Guidebook for Seoul
Food Scene
Tosokchon Samgyetang
85-1 Chebu-dongSuninjae
35-16 Pirundae-roThis is famous restaurant of Korean traditional food, Bibimbap.
Balwoo Gongyang forever changed the public perception of temple cuisine when it opened its doors in 2009. Prior to its opening, temple cuisine was often perceived as “bland” or “flavorless” for its vegan nature as well as its lack of pungent aromatics such as garlic, green onions, chives, wild chives and Chinese squill. But, the dishes boast real depth of flavor, aided by aged temple-made gochujang, doenjang and soy sauce. The restaurant does not offer any alcohol but a corkage service is offered during dinner service.
- MICHELIN Guide Inspectors
7 locals recommend
Balwoo Gongyang
71 Gyeonji-dongBalwoo Gongyang forever changed the public perception of temple cuisine when it opened its doors in 2009. Prior to its opening, temple cuisine was often perceived as “bland” or “flavorless” for its vegan nature as well as its lack of pungent aromatics such as garlic, green onions, chives, wild chives and Chinese squill. But, the dishes boast real depth of flavor, aided by aged temple-made gochujang, doenjang and soy sauce. The restaurant does not offer any alcohol but a corkage service is offered during dinner service.
- MICHELIN Guide Inspectors
Gimjinmoksam
51 Jahamun-ro 1-gilLocated near the bustling shopping district in Myeongdong--also home to a number of small and large hotels--Arirang is a busy Korean restaurant that serves up some much beloved Korean fare. Barbecue, however, is their specialty, and they offer a variety of cuts of top-quality local beef including short ribs, brisket, chuck flap tail and tenderloin which are cooked over charcoal. Classic dishes like bibimbap and marinated raw crab are also popular.
- MICHELIN Guide Inspectors
Arirang
23 Namdaemun-ro 7-gilLocated near the bustling shopping district in Myeongdong--also home to a number of small and large hotels--Arirang is a busy Korean restaurant that serves up some much beloved Korean fare. Barbecue, however, is their specialty, and they offer a variety of cuts of top-quality local beef including short ribs, brisket, chuck flap tail and tenderloin which are cooked over charcoal. Classic dishes like bibimbap and marinated raw crab are also popular.
- MICHELIN Guide Inspectors
Sightseeing
Gyeongbokgung Palace
161 Sajik-ro
Insa-dong
Insa-dong북촌한옥마을
37 계동길Blue House
1 Cheongwadae-roSajigdan
1-28 Sajik-dongDrinks & Nightlife
Located in a non-descript back alley of Sajikdong, a stone’s throw from the bustle of Seocheon, Juban is a space of contrasts. Walk through the restaurant’s Greek blue gate and you will find yourself standing in a charming little courtyard facing a beautifully-renovated hanok building. The menu consists of entirely original dishes with quirky names like ‘Yeonggwang-Nice’—a velvety soft mousse made with dried yellow corvina and potatoes—and ‘Shinsayuramdan’—sliced raw halibut seasoned with soybean paste, yuzu Ponzu and sea urchin sauce. - MICHELIN Guide Inspectors
Juban
12 Sajik-ro 9ga-gilLocated in a non-descript back alley of Sajikdong, a stone’s throw from the bustle of Seocheon, Juban is a space of contrasts. Walk through the restaurant’s Greek blue gate and you will find yourself standing in a charming little courtyard facing a beautifully-renovated hanok building. The menu consists of entirely original dishes with quirky names like ‘Yeonggwang-Nice’—a velvety soft mousse made with dried yellow corvina and potatoes—and ‘Shinsayuramdan’—sliced raw halibut seasoned with soybean paste, yuzu Ponzu and sea urchin sauce. - MICHELIN Guide Inspectors
Parks & Nature
Inwangsan
Arts & Culture
Daelim Museum
Jongno-gu박노수가옥
168-2 Ogin-dongShopping
Namdaemun Traditional Market station
Myeong-dong
Myeong-dongLotte Department Store Main
81 Namdaemun-roLotte Duty Free Main Store
30 Eulji-ro