and multi-concept stores. If you have not been there before, here are 16 cafes at Gyeongridan-gil you need to add on your bucket list.

#1 BAKEHOUSE

Previously known as 89 Coffee Bar, Bakehouse is a bakery nestled on the ground level of a building that has two dining concepts under one roof. The bakery cafe extends to the ground floor and that is where you can find fresh bakes such as their popular croissants, beautiful cakes and sweet milk bread.

If you are not keen on that, there is also Social Table—a beautiful restaurant and bar offering European tapas food.

22 Hoenamu-ro 13-na-gil, Yongsan-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Daily: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Noksapyeong

#2 BERKELEY COFFEE SOCIAL

A small, yet cosy cafe for you to unwind and get a cuppa. Bookworms will enjoy their stay there as they get to choose from a collection of magazines and books at Berkeley Coffee Social.

17 Hoenamu-Ro 13ga-Gil, Yongsan-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 792 2048
Mon to Fri: 8am – 9pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Noksapyeong

#3 BIG STEP COFFEE

There is something about Big Step Coffee that attracted our attention at first glance—the use of steps as its main seating area. As you face the main bustling street and watch the people pass by, there is no obligation to make small talk with anyone.

260-141, Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tue to Thu: 10.30am – 10.30pm
Fri to Sun: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Noksapyeong/ Itaewon

#4 BLOOMING LONDON

Blooming London is as British as it can get—serving Sunday Roast (W15,000), Cottage Pie (W15,000) and British Red Curry as part of their menu. Their primary clientale consists of expats, tourists and young locals.

28 Hoenamu-ro 13ga-gil, Yongsan-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 10 2792 5317
Tue to Sat: 12pm – 9pm
Sun: 12pm – 7pm
Mon: Closed
Nearest Station: Noksapyeong/ Itaewon

#5 CHANSBROS COFFEE

Near to Noksapyeong Station, Chansbros Coffee lies on the main street and its convenient location is precisely why the place is always packed with customers. Specialising in coffee and tea, it is a place for serious coffee drinkers.

561 Itaewon 2(i)-dong, Yongsan-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 70 8869 6353
Daily: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Noksapyeong

#6 COFFEESMITH

The expanding number of Coffeesmith outlets in Seoul is a testament to its popularity. Take your time when you go through their comprehensive drinks menu—with so many choices, you will definitely find something that you like there.

43 Hoenamu-ro, Yongsan-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 794 6740
Sun to Thu: 10am – 1am
Fri & Sat: 10am – 2am
Nearest Station: Itaewon

#7 CONTE DE TULEAR

At first glance, Conte De Tulear seems like an ordinary gift shop selling perfumes and candles but we realised that there is also a cafe where you can get brunch and handcrafted beverages as well. The photogenic interior makes it the ideal place for a catchup with your friends over afternoon tea.

260-117, Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 70 8846 8490
Tue to Fri: 12pm – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 1pm – 11pm
Mon: Closed
Nearest Station: Hangangjin

#8 ECLAIR BY GARUHARU

Who doesn’t like pretty eclairs? Not us for sure! These French pastries are works of art and we almost couldn’t bear to eat them. Some of the flavours you can find there include Salted Butter Caramel, Yuzu, Chocolate and Earl Grey.

247-9 Itaewon 2(i)-dong, Yongsan-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 337 8090
Daily: 12pm – 8pm
Nearest Station: Hangangjin

#9 EVERYTHING BUT THE HERO

Die-hard Kdrama fans would definitely have heard of Jo In Sung who starred in It’s Okay That’s Love and will be interested to know that Everything But The Hero is owned by the actor’s brother. The chic cafe has a good selection of caffeine-based drinks and pastries on their menu.

210-68 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 792 7909
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Hangangjin

#10 FLAT IRON

If you are not looking for something heavy, Flat Iron is a great place to stop by for some bites. The sandwich cafe has a decent menu featuring Roast Beef, Pulled Pork, Smoked Salmon and Chicken Panino.

Hoenamu-ro 13-gil, Yongsan-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 791 7587
Tue to Sun: 12pm – 9pm
Mon: Closed
Nearest Station: Noksapyeong

#11 FRANK’S

Having tea at Frank’s is every girl’s dream come true. Guests are surrounded by bouquets of pressed flowers while they indulge in aesthetically-pleasing desserts. One must-try item is their rainbow sponge cake.

258-228 Itaewon(2)-dong, Yongsan-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 70 8156 5459
Tue to Sat: 12pm – 11pm
Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Mon: Closed
Nearest Station: Itaewon

#12 MSMR

MSMR’s European-style shop exterior comes in the sweetest shade of baby pink which makes for great OOTD backdrops.

Venture into the shop and you will find a colourful array of fashion apparels that are neatly stacked together. When you are done with shopping, head to the mini cafe inside for a drink.

247-1 Itaweon-dong, Yongsan-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 70 8888 0321
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Hangangjin

#13 N DEAR

n dear is a modern Bohemian cafe that will bring out the inner hipster in you. The cafe features clean furnishings with a white tile countertop and splashes of colour statements from the flowers, potted plants and colourful seating.

If you are in need of a caffeine boost, n dear has a decent selection including Americano (W5,000/ S$6.02), Caffe Latte (W5,500/ S$6.62) and Cappuccino (W5,500/ S$6.62).

247-1 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Daily: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Hangangjin

#14 OUR COMMUNE

You may not notice it on the main street but Our Commune is more than just a cafe offering good coffee and fresh pastries; the five-storey building also consists of a gallery and a Japanese homeware shop. Another insider tip you will be keen to know is that their rooftop is open to the public who can sit on benches as they enjoy the cool breeze.

225-142 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 02 792 8764
Tue to Thu & Sun: 11am – 10pm
Sat: 11am – 12 Midnight
Mon: Closed
Nearest Station: Noksapyeong

#15 STANDING COFFEE

This takeaway coffee stand is reputable for serving excellent espresso drinks and their signature blue lemonade drink. Do not be surprised if you are greeted with a long queue, especially during rush hour as many locals enjoy a cup of coffee-to-go before work or during meal times.

568 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 794 0427
Daily: 9.30am – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Noksapyeong

#16 TEN MINDS

An artistic cafe situated along the hill, Ten Minds is where you will find mostly groups of young people who enjoy the comfortable vibes of the cafe. Guests can choose to sit at high tables, on grey cement steps or lounge in one of the many colourful bean bags that are provided.

Cool off from the summer heat with their iced coffee drinks, sparkling juices and desserts.

5-25, Itaewon-dong, Yongsangu
Seoul, Korea
Tel: +82 2 2051 1245
Mon to Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat: 10am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Hangangjin

For more recommendations, read our Seoul’s guides on the best places to visit in the city.

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

There is no denying that Korean pop culture is extremely influential—both in Korea and across international borders—as we are seeing a rapid increase in Korean pop groups, dramas and movies these few years. Love it or hate it, the Kpop wave does not seem to be slowing down and we are expecting it to grow even more in the future.

Besides being in the entertainment industry, some A-list Korean pop idols have been venturing into the F&B industry and opened their own cafes and restaurants. Of course, that would make these places a must-visit for fans of these Korean celebrities!

So for all those who are a fan of Kpop, here are 7 Celebrity-Owned Cafes And Restaurants In Seoul you have to hit up.

Photo Credit: Manager Hyung

#1 BIG BANG SEUNGRI’S AND HERE

Managed by Big Bang member Seungri’s mother, And Here is a two-story cafe located in Daehakro area. The spacious coffee shop is visited by not only fans of this Kpop idol, but also tourists who are travelling to Korea.

The cafe features a small stage on the second level where guests can expect performances from time to time and a display of merchandises such as notebooks and pens.

90 Dongsung-gil, Jongno-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 02 744 8464
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Hyehwa

Photo Credit: Kpop Map

#2 EXO CHANYEOL’S VIVA POLO

EXO Chanyeol’s parents certainly know how to please the fangirls—there are childhood photographs of this popular Kpop star and his sister that are being displayed in the restaurant. Besides that, you can also take a look at real autographs by the extremely popular boy band too.

This cosy Italian restaurant is where you can indulge in a range of pasta and risotto dishes. For those who are looking for something special, some of the dishes are infused with Korean recipes such as the Kimchi Arabiatta Pasta.

312-86 Myeongil 1(il)-dong, Gangdong-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 02 442 7885
Daily: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Myeongil

Photo Credit: Soompi

#3 EXO KAI’S KAMONG

Operated by EXO Kai’s sister, KAMONG is a modern cafe where young crowd hangs out at. The name ‘KAMONG’ is actually a combination of the Kpop celebrity’s name and his pet dog—Kai and Monggu respectively.

Unlike other celebrity-owned cafes that feature photographs of the idol, the only few things there that will remind you of Kai are the drawings and messages that are made by him. Some highlights on the menu include their signature waffles, muffins and a neat selection of coffee options.

1678-4 Seocho 1(il)-dong, Seocho-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 02 522 5949
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Seoul National University Of Education

Photo Credit: MollaKorea

#4 HAHA’S LOCO QUAN 401 BBQ RESTAURANT

As a cast of the famous Running Man variety show, HAHA needs no further introduction. His Korean BBQ restaurants in Myeong-dong and Hongdae have welcomed fans from all over the world and also locals who are craving for the restaurant’s signature Jeju Black Pork.

Other classic KBBQ dishes you can expect there include Pork Belly, Pork Cheek Meat and Collar Butt Pork Steak. Otherwise, the restaurant also has Korean sides such as Bean Paste Noodles and Kimchi Stew.

41 Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 02 325 0805
Daily: 11am – 1am
Nearest Station: Myeong-dong

Photo Credit: One Hallyu

#5 MISS A SUZY’S CAFFE SOO

Caffe Soo in Gwangju province is a gift from Miss A’s Suzy to her parents back in 2013. The entire cafe is dedicated to this Korean idol, with large posters of her plastered on windows and walls.

While most themed cafes charge exorbitant prices, Caffe Soo is known for offering wallet-friendly cafe fare in generous portions.

14-25 Usan-dong, Buk-gu
Gwangju, Seoul, South Korea
Daily: 9am – 10pm

Photo Credit: Park Shin Hye International Community

#6 PARK SHIN HYE’S LITTLE TIN DRUMS

The best place to catch a glimpse of Park Shin Hye who starred in hit dramas such as Pinocchio and Doctors is at Little Tin Drums—a Korean restaurant run by her parents in Gangdong-gu.

The famous actress is said to dine at the restaurant frequently but there is an unspoken rule that diners are not allowed to take photographs with her in the restaurant. Some of the signature dishes include barbecued beef and pork intestines and other grilled Korean delights.

548-3 Seoul Gangdong-gu, Seonae-dong
Seoul, South Korea
Daily: 11.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Gangdong-gu Office

Photo Credit: Andiekp

#7 SUPER JUNIOR YESUNG’S MOUSE RABBIT

Near to Kokuk University, Mouse Rabbit is a cosy three-story cafe co-owned by Super Junior Yesung and his brother. True to its name, the basement of the cafe is designed to look like a rabbit’s hole where guests are encouraged to take off their shoes and unwind in a comfortable environment.

Apart from the basement, the first level is where diners will purchase food and drinks while those who are into art and craft will have a great time browsing through art products on the second level.

5-14 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 02 462 4015
Daily: 10am – 12pm
Nearest Station: Konkuk University

For more recommendations, read our Seoul’s food and travel guides to find the best places to go to in the city.

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

‘

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.

Hadongkwan is a traditional Korean restaurant in Myeongdong that serves only two items on their menu—Gomtang (thick beef bone soup) and Suyuk (boiled beef or pork slices).

Having been around for 80 years, Hadongkwan has made a name for itself among locals and tourists who love to drop by for a comforting bowl of Gomtang, especially during winter. Only the highest grade of ingredients are used and no artificial flavourings are added to their food.

If you are looking for a light and nutritious breakfast or lunch option at Myeongdong street, Hadongkwan is where you should go to. 

Originally located in a back alley near Cheonggye Stream when they first started out, the restaurant was demolished due to redevelopment initiatives and it has since moved to central Myeongdong.

Despite scaling up, Hadongkwan has retained its original wooden signboard, doors and furniture so long time customers still feel that sense of nostalgia.

Their signature dish is the Regular Gomtang (W12,000), which is Korean beef soup with rice. The light, yet flavourful soup is the result of boiling beef and radish for hours and only using natural ingredients. We enjoyed the clean soup tremendously and it was made better with savoury beef slices.

For those who find it too light to their liking, add some fresh spring onion and salt into the soup. All diners are given radish kimchi as sides as well to spice up their meal.

Looking for something better? You have to go for their Special Gomtang (W15,000) instead. On top of beef slices and rice, diners are also treated to a generous portion of tripe as well—what you get is a variety of textures from the soft rice, tender beef and chewy tripe slices.

The best part about Hadongkwan is that the restaurant offers free soup refills, so do not be shy about asking for more soup from the friendly waitresses!

Hadongkwan
12, Myeongdong 9-gil
Jung-gu, Seoul
Daily: 7am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Euljiro il-ga

For more recommendations, read our Seoul’s features to discover the best things to see, do and eat in the city.

The famous Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market in Seoul is in a difficult predicament; both the old and new markets are located just side by side and this has resulted in a portion of the vendors moving over to the new building while the rest continue operating at the old market.

In an attempt to modernise the fishery industry to promote tourism growth, the new Noryangjin market has been built to accommodate more stalls in a cleaner environment. While the intention is to increase business opportunities for the owners, many owners from the old Noryangjin Fish Market refused to move over and cited a smaller land area and increased rental fees as their main concerns.

If you are curious about the similarities and differences between the old and new Noryangjin markets, read our guide to find out more.

#1 SAME CONCEPT AS THE OLD NORYANGJIN MARKET

The new Noryangjin Wholesale Fisheries Market runs the exact same concept as the old market—visitors can buy the seafood for takeaway or have them fresh at one of the many restaurants there.

Expect to be greeted with many varieties of live seafood—ranging from octopus to prawn, abalone, crab and lobster. The choices are never ending and that is one reason why we would always visit this place when we are in Seoul.

Vendors provide basic services such as slicing the seafood for sashimi and packing them up. If you are interested to dine there, there will be someone who will bring the seafood over to the restaurants for you.

#2 THE NEW BUILDING IS BRIGHTER AND SPARKLING CLEAN

In contrast with the old market which has dimmer lighting and the usual wet market odour, the new market is brighter, cleaner and feels like a modern supermarket due to its new retail facilities. However, visitors should wear shoes with a firm grip as the floor is wet and slippery.

#3 PATHWAYS ARE SLIGHTLY NARROWER

While there’s plenty of space to roam around the old market, the new market has narrower pathways in between the rows of stalls for people to walk along. Visit during off peak seasons so you do not have to squeeze with the crowd!

#4 THERE ARE TWO LEVELS OF SEAFOOD STALLS TO CHOOSE FROM

Yes, the new market has not one but two levels of seafood stalls! It is impossible to cover the entire place on one visit but we sure aren’t complaining—who doesn’t like more choices right?

#5 RESTAURANTS ARE LOCATED AT THE SECOND LEVEL OF THE NEW NORYANGJIN MARKET

When you have decided on the seafood you want to indulge in, head over to one of the restaurants on level two and decide on how you would like your seafood to be prepared. As most (if not, all) of the stalls are affiliated to the dining establishments, there will usually be someone who will lead you to the restaurant.

As expected from the new market, the restaurants here are modern and make use of bright and cheery colours to attract diners. This is a stark contrast to the traditional eating places where diners sit on cushioned mats at the old Noryangjin market.

#6 LACKS THE BUSTLING ATMOSPHERE FOUND IN THE OLD MARKET

Although the new Noryangjin market is supposedly an upgraded version with modern facilities and infrastructure, it lacks the same vibrance and bustling atmosphere as the old market.

For first-timers to Noryangjin market, we would still encourage them to visit the old market first as that is where you get to really feel what a traditional fish market is like in the past. However, the new market is still worth a visit as the sheer variety of seafood and number of stalls over there is simply mindblowing.

Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market 
688, Nodeul-ro
Dongjak-gu, Seoul
Daily: 24 Hours
Nearest Station: Noryangjin

Read: 5 Tips For Seoul’s Noryangjin Fish Market & Prices of Seafood & Cooking Services

KyoChon has the best fried chicken in Seoul, South Korea. There, we’ve said it. There is no lack of Korean fried chicken restaurants in Seoul, but KyoChon’s rendition is head and shoulders above the rest.

KyoChon offers its Korean fried chicken in several flavours—Garlic Soy Series, Honey Series, and Red Series (Red Pepper). Do not leave Seoul without having KyoChon’s Korean Fried Chicken.

We visited one of KyoChon outlets in the Hongdae district. Unlike other older KyoChon outlets which are a lot more casual, it impressed us with a modern and sleek setting.

“Kyo” translates to wisdom and enlightenment and “Chon” means village. KyoChon was created to remind the brand’s founder of home and the amazing fried chicken he used to have. The one thing that sets Kyochon apart from many other fried chicken joints, is the fact that they use only natural ingredients.

This means that their chickens are not injected with hormones and only canola oil is used to fry the chicken. No trans fat or MSG, just simple and fuss-free chicken that is oh-so-good!

The menu was extremely straightforward and we went right for the Garlic Soy option. You can choose from different serving types, including—Whole Chicken (W16,000), Sticks [Drumlets] (W18,000), Wings & Drummettes (W18,000) and Combination (W18,000).

We had the Combination platter to have a go at the different chicken types. All we can say is, “Wow!”

It was probably the most satisfying fried chicken experience we ever had in our entire lives. From the crispy exterior to the evenly coated sauce and tender meat, KyoChon has created THE perfect fried chicken. Honestly, we were probably too appalled by how good it was that we gobbled the entire platter up within a mere few minutes.

For something that has no MSG or preservatives, it was damn addictive! The garlic soy sauce was just right. Mildly sweet with a strong garlic flavour, each bite we had got better and better. It was an out-of-body experience that we can barely put into words.

Also, the simple process of savouring a chicken drumlet to the bone is ultra-satisfying. Be sure to get all the good, crispy parts at the ends of your drumlet to enjoy it fully. There is no debate, KyoChon has our heart and our tummies.

If there is just one Korean fried chicken place to go in Seoul, South Korea, look no further. Be prepared to be so satisfied by their amazing Korean fried chicken!

KyoChon (Hongdae)
362-15, Seogyo-dong
Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 3381300
Daily: 3pm to 2am
Nearest Station: Sangsu

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.

Nolboo is a popular Budae Jjigae chain in Seoul and you can get it at only W7,500 per pax.

Nothing fills up your tummy nicely like a bubbling pot of Budae Jjigae when you are feeling hungry. Also known as Army Stew, this Korean delicacy is a popular family dish as the huge portion allows for communal dining.

Nolboo is one of our favourite Budae Jjigae restaurants in Seoul as they have been consistently good throughout these years while keeping prices low.

Like many Korean restaurants in Seoul, it is worth mentioning that some of the staff at Nolboo are able to understand Mandarin so if there is anything you would like to request for, do not be shy to ask them.

We ordered the standard Budae Jjigae (W7,500 per pax) and topped up W5,000 for extra ingredients such as noodles and processed meat to make it a more substantial meal.

That works out to be less than S$10 for each person! Even if you are feeling hungry, the generous portions should leave you feeling satisfied.

Some of the ingredients you can expect are what you will see in the standard Budae Jjigae such as sausages, ham, rice cakes, kimchi in savoury soup mixed with red pepper paste. The soup is a mixture of sweet and sour notes from the kimchi and meats and we enjoyed every bit of it.

Nolboo also provides a service to refill your soup for free so you can continue enjoying your meal till you are done! Wash your meal down with a bottle of soju to complete the Korean dining experience.

Nolboo
Myeongdong 2(i)-ga
Jung-gu, Seoul
Daily: 10.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Myeong-dong

For more recommendations, read our Seoul’s food and travel guides.

One local dish that everyone looks forward to trying in Seoul is Budae Jjigae, or also commonly known as ‘Korean Army Stew’. Bada Sikdang is an eatery in Itaewon district that is frequented by locals who are craving for Budae Jjigae.

Bada Sikdang has been serving its Budae Jjigae for over 45 years. What makes the Budae Jjigae at Bada Sikdang unique is the addition of cheese; it may not follow the exact recipe for the traditional Budae Jjigae, but it is an interesting twist for those who are looking for something different.

Other than Budae Jjigae, Bada Sikdang also offers BBQ meats such as T-bone Steak (W30,000 per pax), Beef Ribs (W25,000 per pax), Pork Chops (W15,000 per pax), as well as the signature Beef Sausages (W25,000 per pax).

Drop by Bada Sikdang in Itaewon for a fuss-free Korean stew and you will leave with happy tummies.

Visitors are expected to take off their shoes before they enter the eatery and cloth shoe bags are available at the entrance. The simple eatery was buzzing with activity as the waitresses serve up aromatic dishes and guests chatter among themselves.

You can even peek into their kitchen and watch the chefs in action as they whip up your food inside.

For the uninitiated, Budae Jjigae is also referred as ‘Johnson Tang’. This is the name you should be searching for on the menu if you cannot read Korean.

The rich sausage stew is made of beef bone broth as its base and the addition of chilli powder, high-quality ham, fresh lettuce and not forgetting the key ingredient—cheese. Melted cheese goes well with almost everything and it sure made the pot a lot tastier!

Bada Sikdang’s rendition is a lot drier than the usual Budae Jjigae and while the regulars swear by it, we prefer the usual Korean Army Stews which are soupier and heartier.

Do take note that there is a minimum order starting from 2 pax (W20,000).

The portion of the Budae Jjigae portion is actually not huge so we recommend ordering the popular Pork Chops (W15,000) to share. The smokey barbecue sauce that was lavishly poured over the tender meat was the winning factor for us. Have it together with plain rice to balance the flavours on your palate.

Bada Sikdang
18 Itaewon-ro 49-gil
Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Tel: +82 02 795 1317
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Hangangjin