5.0/1
Seoul(Jung-gu)

Yeongyang Center main branch is a 52 year-old specialty restaurant in Myeongdong. It specializes in samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) and tongdak (roasted chicken). In 1960, Yeongyang Center has started to sell tongdak roasted on an electric rotisserie. Since then, the crisp and not-at-all greasy taste has attracted popularity among local Koreans and it has become a must-visit restaurant among foreign tourists. They use chickens provided by directly owned chicken farm and the owner of the restaurant thoroughly manages all the process of cooking even from the ingredients preparation level. Their main menus are samgyetang and tongdak. The Samgyetang features its tender meat and thick broth after boiling for 2 hours and the tongdak features crispy and not-fatty taste of the well-drained chicken. Among the menus, sansam Samgyetang stuffed with wild ginseng powder is the most be-loved menu.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

The signature markings of the Presidential Residence of Cheong Wa Dae are its blue tiles. It is the first thing that catches one's attention upon entering the premises. The blue tiles and the smooth roof blend beautifully with Mt. Bugaksan in the backdrop. The unique buildings of Cheong Wa Dae are comprised of the Main Office, Yeongbingwan (Guest House), Chunchugwan (Spring and Autumn Pavilion), Nokjiwon (Green grass), the Mugunghwa (Rose of Sharon) Valley, and the Seven Palaces. It is interesting to see that these buildings all have distinctive shapes. They are unique and beautifully designed, built in the Korean traditional style. The blue tiles and the smooth curve shape of the main office roofs are elegantly built. Approximately 150 thousand tiles compose the roof of the Blue House. Each were baked individually which make them strong enough to be used for hundreds of years. If you turn to the right you will see Chunchugwan. The roof of Chunchugwan was made of earthen tiles. This is where the president's press conferences are held. On the left side of the main office, there is the Yeongbingwan. It was designed to hold large conferences and official events for foreign guests. You can walk along Nokjiwon and the Mugunghwa Valley. At Nokjiwon a succession of presidents planted trees on memorial occasions. There is one famous tree which is 310 years old. The Mugunghwa Valley has colorful flowers, a fountain, and a phoenix statue, which makes it perfect for taking pictures. It is best to visit here between July and October when the Mugunghwa flowers bloom. A walk around the paths just outside the Blue House grounds is a pleasure as the surroundings are peaceful and beautiful. The paths follow Gyeongbokgung Palace to the Blue House and to Samcheong-dong Park. The walk from the East Gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace to the Blue House is the most beautiful part. With the road in the middle, there is the Gyeongbokgung Palace stone wall on the left and galleries and old buildings on the right. The stone wall of Gyeongbokgung Palace is scattered with beautiful old trees that will comfort you. Across the street are Hyundai Gallery, Geumho Gallery and other famous galleries and stylish cafes. Of the many nice cafes and restaurants, there is "The Restaurant." Its interior is modern and one side of the building is a glass wall where you can enjoy viewing the scenery and the stonewall alley while dining. After you pass this area, and before you reach the Blue House, turn to the right and you will reach Samcheong-dong Park. There are also many famous restaurants and galleries in the area.


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

3CE opened its flagship store in March 2015 at Lotte Department Store Bundang Branch. The first exclusive shop also opened later at Sinsa-dong Garosu-gil Road. 3CE Cinema is a movie-themed cosmetics store. Make-up booths with colorful lighting and props in cute baby pink colors will make the visitors feel as if they've become actresses.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Samcheongdong・The Northern Part of the Seoul

Eunnamu specializes in accessories, focusing on the beauty of simple nature and natural lines. It applies Korean traditional patterns to its accessories. The main materials used are sterling silver and quality gemstones. Because every product goes through the delicate hands of our artists, it boasts unique designs and touches not easily seen in other products.


4.5/2
Seoul(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong

Baekje Samgyetang has been serving delicious pots of samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) for the past 40 years in Myeong-dong, where it is crowded with people. The restaurant had been introduced in various books and magazines and was also featured on television programs. Many tourists are drawn due to the widespread media coverage of the restaurant. Statistically, about 80% of the restaurant's customers are from Japan and China.    


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

The Korean Embroidery Museum, which was founded in 1976, is privately funded by Heo Dong-Hwa, and is a place where you can view the artistry of women from the Joseon Period. Embroidery is a picture drawn on leather or cloth using needle and thread. Displayed in this museum are about 1000 works of embroidery by women from the Joseon Period (1392-1910). You can see Buddhist embroideries, cloth wrappers, various cloths, and pleated sheets featuring traditional Korean patterns and colors. Starting with the '500 Years of Traditional Korean Embroidery' exhibition at the National Museum of Korea, the Korean Embroidery Museum has had 20 different exhibitions in many prestigious museums in Japan, the U.S, and other countries, that have garnered much praise. It has been at the forefront of running exhibits outside the country and of letting the world learn about the beauty of traditional Korean embroidery. It also publishes books about traditional embroidering methods. The museum is highly recommended for all who want to experience the beauty of traditional Korean embroidery.


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

Located in Shinsadong's Garosu-gil, Sona offers pleasure to both eyes and taste buds. With a hint of traditional French collaborated into American-style desserts, an expert patisserie prepares a dessert course on the spot.


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

For more than 30 years, Gung (궁) has served Gaeseong-style mandu (dumplings). The elderly proprietor, who fled south during the Korean War runs this restaurant with the help of her granddaughters. Characteristic of its delicate taste, Gaeseong mandu stuffing consists of pork and various vegetables such as Chinese cabbage and pumpkin. This restaurant’s mandu is so popular that by late in the day, they often run out. The typical menu includes mandu-jeongol (chowder) and mandu-guk (soup). The chowder is made of various ingredients including mandu, rice cakes, mushrooms, and meat, and serves two to three persons. For several persons, it's recommended to eat bossam (boiled meat slices wrapped in lettuce leaves or kimchi) and Korean-style pancakes. TIP: On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, they make kimchi in front of the restaurant. Be sure to try a sample of fresh kimchi.


Seoul(Gangnam-gu) , Apgujeong・Cheongdamdong

This place specializes in shabu shabu with 24 years of tradition that insists on using original Korean beef fillet. This Korean beef is mouthwatering as it is directly delivered from a farm in Gwangju, Jeonnam, each day. The organic seasonal vegetables with shabu shabu, the hand-made soy bean curd and the springy noodles in a rich broth are delightful.*Best Korean Restaurant as designated by The Seoul Metropolitan Government


5.0/1
Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

Song Hye-kyo, one of the first-generation Hallyu stars, once again proved her talents last year in K-drama Descendants of the Sun. Recently, she has publically announced her plan to marry another Hallyu star Song Joong-ki in the coming autumn. Jackson Pizza located in Hannam-dong is known to be Song’s favorite pizzeria in Seoul and has appeared in several K-TV shows. f(x)'s Luna has also mentioned of Jackson Pizza’s Chicago-style pizzas and French fries on a K-TV show as “the food items of [her] life.” Song’s go-to choice at the restau