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

Reggae Chicken—a casual joint on the outskirts of Hongdae which specialises in Western-style fried chicken—looks very unassuming on the exterior and you might be slightly turned off by the narrow front as it looks slightly dodgy. We almost turned away but as night fell, the LED lights inside the restaurant lit up and familiar tunes from Bob Marley started playing. There and then, we were hooked.

With very limited seating, you will feel like you’re stepping into a cosy and humble fried chicken joint somewhere in Jamaica. This is exactly what sets it apart from the numerous Korean fried chicken joints in Seoul.

The menu here is extremely limited but this is when you know that they are really good. Specialising and excelling in fried chicken is not an easy task but Reggae Chicken has won the hearts of many.

You can only choose from 3 main chicken dishes—Reggae Chicken Original (17,000 Won), Reggae Curry Chicken (15,000 Won) and Kingston Wings (12,000 Won).

We went straight for their specialty—Reggae Chicken Original. The platter is good to share amongst 3 to 4 people. Besides fried chicken, the set comes with thick fried potato wedges and huge battered onion rings. Have this platter with a pint of beer and you are all set.

We were surprised by how insanely delicious the chicken was! The juiciness of the chicken coupled with the crispy skin was just magical. It is all in that first bite. No kidding, this was one of the best fried chicken we have ever had! Simple, wholesome but oh-so-delicious! The batter on the chicken seems to be lightly-seasoned buttermilk, but it gives the chicken so much flavour.

The whole experience of being in Reggae Chicken is worth visiting, from the Bob Marley tunes to the mellow vibe of the restaurant.

Reggae Chicken
147-19 Donggyo-dong
Mapo-gu, Seoul
Tel: +82 02-333-3438
Daily: 5pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Sangsu

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.

Egg Drop has got to be the hottest breakfast spot in Seoul right now. Look forward to avocado, bacon and cheese, teriyaki chicken, and of course, eggs, sandwiched between 2 slices of thick, buttered brioche toasts.

Bearing some similarity to Isaac Toast—another popular Korean toast chain that is opening its first outlet in Singapore—Egg Drop specialises in egg sandwiches that you will be sure to finish to the last drop. If you like Isaac Toast, you will love Egg Drop’s Brioche toasts.

The breakfast toasts at Egg Drop are American-inspired, offering diners an option apart from the usual.

Made fresh on the spot, what you can expect is two thick slices of crisp-edged brioche toasts, a chunky serving of eggs in between, followed by the topping of your choice.

The Sweet Ham Cheese and the Bacon Double Cheese are the crowd-favourites. Avocado lovers must get the Avo Holic—fresh slices of avocado sits atop layers of eggs before being dashed with some mayonnaise for a final creamy touch.

Prices are kept affordable at Egg Drop—a classic Mr. Egg is only 2,400 won, while the most expensive item on the menu—the Avo Holic—costs 4,400 won, which is just above SGD$5.

They are more of a take-out concept with limited seats but their sandwiches are packaged such that they are convenient to eat.

Egg Drop is a must-try breakfast spot if you are in Seoul.

Egg Drop
108, Mapo Acro Tower, 1st floor, Mapo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Tel: +82 2-707-0563

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

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.

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.

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

Migabon is an eatery in Myeong-dong which specialises in Korean porridge. Juk, or Korean porridge, is a local delicacy and there not many places in Seoul that do it better than Migabon. We love indulging in Korean barbecue and sinful Korean fried chicken but there are days when we want to settle for a comforting bowl of juk.

Apart from their delectable range of porridge dishes, Migabon also serves Ginseng chicken soup. 

Breakfast is the best time to visit Migabon and the crowd starts filling in before 9am. As the restaurant is located on the second level of a building, there may be a queue forming at the first floor once it starts getting crowded.

Most people have a quick meal here and leave as Migabon is not the type of place where you will linger around to chitchat.

The star of the show goes to their Mushroom and Beef Porridge (W8,000). There was a great balance between the rich minced beef and light mushroom and the combination of these two ingredients gave the dish interesting textural variety on the taste buds.

Migabon’s rendition is the definition of how a good bowl of porridge should be like—flavourful and smooth.

Something else to consider is the Abalone Porridge (W10,000) which has a much lighter flavour has compared to the Mushroom and Beef Porridge. It makes for a hearty option during breakfast but we prefer having it together with banchan given at the side to boost its overall taste.

Migabon’s Boiled Chicken with Ginseng (W13,000) came with the usual ingredients such as ginseng, sticky rice and garlic stuffed in a whole chicken.

While we enjoyed the mild flavours of the Samgyetang, it was decent at best compared to the ones we tried at Tosokchon and Korea Samgyetang. So for those who are visiting Migabon, we would recommend sticking to the porridge.

Migabon
2-2 Myeongdong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2752 0330
Daily: 8am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Myeong-dong

For more recommendations, read our Seoul’s food & travel guides on the best places to go to.

Korean BBQ restaurants in Seoul are on a whole new level—think high-quality meat at lower prices, using only charcoal grills to give the meat a smokey taste. 

If you are looking for a good Korean BBQ restaurant that is conveniently located in Myeongdong, we highly recommend Wangbijib restaurant for its delicious range of grilled meat and easy accessibility.  

Wangbijib currently has three branches in Seoul and the outlet at Myeongdong is nestled within the second level of a building. Although the restaurant looks spacious, the seating capacity is limited so do expect to queue if you are visiting during peak hours.

One thing to note at Wangjibip is that they have great ventilation systems so you would not leave the restaurant smelling like Korean BBQ.

While prices are not the cheapest in the city, the Korean restaurant is very popular among locals and tourists because of the obvious difference in quality as compared to other KBBQ joints in Seoul.

Wangjibip offers free-flow Banchan. We had the standard banchan dishes such as steamed bean sprouts, broccoli, kimchi and fresh lettuce. Feel free to get a bottle of soju to complete your dining experience!

Moving onto the best part—the glorious meat!

We had the Grilled Assorted Premium Beef (W33,000 for 150g) which is a mixture of different premium beef cuts. The luscious cuts of meat were bright red in colour and came with a good layer of melt-in-your-mouth beef fats.

The servers at Wangbijib are trained to grill the meat for you so all you have to do is sit back and watch the magic happen.

Our medium rare beef slices were grilled to perfection; tender and flavourful on every bite, with a subtle smokey taste thanks to the charcoal. We are still salivating at the thought of it!

If you look closer, you will notice that Portobello mushrooms are given at the side as well. They may look unassuming but all of us at the table were raving about it—the mushrooms are surprisingly juicy and sweet.

Grilled Pork Skirt Meat (W15,000 for 150g) was perfectly done as well. While it is not as tender as the beef, it has a chewy texture and is a flavoursome addition to your grill. The portion was smaller than expected but you get a better grade of meat in return.

You should also go for their Soybean Paste Stew (W4,500). Served hot from the kitchen, ours came with a generous serving of tofu and vegetables.

Wangbijib
26, Myeongdong 8ga-gil
Jung-gu, Seoul
Tel: +82 2 3789 1945
Daily: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Myeongdong

Owned by SPC Group—the same conglomerate behind Paris Baguette—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.

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#1 CAFE

The care was abuzz with chatter and filled with patrons on the day of our visit, boasting mostly young Koreans, foreigners and expats. If you are intending to head there for tea, be sure to reach early for seats are limited at the cafe.

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Coffee beans are sourced all the way from Colombia and Ethiopia and visitors get to choose between Black N Blue or Coffee Diva.

You will find their signature Hand Drip Coffee (W7,000) on the drinks menu and other choices such as Espresso (W5,000), Cappuccino (W7,500) or Cafe Latte (W7,500).

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Do take a look at their rotating gelato chiller, which is just beside the cafe’s counter!

#2 BAKERY

The bakery section is where you can fill your tummy with a scrumptious array of savoury sandwiches, buns and other types of baked pastries. Simply grab a clean tray and a pair of tongs and you are ready to go.

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There are individual items and full loaves of bread on sale at Passion 5, so take your time to wander around when you are there. We had the Delicious Cheese Cake (W3,700) which we enjoyed thoroughly as the soft cake was brimming with cheese flavours.

If you are craving for something sweet, you can find the Apple Mango Pudding (W3,300) at the Patisserie section.

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#3 PATISSERIE

Passion 5′s Patisserie section is a sweet tooth’s heaven; you can practically find artisanal desserts that are Instagram-worthy at every corner. From cakes and swiss rolls to cheese tarts and eclairs, it is hard to resist taking everything from the counters!

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Can’t decide between having a cheese tart or egg tart? Why not get both instead! These freshly baked yummy treats are going at W2,500 each and W10,000 for four.

Nothing will prepare your hearts for this fancy collection of colourful eclairs at Passion 5. Some of the flavours include Yuzu Chocolate, Vanilla, Lemon Vanilla, Cherry, Passion Fruit… and the list goes on.

Yes, the selection is absolutely insane but we sure aren’t complaining!

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As if that’s not enough, they also have a counter just for tarts which are equally breathtaking in terms of presentation. Expect to see a delicious range such as Greengrape Tart, Banana Pudding Tart, Berry Pistachio Tart, Cappuccino Tart and Peach Tart.

We highly recommend the Jeju Green Tea Swiss Roll (W7,800) which is a delectable green tea swiss roll that is filled with sweet cream. An attractive dessert that tastes as good as it looks is Autumn Apple Eclair (W5,800).

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#4 CHOCOLATE

Walk to the end of the lane and you will find a chocolate chamber where the doors are designed to look like chocolate bars. From the outside, it feels like a scene from the movie ‘Charlie And The Chocolate Factory’.

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This is where you will find rows of premium chocolate on display. Apart from individual chocolate cubes, Tok-Tok Chocolate, Tablet Chocolate and Triangle Chocolate are some other varieties you can find there.

If chocolates are not your thing, there is also a wonderful assortment of macarons which look just as inviting.

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Passion 5
272, Itaewon-ro
Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Tel: +82 2 2071 9505
Daily: 7.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Hangangjin

Need more food recommendations in Seoul?
Take a look at our Seoul Food Guide.

Finding gluten-free cafes in Seoul may not be an easy feat but we came across a charming cafe in Garosugil district for those who are looking for gluten-free baked goods.

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.

So for those who are looking for more gluten-free options that do not compromise on flavour, check out the nilk factory in Seoul.

the nilk factory is a small and cosy cafe with simple furnishings such as hanging greens, potted plants, wooden furniture and warm lighting that encourages people to sit longer for a chat. Guests feel comfortable enough to have intimate conversations as the seating arrangement is rather spacious despite the limited space.

Guests feel comfortable enough to have intimate conversations as the seating arrangement is rather spacious despite the limited space.

If you are not there for their range of coffee drinks, then you cannot skip the handmade cold-pressed almond milk. This dairy and gluten-free nut milk is known to possess plenty of health benefits as cold-pressed almond milk helps to preserve the maximum amount of enzymes and quality without losing on flavour.

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).

Ice Box (W8,000) is a gluten-free chocolate cake layered with a generous portion of sweet cream in between. We felt that the cake was too a little too sweet for our liking but it helps to complement the light almond milk.

Alternatively, there are also other flavours to try such as New York Cheese Cake and Carrot Cake.

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

Common Ground is the coolest hangout spot in Seoul right now.

Taking up a total of 5300 square meters in land space, Common Ground is South Korea’s first pop-up shopping district featuring 200 shipping containers used as retail stores. Yes, cargo containers are all the fad now because your regular brick-and-mortar shops just don’t cut it anymore.

This is where you will find fashionable people from all walks of life gathering at this point because there is nowhere else they would rather be seen at. If you live and breathe fashion and lifestyle, read our guide to what you can expect at Common Ground.

WHAT IT IS

Common Ground is home to a wide selection of fashion brands, independent cafes and gourmet restaurants. The lifestyle destination is where you can spend at least half a day with your squad or significant other because there is much to see and do.

The central square at Common Ground is where you will find the main pop-up of that week. A weekend market is held every week and it changes with time so visitors will always have something new to look forward to when they revisit this place.

On some days, there will be events, exhibitions or performances to entertain visitors while they go about the place.

LEVEL ONE & TWO – STREET MARKET FASHION, LIFESTYLE, ACCESSORIES

Common Ground is perhaps best known for housing a sweeping range of fashion labels—from well-known mainstream brands to up-and-coming fashion designers that cater to both men and women.

The first and second levels at Common Ground are dedicated to street market fashion, lifestyle products and accessories. This is the time to shop till you drop!

Whether you are into basics or street style, you will definitely find what you like among the massive collection of clothing, accessories and shoes. Certain shops also have items on sale to clear their stock so do keep a lookout!

Makeup junkies rejoice! You are definitely not neglected at Common Ground. Walk into the shops at the ground level and you will be able to find a neat range of makeup products being sold there.

LEVEL THREE – TERRACE MARKET, CAFES, RESTAURANTS

All that shopping is sure to build up your appetite and when you are ready to settle down for some bites, head up to the third level where you can choose to go for light cafe grub or a full meal.

Dining options are aplenty and you can find restaurants which serve Korean, Western, Japanese and Thai cuisines. You can have your meal in the air-conditioned rooms or go for the al fresco seating during good weather to soak up the chill vibes.

With fairy lights hanging across the rooftop terrace, Common Ground looks enchanting at night—definitely the perfect place for couples to go on a romantic date. Remember to take many beautiful pictures at the rooftop for keepsake!

THE ICONIC OOTD SPOT

You have seen your friends flooding your Instagram feed with OOTD pictures at Common Ground so you know you cannot leave the place without a picture too. The huge space is also great for taking group photos with your squad mates.

As this is a popular location for photography, you probably have to wait in line for a few minutes before you get your turn.

Common Ground
200 Achasan-ro
Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
Tel: +82 2 467 2747
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Konkuk University Exit 6

To truly understand a city and its culture, one must take the time to appreciate and experience its food scene. With Seoul, it is no different and Myeong-dong is one of the best places to immerse yourself in some authentic and tasty Korean street food.

Besides being a good place to embark on your street food journey in Seoul, Myeong-dong is also filled with endless streets of cosmetic stores, clothing boutiques and plenty of great deals.

From perennial favourites such as the Hweori Gamja and Ddeokbokki, here are 20 Best Street Foods You Must Try When At Myeong-dong. Well, you can’t shop on an empty stomach, right?

#1 BEEF STEAKS

Who says you can only have steak at a proper restaurant? You can find a few stalls in Myeong-dong selling beef steaks done on the spot for you. Do not be surprised to find a crowd around these stalls because it is impossible to resist the heavenly aroma of these sizzling beef steaks.

#2 BUNGEO-PPANG

Bunggeo-ppang (“carp bread”) is a golden and crispy fish-shaped pastry which is traditionally stuffed with a sweet red bean paste. If you are not fond of red bean, you will be able to find alternative versions of this street food at Myeong-dong, where the Bunggeo-ppang is filled with other fillings such as pastry cream and chocolate.

#3 CHEESE DDEOKBOKKI

You may know what Ddeokbokki is but have you tried cheese ddeokbokiki? Instead of pairing the rice cake with the standard spicy sauce, this one grilled lightly and wrapped with cheese and sweet condensed milk. Definitely a sweet treat you should not miss out!

#4 DDEOKBOKKI

Ddeokbokki—or stir-fried rice cakes—is one of the more famous Korean street foods that most would know, popularised by various Korean dramas. Primarily consisting of small rice cakes, fish cakes, boiled eggs, scallions are examples of the kind of ingredients that are often added to the sweet and spicy mix.

Hot and fulfilling, this would be a good street food to have especially during the cold winters in Seoul.

#5 EOMUK GUK

A good street food to have during the cold and harsh Seoul winters, Eomuk Guk encompasses fish cake skewers served with hot broth. Not only will this be a good snack or light meal to have, Eomuk Guk is often ordered as a side dish whilst partaking in alcoholic beverages.

#6 FISH CAKE SKEWERS

If fish cakes in soup are too boring for you, go for these skewers wrapped with fish cake! There are many choices for you to pick from but our favourite of the lot goes to the sausages wrapped with fried fish cake.

#7 GIMBAP

Gimbap is a quintessential Korean dish that all must know. It is the Korean variant of sushi, which comprises rice and various meat and vegetable fillings compressed together in sheets of dried laver seaweed. The rice is also seasoned with salt and sesame oil.

#8 GRILLED OCTOPUS SKEWERS

Aside from Eomuk Guk, grilled octopus is another popular street food snack in Korea that is often paired together with an alcoholic beverage or two. Simply marinated with salt, the octopus skewers are crispy and chewy and you would find yourself finishing this snack before you know it.

#9 HONEY VANILLA ICE CREAM BREAD

Those who are looking to satisfy their dessert cravings can look out for this stall offering Honey Vanilla Ice Cream Bread. While the concept is nothing new, the ice cream treat is a choice that cannot go wrong—especially during humid and hot days in Seoul.

#10 HWEORI GAMJA

Also affectionately known as the Tornado Potato, Hweori Gamja is recognised as South Korea’s famous spiral street food. Served with various seasonings such as chilli, cheese or barbeque powder, you can also enjoy a sausage encased in Hweori Gamja itself.

#11 JAJANGMYEON

A timeless classic, Jajangmyeon is a Korean Chinese noodle dish featuring noodles tossed in black bean sauce. While it looks unassuming, Jajangmyeon is actually very popular among the locals who eat it on a frequent basis. This savoury dish is perfect for those who are looking for something to fill their tummy up.

#12 JAPCHAE

Japchae is huge in Korea and you can find it in many Korean eateries and restaurants. It is essentially stir-fried glass noodles with beef, bean sprouts, onion and vegetables. You can have it as a main or appetiser.

#13 KOREAN EGG TOAST

Yes, the Korean egg toast is as simple as it sounds—a half-boiled egg is fused with a deep fried bun. You have to eat this when you are in Seoul. Period.

#14 KOREAN GRILLED CHEESE LOBSTER

Albeit not the cheapest street food that you can find in Myeong-dong, the Korean grilled cheese lobster is worth a try if you lover seafood. Layered with a thick slab of cheese, the Korean grilled cheese lobster is a sinful treat worth indulging in.

#15 LOOP CHURROS

Loop churros are beautiful to look at and they make for great pictures to post on your social media sites. Churro stalls usually have a decent selection of toppings for customers to choose from—chocolate, strawberry, rainbow sprinkles and nuts.

#16 MANDU

Similar to the Japanese Gyoza, the Korean term ‘mandu’ means dumplings and if you have been to Korea, you would know that this is a must-try over there. Common fillings include minced meat and vegetables but they differ among stalls.

#17 MILKY BEE ROSE ICE CREAM

Although this is not a street food that you can purchase from street vendors, the Milky Bee rose ice cream is still found along the streets of Myeong-dong. Get your fix of this rose-shaped ice cream (similar to the famous Amorino ice cream) at Milky Bee, an ice cream parlour along the streets of Myeong-dong.

#18 RAINBOW COTTON CANDY

Not satisfied with just having a single-coloured cotton candy? Make sure that you seize the opportunity to grab some rainbow cotton candy during your visit to Myeong-dong. Skilfully prepared and presented in a cone shape, this is a pretty street food that will be sure to brighten up your Instagram feed.

#19 SAUSAGES

Sausage skewers can be found everywhere in Myeong-dong and you are spoilt for choice when it comes to variety; there are those with cheese fillings and others wrapped with bacon. This is a sinful snack that we are willing to forgo our diet for!

#20 TAKOYAKI

Takoyaki is a flour-based snack that is shaped like a ball stuffed with different types of ingredients such as octopus, crab meat and squid. You get it piping hot from the pan and the Takoyaki balls are served with bonito flakes, mayonnaise and sweet sauce.

Looking for more food recommendations in Seoul? Read our Seoul Food Guide.