Here are my suggestions for a great food day in Seoul.[/box_light]

Breakfast

Sweet Red Bean Bread at Dan Patbang  단팥빵

Breakfast is tough to find in Korea because most restaurants don’t open until 11:30am Fortunately, the transport hub of Seoul Station opens early and offers an array of breakfast options, from Korean rice and soup and Japanese odeng to fast food and Western brunch and even pastries. My favorite place is Dan Patbang, which serves hot red bean or chestnut stuffed bread. With coffee, this is a great way to start the day.

Dan Patbang  단팥빵 Seoul Station area

FYI> Price: KRW 1,500

GO> Seoul Station, first floor by the escalator to Express Airport Train

 [divider]

Lunch

A Lunch Thali at Potala  포탈라

Curry and rice were how I survived university, so I’m always on the lookout for a taste of my college days. While wandering around Cheonggyechon Stream, I came across this quiet and quaint Nepalese restaurant. The place is ornately decorated and the food well prepared. Naan comes hot out of the tandoori and the curries are buttery and flavorful. Prices are reasonable as well (just like in the good ole’ days.)

Potala  포탈라  Jongno 3-ga Station area

FYI> T. 02-318-0094

Price: KRW 6,000–13,000

GO> Jongno 3-ga Station 종로3가역 (Lines 1&3), Exit 15. Walk a block and take a left to Cheonggyecheon, then take a right. Potala is next to Pagoda Institute.

 [divider]

Dinner

Fried Potatoes and Beer at Passion Potato  열정감자

Fried potatoes, chicken tenders, sweet potatoes, fried cheese and beer can be dinner, right? Sure, if they are the amazing fried potatoes from Passion Potato. The world-class potatoes match perfectly with the cold beer served in Pyrex measuring cups. The place is kitschy, with the handsome young servers all having funny nicknames and positive attitudes.

Passion Potato  열정감자  Gongdeok area

FYI> T. 02-704-5536

Price: KRW 3,000–8,000

GO> Gongdeok Station 공덕역 (Lines 5, 6, Gyeongui and Airport), Exit 9. Walk a block up the alley than make a right, and you’ll see it in the building across the street on the second floor.

 [divider]

Dessert

Ice Cream from Softree  소프트트리

Can you go wrong with creamy, slightly tart soft-serve ice cream made with organic milk? Probably not. Softree is like a perfectly chilled glass of milk. The most popular  flavor is honey chip, complete with a real piece of honeycomb that makes this ice cream shimmer.

Softree  소프트트리 Gangnam area

FYI> T. 02-541-0301

Price: KRW 3,500–6,000

Here are my suggestions for a great food day in Seoul.

[button link=”The URL of the button” variation=”darkgrey”]Breakfast[/button]

Abalone Rice Porridge at Sen Jeonbokjuk 센전복죽
Abalone rice porridge is a delicacy in Korea that used to be served to kings. This dish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and is a good source of iron, thiamine, and vitamins. When it is made with the green organs of the shellfish, the dish jumpstarts the immune system and aids digestion. At Sen, all they do is make jeonbokjuk, and you’ll find it in various sizes and made with different ingredients. It’s a great way to start your day.

Gangnam> Sen Jeonbok Juk 센전복죽

FYI>

T. 02-522-1053
Open: 11am-10pm
Price: KRW 15,000–25,000

[button link=”The URL of the button” variation=”darkgrey”]Lunch[/button]

Poached Pork and Potato Dumpling Soup at Parunsik 바른식 시골보쌈 & 감자옹심이
Parunsik specializes in slow foods that are made with care. A great lunch you can get here is the poached pork meal, featuring tender pork dipped in a salted shrimp sauce, wrapped in fresh cabbage, and topped with fresh garlic. You can also get the clear and chewy potato stew. The side dishes and the stone-bowl steamed rice are famous here as well. Parunsik is a great place to get a complete, delicious meal.

Jongno> Parunsik 바른식 시골보쌈 & 감자옹심이

FYI>

T. 02-739-7075
Open: 11am–11pm
Price: KRW 7,000–30,000

[button link=”The URL of the button” variation=”darkgrey”]Dinner[/button]

Dog Soup at Yetnal Sacheoltang Samgyetang 옛날사철탕
Although considered taboo by other nations, in Korea eating a special breed of hwanggu dog is considered to be medicinal food during the hot summer months. This restaurant has been sticking to tradition and serving “rejuvenating” food for over 30 years. This clean restaurant serves up hearty dog soup in a spiced broth topped with plenty of ground wild sesame seed. The meat has a unique taste that is similar to lamb. After finishing the soup, you can ask them to make fried rice with the reduced broth.

Near SNU> Yetnal Sacheoltang Samgyetang 옛날사철탕

FYI>

Open: 11am–1am
T. 02-885-2215
Price: KRW 11,000–22,000
Seoul National Univ. Station 서울대입구역 (Line 2),
Exit 6. Turn left at the intersection and cross the road.

[button link=”The URL of the button” variation=”darkgrey”]Dessert[/button]

Stone-Bowl Red Bean Shaved Ice at Huidonga Ommada 희동아 엄마다
After so much healthy food, the evening is time to refresh yourself with a light and cooling dessert. This quaint little café is set in a Korean house with a delightful indoor garden that is perfect for enjoying tea. Huidonga Ommada is known for its homemade rice cakes, which the daughter makes from her mother’s recipes. In summer they offer red-bean shaved ice desserts known as patbingsu, served in a Korean stew pot. The patbingsu is cool and creamy because of the frozen milk on the bottom, but the highlight of this dish is the roasted soybean powder rice cakes that add a bit of nutty flavor. Yum.

Samcheong-dong> Huidonga Ommada 희동아엄마다

FYI>

Open: 11am–10pm
T. 02-720-0704
Price: KRW 5,000-12,000

Here are my suggestions for a great food day in Seoul.

Blood Pudding Hangover Stew at Haejangguk Saramdeul 해장국 사람들

If you are looking for blood pudding stew for breakfast, then head here—this place is famous for serving this interesting dish to many ex-presidents and celebrities. The pig’s blood here comes to the table in a large round disk that is like a mini pie and comes in a bubbling broth full of bean sprouts. Apparently, this will get rid of your hangover. I can’t say much about the taste except that it tastes metallic and like blood; the texture is very velvety.

Seocho> Haejangguk Saramdeul 해장국 사람들

FYI>                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       T. 02-736-6088
Hours: 24 hours a day
Price: KRW 9,000

The Gut Buster Burger at Jacoby’s 자코비버거

If you are so famished that you think you can handle two giant beef patties (one garlic, one rosemary) smothered in Swiss and American Cheese and topped with bacon, pineapple, bacon, chili, and a fried egg, then head to Jacoby’s. This is one extreme burger that will fill anyone up. This joint is known for their greasy-spoon style of food and their rather lackluster service. However, the beers here are cold and the burgers exciting.

Haebangchon> Jacoby’s 자코비버거

FYI>                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          T. 02-3785-0433
Open: 11:30am–midnight
Price: The Gutbuster is KRW 18,000

GO>                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Noksapyeong Station 녹사평역 (Line 6),
Exit 2. Walk straight for about 200 meters and take the first left walking straight along the road with all the kimchi pots. Keep going along that street and you’ll see Jacoby’s on your right.

Marinated Pig’s Feet at Pyeongangdo-jip 평안도집

Pyeongando-jip is famous for their marinated pig’s feet, and during the dinner rush you’ll often see a line out the door, even in winter. The owner, Lee Gyeong-soon, marinates the ankles and feet of the pig for 24 hours in a secret concoction (that is closely guarded from robbers). The meat falls off the bone, and the normally chewy pig feet is tender and buttery. It is absolutely delicious. Wrapping the meat with some garlic in lettuce even makes it feel healthy.

Dongdaemun area> Pyeongangdo-jip 평안도집

FYI>                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            T. 02-2279-9759
Hours: 11:30am–12pm
Price: KRW 15,000 a person

GO>                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Dongguk Univ. Station
동대입구역 (Line 3), Exit 3

Bizarre Alcohol at Seoul Folk Flea Market 서울풍물시장

If it is believed to be healthy, Koreans will figure out a way to eat it or drink it. If you walk through the stalls of Seoul Folk Flea Market (on weekends only), you’ll find a large array of antiques, knicknacks, and maybe even large bottles with gruesome snakes floating in them. This alcohol, snake alcohol, is believed to give strength and energy, so Koreans only drink it on special occasions. You might also fi nd alcohol steeped with millipedes.

Dongdaemun area Dongdaemun area> Seoul Folk Flea Market 서울풍물시장

FYI>                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            T. 02-2232-3367
http://pungmul.seoul.go.kr

GO> 
Sinseol-dong Station
신설동역 (Line 1, 2), Exit 9

Photographs provided by Daniel Gray

Day 1

St. Patrick’s Day
Delight in Itaewon

Breakfast

Lumber Jack Breakfast at Suji’s Restaurant

Suji’s

One of the best things you can get to prepare your stomach for a day of drinking is a hearty breakfast. Suji’s has the Lumber Jack breakfast, which has scrambled eggs, toast, pancakes, bacon, and home fries. You might not be happy for the rest of the day.

Suji’s 수지스
FYI> Cost: 14,000 won for the Lumber Jack
Hours: 11am–10pm
T. 02-797-3698
GO> [ Map 8 A3]

Lunch
Fish and Chips at the Wolfhound

The Wolfhound is one of the most popular Irish pubs in Itaewon—you can always get a cold pint of Guinness or Killians here. They also have great sheperd’s pie and burgers, but my favorite item here is the fish and chips. You’ll get a full portion of fish and fries with plenty of tartar sauce and vinegar for dipping.

The Wolfhound 더 울프하운드
FYI> Cost: 11,000 won for fish and chips
Hours: 4pm–late
T. 02-749-7971
GO> [ Map 8 C3]

Dinner

Steak at Sam Ryan’s Pub

Sam Ryan’s

Sam Ryan’s Pub, which is right above the famous 3 Alley Pub, has plenty of brews, seating, televisions, and food for those looking to eat, drink, and be merry. Here you’ll get a large sirloin or rib eye with baked potatoes and veggies. It’s a feast.

Sam Ryan’s 샘 라이언스
FYI> Cost: 18,000 won for steak
Hours: 11am–12am
T. 02-749-7933
GO> [ Map 8 C2]

Dessert
More Drinks at Baby Guinness

Baby Guinness

Baby Guinness in Itaewon is known for their friendly service and cold beers. On St. Patrick’s day, it’s a great place to sing a few Irish tunes and continue drinking till the wee morn.

Baby Guinness 베이비 기네스
FYI> Cost: 5,000 won per drink
Hours: 11am–1am
T. 02-792-2777
GO> [ Map 8 C2]

Day 2

An Eclectic Food Crawl in Hongdae

Breakfast

Gamjatang at Songgane Kamjatang

Get a bubbling bowl of potato and pork stew with the taxi drivers at this local hotspot. You’ll get a nice assortment of kimchis and other side dishes as well. If you’re feeling particularly hungry, you can get a side of the poached pork belly (bossam) with raw oysters.

Songgane Kamjatang 송가네 감자탕
FYI> Cost: 6,000 won for individual stew
Hours: Open 24 hours
T. 02-3141-6557

GO> Hongik Univ. Station 홍대입구역 (Line 2, A’REX Line), Exit 3

Lunch

Assorted Fried Snacks at Mimine

Mimine

There are some foods I have dreams about, and the fried shrimp, fried kim-mari, and fried squid at Mimine are some of those things. The crunch is simply awakening. You can also dip your tempura in their saucy tteokbokki.

Mimine 미미네
FYI> Cost: Assorted tempura is 9,500 won
Hours: 11am–10pm
T. 02-3143-7244
GO> [ Map 7 E2]

Dinner

Odeng Tang and Fried Chicken at Tang

So…there are separate entrances for men and women into this pub restaurant because the theme is a Korean bath house, or mokyoktang. It is complete with tile signing and bathtubs for sitting areas, and they even sell wash cloths, soap, and shampoo. The food is good and the drinks are cold. Service is friendly as well.
On busy nights they even bring in a DJ.

Tang 탕
FYI> Cost: 10,000–15,000 won per person
Hours: 5pm–late
T. 02-325-8781
GO> [ Map 7 E2]

Dessert

Fruit Croquettes at Chili Cha Cha

Fruit croquettes are usually savory, but at Chili Cha Cha they do a great fried croquette filled with apples, cinnamon, nuts, and fruits. It’s a deliciously sweet way to end a day of eating. You can even get a Campari and soda or a mojito here if you need a nightcap.

Chili Cha Cha 길모퉁이 칠리차차
FYI> Cost: 3,000 won
Hours: 11am–10pm,
closed Mondays
T. 02-322-8405
GO> [ Map 7 F2]

Quick Bites

Bull and Barrel 불 앤 배럴
(Itaewon)

This is a dart bar with a wide selection of local and international brews and good pub food. For darts enthusiasts, this is mecca. Their top floor has 4 regulation dart boards with computer scoring. They also have an arcade dart board for amateurs. The beer selection is vast, and you can travel around the world sipping beers. They have burgers and wings, but my favorite dessert was their kimchi chocolate cheesecake. It is tangy, a bit spicy, and has a full chocolate finish. Nice.

FYI> Cost: 8,000 won a person
Open: 12pm–4am
T. 010-9982-2423
GO> [ Map 8 B3]

Insadong Jukumi 인사동쭈꾸미
(Insa-dong)

Grilled octopus braised in spicy chili sauce is a Korean specialty and one that I recommend everyone try at least once. Down the nooks and narrows of Insa-dong, you’ll find a little Korean traditional house that specializes in this dish. The chopped octopus comes out fresh in a hot pan and the sauce is flavorful. It is a bit spicy, though, so it is not for the weak. To balance out the spice you can add bean sprouts or ask for steamed egg 계란찜 (3,000 won). After you enjoy the dish, you can make fried rice from the leftover sauce. The place is reasonably priced as well. Jukumi is 10,000 won per person and 12,000 won if you want to add pork belly.

FYI> Cost: 8,000 won a person
Open: 11:30am till late
T. 02-720-0608
GO> [ Map 2 C3]

Hongmi Dakbal 홍미닭발
(Sinsa Station area)

Hongmi Dakbal

This place prides themselves on having the spiciest chicken feet in (possibly) the world. When you bite into the chicken feet the burn will start from your lips, surround the mouth, and then shoot right up to your temples. You’ll sweat profusely and get that euphoric spicy high that only spicy food can give you. You have to keep eating until it becomes too much. They have several different weapons to help cool down your mouth: rice balls, steamed egg, and peach juice. Surprisingly, the peach juice works the best. If you are looking to enter a world of pain, I recommend you give this place a try.

FYI> Cost: 4,000–17,000 won
Open: 4:30pm–4:30am
T. 02-545-2119
GO> [ Map 9 B1]

Chicken and Ginseng Rice Porridge at Yeonjuk 연죽

Jongno area

Getting breakfast in Korea can be incredibly difficult if you don’t want to go to a hangover soup restaurant or a fast food joint. However at Yeonjuk at Jongno 3-ga, their business is centered around breakfast. They open at 7am to serve a Korean rice porridge called juk to hungry
guests. They have a delicious chicken and ginseng one called samgyejuk that is served with spicy fermented squid and fish roe and kimchi. The
subtle chicken and creamy rice are accented with the Asian flavor of ginseng. What I really like about this place is that the rice is not too mushy (you can still see the individual grains). Trust me, a bowl of chicken and ginseng porridge will get you more revved up than just lumpy oatmeal.

FYI>                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             T. 02-741-8004
Price: About KRW 8,000

Bongchu Jjimdak with Toasted Rice 봉추찜닭

Bongchu’s black jjimdak sauce is savory, sweet, and spicy and has lots of garlic and ginger. The sauce has many chunks of chicken, tender potatoes, carrots, and thick sweet potato noodles. As you eat it, you’ll feel your forehead start to burn up, but it is so good that you can’t help but eat everything the sauce touches. My favorite vehicle for the sauce is the toasted rice. You should get it near the end of the meal and let the crispy bits soak up some of the remaining sauce—but be sure to not let it get too soggy. The juxtaposing textures of soft and savory makes it an epic end-of-the-meal treat.

FYI>                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             T. 02-318-6981
Price: KRW 10,000/person

Various Chicken Bits at Samgeori Pocha 삼거리포차

Hongdae area

It’s back! Finally, after many years, this famous Hongdae drinking tent restaurant has reopened, and it hasn’t missed a beat. There are still
droves of people waiting outside to get their beer and soju, which they enjoy with various sides such as spicy octopus, assorted tempura, grilled fish, and more. The interior has gotten a facelift (and sadly, so have the prices). Fortunately, the food is still tasty. Plus, they don’t skimp on the chicken. Here you can get spicy chicken feet, fried chicken, and cheesy egg omelets. The atmosphere is kinetic, and it’ll become clear very quickly why Hongdae is the place to party in Korea.

FYI>                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             T. 02-3144-6748
Price: KRW 15,000/person

Itaewon area

If you are looking for some Western-style hot wings, then head over to 3 Alley Pub. Here you’ll get plump wings dipped in a classic hot sauce and butter sauce and served with celery and blue cheese dressing. They also have many other flavors such as BBQ, honey mustard, and teriyaki.

FYI>                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             T. 02-749-3336
Price: KRW 7,000

Itaewon area

Reilly’s Taphouse in Itaewon is serving up an awesome selection of ales and beers (both foreign and domestic) and a dizzying array of gastropub fare. Plus they have dishes made from the chicken and the egg. On their brunch menu there are steak and eggs as well as cereal-crusted french toast. They also have blackened chicken sandwiches and beerbraised chicken wings. But the thing that gets me really excited are the Scotch eggs. They are encrusted in ground pork and bread crumbs, fried, and served with a tangy tomato sauce. These go pretty well with a beer (or three).

FYI>                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             T. 02-792-6570
Price: KRW 10,000

The Frypan: University Project Turned Franchise 프라이팬

Hongdae area

Hongdae University is known as the school for aspiring artists. The scene is eclectic and energetic, and many of the restaurants and eateries in the surrounding area reflect this. The Frypan was started as a school project by a group of university students. Their signature dish is boneless
chicken breast that is breaded and fried and served over a bed of freshly fried potato chips. It is like a battleship of chicken strips and chips. It comes with their “original” mayonnaise/garlic sauce or a spicy chicken sauce. Oh, and their turnip pickles have a curry accent. I give these art students an A+ for their restaurant.

FYI>                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Locations throughout Korea
www.thefrypan.co.kr

Written by Daniel Gray
Photographed by Daniel Gray and Ryu Seunghoo

HONGDAE is constantly growing, and it seems there are always cool new establishments to be discovered. The one problem is that nothing opens early, so it is suggested you sleep in and stay out late.

Breakfast  —————

Coffee Anthracite | 앤트러사이트(무연탄) 

This is a roastery café that is located in a refurbished factory. It has high ceilings and broken-down cinderblock walls that hint at the industrial production that used to take place here long ago. Their coffee is rich and bold. When you are there, you can see the roasters they use to produce their robust beans. There are also some conveyor belts there as well. If you would like, you can even buy some coffee to take home with you. They have a good selections of coffees, such as cappuccinos, lattes, Americanos, as well as pastries (especially bagels) to go along with your dark brew.

FYI>
T. 02-322-0009
Hours: 10am–12am
Price: KRW 5,000–7,000 per drink
(357-6 Hapjeong-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul | 서울시 마포구 합정동 357-6)
GO>
Sangsu Station 상수역 (Line 6), Exit 4

View Larger Map

Lunch  —————

Café Following | 카페 팔로잉 

Café Following is an homage to American diners. Here you can get homey fare like spaghetti and meatballs, club sandwiches, pizzas, and omelets. The place is kitschy and filled with Americana memorabilia. The food is all homemade, and I can tell that it is made from the heart. I would recommend staying away from the spaghetti since it is a bit sweet, the noodles too thick, and the meatballs flavorless. The omelets are good here, and so is the chicken caesar sandwich. This is a good place for hearty fare and, to finish, be sure to their their homemade cakes.

FYI>
T. 02-336-1328
Hours: 11am–10pm
Price: KRW 10,000–14,000 a meal
(396-3 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul | 서울시 마포구 서교동 396-3)
GO>
Hapjeong Station 합정역 (Line 2, 6), Exit 3

View Larger Map

Dinner  —————

Pentagon Kitchen | 오각형키친 

Passing by this place, you might think it was a club instead of a gastropub. Inside you’ll see a DJ thumping beats and hipsters that make excellent mojitos, pizzas, and spinach dips. Their mojitos are tall and full of flavor. The apple mojito had the right amount of mint, apple, rum, and fizz to wet the palate. Their regular and raspberry mojitos were great as well. Their spinach dip is creamy, with the right amount of spinach and garlic. It comes with plenty of toasted pita, so you can dip away until you are full. The pentagon pizza is famous here (they were sold out when I arrived). At Pentagon Kitchen, you can feel the youth, creativity, and energy that Hongdae is famous for.

FYI>
T. 02-3144-0511
Hours: 4pm–late
Price: KRW 12,000 a meal or a cocktail
(396-4 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul | 서울시 마포구 서교동 396-4)
GO>
Hapjeong Station 합정역 (Line 2, 6), Exit 3

View Larger Map
[box_light]

Drinks  —————

I’m a dancing 先生 | 춤선생 

This cool club/bar is one of the most unique spaces in the Hongdae area. They usually have the doors open so you can see the life on the street. Inside are high ceilings lit by chandeliers and orbs like silver balls. There is a long bar that you can sit at or tables if you would like to hang out with your friends. On the second floor is an area for dancing, or you can just dance tableside if you would like. They have a decent menu for a club; they have pizzas, salads, fried stuff, and even dessert. They have an extensive wine, cocktail, champagne, and liquor menu so you can party all night.

FYI>
T. 010-3564-3001
Hours: 6pm–late
Price: KRW 7,000–9,000 a cocktail
(367-12 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul | 서울시 마포구 서교동 367-12)
GO>
Hapjeong Station 합정역 (Line 2, 6), Exit 3 or Sangsu Station 상수역 (Line 6), Exit 1

View Larger Map

Here are my suggestions for a great food day in Seoul.

Photographs provided by Daniel Gray

 [box_info]Breakfast[/box_info]

Art de Chef

Breakfast buffet at Art de Chef at Centermark Hotel. The full-service breakfast at the Centermark Hotel will be sure to get you going. They have a wide selection of juices, coffees, fruits, deli meats, and breads as well as a full omelet station. For those that would like to have a traditional Korean breakfast, they have a nice selection of rice, soup, and side dishes. Start your day off right.

Art de Chef | 아르드셰프

FYI>
T. 02-731-1177, www.artdechef.com
Hours: 7am–10am
Price: KRW 18,000 a person
GO>
(198-42 Gwanhun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul ㅣ서울시 종로구 관훈동 198-42)

크게 보기

Lunch

Knife-cut noodles and dumplings at Soyeon. The noodles here are as fine as silk, and the subtle broth makes this a great lunch. Complete your meal with their plump, steamed dumplings.

Soyeon | 소연

FYI>
T. 02-577-4490
Hours: 11:30am–10pm
Price: KRW 7,000 for noodles
GO>
(149-10 Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul ㅣ서울시 강남구 삼성동 149-10)

크게 보기

Dinner

Charcoal-grilled and marinated tripe at Yeontabal. Tripe is a delicacy, and the high-quality meat at this barbecue restaurant will make you understand why Koreans love this dish. The restaurant offers beef, pork, and stews as well.

Yeontabal | 연타발

FYI>
T. 02-557-9981
Hours: 11:30am–1pm
Price: KRW 8,000 for lunch,
KRW 20,000–35,000 for dinner
GO>
(154-8 Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul ㅣ서울시 강남구 삼성동 154-8)

크게 보기

Dessert

Patbingsu at Beans and Berries. Korean shaved ice topped with freshly cut fruit, rice cakes, ice cream, and sweetened red beans is a vibrant dish to finish out your day of food.

Beans and Berries | 빈스앤베리즈

FYI>
T. 02-556-8459
www.beansnberries.co.kr
Hours: 10am–10pm
Price: KRW 5,000–10,000
GO>
(Dorim Building 158-15, Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul ㅣ서울시 강남구 삼성동 158-15 도림빌딩)

크게 보기

 Tteokbokki

Spicy rice cake tteokbokki at Sindang Station, Exit 6. It is said that the famous tteokbokki originates from this area—you’ll find dozens of shops specializing in this dish. Some are even open early for a breakfast of tteokbokki, fish cake soup, and turnip pickles.

Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town | 신당동 떡볶이골목

FYI>
Hours: Varies
Price: KRW 3,000–10,000 a person
GO>
Sindang Station 신당역 (Line 6), Exit 7

View Larger Map

Hacienda

Guacamole and peach tacos at Hacienda at Itaewon Station, Exit 4. This restaurant specializes in making fresh guacamole to order by using plenty of fresh citrus juice, onions, and a touch of salt. They also make their tortillas from scratch for their tacos.

Hacienda | 하시엔다

FYI>
T. 02-516-3202, T. 070-4405-6322
Hours: 11:30am–10:30pm,
closed Monday
Price: KRW 8,000–15,000
GO>
(128-15 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul | 서울시 용산구 이태원동 128-15)

크게 보기

Yetmat Seoul Bulgogi

Bulgogi at Yetmat Seoul Bulgogi at Gwangheungchang Station, Exit 2. This famous bulgogi place offers beef soup during the day and heaping portions of bulgogi cooked over charcoal at night. The sauce makes the meat tender, and the drippings are used to cook the mushrooms and noodles. Amazing.

Yetmat Seoul Bulgogi | 옛맛서울불고기

FYI>
T. 02-336-9371
Hours: 11:30am–2pm, 5pm–10pm
Price: KRW 6,000 for lunch, KRW 15,000 for dinner
GO>
Gwangheungchang Station 광흥창역 (Line 6), Exit 1. Walk 200 m.
(15-4 Changjeon-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul ㅣ서울시 마포구 창전동 15-4)

크게 보기

Cakes, eclairs, and tarts at Le Four Bakery Studio and Café near Hapjeong Station, Exit 5. Le Four specializes in desserts made in-house by Chef Bangho Kim. Their chocolate cakes are decadent, and I love their fresh fruit tarts. The menu changes regularly.

Le Four Bakery Studio and Café | 르 프흐

FYI>
T. 02-326-6218
Hours: 11am–8pm
Price: KRW 3,000–6,000
GO>
Hapjeong Station 합정역 (Line 6), Exit 7. Turn left and walk 200 m along the alley.
(369-15 Hapjeong-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul ㅣ 서울시 마포구 합정동 369-15)

크게 보기

Go to Butterfinger Pancakes in Apgujeong to get an Americanized breakfast with sausage, pancakes, eggs, hash browns, toast, and a giant cup of coffee. Here the breakfast will fill you up and get you ready.

Butterfinger Pancakes | 버터핑거 팬케잌

FYI>
Cost: 10,000–15,000 won
Open from 10am–10pm
T. 02-3448-1070
(85-6 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul | 서울시 강남구 청담동 85-6)

GO>
Apgujeong Rodeo Station 압구정로데오역 (Bundang Line), Exit 4

크게 보기

Burgers seems to be a trend that won’t die, and new places keep cropping up. Brooklyn: the Burger Joint in Seorae Village is the darling of Korean foodies at the moment. With witty names like C.R.E.A.M. (Cheddar Rules Everything Around Meat) and Napkin Please: Beef Chili and American Cheeseburger, you definitely have to get one of these.

Brooklyn the Burger Joint | 브루클린 더 버거 조인트

FYI>
Cost: 5,000–12,000 won a person
Lunch from 11am–3pm, dinner 5pm–10pm
T. 02-533-7180
(551-32 Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul | 서울시 서초구 반포동 551-32)

GO>
Express Bus Terminal Station 고속터미널역 (Line 3, 7, 9), Exit 5

크게 보기

You can’t leave Korea without trying Korean fried chicken. Reggae Chicken in Hongdae is known for their Bob Marley wannabees, cannabis beer, and blazingly good fried chicken. The breading is light, the chips crisp, and the curried sauce is a top notch pairing.

Reggae Chicken | 레게치킨

FYI>
Cost: 10,000–15,000 won a person
6pm–2am
T. 02-338-3438
(317-19 Sangsu-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul | 서울시 마포구 상수동 317-19)

GO>
Sangsu Station 상수역 (Line 6), Exit 1

크게 보기

ⓒ Seoul Selection

It’s pink overload at Hongdae’s Hello Kitty Café, where everything is pink. You’ll see Hello Kitty everywhere, from the mirrors and furniture to the stairs, tabletops, cakes, and even the lattes. The only place you won’t see her is in the men’s bathroom, which is decorated with Hello Daniel, Hello Kitty’s boyfriend.

Hello Kitty Café | 헬로키티 카페

FYI>
Cost: Under 10,000 won
10am–midnight
T. 02-334-6570
(358-112 Segyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul | 서울시 마포구 서교동 358-112)

GO>
Hongik Univ. Station 홍대입구역 (Line 2, A’REX Line), Exit 9

크게 보기