A FEAST FOR YOUR EYES
Devour some of Seoul’s finest views, and the cuisine that comes with them 

Written by Loren Cotter

Seoul is a skyscraper city with ample opportunities for dining in a picturesque setting. Whether you are at a peak of the metropolis’s surrounding mountain landscapes or south of the river in the hectic hub of Gangnam, you can undoubtedly discover an epic view of the Hangang River, hanok rooftops, or majestic skyscrapers. Uncover the cream of the crop through our guide to the most scene-stealing sights in the city and the restaurants from which to gaze upon them.

[box_light]Indulge with a sight of the Hangang, Seoul’s resplendent river[/box_light]

Walking On The Cloud, located near the top of the golden-faced 63 Building, is one high-rise dining option close to the Hangang River. Based in Yeouido, the view from the restaurant is truly dramatic—and the international menu has a price tag to match. An evening at the 59th floor location will set you back between KRW 96,000–230,000 for a multicourse set meal. The crayfish starter comes highly recommended, however, as does the magnificent view.

For more affordable fare at KRW 44,000 for an evening spread, Viking (T. 02-782-3344), an international buffet restaurant, has an excellent vista of the National Assembly at Yeouido—and the Hangang River behind it—from its 20th floor windows.

Looking for somewhere a little closer to the water? A Season of Secret Garden (T. 02-413-5535), an Italian floating restaurant and wine bar in Jamsil’s dock, is situated right on the Hangang itself, with full-length windows emphasizing the aquatic view. While the restaurant’s flashy exterior and interior decor may not be to everyone’s taste, the beautiful river landscape will be. Skip the overpriced desert (KRW 12,000) and make your way to one of nine cafes situated on the six bridges linking southern and northern Seoul afterwards.

Our top choice is Gureum Café (T. 02-3476-7999), where you can consume a soft drink or alcoholic beverage along with a spontaneous pork cutlet or steak meal while taking in Banpo Bridge’s Moonlight Rainbow Fountain Show from spring to autumn.

Walking On The Cloud (59F) | 워킹온더클라우드

FYI>
T. 02-789-5904
www.63restaurant.co.kr, www.63wotc.co.kr
(60 Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul | 서울시 영등포구 여의도동 60)
GO>
Yeouinaru Station 여의나루역 (Line 5), Exit 4 or Saetgang Station 샛강역 (Line 9), Exit 1

View Larger Map

While downtown Itaewon has many a rooftop bar, the preeminent views in this zone can be found on higher grounds. The elite viewing spot near the notorious foreigner district is of course at Namsan Tower. The view at the North Seoul Tower is especially astonishing from the N Grill (T. 02- 3455-9297) restaurant, a high-class eatery with a Michelin-starred head chef, serving French food in a pleasant, rotating restaurant.

The Grand Hyatt Hotel’s The Terrace (T. 02-799-8166), with its international buffet and a la carte dining, also boasts excellent views of central Seoul. During spring to autumn, customers can dine on the quaint veranda and enjoy a stunning outlook of Hangang River. Akasaka (T. 02-799-8164), the Hyatt’s Japanese dining spot, displays a fix of visual nourishment from its full-length windows, too. Private dining is available for both restaurants and guarantees a view, but reservations are recommended.

Near the Hyatt is Rufxxx (T. 02-511-2570), this writer’s favorite bar in Seoul. Hidden in the alleyways of Gyeongnidan, a stone’s throw away from Itaewon, Rufxxx is an artist’s former studio that serves simple meals on its first floor. While you cannot dine with a view at this establishment, you can look forward to drinking an after-dinner cocktail on a rooftop that boasts the stunning sight of Mt. Namsan and the Yongsan district.

Il Vino Rosso (T. 02-7540-0113), a classic Italian restaurant, is located near the base of Mt. Namsan and has its own garden. Not only can you get a backyard view, you can also book a table with a Seoul scene below it.

Dominic (T. 02-790-7558), a swanky steakhouse near Hangangjin Station, has floor-to-ceiling back windows overlooking the rooftops of Hannam-dong. While the view won’t take your breath away, it is pleasant, and the sumptuous steak dishes are recommended by local food bloggers.

The Terrace (1F) | 더 테라스

FYI>
T. 02-799-8166
http://seoul.grand.hyatt.kr
(322 Sowol-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul | 서울시 용산구 소월로 322)
GO>
Hangangjin Station 한강진역 (Line 6), Exit 1

View Larger Map

[box_light]Samcheong-dong brings visual pleasure from its quaint hanoks and rooftops[/box_light]

International dining spot Romanee Conti (T. 02-722-1633) in Samcheong-dong is hanok heaven, set slightly further back up the hill in a rustic, comfortable setting with floor seating. Try to nab the best seat at the window to eat dishes such as coq au vin with a view of Mt. Bukhansan’s peak.

Baedongbaji (T. 02-777-9696), a well-priced hansik, home-style restaurant, is tucked away in the alleyways leading up from the main Samcheong-dong drag and can be difficult to find. When you do finally locate the beautifully traditional restaurant, you will be utterly charmed by its quaint interior, peaceful atmosphere, and friendly owner. To consume with a perfectly framed tableau of Mt. Bukhansan, ask for one of the two upstairs rooms that face the mountain.

The Restaurant (T. 02-735-8441), located next to Kukje Gallery, is more costly at up to KRW 148,000 for a 12-course Korean banquet, but has a beautiful, modern interior with a large window overlooking a portion of the outer wall of Gyeongbokgung Palace.

For outdoor eating, Café Breezin (T. 02-722-8120), a desert and coffee shop serving the usual waffles and honey bread, possesses a lovely open rooftop with a street and mountain view. The superlative panorama in the local area, unfortunately, does not serve dinner.

Go for post-supper drinks at wine and coffee bar Fatum’s outdoor terrace (T. 02-739-9888). Set higher than other shops in the area, Fatum provides a 180-degree panoramic view encompassing the older architecture in the vicinity of Samcheong-dong and some of the higher parts of Gyeongbokgung Palace, all the way down to Seoul’s modern skyscrapers. It can get a little chilly on the balcony due to the height, but blankets are provided, and customers can always move to an indoor, lower floor, where the views are still exquisite—especially if you manage to catch a particularly stunning sunset.

Fatum | 파튬

FYI>
T. 02-739-9888
(63-15 Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul | 서울시 종로구 삼청동 63-15)
GO>
Anguk Station 안국역 (Line 3), Exit 1

View Larger Map

One of the best views in the Gangnam area is from the 52nd floor of the COEX’s InterContinental Hotel at the sumptuously decorated Marco Polo (T. 02-559-7620) Asian and Mediterranean restaurant. The window-facing booths compete with tables at the modern 30th floor Sky Lounge (T. 02- 3430-8630) for some of the greatest vistas of Seoul’s illustrious district.

Another local restaurant with a scenic outlook is Arancio (T. 02-3400- 7200), a 26th floor Italian brasserie near Yeoksam Station where pasta dishes start at KRW 25,000. The owners of this eatery are said to have spent KRW 20,000,000 on their orange-tinted lighting, deliberately chosen to recreate the natural radiance of Tuscany. While the food at Arancio is not spectacular, it is reasonably priced considering the view is anything but mundane. Make sure to call ahead to reserve seating besides the windows. Seoul’s most glamorous ward also plays host to restaurants with some offbeat views.

Charming Italian brasserie Buona Sera (T. 02-543-6668) and Asian fusion restaurant Zen Hideaway (T. 02-541-1461) both include leafy indoor gardens in the midst of their Apgujeong establishments.

On a sunny day, Korean restaurant Samwon Garden (T. 02-548-3030) is a worthy choice for a relaxing meal in gorgeous surroundings. Eat outdoors in the traditional garden with its waterfall and fishponds while flexing your chopstick skills on some tasty galbi and bulgogi.

Sky Lounge (30F) | 스카이 라운지

FYI>
T. 02-3430-8630
www.iccoex.com/eng/rest/list.do
(159 Samseong 1-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul | 서울시 강남구 삼성1동 159)
GO>
Samseong Station 삼성역 (Line 2), Exit 5 or 6

View Larger Map

THIS FINANCIAL DISTRICT MIXES BUSINESS WITH A LITTLE PLEASURE

Written and photographed by James Kim

When discussing attractions, shopping, things to do, or places to hang out, Yeouido tends to be at the bottom of the list, if on the list at all. This is due to the fact that Yeouido serves as the main business and financial district of Seoul. The draw to Yeouido tends to be seasonal, with people flocking here in the spring to see the cherry blossoms or in the summer to stroll or bike through Yeouido Park. For the most part, however, the island has a reputation of being a bit of a ghost town after work hours and on the weekends. Things are starting to change, though, and with the 63 Building and the new addition of the trendy IFC Mall, Yeouido is a great destination in Seoul this winter season.

63 BUILDING (63 CITY) | 63빌딩 (63시티)

One of the most well-recognized landmarks along the Hangang River is the 63 Building in Yeouido. When it was built at the height of Korea’s economic boom in 1985, it stood as the tallest building in the world outside of North America, reaching over 240 m high. From the ground level, it is actually 60 stories high, with three floors underground.
There is more to the 63 Building than the fancy golden reflective glass panels that span the outer surface of the building. It is quite a sight to see, especially during the day when the sun brings out its golden glow, but the 63 Building has reasons to shine from the inside as well. Inside, three attractions are offered: 63 Sea World, 63 IMAX theater, and 63 Wax Museum, all located in the basement levels. Visitors have the option of choosing one of the attractions or purchasing a Big Three ticket (33,000 won) to see them all. If you have the whole afternoon free, these attractions are the perfect way to spend it.
A great option for young visitors, or just animal lovers in general, is 63 Sea World. It was Korea’s first aquarium and holds over 20,000 marine creatures such as tropical fish, stingrays, eels, tortoises, and penguins. Visitors to 63 Sea World can watch sea lion shows as well. The tanks are impressive, and there is even a section where you can see the marine life through the glass fl oor as you walk along.
The IMAX theater in the 63 Building is another great attraction. The showings run every 50 minutes, and they play documentaries that are meant for the IMAX experience. This winter season, the 63 IMAX is showing a visually stunning film on the Grand Canyon. For those who have not had a chance to take part in an IMAX experience, the 63 IMAX will not disappoint.
Rounding out the Big Three is the Wax Museum. Here you will be able to find wax replicas of many famous figures, as well as famous Korean celebrities that many international visitors might recognize. For a unique souvenir, try out the Wax-Your-Hand Experience, which allows you to make a wax replica of your hand that you can paint and take home with you.

Of course, while the basement level has a lot to offer, a trip to the 63 Building would not be complete without going up to the top, where one can find 63 SkyArt. After taking the glass elevator up to the 60th floor, visitors are taken through a beautiful art gallery that is host to both domestic and international pieces. The star of 63 SkyArt, however, is the view of Seoul, which can be seen from all sides. Because of its prime location in Yeouido, visitors have arguably the best view of both the Hangang River and Namsan Tower. SkyArt has a café and a souvenir shop as well. If you only have time to do one thing at the 63 Building, it would have to be a visit to the top.
Taking advantage of the spectacular views that the 63 Building offers are restaurants located on the 57th, 58th, and 59th floors. There are Korean and international restaurants to cater to everyone, whether you are there with family, friends, or a special someone.

GO>
Yeouinaru Station 여의나루역 (Line 5), Exit 4 or Saetgang Station 샛강역 (Line 9), Exit 3.[/box_light]

크게 보기

 
 
 
IFC MALL | IFC몰

The newest mall addition in Seoul is the IFC Mall, labeled as the first international- style mall in Korea. There are no department stores here, as one might be accustomed to in Korea. The whole mall is underground and can be accessed from street level or underground via Yeouido Station 여의도역 (Lines 5, 9).

From the outside, all that can be seen is the glass pavilion that provides natural lighting throughout the majority of the mall, particularly its two main atriums. Although the mall is completely indoors, it gives off a bit of an open-air feel as you browse around.

The mall is made up of three floors. The lowest level is mainly dining, and shoppers can find an impressive food court as well as establishments such as On The Border, Tomatillo, The Steak House, and M-Pub. This level is also home to a CGV,where visitors can take a break from shopping to enjoy the latest flicks.

The retail offerings at the IFC Mall are first class. While there aren’t any high- end stores, popular international brands like Zara, Gap, H&M, Lacoste, and Mango can be found here. Two stores that really stand out are Hollister and Banana Republic—the IFC Mall serves as home to both of their flagship stores. The Hollister store is the fi rst in Korea, and if you are familiar with the store, it is set up exactly as it is in the United States. Banana Republic is another brand with a loyal following, and many expats will be glad to have access to it here in Seoul.

IFC MALL | IFC몰
FYI>
Hours: 10m–10pm
T. 02-6137-5000
www.ifcmallseoul.com
(23 Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul | 서울시 영등포구 여의도동 23)

GO>
Yeouinaru Station 여의나루역 (Line 5), Exit 1 or Yeouido Station 여의도역 (Lines 5, 9), Exits 3 or 4.

크게 보기

While Yeouido is still known as a district of business and finance, the 63 Building and the IFC Mall give us good reasons to onsider the island a new evening or weekend destination this winter.

WHERE TO EAT:
63 Buffet Pavilion: One of the largest buffets in Korea, with over 200 international dishes.
Restaurants on the 57–59th fl oors: With this view, you can’t go wrong.
IFC Food Court: Wide variety of choices, from gourmet burgers to Vietnamese cuisine.

WHERE TO DRINK:
M-Pub, IFC Mall: Great selection of local and international beer, on tap and bottled.
Try to catch some live music gigs.
Walking on the Cloud Bar: Enjoy a glass of wine while taking in Seoul’s nighttime skyline.