"Seoul was once one of Asia's most underrated cities, but thanks to the Korean pop culture wave that has swept the fashion and entertainment industries from Beijing to Bangkok recent years, the South Korean capital is currently reveling in a tourism boom."
- Justin Bergman <The New York Times>
Good restaurants, cafes and shopping spots in Seoul where locals frequent
When traveling with limited time, every choice matters. Seoulshopper was created to share the places locals truly love and frequent, from hidden cafés to must-try restaurants. We hope every traveler leaves Korea with unforgettable experiences and lasting memories.
Welcome to Seoul. Share this with any Bibimbap or Kimchi lover!
Restaurant
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Gobau (bbq)
Today I visited Gobau (Dongmyo, Seoul), a famous beef barbecue restaurant in Jongno.The moment I arrived, it felt like stepping back in time; the r... -
Jangsu Bossam
In Euljiro, Seoul, there’s this long-standing restaurant called Jangsu Bossam, and the pork there was so tender and flavorful that I left complete... -
Heejeong Sikdang
A rainy weekend evening in Yeouido. I found myself descending to the basement level of a shopping arcade, where I was greeted by a timeworn eater...
Attractions
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Bukchon Asian Art Museum
I’d love to introduce the Bukchon Asian (Oriental) Art Museum (Bukchon, Seoul), a place I discovered after being captivated by the beauty of tradi... -
Seokjojeon (Deoksugung Palace)
I often visit Deoksugung Palace for a walk and have admired Seokjojeon Hall only from the outside, but this time, I finally joined a guided tour th... -
Jongmyo Shrine
Right in the heart of Seoul, not far from Jongno 3-ga Station, lies Jongmyo Shrine — the royal ancestral shrine of the Joseon Dynasty. It’s a Confu...
Cafe
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Observatory Cafe (Darak)
After having lunch with a friend in Euljiro, I stepped outside to find a sky so clear and blue that it felt almost unreal. It was the perfect day t... -
ACR (Alegria Coffee Roasters)
One of my favorite cafés in Gwanghwamun (Seoul) is Alegria. Since I always carry my laptop, I naturally prefer cafés with a bit more space over the... -
Moscent (Yongsan store)
Lately, café-hopping has become a small but meaningful part of my daily life, especially those places that look like they could be good. I love rev...
Fun
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SMTOWN LIVE 2025
SM Entertainment’s 30th-anniversary concert, SMTOWN LIVE 2025! At first, I booked a seat on the first floor, but later exchanged it for the seco... -
G-Dragon 2025 World Tour [Ubermensch]
After eight long years, G-DRAGON finally returned with his solo concert, and I got to see the second show. It was absolutely incredible. Even bef... -
T1 Base Camp (pc room)
I was once really into TFT (Teamfight tactics) gaming and was watching a few videos on YouTube, and at some point, the algorithm kicked in and star...
Shopping
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Point of View (seongsu)
Lately, I’ve been exploring different neighborhoods in Seoul, and today, I’m sharing my experience at Point of View, a specialty stationery shop l... -
Nonfiction (samcheong store)
It had been ages since I last visited Samcheong-dong, a place I used to frequent but hadn’t been to in a while due to my changing routines. This ti... -
H559 (outlet)
I recently came across an exciting announcement on Instagram that Sculp Store has opened an outlet store called H559. This store offers discounted...
Hotels
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Voco (Myeongdong)
Lately, I’ve been craving a staycation, somewhere near Seoul, where I could lounge around with a book, enjoy a peaceful morning swim, and take a b... -
Hangaroum
While searching for a charming Hanok (traditional Korean house) accommodation to host an overnight party with friends, I stumbled upon Hangaroum, a... -
Stay Dayoff
During my recent trip to Seoul, my friends and I spent a night at During my recent trip to Seoul, my friends and I spent a night at Hanok (Korean t...
Tips
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Google Map / Naver Map / Kakao Map
When you travel in Korea, one of the first apps you might open is Google Maps. It works perfectly almost everywhere in the world — from navigation ... -
WiFi Router / eSIM (Incheon Airport)
Staying Connected in Korea Made Simple When you land in Korea, one of the first things you need is reliable internet. Whether it’s checking maps,... -
Luggage Lockers (Seoul station)
When it comes to train stations in Korea, Seoul Station is the first one that comes to mind. It’s super spacious, always crowded 24/7, and just fe...