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

Hanoks are traditional Korean houses which bear the marks of past, traditional Korean living. Staying in a hanok would be one of the best ways to fully immerse yourself into traditional Korean lifestyle and culture. And best of all, you will not have to pay an exorbitant price for this special experience.

Furthermore, most hanoks are situated within close proximity of prominent tourists attractions such as Gyeongbokgung Palace or Changdeokgung Palace. They are also close to various train stations which makes travelling around Seoul a whole lot easier.

Here are 9 Hanok Stays In Seoul Under S$140 For A True Blue Korean Experience. Have a great time in Seoul!

Photo Credit: Bukchonmaru

#1 BUKCHONMARU HANOK GUESTHOUSE

As one of the top 10 hanok guesthouses in Korea, Bukchonmaru Hanok Guesthouse is a family guesthouse located in the heart of the Bukchon Hanok residential area in Seoul. This homely guesthouse also provides an authentic Korean breakfast — between 8.30am and 9am — made from traditional family recipes at no additional cost.

Bukchonmaru Hanok Guesthouse offers a Double Room with Shared Bathroom and Family Room with Private Bathroom that is suitable for persons travelling in pairs. The rate also entitles you to a free breakfast!

Bukchonmaru Hanok Guesthouse
152 Changdeokgung-gil
Gye-dong, Jongno-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 10 3253 8751
Nearest Station: Anguk

Photo Credit: Booking.com

#2 DAJAYON HANOK STAY

Travellers visiting Korea for a taste of authentic and delicious street food should consider a stay at Dajayon Hanok Stay, a hanok guesthouse that is just 700m from the renown Gwangjang Market, 600m from Chongga Kimchi World. Jongmyo Shrine is just 200m away from the guesthouse, too.

Three different accommodations await you at Dajayon Hanok Stay, such as the Deluxe Double Room with Shower and Double Room with Garden View that is good for two pax, and the Triple Room with Bathroom which can accommodate three people.

Dajayon Hanok Stay
81-3 Yulgok-ro 10-gil
Gwonnong-dong, Jongno-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Nearest Station: Jongno 3-ga

Photo Credit: Booking.com

#3 HANOK EUGENE GUEST HOUSE

Aside from offering you a place to stay, Hanok Eugene Guest House brings your stay to the next level by offering kimchi-making lessons and Korean language classes! In addition, those travelling during winter would be glad to note that this guesthouse has heated flooring as well.

Hanok Eugene Guest House is situated just 500m from the beautiful Fortress Wall of Seoul and a 10-minute drive away from the popular Dongdaemun Market. Breakfast will be included during your stay.

There are also plenty of accommodation options at this guesthouse which will cater to travellers in different group sizes. For groups of two, opt for the Korean Style Double Room with Private Bathroom and even if you are a solo traveller, the Korean Style Single Room with Shared Bathroom will do the trick.

Hanok Eugene Guest House
36 Hyehwa-ro 12-gil
Hyehwa-dong, Jongno-Gu,
Seoul, South Korea
Nearest Station: Hyehwa

Photo Credit: Booking.com

#4 HANOK 24 GUESTHOUSE GYEONGBOKGUNG

Located just a 5-minute walk away from Gyeongbokgung Subway Station, Hanok 24 Guesthouse Gyeongbokgung is an excellent choice if you are intending to rely primarily on Seoul’s subway train to explore the city. In lieu of its strategic location, the guesthouse is also situated a mere 600m away from the Gyeongbokgung Palace and 1.3km away from the iconic Bukchon Hanok Village.

For those travelling in twos, you can either choose to stay in the Double Room with Shared Bathroom or the Twin Room with Shared Bathroom. Both deals come with a good breakfast.

Hanok 24 Guesthouse Gyeongbokgung
27-3 Jahamun-ro 5ga-gil
Nuha-dong, Jongno-gu,
Seoul, South Korea
Nearest Station: Geyongbokgung

Photo Credit: Booking.com

#5 HANOK GUESTHOUSE SUNI

Although slightly out of the way from famous Korean markets and tourist attractions, Hanok Guesthouse Suni stands out for being located 400m away from Sungshin Women’s University and 1.3km away from Korea University. As such, you would imagine that food and drink options in the area would be relatively cheaper due to the large student population.

Hanok Guesthouse Suni
42 Bomun-ro 32-gil
Dongseongdong 2-ga, Seongbuk-gu,
Seoul, South Korea
Te: +82 10 9050 0896
Nearest Station: Bomun

Photo Credit: Booking.com

#6 HYOSUNJAE HANOK GUESTHOUSE

Love culture, city walks and sightseeing? Well, Hyosunjae Hanok Guesthouse will fit your bill. Established since June 2015, Hyosunjae Hanok Guesthouse is only 700m away from the Chandeokgung Palace and 800m from the Jongmyo Shrine. But for those who want to have a little crazy fun, you would be glad to know that the Alive Museum Insa-dong is just 600m away!

Hyosunjae Hanok Guesthouse has several rooms that differ according to the size of the travelling group. All room rates include a complimentary breakfast.

Hyosunjae Hanok Guesthouse
133-2 Bukchon-ro 1-gil
Anguk-dong, Jongno-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Nearest Station: Anguk

Photo Credit: Booking.com

#7 KIMCHI GUESTHOUSE JONGNO

When one thinks of Korea, one item that will naturally be associated with the country is Kimchi. Although Kimchi Guesthouse Jongno has nothing to do with kimchi, in particular, it is situated just 300m away from Gyeongbokgung Subway Station and each room is fitted with Korean futon mats, a heating system and air-conditioner. 

5 different types of rooms are available at Kimchi Guesthouse Jongno, all depending on the travel size of your group. For those just travelling with a friend, the Korean-Style Double Room is a popular option and this rate also includes breakfast.

Kimchi Guesthouse Jongno
45-10 Jahamun-ro 1-gil
Sajik-dong, Jongno-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Nearest Station: Gyeongbokgung

Photo Credit: Booking.com

#8 MUMUM HANOK GUESTHOUSE 

Nestled within Bukchon Hanok Village, Mumum Guesthouse is a warm traditional Korean-style guesthouse with a beautiful garden. Each room comes with air conditioning and a Korean-style futon bedding.

Famous attractions around the guesthouse include the famous N Seoul Tower which is simply a 15-minute drive from the guesthouse, and you would be able to access Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Jongmyo Shrine which is a 10-minute walk away.

Mumum Guesthouse has three different rooms for two persons, three persons and four persons respectively. The Korean Style Double Room is suitable if you are travelling in a pair and your rate also entitles you to a complimentary breakfast.

Mumum Guesthouse
11-3 Gyedong 2-gil
Wonseo-dong, Jongno-gu
Seoul, South Korea
Nearest Station: Anguk

Photo Credit: Booking.com

#9 SEOUL LUCKY GUESTHOUSE HANOK

The area of Jongno-gu is overflowing with cultural sites, attractions, city walks and sightseeing. And located within the area is Seoul Lucky GuestHouse Hanok, a quaint and humble guesthouse that has two different rooms for single and two persons.

People travelling in pairs will stay in the Double Room with Private Bathroom and solo travellers, the Single Room with Private Bathroom. Breakfast is included in all rates.

Seoul Lucky GuestHouse Hanok
21-16 Jahamun-ro 11-gil
Tongin-dong, Jongno-gu,
Seoul, South Korea
Nearest Station: Geyongbokgung

About the writer:
A member of the team at ladyironchef, Claire’s mission is to lead a life without regrets—to explore the world and its treasures boldly. When she isn’t pursuing her interests in writing, academia and music, Claire spends her free time with family and her pets. She also hopes to run her own animal shelter in the future.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Starfield Library in Seoul is a one-of-a-kind library that will leave you in awe. Featuring bookshelves that are 13 metres in height and over 50,000 books and magazines on display, do not be surprised to see books that are stacked all the way to the ceiling here!

What’s more, this public library in Seoul is not a building on its own, but rather, in the middle of Starfield COEX Mall in Seoul, South Korea.

With no physical boundaries nor security to ensure that no books are stolen, Starfield Library encompasses an entirely new and novel concept that you ought to check out the next time you are in Seoul.

Situated in Starfield COEX Mall, the giant shopping mall in Seoul, Starfield Library is a two-story library that spans 2,800 metres square in size. While it is not the most serene of libraries, this space is perfect for all to drop by and relax after an entire day of shopping or for a lazy afternoon.

Although most of the books are in Korean, Starfield Library does offer international magazines for tourists alike. Here, you may grab a book for reading but needless to say, the books right at the top of the bookshelves are not meant for reading!

Seats, as well as desks with power outlets, are available on both levels of the library. Tablets are also provided for guests to search for books available in the library.

Those taking public transport can get here by taking the subway to Samseong Station via Line 2. Head out via Exit 6 and just a short walk through the underground passageway will get you to Starfield COEX Mall in no time.

Starfield Library
B1 and 1F, Starfield COEX Mall
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Samseong Station

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.

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

From multi-brand stores to full-fledge labels, Seoul is home to countless beautiful boutiques and stores that are totally made for the gram.

The amazing aesthetics and interior design of both independent concept stores and global fashion brands enhance your entire shopping experience in Seoul. Just stepping into the aesthetically-pleasing stores and being surrounded by the trendiest clothing make you feel a little more fashionable and stylish. Not to mention, you also get to take plenty of OOTDs there too!

Whether or not you are a shopaholic, these few boutiques in South Korea’s shopping districts are worth visiting, especially if you are one for well-designed spaces and pretty interiors. Here are 7 Stunning Boutiques And Stores In Seoul That Are 100% Interior Goals.

#1 GENTLE MONSTER 

The Gentle Monster store in Hongdae is making waves on social media all over the world and is easily one of the most popular and coveted labels for eyewear now.

The Hongdae showroom features a little exhibition on the ground floor, educating viewers on how Gentle Monster sunglasses are made. In fact, the entire showroom is modelled after a science lab—with beakers, test tubes and other scientific equipment found all over the place.

Gentle Monster
404-6, Seogyo-Dong, Mapo-Gu
Seoul, Korea
Tel: +82 2-3144-0864
Daily: 1pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Hongdae

#2 STYLENANDA PINK HOTEL

StyleNanda Pink Hotel is the brand’s third flagship store in Seoul.

The first floor is where you can find the lobby, complete with a concierge desk and hotel keys hanging on the wall. The second floor features a look that resembles that of a retro dressing room, while the third floor has “hotel rooms” lining the hallways.

Beyond that, there is the Pink Pool Café on the fifth floor, where you can relax and unwind after some shopping. The cafe is decorated with square tiles, powder pink beach seats, and vibrant neon lights that makes the perfect backdrop for pictures.

StyleNanda Pink Hotel
37-8, Myeongdong 8-gil, Jung-gu
Seoul, Korea
Tel: +81 2-752-4546
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Myeongdong

Photo Credit: Hipshops

#3 PLATFORM PLACE

PLATFORM PLACE’s retail store is decorated mostly with warm undertones and lots of open spaces—walking into the shop is like stepping into one of those pretty homes you see on Pinterest.

The multi-label store houses everything from fashion to lifestyle brands, homeware, and even mini succulents. There is surely something for everyone when it comes to its extensive range of lifestyle products.

PLATFORM PLACE
668-28, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu
Seoul, Korea
Daily: 10.30am – 8.30pm
Nearest Station: Hangangjin

Photo Credit: TimeOut

#4 KOON WITH A VIEW

Koon With A View is one of the first concept stores in Seoul that has been around for 20 years. The store is modelled after circus—with a doorway framed with neon lights, red and white curtains, and even a stuffed tiger on the second floor.

Koon With A View houses premium brands such as J.W. Anderson and is a great spot for fashionistas who are interested to find out about other up-and-coming fashion brands.

Koon With A View
33, Apgujeong-ro 12-gil
Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea
Tel: +81 2-3443-4507
Daily: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station Sinsa

#5 QUEENMAMA MARKET

Queenmama Market combines an urban lifestyle boutique that spans across two levels and a mezzanine, an entire level of curated books, and a huge cafe that does some serious coffee business. If you need anything gardening-related, eco-friendly goods or books, Queenmama Market is the place to visit.

The fourth level is Manufact, a ground for serious coffee lovers. The cafe deals primarily with cold brew, but if that is not up your alley, there is also your regular brews.

Queenmama Market
50 Apgujeong-ro, 46-gil Sinsa-dong
Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea
Tel: +81 70-4281-3370
Tue to Sat: 10.30am – 8pm
Sun: 12 – 8pm
Closed on Mondays
Nearest Station: Apgujeon-rodeo

Photo Credit: Architecture Lab

#6 SLOW STEADY CLUB & CAFÉ

Founded by the brains behind fashion label Blankof, The Slow Steady Club’s pristine all-white boutique stands out from its neighbours. The clientele there is made up of young and hip locals who visit the place for their selection of apparels and aromatic coffee at the cafe.

With white as their predominant colour scheme, everything from the floors to the walls and even the shelves are painted in a sleek shade of white.

Slow Steady Club & Café
130-1 Palpan Jongno-gu
Seoul, Korea
Tel: +81 2-725-1301
Daily: 12pm – 8pm
Nearest Station: Anguk

#7 MMMG 

Short for Millimetre Milligram, MMMG is a homegrown Korean stationery store with shelves upon shelves of stationery and lifestyle products. The raw concrete and addition of geometric benches and tables add to the entire industrial look and feel of the place.

Besides being a retail store, MMMG also has a café, where you can pop by for some cakes and drinks if you are feeling a little peckish.

MMMG 
240 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu
Seoul, Korea
Daily: 11.30am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Anguk

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

Seoul might as well be known as the city of shopping, with its seemingly endless stretches of streets lined with stores of all kinds. Clothes, shoes, bags, beauty products—you name it, Seoul probably has it. It is basically impossible to visit the South Korean capital without doing some serious shopping.

There is a vast number of markets, malls and shopping districts in Seoul that could get you lost and confused, especially if it is your first time visiting the land of kimchi. But whether you are looking to splurge a little more, or going tighter on the budget, Seoul’s vibrant shopping streets cater to all.

Here are The 5 Must-Visit Shopping Districts In Seoul.

#1 MYEONG-DONG SHOPPING DISTRICT

A visit to Myeong-dong is a no-brainer. It is dubbed as the center of shopping in South Korea, with big names such as H&M, Zara, UNIQLO, Nike, and more calling the district home.

A quick walk down the street will also prove how much Koreans love their beauty products—there is an abundance of skincare and beauty stores all around Myeong-dong. This is where you find all the cult Korean brands and the popular names that you always see Korean models and YouTubers endorse.

The best part is that a number of the stores in Myeong-dong offer shopping discounts for tourists, so be sure to check with the sale staff before you shop! While you are doing so, do not forget to indulge in Myeong-dong’s best street food.

Myeong-dong
Jung-gu, Seoul
Nearest Station: Myeong-dong Station

#2 EWHA WOMANS UNIVERSITY

Put a shopping street near a university and you will immediately get pocket-friendly prices, and an array of trendier apparel selection. Because students are always scrimping and looking out for the best deals, the stores surrounding the school serve as a cheaper shopping option for those on a budget.

Pop by the shopping district right outside Ewha Womans University as that is where you can also find affordable fashion apparels and a selection of cheaper restaurants and cafes. When you are tired of shopping, pay a visit to the university for a look and feel of the schools in South Korea.

Ewha Womans University
52, Ewhayeodae-gil, Seoul
Nearest Station: Ewha Women University

#3 DONGDAEMUN MARKET

If a full day of shopping and eating isn’t enough (and why would it be?), go down to Dongdaemun market. The shops here only start at about 9pm and doesn’t close till 5am in the morning.

Consider Dongdaemun as South Korea’s very own Platinum Mall. The district is split into two main sections—the retail stores and wholesale markets. The stores mainly sell their goods at regular retail prices, while the latter offer dirt-cheap, wholesale prices instead.

In fact, it is said that apparels from street shops you see in train stations or shopping districts get their stocks from Dongdaemun!

Dongdaemun Market
Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Nearest Station: Dongdaemun

#4 HONGDAE SHOPPING DISTRICT

Hongdae is, quite simply, a must-visit destination while you are in Seoul. Located near Hongik University, the stuff you’ll find there is also reasonably cheap. But shopping isn’t all that you can do at Hongdae.

Because Hongik University is known for its arts programmes, you will be able to experience a bit more of the Korean youth culture while you are there.

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.

Hongdae Shopping District
Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Nearest Staion: Hongik University

Photo Credit: The Seoul Guide

#5 APGUJEONG RODEO STREET

Can’t get enough of your Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Prada bags? Apgujeong is probably where you will be happiest. Located in Gangnam, this street is lined with high-end fashion labels that will bring out your inner shopaholic. There is also the Galleria Department Store which houses many other big fashion brands.

Those who are unwilling to splurge has other options at Apgujeong as well. Keep a lookout for independent stores featuring street fashion apparels at affordable price tags.

Apgujeong Rodeo Street
Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Nearest Station: Apgujeong

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kimchi Jjigae is a staple in South Korea which we enjoy tremendously even in Singapore, so we made it a point to hunt down the best Kimchi Jjigae on our trip to Seoul.

We discovered a popular hole-in-the-wall eatery visited by locals called Gwanghwamun Jip, which is relatively near to Gyeongbokgung Palace. While the eatery lies in one of the most touristy spots in Seoul, it is tucked away from the main road and hidden from plain sight in a narrow alley.

Fans of Kimchi Jjiage have to make it a point to visit Gwanghwamun Jip!

Upon stepping into the eatery, it reminded us of a cosy Korean home with home cooked food—with the aromatic fragrance of Kimchi Jjigae in the air and the kitchen located just behind the seating area. If you are interested to see how they cook their fluffy omelettes, take a peek behind the counters.

The highlight of our lunch is their famous Kimchi Jjigae which was rich and flavourful. For only W7,000 per person, you get an extremely generous portion of soup and kimchi. It was hearty, with a mixture of tangy and savoury tones just the way a good pot of Kimchi Jjigae ought to be.

Have it with white rice and a variety of mixed ban chan which are given to you for free!

Another savoury side we enjoyed was the Stir Fried Spicy Pork (W10,000). While the lean meat did not impress us, we were full of praises for the fatty bits. Yes, it is sinful but that is what makes it taste so good!

For something lighter and not too filling, go for their rolled omelette (W5,000/ S$6.02) which we felt were decent. It may not be the best we tried, but it came with the right amount of fluffiness and was good for four to share.

Gwanghwamun Jip
43 Dangju-dong
Jongno-gu, Seoul
Tel: +82 2 739 7737
Daily: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Gwanghwamun