Loved by fans from all over Asia, Super Junior has been an A-list K-pop star for almost a decade now. A lesser known fact about the group is that the charming and witty member Kim Hee-chul has refined interest in food. One of the restaurants in Seoul that he has recommended is Solbin Superdog located in the Apgujeong Rodeo Street. On the menu are tacos, hot dogs and rice bowls. The foodie K-pop singer’s favorite menu item is the spicy dog, which is extremely hot yet highly addictive. The signature dish is the galbi (grilled beef ribs) rice, which comes with nachos, sour cream, jalapeño peppers and vegetables.  

Gaemijip is a word-of-mouth restaurant featuring nakji bokkeum (spicy stir- fried baby octopus) and spicy seafood stew.

Imun Seolnongtang has been serving its hearty seolleongtang for nearly a hundred years since it first opened in 1907. Even its name has a long history: the word imun comes from Imun-gol, the now-obsolete name of the restaurant’s location, and seolnongtang, an old variation of the word seolleongtang. During the Japanese colonial rule, the restaurant’s regular customers included Gijeong Son, the marathon gold-medalist at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. To make the rich seolleongtang broth, beef meat and bones are simmered for more than 15 hours. Try putting rice and minced green onion in your seolleongtang for a warm and tasty experience. Kkakttugi (diced radish kimchi), provided as a side dish, is also delicious. TIP: Kkakttugi and kimchi are available through self-service. Pay for your meal in advance.

Located in the between Garosu-gil in Sinsa-dong and Apgujeong Station, Dduksim Hanu – Apgujeong Branch is famous among local visitors as well as foreign visitors. Supplied with products from the main office, the fresh beef, including special parts of beef and the cuts especially suitable for being grilled, are provided at reasonable prices. Unlike usual meat restaurants, the interior is like a café, featuring a cozy ambience perfect for attracting foreign visitors.

Zelen in Itaewon is the only Bulgarian restaurant in Korea. Bulgarian foods are rich in lactic acid and are generally characterized by a salty taste, even the bread, with flavorful meat dishes as a mainstay. Zelen offers a menu of authentic Bulgarian cuisine, including a variety of savory pork dishes seasoned with Bulgarian seasonings.  

Dawon is a tea house that operates in a hanok (traditional Korean house). Located in the busy tourist area of Insa-dong, this place offers the visitors a moment to relax and find peace in the city. When seated, greenery and flowers in the private garden make for a nice view while sipping tea and snacking on Korean desserts like assorted ttoek (rice cakes). There are many teas available, with more than 15 varieties, all of which originate from Korea. Dawon's peaceful atmosphere and authentic experience make it a must visit for anyone in the Insa-dong area.

Yangchulbuk Restaurant is a casual eatery specializing in Korean-style beef intestine barbecue. Its branch located in Seongnae-dong is owned by the parents of Park Shin-hye, a talented K-star who has been the lead in several K-dramas, including The Heirs, Doctor Crush, and Pinocchio. Portraits of the K-star and figurines of her beloved puppies are displayed inside the restaurant. Ingredients are sourced daily from local meat suppliers and side dishes (banchan), including the mukbap (chilled acorn jelly rice soup) are made in-house every day. In her free time Park Shin-hye is known to enjoy dining at the restaurant with her colleagues.  

K-star Yoo Yeon-seok, who has starred in K-dramas Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim, K-show We Kid, and musical Hedwig, is the owner of this three-story venue. Complete with floor to ceiling windows, the bar on the 7th floor offers panoramic views of the Itaewon area, while the cozy rooftop seating on the 8th floor is perfect for date nights. The 6th floor features a beautiful banquet room which has hosted various trendy K-stars’ private parties. Reservations are required for special events.  

               

Internationally renowned as a Michelin three-star chef, Pierre Gagnaire opened his Seoul restaurant, Pierre Gagnaire à Seoul, on October 1, 2008. This is his fourth restaurant following those restaurants in Paris, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. In fact, he was once ranked first among the 100 top chefs in the world. It offers French cuisine featuring innovative and diverse preparation methods with an added artistic touch.