Seoul(Seocho-gu) , Gangnam・Samseongdong(COEX)

Din Tai Fung Korea was named one the World’s Top 10 Restaurants by the New York Times. This restaurant chain has branches in Japan, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, and other Asian cities as well as in Los Angeles, USA. The Korea branch features handmade xiao long bao made of fresh ingredients from Korea and top quality dumpling stuffing. The dough only weighs 5g while the juicy stuffing weighs 16g. There are exactly 18 creases on the skin to add to the taste. It’s particularly popular among tourists from Taiwan, Japan, and other Asian countries.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

In an alley near the Embassy of the Republic of Poland, the Italian restaurant The Hanok Smith Likes can be found. The restaurant is famous for serving homemade Italian cuisine in traditional Korean house in Samcheong-dong.The Smith in the restaurant’s name refers to a blacksmith as well as Mr. Smith which is a common name like Cheolsu in Korea. The restaurant decided to pick the name Smith with the second meaning in mind. So, the concept is that Mr. Smith who is a virtual person cooks his favorite dishes in a hanok. One of the interesting aspects about this restaurant is that they serve hwadeok pizza (brick oven pizza) and pastas which are not the Korean dishes one might expect given the hanok exterior. They also serve salads, risotto, steak and wine at the restaurant. Particularly, the nighttime atmosphere of the restaurant offers a more serene and cozy experience thanks to the traditional hanok architecture.


Seoul(Gangnam-gu) , Apgujeong・Cheongdamdong

White Bear Makgeolli Bar & Brewery offers the largest selection of traditional Korean liquors in the country; boasting over 180 different varieties. The bar and brewery is located near Apgujeong Rodeo Street. The selection of liquors available is truly vast, with everything from the well-known to the obscure. The selection includes varieties of takju (unrefined rice wine), varieties of cheongju (refined rice wine) and soju. The culinary offerings tend toward fusion rather than traditional Korean fare. The menu offers anju (snacks) as well as entrees that pair well with traditional liquors. Craft beer is also sold on the B1 level.    


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong


4.0/1
Seoul(Jung-gu) , Euljiro・Chungmuro・Namsan

Libuk Sonmandu restaurant is located deep in the alleys behind Seoul City Hall in the Mugyo-dong area. It is famous for Kimchimaribap and Sonmandu (handmade dumplings). Kimchimaribap is rice in a soup of kimchi and ice cubes with various added flavorings that originated in North Korea. This is a refreshing dish for summer. Other items on the menu are Bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) and Mandujeongol (dumpling hot pot).


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Bugeogukjip (formerly “Teojutgol”) is a restaurant behind City Hall in Seoul that has been serving up authentic dried Pollack soup since 1968. Despite a name change, the restaurant has proudly stood in this same location for decades, earning a strong reputation for its dried Pollack soup made using traditional cooking methods. Since the restaurant only serves one thing—dried Pollack soup—there are few preparations to be made and the meal arrives on your table in minutes. Customers are free to serve themselves basic side dishes such as kimchi and can have as many servings of rice as they’d like, allowing diners to enjoy a hearty meal at a low price. While the restaurant’s design and menu may be simple, Bugeogukjip takes pride in its long history and the careful efforts that have earned it a reputation as one of the most notable restaurants in Seoul.  


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Founded and opened by Monk Jeongsan, Sanchon is a vegan-friendly restaurant that mainly serves temple foods. The dishes found here are a results of Kim Yun-sik, who was inspired by the simple, clean and healthy diet that a Buddhist practitioner taught him years ago. Now, being a top authority on vegetarian food in Korea, Kim Yun-sik helped perfect the standard and quality of temple food.  The dishes are made with all natural ingredients such as vegetables and mountain herbs, and are cooked without chemical additives. The actual dishes served vary by season, and in order to meet the tastes of the general public, the restaurant includes "five spices" (garlic, shallots, mountain leeks, etc.), which monks are typically not allowed to eat. Those who would like their food without these ingredients are asked to make their request at least one day prior to visiting.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Located in Insa-dong in Jongno, Tobang is a folk restaurant offering affordably priced meals. It is widely known through word-of-mouth and is particularly beloved for its Sundubu Jjigae (soft tofu stew) and Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi stew). The rice and all the side dishes (except for the pickled crab) can be refilled for free upon request.


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

The restaurant's signature dishes include a selection of items that do not include any of the 'five' forbidden roots (leeks, garlic, wild rocambole, Korean leeks, asafoetida) or artificial flavors. Pan-fried dough and fritters are tasty dishes dipped in potato starch and glutinous rice flour, instead of wheat flour. The restaurant uses organic vegetables delivered directly from the farm. 


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Luden Loquen SPACE (Cafe LN) is a unique hanok cafe, located at the end of the alley where Bukcheon Hanok Village starts. The cafe is not just an average café where you can drink tea or coffee but because of location and design it has an added sense of cultural value. Locals come to enjoy the best tea in town, brewed using high quality tea leaves with information on its origin attached. (For example, the gukhwa-cha (chrysanthemum tea) at the café comes from the Andong region.) In addition to traditional drinks and sweets, the coffee shop offers a variety treats that combines Korean ingredients and modern desserts. The hanok (traditional Korean house) building has been reinterpreted through a modern design.