Seochon Traditional Sundae Soup House is considered a must-visit destination. It was shown in the Korean drama series, “Doctors, as a restaurant owned by the father of the main character, Yoo Hye Jung (actress: Park Shin Hye). It is known for its special deep-tasting beef broth, which they brew with marrowbone for 24 hours. Its old-fashioned, traditional style Hanok architecture and its neat interior evokes the Korean traditional castle: Gyeongbokgung and its surroundings. Not only is the Sundae Soup first in its class, the in-house Kimchi is one of the best in its category as well. After the meal, don’t forget to take a photo where the “Doctors” couple, Jiho-Hyejung, enjoyed rice soup.  

This Jokbal Street restaurant has a history of over 50 years, and the elderly white-haired proprietor has been running the business the entire time. Basketball players who play a game at the Jangchung Gymnasium visit the restaurant. When it first opened, the price of jokbal (steamed pork hock) was 150 won and the bindaetteok (mung-bean pancake), 10 won. Back then, the food was a luxury that students couldn’t even dream of buying, but now everyone can afford it. The taste of jokbal here is special: firstly because the trotters are transported to the restaurant immediately, and also because of the restaurant’s unique broth. The meat is extremely chewy and the delicately flavored fat melts in your mouth like ice cream. For a treat that cannot be enjoyed anywhere else, the owner hints that the large serving is much more delicious than the small one.

Thick and rich broth makes a good impression here. Boiled chicken with ginseng (Samgyetang) gives a soft and tender taste with glutinous rice, chestnuts, ginseng and Chinese dates. The rich flavor of ginseng liquor, fried chicken gizzard, cubed white radishes, cabbage kimchi, and garlic with Korean hot pepper paste makes this dish even better. *Best Korean Restauranta as designated by The Seoul Metropolitan Government  

Opened during the remodeling of Myeong-dong Cathedral, Bistro 74 is a Korean Western fusion restaurant located at the first floor of the Myeong-dong Cathedral. Its feature dishes like fusion rice and quality-made sandwiches, and it’s a great place to enjoy a cup of coffee. Its terrace is especially popular as a place to peacefully enjoy the sites and people of Myeong-dong, and they also do take-out. 

Caocaoboom is a handmade chocolate shop. The Itaewon branch is famous for its traditional Italian gelato created by 1st generation chocolatier.  

Among the many Thai restaurants in Itaewon, you’ll experience the most authentic Thai cuisine here. Run by the Baiyoke Hotel of Thailand, the mouth-watering food and wonderful service bring customers back often. Most of the cooks and employees have come from Thailand to work here. A typical Thai dish is tom yam kung (spicy shrimp soup). Various spices are added to give this dish its remarkably unique flavor. People who have tried the cuisine for the first time might need some time to get accustomed to the taste, but once they do, they’ll want more. Delicately spiced noodles, which are sautéed with various vegetables as well as beef or chicken, go well with tom yam kung. TIP: Since the restaurant is managed by Itaewon Hotel, there is a surtax of 10% and a service fee of 10% which are added to the bill.

Dongbingo makes great-tasting traditional patbingsu using only milk, red beans and rice cake. Many find the rather chunky and sweet red bean sauce to be very addictive.  

Located in Buam-dong, Seoul, Jaha Sonmandu (자하손만두) is a restaurant specializing in Korean hand-made stuffed dumplings. Though the restaurant’s exterior is that of a classic restaurant, the succulent flavors of the food are reminiscent of grandma’s cooking—timeless and full of love. Main dishes include Mulmandu (boiled Mandu), Pyeonsu (vegetarian dumplings stuffed with mushrooms and cucumbers), Kimchi Mandu and Mandu Jeongol (Mandu cooked with various vegetables in a casserole). In addition to Mandu, there are Bindaetteok (mung-bean pancakes) and Kongguksu (cold noodles in finely crushed beans). Unlike other Mandu restaurants, Jaha Son Mandu features a course meal named “Jaha sangcharim.” Make sure to have a drink of Makgeolli or Bokbunjaju (liquor made of wild mountain raspberry) with your mandu for a perfect taste combination.  

Dduksim Hanu - Gwanghwamun Branch offers outstanding Korean beef at an exceptional price. The interior of the restaurant is also very attractive, bringing the beauty and liveliness of nature inside. The restaurant has rooms of various sizes ranging enough seating for groups as large as 50 people, to rooms for just two people for a private dining experience. Dduksim Hanu is the perfect location for VIP dinners, family outings, company dinners and more.

Bongraeheon serves savory royal Korean dishes in a great natural environment. It was designated a Proud Korean Restaurant in 2007 by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. It is located in a traditional Korean building built by Lee Il-gu, a master carpenter and Human Cultural Property who participated in the restoration of Gyeongbokgung Palace. With high ceilings, the whole building has a soothing smell of pine. It’s a popular place for business dining as well as the first meeting between the parents of soon-to-be bride and groom. The restaurant specializes in course meals including gujeolpan, geonoljeolpan, sinseonno, jeonbokcho, hanbang kkorijjim, and stone baked mushrooms.