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(Jung-gu) , Euljiro・Chungmuro・Namsan

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.        


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Seoul City Hall・Gwanghwamun

Special Noodles from Japan! Inaniwa Yosuke Inaniwa Yosuke, located near Seoul City Hall, is Korea's branch of a restaurant named Sato Yosuke in Japan that has been specializing in udon for the past 350 years. As one of the top three must-eat udon in Japan, inaniwa udon featured at these restaurants is characterized by thin, flat noodles that have a chewy texture. Their signature menus are seiro udon and wagyu udon. Seiro udon is served cold with two different types of sauce to dip your noodles in: the tsuyu sauce and the sesame miso sauce. Each sauce has its own unique flavor that will stimulate your tastebuds. On the other hand, wagyu udon is served in a hot soup. The chewy noodles topped with meat served in a bowl of hot soup are enough for a hearty meal.  The recommended side menu to go along with the noodles is shrimp cream croquette. The smooth cream and shrimp filling covered with a crispy crust is as popular as the restaurant's prized udon. The restaurant also sells inaniwa udon noodles and their special sauces separately for inaniwa udon at home or as an excellent gift. ☞ Address: 6, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul ☞ Operating hours: 11:00-23:00 (Closed on Sundays) ☞ Menu and price: Seiro Soy Sauce and Sesame Miso Tsuyu Udon 9,000 won / Wagyu Udon 15,000 won / Shrimp Cream Croquette 8,000 won (Prices based on lunch. Prices may vary for dinner) ☞ Website: www.food-biz.or.kr/inaniwa (Korean only)        


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

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.  


Seoul(Mapo-gu) , Hongik-University-Area

Mopsi is a popular dessert cafe in Hongdae. Its first branch specializes in chocolate cakes whearas the second branch specializes in cheese cakes. In particular, Mopsi's first branch is popular among women in their twenties with their fresh chocolate cakes baked upon order. Closed  Tuesdays Operating Hours  Weekdays 14:00-23:00 Weekends 13:30-23:00 * Last order 22:00 Menu  Some menu items may differ slightly in price and are subject to change without notice. ㆍChocolate Cake ㆍChocolate drinks ㆍCoffee ㆍTea, etc. Credit Cards  Accepted  


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(Yeongdeungpo-gu) , Yeouido・Yeongdeungpo・Mapo

Owned by the parents of Lee Hi, Lamese Cadeau specializes in Korean seafood dishes. The K-pop star’s favorite food on the menu is the ganjang-gejang (soy sauce-marinated crabs) made with fresh crabs sourced from the Incheon sea shore. The ganjang-gejang meal is served with several side dishes (banchan), featuring locally-sourced conch, abalone, and seaweed. Upon request, the dishes can be delivered directly from the restaurant. As for the interior, a large poster of Lee Hi hangs by the entrance while autographs of Lee’s fellow artists from YG Entertainment―such as Bobby and Lee Soo-hyun―decorate the walls.  


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong

A Taste of Korean Street Food in Myeongdong: Shinsegae Tteokbokki A Culinary Tradition Spanning 46 Years With over 46 years of history, Shinsegae Tteokbokki has long been cherished by both locals and visitors to Seoul. Frequently featured on various TV programs and media outlets, this time-honored eatery has earned a solid reputation, attracting domestic and international tourists looking to experience authentic Korean flavors. Experience Local Korean Cuisine For those visiting Seoul and eager to sample Korean street food, Shinsegae Tteokbokki in Myeongdong offers a convenient and reliable choice. Myeongdong is known for its shopping, dining, and close proximity to many of Seoul’s popular tourist attractions, making this location ideal for first-time visitors. Menu and Pricing * Tteokbokki: 5,000 KRW * Sundae (Korean blood sausage): 5,000 KRW * Mandu (dumplings): 3,000 KRW * Odeng (fish cake): 3,000 KRW Practical and Accessible The restaurant’s straightforward menu is suitable for newcomers to Korean cuisine. Nestled in Myeongdong’s tourist-friendly area, Shinsegae Tteokbokki makes it easy to incorporate a taste of local street food into your Seoul itinerary. A Simple Stop on Your Travel Route Whether you’re browsing nearby shops, exploring K-Beauty products, or just passing through Myeongdong, a visit to Shinsegae Tteokbokki offers a grounded introduction to everyday Korean flavors. Add this stop to gain a more authentic understanding of Seoul’s culinary scene, enriched by decades of tradition and media acclaim.


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

Kwonsooksoo gets its name from the chef who opened the restaurant and sooksoo, the old word for "a person who makes food." Chef Kwon Woo Joong opened the restaurant with the hope of showcasing the tastes of Korean homecooked meals in a new way, neither old fashioned nor awkward.  


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.