The 10 Best Restaurants of Seoul

When it comes to exploring new cultures, there is no better way than through their food. Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, is a must-visit destination for any foodie. The city has a longstanding history of nightlife and is bursting with an array of food options. From traditional Korean restaurants to fusion cuisine, Seoul has something for everyone. In this blog post, we are going to take a look at the 10 best restaurants which offer unique and delicious dining experiences.

1. Sky Kingdom

Sky Kingdom is a Korean BBQ restaurant located on the 63rd floor of the 63 Building. With panoramic views of the city, it offers a magical dining experience. Their beef is sourced from the finest farms in Korea, and their menus offer a variety of side dishes that complement the meat perfectly.

2. Gwangjang Market

Gwangjang Market is known for its street food vendors. It is a bustling marketplace where you can find everything from pancakes and noodle dishes to fresh seafood. This is an excellent opportunity to experience traditional Korean cuisine first-hand.

3. Jeonju Jungang Hoekwan

For those who love Korean comfort food, Jeonju Jungang Hoekwan offers the best bibimbap in Seoul. The restaurant serves a traditional style of bibimbap with raw egg and gochujang sauce, which adds a kick of spice.

4. Jungsik

Jungsik offers modern Korean cuisine with a twist. Chef Jung Sik Yim has incorporated his experiences from New York and Spain to create unique dishes such as soybean risotto and galbi beef.

5. Tosokchon Samgyetang

Tosokchon Samgyetang is a restaurant known for its speciality- Samgyetang, a chicken soup dish. The chicken is stuffed with rice, Korean ginseng, and jujube, then cooked for hours to create the flavourful broth.

6. La Yeon

La Yeon is located in the Shilla Hotel, and it is famous for its fine dining experience. The restaurant offers Korean royal cuisine, which means that the dishes are based on the food that was served in the royal court during the Joseon dynasty.

7. Gogung

For those looking for traditional Korean food, Gogung is a must-visit destination. Their galbi and bulgogi are some of the best in the city.

8. Myeongdong Kyoja

If you’re looking for comfort food, then Myeongdong Kyoja is the place for you. They are most famous for their handmade knife-cut noodles, which are served in a delicious broth.

9. Dachae-gol

Dachae-gol is known for its pork belly BBQ. It is a popular spot among locals, and the pork is cooked to perfection, with a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

10. Yang Good

Yang Good is a fusion restaurant that combines Korean and Mexican cuisine. Their bulgogi burrito and kimchi quesadilla have become a popular choice among locals and tourists alike.

In conclusion, Seoul is a city that is brimming with food options that cater to all types of taste buds. From traditional Korean cuisine to fusion food, there is something for everyone to enjoy. These are just ten of the best restaurants in Seoul where you can experience the diverse Korean food culture. So make sure you give them a visit and enjoy these unique culinary experiences!

The Insider’s Guide to Seoul: The Best Attractions, Dining, and Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

Seoul is a fascinating and dynamic city that offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. The city is the capital of South Korea and has a rich cultural history that dates back several centuries. It is also known for its food scene, which has earned Seoul a reputation as one of the world’s best culinary destinations. If you’re planning a trip to Seoul, this insider’s guide will help you make the most of your visit by highlighting the best attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions.

Attractions

Seoul is home to many fascinating attractions that offer a glimpse into Korean culture and history. Here are some must-visit spots:

– Gyeongbokgung Palace: This grand palace was built during the Joseon Dynasty and is now a popular tourist destination. Visitors can witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony and explore the palace grounds, including the beautiful Gyeonghoeru Pavilion.

– Bukchon Hanok Village: This historic village located in the heart of Seoul features traditional Korean houses called hanoks. Visitors can wander the narrow streets and learn about Korean culture and architecture.

– Namsan Tower: This iconic tower offers panoramic views of the city and is a popular spot for couples to leave “love locks” as a symbol of their everlasting love.

Dining

Seoul’s food scene is vibrant and diverse, with everything from street food stalls to upscale dining experiences. Here are the top 10 restaurants in Seoul that you must try:

1. Jungsik: This Michelin-starred restaurant offers contemporary Korean cuisine with a modern twist.

2. Soigné: This French-influenced restaurant is known for its elegant plating and creative flavor combinations.

3. Mingles: This restaurant blends traditional Korean ingredients with modern techniques, resulting in unique dishes that are bursting with flavor.

4. Balwoo Gongyang: This Buddhist temple food restaurant offers vegetarian and vegan dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

5. Gwanghwamun Jip: This restaurant is known for its delicious and authentic samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup).

6. Chanyang Jjip: This restaurant serves up some of the best kalguksu (handmade noodles) and dumplings in the city.

7. Dongwon Jip: This restaurant specializes in doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew), a hearty and flavorful Korean comfort food.

8. Myeongdong Kyoja: This restaurant is famous for its knife-cut noodles and dumplings, which are served in a flavorful broth.

9. Saebyeokjip: This cozy restaurant offers delicious and reasonably priced Korean home-style dishes.

10. Mugunghwa: This restaurant offers traditional Korean set menus that change seasonally, making for a unique dining experience every time.

Cultural Experiences

Seoul offers many opportunities to learn about Korean culture, both past and present. Here are some cultural experiences you don’t want to miss:

– Traditional Korean tea ceremony: Experience the art of Korean tea-making and learn about the significance of tea in Korean culture.

– Korean traditional music and dance performance: Watch a live performance of Korean traditional music and dance, which have been passed down for generations.

– Korean spa experience: Visit a traditional Korean spa, or jjimjilbang, where you can relax in hot tubs, steam rooms, and saunas.

Local History

Seoul has a rich and complex history that is reflected in its many historic sites and museums. Here are some places where visitors can learn about Seoul’s past:

– National Museum of Korea: This museum houses a vast collection of artifacts and artworks that offer insight into Korean history and culture.

– DMZ: Take a tour of the demilitarized zone (DMZ) that separates North and South Korea, and learn about the ongoing conflict between the two countries.

– Seodaemun Prison History Museum: This prison was used to incarcerate Korean independence activists during the Japanese colonial period and is now a museum that tells the stories of those who were imprisoned there.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For those who want to get off the tourist trail and explore some lesser-known spots in Seoul, here are some suggestions:

– Ihwa Mural Village: This neighborhood is covered in colorful murals and is a great place to wander and take photos.

– Tongin Market: This traditional market offers a unique “dosirak” (lunchbox) experience, where customers can select various Korean dishes and pay with “old coins” that can be purchased at the entrance.

– Haneul Park: Located on a hill overlooking Seoul, this park is a peaceful escape from the city and features a beautiful field of reeds.

In conclusion, Seoul is a city that is full of surprises and has something for everyone. From its rich cultural history, world-class dining scene, and unique attractions, to its off-the-beaten-path experiences, there is no shortage of things to explore and discover in this exciting and dynamic city.