A Singaporean Mum

Seoul, my favourite city to be (right up there with Shanghai). It’s the one place that continues to inspire the food I cook at home, easily 3–4 times a week. There’s something incredibly special about how everything comes together in this one vibrant city: the food (oh, the food!), the deep cultural heritage, the mix of traditional and modern sights, and of course, the beauty products that are second to none. It’s a city that feeds all the senses. If I could, I’d make it a yearly trip—there’s always something new to discover.

Here’s a (non-exhaustive) list of things to see and eat—just a collection of my personal favourites and the things I love to do whenever I’m in Seoul.

TO SEE

Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)

• The most iconic royal palace, complete with changing of the guard ceremonies. Rent a hanbok for free entry and great photos!

Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌한옥마을)

• A charming neighbourhood of traditional Korean houses with beautiful alleyways and views of the city.

N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower)

• Ride the cable car or hike up Namsan Mountain for panoramic views of the city—especially stunning at sunset.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

•A futuristic landmark with art exhibitions, fashion markets, and night lighting displays.

Myeongdong (명동)

• A lively street full of beauty stores, fashion boutiques, and street food stalls.

• Must visit shops: Sappun (shoes), Nyu Nyu (accessories) , SPAO (apparel), Blue Elephant (eyewear), Olive Young (skincare/makeup)

Insadong (인사동)

• Great for traditional crafts, antiques, art galleries, and teahouses.

Gangnam (강남)

• Sleek and modern, known for luxury shopping, stylish cafes, and the famous “Gangnam Style” vibe.

Cheonggyecheon Stream (청계천)

• A peaceful 11km stream that winds through the city with walking paths and art installations.

Han River (Hangang) Parks

• Rent bikes, have a picnic, or enjoy the view with fried chicken delivery at riverside parks like Yeouido or Banpo.

Seoul Forest (서울숲)

• A large green space with walking trails, deer, and art installations.

Ikseon-dong (익선동)

• A mix of old and new—traditional houses turned into stylish cafes, dessert spots, and boutique shops.

Gwangjang Market (광장시장)

• One of Seoul’s oldest and most beloved traditional markets—and an absolute must-visit for food lovers!

TO EAT

MYEONGDONG (명동)

Yeji Sikdang (Location on NaverMap)

A cosy, family-run spot known for authentic Korean home-style meals like kimchi stew and bibimbap. With generous side dishes, early opening hours, and warm hospitality, it’s a hidden gem perfect for a comforting local dining experience.

• My comments: I was first introduced to Yeji Sikdang by a Korean friend 15 years ago when I visited Seoul for the first time. Since then, it has become my must-visit whenever I’m in the city. I love how generous they are with their banchan (side dishes), and my absolute favourite is their kimchi stew — it’s incredibly tasty and comforting every time! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Seoul Jijimi (Location on NaverMap)

A cosy spot in Myeongdong serving jijimi—a traditional Korean pancake similar to buchimgae, made with seafood, kimchi, or vegetables and pan-fried to crispy perfection. What makes it special is its wide selection of makgeolli from across Korea, each pairing beautifully with the pancakes. Warm and welcoming, it’s a great place to enjoy classic Korean flavours in a relaxed setting.

• My comments: I stumbled upon Seoul Jijimi by chance during my second trip to Korea while wandering around Myeongdong on a rainy day. My husband and I decided to duck in for a quick snack and to stay dry. Wow, their seafood pancake was absolutely delicious—especially paired with a cup of makgeolli! It turned out to be the perfect little find. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Myeongdong Kyoja (명동교자) (Location on NaverMap)

A famous family-owned restaurant located in Seoul’s lively Myeongdong district. Since opening in 1966, it has become well-known for its handmade kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup) and mandu (steamed dumplings). The restaurant has also been awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its excellent quality and great value.

• My comments: I hope this doesn’t offend anyone—I just want to share my honest opinion. While Myeongdong Kyoja is famous, I personally wasn’t completely wowed by the food. If you love noodle soup, it’s definitely worth a visit, but when it comes to mandu, I’ve had better elsewhere (check out my recommended spot in Insadong). ⭐️⭐️⭐️

INSADONG (인사동) & IKSEON-DONG (익선동)

Pyeonghaeok (Location on NaverMap)

An old-school gem tucked away in the charming alleys of Ikseon-dong, known for its specialty: Korean marinated crabs. This classic restaurant serves a generous 8-course meal centred around their signature crab dish—and all for just ₩29,000 per person. If you’re craving a taste of traditional Korean flavours in a nostalgic setting, Pyeonghaeok is a must-try.

• My comments: I first tried this last year during a girls’ trip—it was also my first time tasting raw marinated crabs. I’ll admit, I was a bit hesitant at first, unsure if it might be too fishy or if I’d even enjoy it. But wow, the crab was amazing! I especially loved the spicy marinated version—I could’ve eaten it non-stop. So when we returned to Seoul this April, I made sure to bring everyone along to try it. I really hope they enjoyed it as much as I did! Plus, this restaurant is pretty much only known to locals. While there are other marinated crab places that have gone viral online, Pyeonghaeok is a low-key, great-value hidden gem—a must-try if you’re in the area! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Jayeondo Salt Bread & House (Location on NaverMap)

A popular bakery known for its crispy, buttery salt bread made with premium ingredients like French butter and sea salt. With branches in Ikseon-dong and Seongsu, it’s a local favourite and viral foodie spot. Best enjoyed fresh and warm, it’s a must-try for bread lovers visiting the city.

• My comments: On our last trip to Seoul, we didn’t manage to try Jayeondo Salt Bread—the queue was too long, and we were way too full! But this time, we went right when it opened, and the line was thankfully short. I finally got to try it for the first time, and it was sooo good—crispy on the outside, soft and buttery on the inside. Totally worth the wait! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Gangnam Myeonok (Location on NaverMap)

A traditional Korean restaurant known for its tender galbijjim (braised beef short ribs) and refreshing naengmyeon (cold noodles). Located in the cultural heart of Insadong, it offers an authentic dining experience with quality dishes and generous side plates—perfect for those wanting a taste of classic Korean flavours.

• My comments: This was a totally random find on our last day in Seoul. We originally planned to eat at Um Yong Baek, but the queue was way too long and we had to head back to the hotel in an hour to catch our flight. So we decided to try Gangnam Myeonok instead—and it turned out to be an awesome surprise! Honestly, it was my first time trying galbijjim, and it was so, so good. Also, this is the spot I mentioned earlier that serves mandu I liked better than the ones at the famous restaurant in Myeongdong. A must-try if you’re in the area! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

JONGNO & EULJIRO

Jadam Chicken Seoul (Location on NaverMap)

A popular Korean fried chicken chain in Seoul, known for its crispy, flavourful chicken in a variety of styles—like soy garlic, spicy, and creamy onion. With several branches across the city, it’s a great spot for a casual, satisfying meal, whether dining in or grabbing takeaway.

• My comments: This spot was recommended by a Korean friend, and we tried it for the first time last year. It was so good that I made sure to bring another group of friends there on this trip for their super crispy chicken. We ordered three flavours—original, soy garlic, and the extra spicy one. I especially loved the extra spicy chicken, perfectly paired with an ice-cold beer. So satisfying! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Jongno Pocha Macha (Location on NaverMap)

One of Seoul’s most iconic spots for experiencing authentic Korean street food and nightlife. Located between Exits 5 and 6 of Jongno 3-ga Station, this 200-meter stretch comes alive after dark with rows of tented food stalls, known as pojangmacha, offering a vibrant and nostalgic atmosphere. 

• My comments: Wow! This was my first time experiencing a Pocha Macha (red tent), and the atmosphere was truly spectacular! The whole street is lined with red tents, each buzzing with energy. We picked one at random, and it turned out to be such a fun and memorable night—lively vibes, and a real taste of local culture. Food here was so-so, but company was great! ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Eulji Samgyobi (Location on NaverMap)

A Korean BBQ restaurant known for its specialty in Jeju pork, particularly the renowned Jeju black pork. This restaurant offers a traditional Korean dining experience, featuring thick-cut pork belly and other cuts grilled over charcoal, providing a rich and flavorful taste.

• My comments: Black pig in the area! This is officially my favourite Korean BBQ restaurant in Seoul! The Jeju pork was cooked to perfection—beautifully charred outside and still pink and juicy inside. What truly sets this place apart are the unique dipping sauces they serve with the meat—flavours I’ve not found anywhere else. Only here! MUST GO! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Gwangjang Market (Location on NaverMap)

One of Seoul’s oldest and most famous traditional markets, located in Jongno-gu. It’s known for its vibrant street food scene—especially dishes like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), mayak gimbap, and various jeon. Easily accessible from Jongno and Euljiro, it’s a must-visit for an authentic taste of Korean culture and cuisine.

• My comments: I know—some say Gwangjang Market is overrated, overpriced, and not worth the hype. But honestly, it’s still packed with people for a reason! Even if you’re not there to eat, the atmosphere alone is worth soaking in. That said, one stall you must visit is the fermented banchan shop—their fermented pollock roe and octopus are absolutely a must buy! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

• Food there is so-so, but it’s ok priced! ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Woo Lae Oak (우래옥) (Location on NaverMap)

A renowned Korean restaurant celebrated for its authentic Pyongyang naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles). Established in 1946, this family-run establishment has been serving consistently stellar food for decades. The restaurant is recognized in the MICHELIN Guide with a Bib Gourmand distinction, highlighting its good quality and value.

• My comments: We went to Woo Lae Oak for their famous Pyongyang cold noodles, but what really wowed me was their BBQ marinated beef short ribs—so flavourful and tender! And don’t even get me started on their homemade fresh kimchi (geotjeori)—it was so good we couldn’t stop asking for more!

Anju Maeul (안주마을) (Location on NaverMap)

A beloved seafood-focused Korean restaurant nestled in the Seochon neighborhood of Seoul. Known for its cozy, wood-accented interior and handwritten menus, it offers a warm and inviting atmosphere that complements its culinary offerings. 

• My comments: I’m not usually a big fan of seafood (which is why I never tried marinated raw crab until my 2024 trip!), but this place came highly recommended by a Korean friend’s friend—so we gave it a shot. And oh my, the raw anchovies were the freshest and best I’ve ever had in my entire life! Totally unexpected and absolutely worth it. Unfortunately, anchovies are only available during spring, so if you’re headed there between March and May, do give this a try! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️