"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!
Restaurant
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Seongwoo Seoseo Galbi
After a late breakfast on the weekend, I found myself hungry by late afternoon and searched for a delicious eatery near my house. Then I found a G... -
Youngil Bunsik
On Sunday at around 2 pm, I visited Youngil Bunsik in Mullae-dong. It's a spot I've wanted to visit for a long time. Even though it was somewhat a... -
Mi Galmaegisal
We went to Mi Galmaegisal BBQ, which is on the famous Galmaegisal (special pork cut - skirt meat) Alley in the Jongno district (city center). Per...
Cafe
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Maison Ouvert Seoul
Numerous stylish and contemporary cafes are springing up in the Seochon district. I visited the recently opened Maison Ouvert Seoul in the neighbor... -
Felt Coffee (dosan park)
After our lunch near Dosan Park, my husband and I headed to Felt Coffee (Dosan Park), a spot renowned for its excellent coffee. In the heart of A... -
Lowkey (Seongsu store)
Lowkey is an incredibly well-known roastery cafe. It is not far from Seongsu Station and has a park close by, making it a nice place to relax and...
Shopping
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Kasina (seongsu)
One of the places I went to get a new pair of colorful sneakers was Kasina, which is located in the Seongsu-dong neighborhood. 1F A very high c... -
Satur House (seongsu)
Stopping at SATUR House is an absolute must on any trip to Seongsu-dong. The Satur items are beautiful and distinctive, but that's not all. I highl... -
Low Classic
Another great clothing brand I love, Low Classic, opened a new location in Yaksu-dong. Lowclassic is in the Mirae Building, which is an old struct...
Attractions
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Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House)
It was an extremely hot day when we went to see the Blue House. Perhaps it's the recent hot weather or the improved reservation system, but you can... -
Changgyeonggung Palace
Having taken a half-day off work, I decided to take a stroll through the Changgyeonggung Palace. While sipping my coffee and taking in the peaceful... -
Starfield Library (Byul-madang Library)
Starfield Library (Byul-Madang Library) can be found right in the middle of Coex Mall. A public gathering place where people can read, talk, and re...
Hotels
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Ibis Styles Ambassador, Yongsan (Double, Superior)
Even though I visit Seoul fairly frequently, each visit always feels like a long time has passed. Since I didn't have much time on this trip, I cho... -
Conrad Seoul (Premium riverview, King bed)
It was a lovely April Friday in Yeouido Seoul when the cherry blossoms were in full bloom. I went to the Conrad Hotel after viewing the cherry bl... -
Angilsaga
An alley close to Anguk Station is where you'll find Angilsaga Guesthouse. We made extra effort to book this nice place because our friend was fin...
Fun
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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... -
KWANGYA (SM Town)
There is SM entertainment everywhere on Seoul Forest D-Tower. We have KWANGYA as one of them. Oh! Candy Pocket. This, I believe, changes from t... -
Gwangjang Market (with sundae / gimbap / tteokbokki)
Today, we visited Gwangjang Market, one of South Korea's oldest and largest traditional markets. Jongno 5-ga is where you'll find Gwangjang Market....
Thanks for visiting Seoul. We really hope that you have a wonderful time in Seoul.