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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BASILUR TEA AND COFFEE

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

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

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

CAFE DE PARIS

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

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

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

COFFEESMITH

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

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

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

DEUX AMIS PATISSERIE

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

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

DISH ROOM BY DORE DORE

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

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

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

IKOVOX COFFEE

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

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

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

GOOD NIGHT AND GOOD LUCK

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

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

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

KOBALT KAFE

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

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

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

LA POMME DESSERT CAFE

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

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

LAY BRICKS

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

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

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

LATTE KING

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

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

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

 LINE FRIENDS STORE & CAFE

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

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

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

MINOS COFFEECULT

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

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

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

MR HOLMES BAKEHOUSE

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

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

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

MUG FOR RABBIT

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

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

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

OSULLOC CAFE

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

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

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

REMICONE

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

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

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

SARUBIA

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

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

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

THE FLYING PAN

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

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

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

THE NILK FACTORY

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

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

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

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1202 COFFEE COUNTER

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

Bibimbap is a traditional Korean dish made up of a mixture of seasoned vegetables and meat on a bed of warm white rice. Diners are required to toss the ingredients with savoury chili pepper paste that serves to enhance the overall taste of the dish.

There are a few variations of bibimbap you can find in South Korea but the Jeonju-style bibimbap is especially famous there. This elaborated dish was served to the royal family in the past and is widely enjoyed by locals today.

If you are looking for a Korean restaurant that specialises in traditional Jeonju Bibimbap, then Gogung in Myeong-dong is where you should be heading to. 

Its central location in Myeong-dong makes Gogung the go-to place for many tourists who want to have an authentic taste of South Korea’s Bibimbap. The Korean restaurant has three versions of bibimbap—Jeonju traditional Bibimbap, Jeonju Dolsot Bibimbap and Yukhoe Bibimbap.

Although they are more known for their bibimbap, meat lovers should be pleased to know that Gogung also happens to be a Korean BBQ restaurant that offers quality meat.

While toppings on a bibimbap may change according to the season, a classic Jeonju-style Bibimbap usually consists of soybean sprouts, raw egg yolk and beef tartare.

Gogung’s Jeonju Dolsot Bibimbap (W11,000) is an aesthetically-pleasing dish served in an earthenware bowl which helps to keep the food warm throughout your meal. We particularly liked how the edges of the rice are slightly burnt from the stone pot as it results in a slightly crispier texture.

If you are looking for something better, the Yukhoe Bibimbap (W15,000) will do the trick. Similar to the Jeonju Bibimbap, you also get a generous portion of Korean-style beef tartare, sliced mushrooms, an assortment of colourful vegetables and raw egg.

The tender raw beef was every bit delicious and seasoned really well with sesame oil and soy sauce. Have that with fresh vegetables and runny yolk to get a combustion of savoury and sweet tones in your mouth.

Complete your meal with a steaming bowl of Beef Short Ribs Soup (W11,000). Having gone through the slow and long simmering process, the succulent meat was fall-off-the-bone tender and the clear soup was rich with beef flavours.

Diners are also given a bowl of white rice together with the soup.

Gogung
27 Myeongdong 8ga-gil
Chungmuro 2(i)-ga
Jung-gu, Seoul
Tel: +82 2-776-3211
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Myeongdong

Strolling around the Myeong-dong district in Seoul, South Korea, you will find that Korean Fried Chicken joints are aplenty. However, one spot that was highly recommended to us was Noo Na Hol Dak. They have several outlets in Seoul but we visited the one right in the heart of Myeong-dong.

Upon stepping in, we found out for ourselves just how popular they are with both locals and tourists alike. The restaurant is spacious, making it a great place for communal gatherings and casual hangs with friends or colleagues. Beer is the beverage of choice to complement fried chicken—but of course.

The menu was pretty simple, focusing on what they do best: Korean-style chicken. Since Noo Na Hol Dak is well-known for their oven-baked chicken, we opted for the basic Crispy Baked Boneless Chicken (W16,900) and pints of Cass beer to enjoy.

You have the option of having chicken on the bone (wings and drumlets) or boneless and we opted for the latter for ease of consumption. The chicken came in a huge sharing portion with two sauces on the side: black pepper sauce and tangy sweet chili sauce.

Digging into our first chicken piece, we noticed that the chicken was lean and a lot less greasy since it was baked instead of deep-fried.

The chicken skin was still crisp and tasty and the meat inside was so tender! The sauces on the side did not wow us though; they were simple accompaniments that had no actual added value to the chicken. The chicken tasted better on its own and we highly recommend that you have it this way!

Some shoe-string fries are thrown in on the side for you to munch on. If you love beer, do not miss out on their draft beer Cass. The beer is served icy cold. Beer and fried chicken is a match made in heaven, no doubt!

While the oven-baked chicken was not exceptionally spectacular, we liked the overall experience at Noo Na Hol Dak. It is the place to go after a long day of shopping or sight-seeing if you are ever in the Myeong-dong neighbourhood.

Noo Na Hol Dak
Hotel Ibis Ambassador Seoul
Myeong-dong, 78 Namdaemun-ro
Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2-6361-8353
Nearest Station: Myeong-dong

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