"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 places in Seoul where locals go
When traveling with limited time, we always want to choose and visit delicious, attractive, and satisfying locations. Seoulshopper would like to introduce the places that the locals really like, not the places that have become famous for advertisements and sponsorships from travel agencies.
Welcome to Seoul. Share this with any Bibimbap or Kimchi lover!
Cafe
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Café Elak
When people think of Sindang-dong, many think of the famous Sindang-dong Tteokbokki. But for me, when I think of Sindang-dong now, this place comes... -
Brewing Ceremony
Seongsu-dong, now younger than ever. Even late on a Sunday afternoon, the area was packed with people. From adults to young people, everyone in S... -
Holang-I (seochon store)
Holang-I (Tiger) Coffee, known for its tasty lattes in Euljiro (city center), has now opened up in Seochon. We thought the opening time was 12 p...
Restaurant
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Anam
The word Gukbap (pork rice soup) gives me a sense of comfort and stability. I don't think there are many men who live and work in Seoul who dislike... -
Yeonggwang Bossam
Seoul is truly a city of diverse neighborhoods, each filled with iconic and long-standing eateries. Some places are so popular that it’s hard even ... -
Eulmildae (main store)
Mapo is a neighborhood known for an overwhelming variety of delicious food, making it hard to decide where to go. Among all the great options, one...
Tips
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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... -
Luggage Lockers (Hongdae)
A perfect guide to using luggage storage (lockers) when visiting Hongdae, Yeonnam-dong, and Yeonhui-dong in Seoul. Hongik University Station is a ... -
Free luggage storage lockers (The Hyundai Seoul, Yeouido)
While in Seoul last week, I stayed in Yeouido, so after checking out of my hotel, I headed to The Hyundai Seoul (department store). I considered le...
Shopping
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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... -
Worksout (apgujeong store)
Worksout (Apgujeong, Seoul) is one of the most successful companies in Korea's fashion distribution market. Beyond running its own curated shops, ... -
Khakis (yeonhui store)
This week, I went to Yeonhui-dong and checked out a fantastic concept store called Khakis. This shopping spot is incredibly well-known, but I just ...
Attractions
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Namsan (Autumn Season, Seoul Tower)
As autumn arrives, the recent pictures of maple leaves and ginkgo trees that people have taken were so gorgeous. I had been thinking that I should... -
National Museum of Korea
Even though I grew up in Seoul and totally love exhibitions, galleries, and art museums, this is my first time visiting the National Museum of Ko... -
Seoul Chaekbogo
It was an extremely hot day. Thankfully, my destination was not far from the subway station. Upon stepping out of the Jamsilnaru station's Exit 1,...
Fun
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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... -
Sinheung Market (Haebangchon)
Maybe the wet season is about to start, the weather is already really humid. It's been a long time since I last visited Haebangchon. As always, t... -
Namdaemun Market
This past week, I worked too much, so I wanted to relax this weekend. But now that the new season has begun, I'm sick of not being able to see th...
Hotels
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Hangaroum
While looking for a charming Hanok (Korean traditional house) accommodation to host an overnight party with friends, I found a place called Hangaro... -
Stay Dayoff
In Seochon, Seoul, I spent one night at a Hanok (Korean traditional houses or architecture) accommodation called Stay-Dayoff with my friends. Thank... -
Hanok Hotel Daam
On a business trip to Seoul, I chose to stay at the Hanok Hotel Daam (Anguk, Seoul) near Anguk Station in Ikseon-dong. I also wanted to tour the ci...