What are the Best Restaurants in Seoul?

Seoul is one of the most exciting cities in South Korea. With so much to explore and experience, there’s no wonder why millions of people call Seoul their home. One of the main attractions in Seoul is the amazing food — from traditional meals to modern street cuisine, there’s something for everyone. So if you’re looking for delicious eats in the city, here is our guide for the best restaurants in Seoul.

The first recommendation has to be traditional Korean restaurants. As with any other country, one of the best ways to get acquainted with a culture is through its cuisine. So if you’re wanting to sample some of the classic dishes that originated here, then you’re in luck! Popular Korean restaurants in Seoul include Samgyetang, Daepoongtang, and Budnamujip. These three spots will provide you with a taste of authentic Korean fare and local flavors.

For those who prefer international tastes, there are also plenty of options in Seoul. One of the most popular cuisines here in the city is Italian food. Popular Italian restaurants that should be on your list include Mecano Bene, Aroma1893, and Civico23. These restaurants serve up some of the most delicious and fresh Italian dishes that Seoul has to offer.

Speaking of fresh and delicious, there are also several seafood restaurants in Seoul that should be on your list. Whether it’s fresh sushi or grilled seafood, these restaurants will provide you with a truly unique experience for your taste buds. Popular places for seafood include Songomaru, Seafood Story, and Hangaramjip Sea.

Finally, no trip to Seoul is complete without a visit to one of the city’s many vegetarian restaurants! Whether you’re vegan or just looking for some healthy options, Seoul has some of the best vegetarian spots around — including Vego Café, Romaku Vegan Bakery, and GansoGeuJah. At these spots, you’ll find some of the most flavorful plant-based dishes you can imagine — so don’t forget to give them a try!

We hope our guide for some of the best restaurants in Seoul has helped you plan your next food-filled trip! With so many awesome cuisines on offer, it’ll be hard to try them all in one go — but we think it’s worth a try! Our personal favorite has to be traditional Korean food, so don’t forget to check out some of the places we mentioned above — they’re some of the best in Seoul!

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

Seoul is not only the capital city of South Korea but also a vibrant center of culture and history. Known for its bustling streets, vibrant nightlife, historic landmarks, and most importantly, amazing food, Seoul is a must-visit destination for travelers around the world. In this insider’s guide, we will explore some of the best places to eat, things to do, cultural experiences to have, local history to learn, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions to make your trip to Seoul unforgettable.

Best Restaurants in Seoul

Seoul is a food lover’s paradise, and it’s no surprise that it has some of the best restaurants in Asia. From street food stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants, there is something for everyone. Here are some of our top picks:

– Jungsik: This two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Gangnam is a must-visit for foodies. It offers a unique modern Korean tasting menu that blends traditional Korean ingredients with modern cooking techniques.
– Gwangjang Market: One of the oldest and largest traditional markets in Seoul, Gwangjang is a foodie’s paradise. It’s famous for its street food, especially its crispy mung bean pancakes, live octopus, and rice cakes.
– Myeongdong Kyoja: This is a no-frills restaurant serving some of the best dumplings and noodles in Seoul. The pork dumplings and kalguksu (knife-cut noodles) are a must-try.
– Dalgona: This is a cozy restaurant in Hongdae specializing in Korean-style fried chicken. The crispy chicken is served with a variety of delicious sauces, including soy garlic and spicy.
– Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market: This is a seasonal night market located at various locations throughout Seoul. It’s a great place to try a variety of Korean street food and snacks, such as tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), kimbap (rice rolls), and fried snacks.

Attractions in Seoul

Seoul has a rich history and culture, and it’s evident in its many historic landmarks, temples, and museums. Here are some of the top attractions:

– Gyeongbokgung Palace: This is the largest and most famous royal palace in Seoul, built in the 14th century. It’s surrounded by picturesque gardens and is a popular spot for photo opportunities.
– Bukchon Hanok Village: This is a traditional Korean village located in the heart of Seoul. It’s famous for its well-preserved hanok (traditional Korean houses) and narrow alleyways.
– Namsan Seoul Tower: This is a 236-meter tower located on Namsan Mountain that offers an incredible panoramic view of the city. It’s a popular spot for tourists to take photos.
– Seoul Museum of Art: This is a contemporary art museum located in the heart of Seoul. It’s known for its impressive collection of Korean and international contemporary art.
– Changdeokgung Palace: This is another historic royal palace built in the 15th century. It’s famous for its beautiful gardens and architecture.

Cultural Experiences in Seoul

Seoul has a rich cultural heritage, and there are many opportunities to experience it firsthand. Here are some of the best cultural experiences:

– Korean tea ceremony: Several tea houses in Seoul offer traditional Korean tea ceremonies. These provide an opportunity to learn about Korean tea culture and enjoy a relaxing cup of tea.
– Korean cooking classes: Several cooking schools in Seoul offer hands-on classes that teach participants how to cook Korean dishes.
– K-pop dance classes: Seoul is the birthplace of K-pop, and there are several dance schools that offer K-pop dance classes. These provide an opportunity to learn popular K-pop dance routines and channel your inner K-pop star.
– Korean martial arts classes: Seoul is also the birthplace of several martial arts, including Taekwondo. Many schools offer martial arts classes, providing the opportunity to learn about Korean martial arts and culture.
– Traditional Korean music performance: There are several venues in Seoul where you can enjoy traditional Korean music performances. These include traditional performances, such as pansori (Korean folk opera) and samulnori (traditional percussion music).

Local History in Seoul

Seoul has a rich and complex history, and there are many opportunities to learn about it. Here are some of the best places to explore local history:

– National Museum of Korea: This is the largest museum in South Korea and is dedicated to Korean history and culture. It’s home to over 220,000 artifacts, including many National Treasures.
– War Memorial of Korea: This museum is dedicated to the Korean War and the sacrifices made by the Korean people during the conflict. It’s located near Yongsan Station and offers a sobering but educational experience.
– The Independence Hall of Korea: This museum is dedicated to the Korean independence movement and the Korean War. It’s located in Cheonan, about an hour’s drive from Seoul, and provides a fascinating look at Korea’s modern history.
– The 3.1 Independence Movement Memorial Hall: This museum is located in Seoul and is dedicated to the 3.1 Independence Movement, a pivotal moment in Korea’s struggle for independence from Japan.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions in Seoul

For those who want to explore beyond the typical tourist attractions, here are some off-the-beaten-path suggestions:

– Ikseon-dong: This is a historic neighborhood located near Jongno, famous for its well-preserved hanok houses and trendy cafes.
– Naksan Park: This park is located near Dongdaemun and offers a stunning view of the city. It’s a great spot for hiking and exploring.
– Bukhansan National Park: This national park is located just outside of Seoul and offers incredible hiking opportunities and stunning views of the city.
– Seonyudo Park: This peaceful park is located on an island in the Han River and is a great spot for a picnic or a leisurely walk.
– Seodaemun Prison History Museum: This museum is located in the heart of Seoul and is dedicated to the history of the Seodaemun Prison, a symbol of Korean resistance during Japanese colonial rule.

In conclusion, Seoul is a city with something for everyone. It’s a food lover’s paradise, a cultural and historical hub, and a bustling modern metropolis. Whether you’re interested in exploring its trendy neighborhoods or ancient temples, taking in some K-pop or digging into its rich history, Seoul is an unforgettable destination that should be on every traveler’s list.