"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
-
Gebang Sikdang (seongsu)
A Singaporean friend who recently visited Korea showed me a photo and said she wanted to visit this place. Gebang Sikdang in Seongsu-dong was the ... -
Hwanggeum Kongbat
I looked for a restaurant that has tofu stew after giving some thought to healthy food choices. Everyone in the group agreed to go to Hwanggeum Kon... -
Solbam (1-Star Michelin)
Located on the second level of the Baekyoung Building, Solbam is a Michelin-starred Korean Fine Dining restaurant. To reach this culinary gem, simp...
Fun
-
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...
Attractions
-
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... -
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...
Cafe
-
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... -
Camel Coffee No.3 (Dosan)
Camel Coffee, with its sophisticated ambiance and vintage vibe, is a popular destination for those seeking a refined coffee experience. Near Dosan... -
Komfortabel (namsan)
Being close to both Seoul Station and Haebangchon area makes Cafe Komfortabel a regular stop for me. After having only been there in the evening...
Shopping
-
KITH (seongsu)
On Friday, I went to Seongsu-dong to get my hair done and toured some showrooms I'd wanted to visit for a long time. I’ll start with the new store ... -
Sienne (seongsu)
All the well-known brands are setting up flagship stores in Seongsu-dong these days. Among them, I visited one of my favorite Sienne Boutique. Let'... -
AndersonC (seongsu store)
Today, I had the pleasure of visiting AndersonC Seongsu, a renowned vintage furniture store in Korea. Whenever I strolled down Seongsu-Dong, I alw...
Hotels
-
Ryse Autograph Collection (hongdae)
As one of Seoul's iconic neighborhoods and a cultural pioneer for South Korea, Hongdae represents the city's youthful energy. Punks, who rebelled a... -
Aloft (myeongdong)
There are a lot of hotels in Myeongdong, but when it comes to accessibility, facilities, and value for money, just a handful of them get good revi... -
Josun Palace Seoul (Grand Masters Room, King bed)
Last weekend, I enjoyed a relaxing hotel staycation at Josun Palace Seoul. We were accommodated in a Grand Masters King Room for our visit. Guests...