There are many options for boutique retail therapy. Ji Yeon Jung’s Recto is renowned for its refined and androgynous takes on wardrobe essentials (think: leather bombers, blazers, denim), and the brand’s new flagship in Hannam-dong—which is accented with Woorim Kang’s sculptural wood furnishings—provides a fittingly stylish setting to shop, while Korean fashion brand Ader Error’Seongsu sells its trendy streetwear within a futuristic setting. Also worth checking out are the independent beauty shops, like home fragrance brand SoohyangSeongsu’s fragrance shop,’s latest outpost in Apgujeong Written on Water. Whipped House Also in Seongsu, you can prepare your own vegan meals face cleanser.
Seoul’s best restaurants
Do you want to explore a side of Korean food that is less known? Pyongyang noodles, made with North Korean buckwheat and served in a broth of icy beef, are a great alternative to the barbecue. Kalguksu or knife noodle is another affordable daily staple. It’s comfort in a cup. Myeongdong Kioja is the only place in Seoul that serves up the best kalguksu. You can ask for a second serving of noodles at no extra charge. If you wake up feeling sluggish after a late night, a bowl gamjatang from Seongsu’s Somunnan Gamjatang is the perfect hangover cure. It’s available 24 hours a day.
While Seoul is packed with reputable, high-end establishments—Michelin-starred Jungsik You can also find out more about the following: Mingles are among the best for contemporary Korean fine dining—street food is where you can tap into the city’s culinary soul cheaply and easily. Established in 1905. Gwangjang Market It is South Korea’s largest and oldest market. Locals and visitors alike are always huddled around steaming bowls kalguksu and crispy bindaetteok. Mangwon Market, Tongin Market and Noryangjin Fish Market are all worth a visit. You can also shop at the smaller but charming Mangwon Market.
What to drink in Seoul
No longer overshadowed Tokyo You can also find out more about the following: SingaporeSeoul is Asia’s most popular city for bars and cocktails. Sindang is a hip area that offers four places to choose from if you want to spend your night in one place instead of hopping around. SoakThe Chinese Zodiac-inspired Zoo Sindang, Jimbba A traditional liquor store and tasting room, and GuA wood-paneled cocktail bar that specializes in technique-driven drinks. The underground speakeasy is a great place to get a drink. Pine & Co. is tricky to find—look for the reflective glass door, and climb downstairs—once you’ve arrived, you’ll be rewarded with whimsical drinks spotlighting Korean ingredients, like the refreshing Omija (Korean five-flavor berry) punch. Award-winning ZestA sustainable bar with a new innovative design.
