"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!
Shopping
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Recto
Just wanted to drop by and check out the new Recto Flagship Store in Hannam-dong. Honestly, I don’t shop much at Recto, so I wasn’t really into t... -
Parsnips
Delphic, famous for its tea, has launched this lifestyle boutique Parsnips in Bukchon. You may find a curated selection of home goods on the firs... -
MO-NO-HA
From the garden entrance, the Monoha Hannam showroom is incredibly picturesque. Supposedly, Kim Jong-chan, the renowned head gardener of ‘The Gard...
Attractions
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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,... -
Jeongdong Observatory
Outside, everyone is now wearing winter apparel. Due to the unpredictable recent weather, it was unable to straighten up clothing. Sadly my favori...
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 near Anguk Station in Ikseon-dong. I also wanted to tour the city during my st...
Restaurant
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Onjium (1-star Michelin)
Onjium is a fine dining restaurant that I have been to many times, probably 2-3 times a year. I guess my first visit was back in 2018. From my expe... -
Mils
Opening in December 2023, Mills in Seongsu-dong is known for its delicious sausage buns. Although it's in Seongsu-dong, it's near Ttukseom Hangang ... -
Tampa
Tampa, which first opened in Yeonam-dong back in October 2015, is a spot where you can grab some tasty Cuban sandwiches. They say the name comes ...
Cafe
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Gabaedo
Gabaedo (Namdaemun Market Store) is located in a historical Hanok-style building built during the Japanese colonial period and is currently the onl... -
Dongbaekhun
Following an enjoyable day in Anguk-dong in the scorching summer heat, we headed to the neighboring Dongbaekheon Cafe in Samcheonggak for some deli... -
House of Vinyl (Yeonhui)
Located in Yeonhui-dong, the third House of Vinyl cafe after Yeonnam-dong and Mangwon-dong. I thoroughly enjoyed the serene and peaceful ambianc...
Fun
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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... -
Hyundai Card Music Library
A building with a fascinating exterior caught my eye as I strolled down the main street in Hannam-dong. Wow, what is this? While walking down the...