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What is the Best restaurant in Seoul?
If you’re considering a visit to Seoul, you may be trying to decide which restaurants to visit. With hundreds of delicious restaurants to choose from, it can be hard to narrow down the list to just one. In this guide, we’ll answer the question: what is the best restaurant in Seoul?
Seoul is a city full of legendary restaurants from traditional Korean classics to modern fusion favorites. Choosing a restaurant in Seoul isn’t just about what is delicious; certain neighborhoods specialize in certain dishes, some restaurants focus on local ingredients, and each type of food has its own style.
To make it easier to decide, we’ll break down the best restaurants in Seoul by cuisine. Be sure to book reservations well in advance – some of the most popular spots in Seoul often book up months ahead of time.
Traditional Korean Favorites
When visiting Seoul, you must try some of the famous Korean dishes like bibimbap or bulgogi. One of the best places to get a taste of traditional Korean food is at Edahahn. Located in Itaewon, this restaurant offers classic Korean dishes like jajangmyeon and doenjang jjigae. For a truly memorable meal, try the hahn cubism – a set of five dishes served with steamed rice and banchan.
Seoul Fusion Cuisine
At some of the trendiest restaurants in Seoul, chefs are merging new flavors with traditional recipes to create something truly unique. Seouce, located in Gangnam, has become increasingly popular for its creative fusion of global flavors like Mexican, Japanese and more. The restaurant’s signature dish is the Hainan steak tartare, a meal that combines classic steak tartare with the flavors of Hainan chicken rice. Another must-try spot is Hello Waffle, where diners can enjoy a delicious combination of Mexican and Korean cuisine such as kimchi burritos and ramen tacos.
Local Eateries
For an authentic experience, there’s nothing better than sampling food from a local eatery. Great options include Gantry Hwajang (formerly Gochugaru), a traditional hwajang house near Dongdaemun Market that serves dishes like bibimbap, pajeon and sundae. Another option is Fleamadonna Food Lab in Gangnam, a popular spot where diners can enjoy modern takes on local cuisine such as sweet and sour shrimp.
No matter what kind of food you’re looking for, you’re sure to find something amazing at any of these restaurants in Seoul. From traditional Korean food to exciting fusion cuisines, there is something for everyone to enjoy. For a truly unforgettable dining experience, why not visit multiple restaurants and get a taste of everything that Seoul has to offer?
An Insider’s Guide to Seoul
Seoul is a vibrant and bustling city that offers a unique blend of traditional and modern culture. From its bustling streets and world-renowned cuisine to its ancient temples and palaces, Seoul has something for everyone. In this insider’s guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the best places to eat, attractions to visit, must-see cultural landmarks, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions to make the most of your time in Seoul.
Best Places to Eat in Seoul
Seoul is known for its delicious and diverse cuisine, with many local delicacies worth trying. Here are some of the best places to eat in Seoul:
1. Gwangjang Market – This bustling market is one of the oldest in Seoul and offers a wide range of street food, including bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), and mayak gimbap (miniature rice rolls).
2. Myeongdong Kyoja – This cozy restaurant has been around since 1966 and is famous for its kalguksu (hand-cut noodles) and mandu (dumplings).
3. Jungsik – For a fine dining experience, Jungsik is a must-visit. Chef Jung Sik Yim creates contemporary Korean cuisine with a modern twist.
Attractions to Visit
Seoul is filled with historic landmarks and exciting attractions. Here are some of the top places to visit during your stay:
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace – This 14th-century palace is one of the most famous landmarks in Seoul. Visitors can watch the royal guard changing ceremony or dress up in traditional Korean clothes for a photo op.
2. Namsan Tower – Located at the top of Namsan Mountain, this tower is a popular spot for couples to leave love locks and take in the panoramic views of the city.
3. Bukchon Hanok Village – This traditional Korean village is home to hundreds of hanok (traditional Korean houses). Visitors can observe a once-in-a-lifetime look at what traditional life was like in Seoul.
Cultural Experiences
Seoul has a rich cultural heritage that’s worth exploring. Here are some of the best cultural experiences:
1. Korean Traditional Dance Performance – Watch a traditional Korean dance performance for a night full of culture. The National Gukak Center or Korea House hosts daily performances.
2. Kimchi Making Class – Both instructive and fun, guests can take a kimchi-making class in Seoul to learn how to make the signature Korean dish.
3. Noryangjin Fish Market – An excellent cultural experience is visiting the Noryangjin Fish Market, where food vendors and locals come together in harmony. The seafood selection is vast, and visitors can also buy fresh fish to cook on the spot to their liking.
Local History
Seoul’s rich history is worth exploring for history buffs. Here are some of the best places to visit to learn more about the past:
1. War Memorial of Korea – This museum showcases the history of the Korean War and is a great place to visit to learn about the country’s military background.
2. National Museum of Korea – This museum has thousands of historical artifacts and excellent exhibitions on Korean history and culture spanning more than 5,000 years.
3. Changdeokgung Palace – This UNESCO World Heritage Site impresses visitors with its beautiful architecture and peaceful gardens.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions
While the more popular attractions are worth visiting, Seoul also offers some hidden gems that are worth exploring. Here are some of the off-beaten-path suggestions for exploring Seoul:
1. Ihwa Mural Village – This is a charming unique village that is filled with street art murals and winding alleyways.
2. Seoullo 7017 – This elevated park built on top of an old highway overpass offers a different way of enjoying greenery, and has plenty of places to grab a drink or snack and take in the city views.
3. Seonyudo Park – This old water filtration plant has been converted into a park that showcases the city’s efforts to create more green and public spaces while preserving its industrial past.
In conclusion, Seoul has a lot to offer, with something to suit every taste and interest. Whether you’re looking for delicious food, historic landmarks, cultural experiences, or off-the-beaten-path suggestions, Seoul is a city you won’t forget. Enjoy your trip and happy exploring!
