My forever neighborhood. This corner of Seoul โ quiet hanok alleys, palace walls, the smell of roasting coffee โ has a special place in my heart. If you visit one area, make it this one.
If anyone asks me where to go in Seoul โ one place, no questions โ this is it. The rear garden of Changdeokgung Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site where centuries-old trees meet exquisite royal architecture. One of my favourite spots in the world.
Anguk is perfect for cafe-hopping. These are my personal favourites in the neighborhood.
A beautifully restored hanok turned into one of Seoul's most beloved coffee roasters. Their bread is just as famous as their coffee โ get there early before the pastries sell out.
Google MapsA tiny, minimalist specialty coffee gem near Anguk Station. The owner is meticulous about every cup. Look for the iconic green building on the corner โ easy to miss.
Our neighborhood's favourite. A tiny, warm coffee shop that felt like an extension of everyone's living room. It closed recently, but I'm keeping it here because so many people loved this place. We miss you, ๋๋ค์ปคํผ.
Melt-in-your-mouth bossam โ tender boiled pork belly wrapped in fresh lettuce with incredible house-made kimchi and ssamjang. Simple, perfect, unforgettable.
Seoul's creative district โ old factories turned into cafes, galleries, and concept stores. But the best thing here has been around long before any of that.
Legendary pork bone soup, open 24 hours. The broth is deeply savory and the meat falls right off the bone. A true Seoul institution.
Seoul's most international neighborhood. Itaewon proper and the hillside Haebangchon (HBC) above it โ both packed with character and hidden gems.
A super hidden French-Korean fusion wine bistro. Cozy grandmother's-lounge vibes with curated wines and the sweetest owner. One of those places you feel lucky to know about.
Google MapsSkip the room โ just walk into the lobby and order a cocktail or tea. The panoramic view of Seoul from up here is, in my opinion, the best view in the city.
Google MapsThe quiet side of Gyeongbokgung. Narrow alleys, local restaurants that haven't changed in decades, and an unhurried pace that makes you forget you're in a megacity.
This one's worth the commitment. Put your name on the waitlist โ then explore the neighborhood for 3 to 6 hours until they call you. The anju here is that good. You might get lucky with a shorter wait, but plan for the long game.
Google MapsThe most iconic samgyetang in Seoul. Whole chicken stuffed with rice, dates, and ginseng โ deeply nourishing comfort food.
A really cute cocktail bar hidden in a Seochon alley, housed in a traditional hanok. There's no menu โ just tell the bartender what flavors you like and they'll craft something for you.
Google MapsThe newer Seoul Gypsy spot focused on fermented foods. Their sourdough pizza is arguably one of the best in Seoul. Beer + pizza combo is the move.
Google MapsWhere tradition meets character. Insadong's art galleries and tea houses blend into Ikseon-dong's tiny hanok restaurants and bars โ Seoul's old soul, still very much alive.
Seoul's best craft beer. The original taproom โ cozy alley vibes, incredible house beers, and solid anju. Try their aged red wine barrel lager if available.
Google MapsSuper hearty traditional Korean food โ the kind of place where the regulars are all loveable Korean grandparents. That's how you know it's legit. The doenjang dishes here are art.
A beautiful traditional tea house right on Insadong-gil. The owners grow their own tea in the mountains and serve it fresh. Warm, old-school โ a perfect place to slow down.
์ญ์ ๋๋ณด์ฐจ (Sipjeondaebocha) โ "ten-herb vitality tea," a nourishing blend for energy and circulation.