Seoul(Jung-gu) , Euljiro・Chungmuro・Namsan

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.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

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.  


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

After Korea gained independence from Japan in 1945, the former president Lee Seungman and his wife lived in their house called Ihwajang. Even though he moved out of the house after he was elected the first president of Korea, he used to return and visit for walks in the garden. After he relinquished his appointment as president, he stayed here for a while before coming to America as an exile.Ihwajang house consisted of the bonchae, or the main building, which was where Lee Seungman and his wife’s living quarters were, jogakdang(president’s office area) and other buildings. Jogakdang, the president’s office area, is a small and narrow building but it is an important historical place where he had a conference to form the first Korean ministry. Ihwajang house shows the change of Korean traditional house under Japanese control. 


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

K-makeup artist Jung Saem Mool, who has been working with numerous Hallyu stars has opened up a flagship store in the Garosu-gil area. Jung’s skills and expertise as a seasoned makeup artist, consultant and entrepreneur with twenty eight years of industry experience are well-reflected in the store. Comprised of three floors with varying themes, Jung Saem Mool Plops offers brand showcases, beauty classes as well as a charming cosmetics-themed garden. Makeup products that are loved by Jun Ji-hyun, Kim Tae-hee, Song Hye-kyo, Lee Min-jung and Han Ga-in can be found at the store.  


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

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.  


Seoul(Dongdaemun-gu) , Dongdaemun

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  


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

A once in a lifetime opportunity to learn the secrets to preparing royal Korean court food is currently being offered through Korea’s National Palace Museum. Inside the walls of the Gyeongbokgung Palace garden, this unique cooking class offers hands-on preparation of traditional dishes, a privilege allowed only to the highest ranked servants called “suragan choigo sanggung.” This three-month intensive program held each Friday, and lasting for an hour and a half, offers participants a step-by-step introduction into the culinary world of Joseon royalty (1392-1910). This traditional Korean culinary course covers twelve different types of royal court dishes that were offered up to the king. Renowned for using the freshest and the most valuable ingredients from all over the country, the menu will delight modern palettes as well. Spots should be reserved online prior to the beginning of the first class. This course is taught in Korean, however non-Korean speakers are welcome to request the help of a guide made available by the palace museum upon reservation. The enrollment fee covers ingredients ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 won per dish, due monthly. Expect the total to amount to 50,000 to 60,000 won. Prepared by chefs of the highest caliber, the mistress presiding over the royal kitchen or “choigo sanggung,” used only the most rare and valuable ingredients from across Korea. Each recipe was kept secret, made available only to the top chef of the royal kitchen or “suragan.” An expert in court food instructs the Royal Court Food Cooking Experience at the National Palace Museum of Korea, presenting over 50 different dishes once enjoyed by the kings of Joseon.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong

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. 


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Euljiro・Chungmuro・Namsan

Hyundai Residence is located in Chungmuro, mecca of Korean culture, art and movie industry, and provides homely rooms and outstanding view. Various kinds of room provide the best environment for business and family tourists and all rooms are equipped with washing machine, refrigerator and high speed Internet. Located in the middle of Myeong-dong, Euljiro, and Namdaemun Market, Hyundai Residence is in the center of all kinds of tourisms including what to see and what to eat.


Seoul(Seongbuk-gu) , Daehangno・Seongbukdong

Suyeonsanbang, a traditional Korean tea house located in Seongbuk-dong, was originally the house where the late Korean author Lee Tae-Jun wrote many of his books. Now, his estate has opened Suyeonsanbang’s doors to the public in the form of a charming and peaceful tea house. Famous for its savory tea, beautiful nature, and rich history, Suyeonsanbang has been covered by a variety of foreign media outlets like NHK (Japan), BBC (UK), French TV channels, and numerous Japanese magazines. To take a break during the summer heat, visitors come to Suyeonsanbang to try their patbingsu (shaved ice with red beans), one of its summer specialties. So come relax and be inspired in this traditional Hanok tea house.