Where to Eat and Explore in Korea: A Local’s Guide
Hi there! This is Jenny from E’pume Studio! Born and raised in Korea, I travel back every year to visit my family. While my usual content is about flowers and floral design, I’ve had so many friends ask me for Korea travel tips, especially about where to eat and what to explore.
So, I thought—why not share my personal recommendations? Whether you’re planning a trip to Seoul or just dreaming about visiting, here’s a comprehensive guide to some of the best high-end restaurants, must-visit Korean BBQ spots, hidden gems, and trendy neighborhoods.
Recommended Restaurants in Seoul
High-end Restaurants in Seoul
Seoul’s fine dining scene is incredible, with a mix of traditional Korean, fusion, and Michelin-starred restaurants. What’s even better? No tipping in Korea—so Michelin-starred dining is often more affordable compared to the U.S.
💡 Pro Tip: These restaurants require reservations in advance. Use the “Catch Table” app or call ahead to book your spot.
Mosu (모수) – A contemporary Korean fine dining restaurant, highly acclaimed, almost impossible to book but you should try your luck! This is the restaurant by the Culinary Class Wars Judge Anh Sung-jae!
Solbam (솔밤) – A mix of Korean and French cuisine with seasonal tasting menus. One of my favorite restaurants in Seoul
Kwon Sook Soo (권숙수) – Elegant traditional Korean cuisine with a modern twist.
Alla Prima (알라 프리마) – French contemporary fine dining with artistic plating. Another favorite restaurant of mine!
Mingles (밍글스) – A fusion of Korean and European flavors, one of the best restaurants in Seoul. They just earned 3 Michelin stars!
Zero Complex (제로 콤플렉스) – Innovative French-Korean cuisine, great wine pairings.
L’impression (림프레션) – Beautifully presented modern French-Korean cuisine.
7th Door (일곱번째 문) – A Korean molecular gastronomy experience.
Best Korean BBQ Spots in Seoul
Korean BBQ is a must when visiting Korea! While you honestly won’t go wrong with any BBQ spot, here are some of the most famous places:
Mong Tan (몽탄) – One of the most popular BBQ restaurants in Seoul. Be on the waitlist and come back when it’s your turn!
Geumdwaeji Sikdang (금돼지식당) – Award-winning pork BBQ, super juicy cuts.
San Chung (산청) – Amazing Korean BBQ, known for high-quality meats and a more relaxed, local atmosphere. It’s worth the wait!
Other Must-Try Korean Food
Beyond BBQ and fine dining, Seoul is home to legendary local restaurants that serve authentic, must-try Korean dishes. Here are some of the most famous spots to add to your food itinerary!
Myeongdong Kyoja (명동교자) – Famous for handmade kalguksu (knife-cut noodles) served in a rich chicken broth. Their dumplings (mandu) are also a must-try.
Woo Lae Oak (우래옥) – One of Seoul’s oldest restaurants, known for its North Korean-style naengmyeon (cold noodles) and grilled beef.
Pro Ganjang Gejang (프로간장게장) – The most famous spot for soy-marinated raw crab, a must-try Korean delicacy. The marinated crabs are incredibly fresh and melt in your mouth!
Jinmi Sikdang (진미식당) – Another legendary place for ganjang gejang, slightly less touristy than Pro Ganjang Gejang.
Tosokchon Samgyetang (토속촌 삼계탕) – The most famous place for ginseng chicken soup, located near Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Best Neighborhoods to Explore in Seoul
Ikseon-dong (익선동): Old Meets New
A charming area with restored hanok (traditional Korean houses) turned into cafés and boutiques.
Cheong Su Dang (청수당) – Famous for matcha desserts and a peaceful hanok setting.
Salt Bread Bakery (소금빵 베이커리) – One of the best salt breads in Seoul!
Gonggan Gap (공간갑) - Lots of cool menu items (a bit of walk from Ikseon-dong). The main photo of the pudding bingsoo is from here!
Seongsu (성수동): Seoul’s Brooklyn
Seongsu is known for artsy cafés, flagship stores, and pop-ups.
Dior Seongsu (디올 성수) – One of the most popular spots in Seoul right now.
Daelim Changgo (대림창고) – A cool café & art space in a former warehouse.
Olive Young Seongsu Flagship Store – A huge beauty & skincare store with exclusive products and a high-tech shopping experience. You will be able to find almost all the K-beauty products here. It’s HUGE! I can easily spend an hour here trying all the products :)
Dosan Park: Luxury & Cafés
This area is home to high-end boutiques and trendy cafés.
Gentle Monster Flagship Store – A must-visit for fashion lovers and it’s cheaper in Korea!
Nudake (at Gentle Monster) – Avant-garde desserts in an art gallery-style space. They have some unique desserts.
Carmel Coffee – A sleek coffee shop with minimalistic aesthetics.
London Bagel Museum (런던 베이글 뮤지엄) – The most famous bagel shop in Korea right now. Expect long lines, but the bagels are worth it!
Gwangjang Market (광장시장): Street Food
One of the most famous traditional markets in Korea.
Sundae (순대) – Korean blood sausage, best with spicy dipping salt.
Tteokbokki (떡볶이) – Chewy rice cakes in a spicy, sweet, and savory gochujang-based sauce. Perfect street food!
Kalguksu (칼국수) & Janchi Guksu (잔치국수) – Handmade noodles served in hot broth or a light soy-based sauce.
COEX Mall: Shopping & Starfield Library
A massive underground shopping complex featuring:
Starfield Library (별마당 도서관) – An Instagram-famous open library with towering bookshelves.
Luxury shopping & department stores - COEX mall is like a maze lol Lots of shops and things to do!
Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁): Korean Royal History
The most iconic palace in Korea, a must-visit for history lovers.
Wear Hanbok (한복) and get free entry to the palace.
Don’t miss the royal guard changing ceremony at the main gate.
Visit nearby Bukchon Hanok Village for beautiful traditional Korean houses and cafés.
Things to Do in Seoul (Beyond Eating & Shopping!)
Seoul isn’t just about food and shopping—there are plenty of fun, unique experiences to try! Whether you’re into beauty, pop culture, or local activities, here are some must-try experiences in Seoul beyond the usual tourist attractions.
1. Take Cute Photos at Self-Photo Booths 📸
Self-photo booths are extremely popular in Korea, and they’re a fun way to capture memories! You can take vintage-style or K-pop-inspired photo strips with friends.
Popular Self-Photo Booth Chains (There are so many on the streets! Just pick any):
Insaeng Ne Cut (인생네컷) – The most famous self-photo booth, found all over Korea.
Photoism (포토이즘) – Offers different filters and fun backgrounds.
Haru Film (하루필름) – Vintage-style photo booth with soft, film-like tones.
2. Get a Personal Color Analysis 🎨
Personal color analysis is a huge trend in Korea, where experts determine which color palette suits your skin tone the best. The results can help you choose makeup, fashion, and hair colors that enhance your natural beauty.
3. Take a Korean Makeup Class 💄
Korean beauty is famous worldwide, and learning how to achieve a flawless K-beauty look from professionals is a fun experience! Many classes are tourist-friendly and offer one-on-one coaching.
4. Pamper Yourself with a Korean Skincare Treatment 🧖♀️
Korea is famous for advanced skincare, and trying a luxurious facial treatment while in Seoul is a must! Whether you want a hydrating facial, LED therapy, or a rejuvenating spa treatment, there’s something for everyone.
5. Visit a Korean Fortune Teller (Saju or Tarot Reading) 🔮
Want to know what your future holds? Fortune-telling is a big part of Korean culture, and many locals visit Saju (사주, traditional fortune-telling based on birthdate) or Tarot readers.
Other Useful Tips for Traveling in Korea
1. Navigation: Google Maps Doesn’t Work Well in Korea
Google Maps has limited functionality in Korea due to government regulations, so it’s not reliable for directions.
Instead, download Naver Maps or Kakao Maps before your trip. Both apps have English language settings and are much more accurate for walking, driving, and public transit directions.
💡 Tip: Set your map app to English before arriving so it’s easier to use!
2. Transportation: Uber & Kakao Taxi
Uber works in Korea, but Kakao Taxi is the most popular taxi app in Korea. It works similarly to Uber and is easy to use. You can pay with a credit card or in cash.
3. Public Transportation is Extremely Efficient
Seoul’s subway system is one of the best in the world—it’s fast, clean, and easy to navigate. Signs and announcements are in English, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese, so it’s tourist-friendly.
The T-Money card is a rechargeable transit card that works for buses, subways, and even taxis. You can buy one at convenience stores or subway stations.
4. Late-Night Culture: Seoul Never Sleeps
Many restaurants, cafes, and convenience stores are open late, and some are even 24/7.
Popular late-night activities include eating Korean BBQ, visiting night markets, or going to karaoke (noraebang, 노래방).
Convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) are everywhere and offer everything from quick meals to drinks and skincare products.
5. Café Culture: Coffee After Every Meal
Koreans love cafes, and it’s common to grab a coffee after every meal, even late at night.
You’ll find cafes on every corner, ranging from trendy Instagram-worthy spots to quiet study cafes.
6. Cash vs. Credit Card: Korea is Mostly Cashless
Credit cards are widely accepted, even for small transactions.
However, some traditional markets and small food stalls may be cash-only, so it’s good to carry a small amount of Korean won (KRW).
7. No Tipping Culture
There is no tipping in Korea! Restaurants, taxis, and cafes do not expect tips, and leaving one may even be confusing for locals.
Some high-end hotels or international restaurants may add a service charge, but it’s already included in the bill.
8. Free Wi-Fi is Everywhere
Korea has some of the fastest internet speeds in the world, and free Wi-Fi is available in most cafes, subways, and public areas.
If you need constant internet access, consider renting a pocket Wi-Fi or getting a Korean SIM card for data.
9. Shopping: Bring Your Passport for Tax Refunds
Foreigners can get a tax refund when shopping in Korea at participating stores (usually labeled "Tax-Free").
If you spend over 30,000 KRW (~$22) in one transaction, you can claim your tax refund at the airport before leaving.
10. Trash Rules: Finding a Trash Can is Hard!
Public trash cans are rare in Korea, so you may need to carry your trash with you until you find one.
Recycling is strict—if you stay in an Airbnb or hotel, separate your trash into food waste, recyclables, and general waste.
