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) , Gangnam・Samseongdong(COEX)

Opera Gallery is a French gallery that has 11 branches worldwide: Paris, London, New York, Hong Kong, Singapore, Venice, Miami, Seoul, Monaco, Geneva, and Dubai. The gallery features a range of tasteful collections ranging from the works of European masters to the modern artists of Asia. Preparations are now underway for an open-run exhibition.


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(Gangnam-gu) , Apgujeong・Cheongdamdong

BuonaSera is a new well-being restaurant serving authentic Italian food, embodying the harmonization of both modern and classical cultures, fashion, and art of Italy. The restaurant was set up with the assistance of Italy's best food/restaurant/brand specialists and serves high-grade food cooked by Chef Paolo de Maria and Korea's Italian cuisine specialists. BuonaSera provides a small community expressing an Italian way of life, rather than a typical restaurant with great food and service.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Chenggyecheon StreamUntil it was restored in 2005, Cheonggyecheon Stream existed only as a neglected waterway hidden by an overpass. Today, it has been transformed into a haven of natural beauty amidst the bustle of city life. Narae Bridge, representing a butterfly in flight, and Gwanggyo Bridge, symbolizing the harmony of the past and future, are just two of the more than twenty beautiful bridges that cross the stream. The Rhythmic Wall Stream, lined with fine marble and sculptures, and Palseokdam adorn Cheonggyecheon Stream. Cheonggyecheon Stream passes close to Deoksugung Palace, Seoul Plaza, the Sejong Center, Insa-dong Street, Changdeokgung Palace, and Changgyeonggung Palace, allowing visitors to easily visit major tourist sites after a leisure stroll along the stream. Cheonggye Plaza Cheonggye Plaza roughly covers an area of 2,500 square meters, and is located at the starting point of Cheonggyecheon Stream. The square, created based on the design of traditional Korean bojagi (a colorful wrapping cloth), features the elegant beauty of traditional stonework that is colorful yet refined. The plaza also includes a model of Cheonggyecheon that provides visitors with a bird's-eye view of the formerly restored Cheonggyecheon Stream. At the plaza, there are plaques that provide detailed commentaries on the 22 bridges that span the stream, as well as a number of graceful fountains that add to the ambience of the area. The area commemorates the Cheonggyecheon Stream Restoration Project, and also symbolizes gathering, harmony, peace, and unity. After the completion of Cheonggye Plaza, Seoul Metropolitan Government designated the area as a vehicle-free zone on holidays, providing more leisure space for pedestrians. Since then, the waterfront areas of Cheonggyecheon Stream, and the surrounding streets have become popular places for those seeking refreshment and a variety of cultural experiences. A favorite of many is the Candle Fountain, which features the magnificent synchronicity of three different lighting fixtures and a 4m high, two-tiered waterfall. Along the two sides of the waterfall are the Palseokdam wishing wells, made of 8 different stones from each of the nation's 8 provinces. Cheonggye Plaza never goes to sleep; visitors can enjoy the fantastic display of light and water even at night. 


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)

“Pro Ganjang Gejang” is a restaurant serving soy sauce marinated crab (ganjang gejang). This restaurant opened in 1980 as the first ganjang gejang restaurant in Korea. Since its opening in Sinsa-dong, it has grown in popularity not only among Koreans, but also among foreign visitors. It opened branches in Samseong-dong in Seoul, Haeundae in Busan, and in Tokyo and Osaka in Japan.  


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

Hemlagat, which literally means "home cooked" in Swedish, serves homestyle foods in a restaurant setting. The dishes made with traditional Swedish recipes will remind you of Mom's (or Grandma's) cooking. Located close to Hoehyeon Station, Hemlagat is a good place to try a little bit of Scandinavian culture as well. As it is a Swedish tavern ('Krog' in Swedish), they serve traditional Swedish liquors and snack pairings. The staff speaks English, Japanese, Chinese and the menu is also available in the aforementioned languages.


Seoul(Gangnam-gu)

SJ. Kunsthalle is an iconic place where culture and art figures meet and discuss hosting cultural events from trendy subculture to classic fine art. It has provided a wide variety of cultural platforms for exhibitions, performances, parties, fashion shows and workshops.Constructed out of 28 recycled shipping containers, it has become a special place that offers a unique variety of subcultures that a conventional white cube gallery cannot not deliver. The minimalistic interior and open-space design was employed to foster the inclusion of a wide variety of art and culture into one large space. Now it is becoming an epicenter of cultural and artistic innovation, drawing the passionate attention of trend setters from around Korea, and even internationally.


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