1. Turning a burger into Michelin art <Gordon Ramsay Burger>

• Address : 300, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Korea
• Business hours : 10:30 ~ 22:00

As the first of its kind in Asia, Gordon Ramsay Burger offers an exquisite dining experience crafted by the world-renowned Michelin 3-star chef Gordon Ramsay. This high-end restaurant brings the chef’s extensive culinary expertise to the forefront, allowing guests to indulge in a unique and distinguished gastronomic adventure. The menu, meticulously designed with Ramsay’s signature flair, showcases a variety of gourmet burgers that are a cut above the rest.

The restaurant’s interior, themed around “nostalgia of the future,” beautifully blends retro elements with a modern aesthetic. This harmonious mix creates an inviting and sophisticated atmosphere where the past and the future coexist, making every visit to Gordon Ramsay Burger not just a meal, but a memorable dining experience.

2. The cheese, the whole cheese, and nothing but the cheese <Cheese Room X Tasting Room Lotte World Mall>

• Address : 5F, 300, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Korea
• Business hours : 10:30 ~ 22:00

Cheese Room X Tasting Room at Lotte World Mall is an Italian restaurant renowned for its culinary creations featuring 17 different kinds of cheese. One of their standout dishes is the flour-less Basque cheesecake, a popular choice among dessert lovers. The menu is rich with a variety of pastas and flatbreads, each generously topped with diverse types of cheese, ensuring a delightful experience for cheese enthusiasts.

The interior of the restaurant is warm and charming, with an abundance of dried flowers and soft lighting that create a cozy and delightful ambiance. The use of yellow and wood tones as the main color themes adds to the inviting atmosphere.

3. Let’s bloom together in royal Korean cuisine! <BLOOM IN THE PALACE Lotte World Mall>

• Address : 300, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Korea
• Business hours : 11:30 ~ 22:00

BLOOM IN THE PALACE is a high-end Korean restaurant located at Lotte World Mall, offering a unique dining experience with private rooms that boast stunning views of Seokchon Lake. This restaurant reinterprets traditional royal Korean cuisine in a contemporary style, presenting a modern twist on classic dishes.

This restaurant highlights the best of Korean royal cuisine through various course menus, and pays meticulous attention to plating. Altogether, BLOOM IN THE PALACE became a popular choice for family occasions, such as parents’ birthdays or engagement meetings.

4. The perfect way to enjoy Korean seafood elegantly <EOMULJEON JAMSIL>

• Address : 209, Jamsil-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Korea
• Business hours : Weekdays 17:00 ~ 22:00 / Weekends 11:30 ~ 22:00
  • Break time : Weekends 15:00 ~ 17:00

EOMULJEON JAMSIL is a modern Korean dining restaurant specializing in fresh, seasonal and locally sourced seafood. The restaurant offers course menus which include choices of meat as main dishes for a diverse range of flavors and textures for customers to enjoy.

The emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients and the innovative presentation of traditional Korean dishes make EOMULJEON a standout destination for seafood lovers.

5. What becomes of omakase with Korean food <TTHBar>

• Address : 6-9, Baekjegobun-ro 42-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Korea
• Business hours : 17:30 ~ 22:00
  • Break time : 19:30 ~ 20:00

TTHBar offers a unique dining experience by blending Korean and Japanese cuisines in an omakase style. Unlike typical omakase in Korea, which often focuses on beef or sushi, TTHBar is a must-visit for those passionate about Korean flavors. The intimate setting, with only bar tables to sit, and limited to two-person reservations (or more with a phone inquiry), adds to the exclusivity and charm of this small eatery.

If you manage to secure a reservation, you’re in for a treat with their seasonal menu that changes every two months. The personalized service, where dishes are tailored to the pace of each guest, highlights TTHBar’s dedication to providing a meticulous and memorable dining experience.

6. 100 years of tradition and dedication <Haenam Cheonilgwan Lotte Department Store Avenuel Jamsil Branch>

• Address : 300, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Korea
• Business hours : 11:00 ~ 21:30
  • Break time : 15:00 ~ 17:30

Haenam Cheonilgwan, located at the Lotte Department Store Avenuel Jamsil Branch, offers an exquisite taste of Namdo cuisine, a culinary tradition from the Jeolla province in South Korea. Haenam Cheonilgwan opened in 1924 by grandmother Park Seong-soon and the tradition continued with her youngest daughter, who inherited not only the meticulous selection of ingredients but also the dedication to authentic cooking practices.

For a century, this esteemed restaurant welcomes diners and offers a genuine Namdo dining experience that celebrates the rich flavors and cultural heritage of Jeolla cuisine.

7. The apple of everyone’s eye, <OILH SEOUL>

• Address : 7F, 102, Dongnam-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Korea
• Business hours : 17:00 ~ 01:00 (Closed on Tuesdays)

OILH SEOUL, a terrace rooftop dining bar pronounced “Ee Nae(이내 in Korean),” offers an exceptional dining experience with a spectacular view of Jamsil and the Lotte Tower. The restaurant features a diverse menu based on French cuisine, which are thoughtfully paired with recommended wines in the beverage menu. If you are not a fan of wine, OILH SEOUL has a list of cocktails, showcasing unique creations that embody the distinct OILH SEOUL vibe.

The elegant plating and decor make OILH SEOUL a popular choice for special occasions. Many reviews highlight the friendly staff and the enjoyable atmosphere, ensuring a satisfying experience for all visitors, whether they are there for a memorable meal or to savor the ambiance with a drink in hand.

8. For Korean alcohol enthusiasts, <Songridan Yangjo Seokchon Lake>

• Address : 11, Baekjegobun-ro 45-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Korea
• Business hours : Tue-Fri 17:00 ~ 00:00 / Sat 16:00 ~ 01:00 / Sun 16:00 ~ 00:00 (Closed on Mondays)

Songridan Yangjo Seokchon Lake is a unique venue that runs a brewery and a pub in the same place. You will be able to actually see the brewing area through the large windows in the restaurant. This brewery/pub specializes in Makgeolli, a traditional Korean rice wine made from organic rice, and every quarter, new dishes and drinks are introduced for exceptional experience in Korean traditional F&B.

The food here is based on Korean cuisine to complement all sorts of traditional drinks and distilled spirits, even clear wines. For beer and highball enthusiasts, Songridan Yangjo Seokchon Lake offers a selection of Korean craft beers and highballs crafted with Korean spirits, providing a diverse array of flavors that highlight Korea’s rich alcohol tradition.

9. A cultural journey through dessert <Korea Heritage Hub>

• Address : 3F, 240, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Korea
• Business hours : 11:00 ~ 18:00 (Closed on Mon, Tue)

Korea Heritage Hub is not just a café. It’s a cultural experience center that offers visitors a unique experience of traditional Korean culture. One of the standout features of the Korea Heritage Hub is its use of ‘Soban,’ traditional Korean low tables, to serve its desserts. This setup not only provides a sense of being honored but also beautifully showcases what Korean tea time is like.

In addition to enjoying delightful desserts and beverages, visitors can expect more. They can rent Hanbok, traditional Korean clothing, browse through the exhibition of Korean traditional crafts, and even participate in traditional craft experiences. These activities make the time here much more than just dessert and tea.

1. Sustainable, organic, eco-friendly and DELICIOUS! <A Flower Blossom on the Rice>

• Address : 3-6, Insadong 16-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea
• Business Hours : 11:30 ~ 21:15 (Closed on major holidays in Korea)
  • Break time : 15:00 ~ 17:30

A Flower Blossom on the Rice is a restaurant known for its passion in sustainable environment and organic life. It is officially recognized by Michelin Bib Gourmand for 7th and Michelin Green Star for 4th consecutive year.

The dishes here are crafted with seasonal ingredients, emphasizing the natural flavors and textures of vegetables and grains. Each plate is a visual masterpiece, adorned with edible flowers and herbs, creating a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Whether you’re a dedicated vegetarian or simply looking to enjoy a wholesome, plant-based meal, this restaurant promises a memorable dining experience.

2. Unbelievable popularity, incredible taste <Sancheong Sootbul Garden Euljiro>

• Address : 114-6, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea
• Business Hours : 11:30 ~ 23:00

There are a few K-BBQ restaurants near Jongno and Insadong that has unbelievable lines of waiting, and Sancheong Sootbul Garden Euljiro has recently become one of the most jaw-dropping one. Over 200 teams register on the waitlist everyday, and they willingly wait for more than at least 3 to even 7 hours to say that this restaurant worth every minute.

Sancheong Sootbul Garden Euljiro specializes in charcoal-grilled meats, especially Black Pork in a variety of cuts. This place also knows its way in traditional Korean side dishes, so it is highly recommended to pair your meal with various combination for a complete feast.

To visit this place, go to Catch Table through the button below and make a reservation. If there is no slot left, you can always register on the remote waitlist and save yourself from waiting endlessly right in front of the restaurant. You might want to register yourself at least 2 hours earlier to your visit, just to make sure that you create an unforgettable dining experience in the warm and rustic ambiance, combined with the mouth-watering aroma of grilled meat.

3. Savor some meat like a real Korean! <Yangyeon>

• Address : 18, Samil-daero 17-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea
• Business Hours : Mon-Thu 16:00 ~ 22:00 / Fri 16:00 ~ 23:00 / Sat 12:00 ~ 23:00 / Sun 12:00 ~ 22:00

Yangyeon is another fantastic choice for Korean BBQ enthusiasts. This restaurant is renowned for its high-quality marinated meats, particularly the juicy and flavorful Samgyeopsal. The meats are grilled over an open flame, infusing them with a delicious smoky flavor.

This restaurant shows care towards the customers through set menus to try various cuts, corkage-free service and a seaweed soup (Miyeok-guk) on the house for the birthday person! The attentive staff and top-notch service further enhance the dining experience, ensuring you leave with a full stomach and a happy heart.

4. For the comfort from a Korean grandmother <Gomkuksizib Myeongdong>

• Address : 2F, 19-3, Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea
• Business Hours : 11:00 ~ 21:30

If you’re in the mood for something warm and comforting around Jongno and Insadong, head to Gomkuksizib Myeongdong. This 40-year-old restaurant is famous for its gomtang, a traditional Korean beef bone soup that is both rich and nourishing. The broth is simmered for hours to extract the deep, savory flavors of the beef bones, resulting in a soup that is both hearty and satisfying.

The most popular menu here is Jeongol (hot pot) with noodles which has mushroom, vegetables and meat inside. This dish is just perfect for a chilly day or whenever you need a pick-me-up. The restaurant’s cozy and unpretentious atmosphere makes it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Don’t forget to try their other specialties, including boiled beef slices (Suyuk) and dumplings, for a complete Korean comfort food experience.

5. The right way to deal with the best Hanwoo in Seoul <Twoppul Gwanghwamun>

• Address : 136, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea
• Business Hours : Weekdays 11:00 ~ 22:00 / Sat 11:30 ~ 02:00 / Sun 11:30 ~ 21:00
  • Break time : Weekdays 15:00 ~ 17:00

For a premium dining experience, Twoppul Gwanghwamun offers some of the best hanwoo (Korean beef) in Seoul. This upscale restaurant is dedicated to serving top-quality beef, meticulously aged with Twoppul’s unique skills and techniques to highlight its natural flavors. The menu features a variety of cuts, from striploin to tenderloin, all grilled to perfection.

The modern and sleek interior, combined with impeccable service, makes it an ideal spot for a special occasion or a business dinner. In addition to the exquisite beef, Twoppul Gwanghwamun offers an array of traditional Korean meal menus, each crafted with the same attention to detail. This restaurant offers variety of lunch menus and side dishes as well, which lures people who want to try Korean beef light-heartedly. Whether you’re a beef connoisseur or simply looking to indulge in a luxurious meal, this restaurant delivers an exceptional culinary experience.

6. Looking for something unusual, something like the locals? <Nice Time2>

• Address : 1F, 6, Namdaemun-ro 9-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea
• Business Hours : Mon-Fri 11:30 ~ 22:00 / Sat-Sun 11:30 ~ 21:00 (Closed on major holidays in Korea)
  • Break time : Mon-Fri 15:00 ~ 17:30 / Sat-Sun 16:00 ~ 17:30

If you are exploring Jongno and Insadong and crave a modern twist amidst the traditional Korean surroundings, Nice Time2 is the place to be. This dining bar specializes in fresh pasta, offering a delightful escape for those seeking Western flavors in a setting rich with Korean heritage.

The ambiance is stylish and contemporary, providing a perfect contrast to the historical charm of the surrounding areas. Each pasta dish is crafted with precision, using high-quality ingredients to ensure a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether you are enjoying a casual lunch or a sophisticated dinner, Nice Time2 offers a unique culinary experience that blends the best of both worlds. It’s an excellent spot for those looking to diversify their dining options while soaking in the cultural richness of Jongno and Insadong.

7. Fresh seafood for delicate palate <Sushi Michiru>

• Address : 42, Jong-ro 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea
• Business Hours : 12:00 ~ 22:00 (Closed on Sundays)
  • Break time : 15:00 ~ 17:30

For sushi lovers, Sushi Michiru offers a taste of Japan in the heart of Seoul. This elegant restaurant prides itself on using the freshest seafood to create exquisite sushi and sashimi dishes. The skilled chef who graduated from Tokyo Culinary and Confectionery Arts Academy at Sushi Michiru combines traditional technique with modern presentation, resulting in beautifully crafted plates that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate.

The serene decor provides a tranquil setting for enjoying your meal, allowing you to fully appreciate the delicate flavors and textures of the sushi. Sushi Michiru is also well known for its Futomaki, a thick sushi roll that puts various ingredients altogether into a single bite, and they also have to-go for this delicacy if you are too full to try it right away.

8. Korean BBQ with a hint of sophistication <Euljiro HOIKWAN>

• Address : 30-1, Supyo-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea
• Business Hours : Mon-Fri 17:00 ~ 23:00 / Sat 16:00 ~ 23:00 (Closed on Sundays)

Euljiro HOIKWAN is a must-visit for meat lovers, offering a wide range of expertly grilled Korean beef, lamb and pork in a contemporary setting. This restaurant is a more of a grill bar where you can enjoy succulent meat grilled right in front of you with drinks for such a flavorful experience. If you are looking for a unique twist on traditional Korean BBQ, this might be the one.

Beyond the delicious meats, Euljiro HOIKWAN also offers a series of a la carte dishes to “amuse” your “bouche” and refresh the palate after arrays of sizzling meat. This grill bar’s sleek interior and warm ambiance create an inviting atmosphere perfect for both casual meals and special occasions.

9. Little Italy in the heart of Seoul <SAYU LIBRARY BAR Namsan>

• Address : 3F, 13, Toegye-ro 20-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea
• Business Hours : 11:00 ~ 00:00
  • Break time : 15:30 ~ 17:00

For a unique and sophisticated dining experience, visit SAYU LIBRARY BAR Namsan. This one-of-a-kind venue combines the cozy ambiance of a library with the elegance of a high-end bar. It runs cafe and pub on the 2nd floor and rooftop lounge on 6th floor. Dining with wine is available on the 3rd floor.

The signature menu here, cheese wheel ragu pasta, will make you wonder whether you are in the middle of Seoul, Korea, or somewhere in Italy enjoying summer breeze. SAYU LIBRARY BAR Namsan is also very serious about wine, enough to run occasional tasting classes, have an extensive wine list and all-you-can-drink wine menu for an hour or two. Altogether SAYU LIBRARY BAR Namsan will be the perfect cherry on the top after your long day of shopping in Myeongdong.

10. Refresh yourself like a king from Josun Dynasty! <TAE CHO>

• Address : 8th floor, 56, Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea
• Business Hours : 18:00 ~ 01:00

TAE CHO is a contemporary bar with very traditional Korean menus and interior. You can enjoy various types of Korean traditional liquor with Korean snacks in the most Korean setting. You can even enjoy Korean traditional ornamental painting with vivid colors around the walls and ceilings.

This classical bar collaborates with Ikseonjae, famous Korean traditional dessert cafe in Busan for premium snack line. Cocktails are innovative and dynamic, and the bartenders can also make custom drinks if you want something more special than the usual. If you want to wander around the world of Korean alcoholic beverages, TAE CHO will be your perfect Oz.

1) Chewy and light ‘sashimi’

Sashimi is a classic seafood dish made with freshly caught ingredients. It’s known for being a high-protein, low-fat dish that contains the nutrients of the fish itself, and its chewy texture makes it a favorite among many people. Different types of fish have slightly different flavors and aromas, making it a fun dish to eat.

Because sashimi is made with fresh fish and no seasoning, it’s inherently rich and flavorful. This can be overpowering when eating sashimi alone due to the oils in the fish, but the combination of strong soju flavors and Korean traditional liquor flavors is refreshing and mellows out the flavors of the sashimi itself. Of course, you can also pair beer and soju together. If you’re visiting South Korea, here are some of the best sashimi restaurants you should check out.

Aged sashimi with seasonal ingredients, <KAPPO AKII Dosan Park>

• Address : Cookie Building, 8-3, Dosan-daero 45-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
• Business Hours : 17:30 ~ 00:30 (Closed every Sunday)

KAPPO AKII Dosan Park is a Japanese restaurant located on the Apgujeong Rodeo side of the city, and their style of cooking is to use seasonal ingredients to bring out their natural flavors. If you don’t like a certain fish or composition, they will change it to meet your needs, so even picky eaters can feel free to visit.

There is aged sashimi here, which doubles the chewy texture by cooking sashimi. If you’re tired from a long day of traveling, why not melt away your travel fatigue with a seasonal aged sashimi made with a variety of seasonal fish and Korean soju?

2) ‘Pork belly’, the eternal companion of soju

Pork belly is one of Korea’s most iconic dishes, with the right mix of lean meat and fat to create a tender, savory flavor. It’s typically grilled on a charcoal grill, and when it’s done, it’s often wrapped in lettuce or kimchi and dipped in sauces like gochujang and ssamjang.

Samgyeopsal is also a classic dish to share with family, friends, and colleagues, and it’s become a cultural tradition to serve it with soju, a strong drink that maximizes the savory flavors of the pork belly! When you hear the word “samgyeopsal” you think “Korean soju” and the two are inseparable. Which restaurants specialize in pork belly that Koreans love so much?

<Seongmigol> , where you can taste Iberian black pork

• Address : 102, 137 World Cup-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
• Business Hours : Mon-Thu 14:00 ~ 23:00 / Fri-Sun 13:00 ~ 23:00 (Closed every Tuesday)

Seongmigol is a Mangwon-dong meat restaurant where you can eat Iberian black pork, one of the world’s top four delicacies. Iberian black pork is a Spanish pig that is raised on eco-friendly grazing and the highest quality feed. If you order an assortment instead of a specific part, such as pork belly, you can get a detailed description of the part and how to eat it!

The interior is spacious, so it’s easy to make a reservation as a catch table and visit with family and friends. The menu is divided into two main categories: grilled set meals and single dishes, and the single dishes include pork belly, marbled brisket, and duroc flower pork belly, so you can choose according to your preference. While I usually enjoy soju with my pork belly, there are many people who enjoy both beer and soju together!

Why not enjoy a delicious piece of grilled meat, a glass of Korean soju or traditional Korean liquor, and a good chat with friends at Seongmigol?

3) Perfect side dish for drinking ‘Sundae’

Sundae, also known as “Korean sausage” is a traditional Korean food made from ground pork offal and other ingredients. It’s nicknamed for its long, sausage-like shape before it’s sliced. It’s commonly eaten with tteokbokki, dipped in tteokbokki broth, or used in broth dishes like sundae soup.

Because of the variety of ingredients, sundae has a rich flavor that fills your mouth as soon as you bite into it. When paired with soju, a light and refreshing traditional Korean liquor, it complements and enhances the flavor. Where are some of Korea’s favorite sundae restaurants?

The infinite transformation of sundae! <Leebukbang>

• Address : 2F, 16 Mapo-daero 1-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
• Business Hours : Lunch 12:30 ~ 14:00 / Weekdays Dinner 19:00 ~ 20:30 / Weekend Dinner 17:00 ~ 21:00 (Closed every Monday)
  • Break time (Weekend Dinner) : 18:30 ~ 19:30

Where is the endless transformation of sundae? LeeBukbang is a restaurant run by Chef Jihyung Choi. The restaurant offers a “sundae omakase,” which is a traditional Korean dish made with sundae.

The restaurant offers a variety of carefully prepared sundae, including vegetable skin sundae, white sundae, abai sundae, and duck sundae, as well as a variety of side dishes such as traditional pollock sundae and low-temperature cooked suyuk. The sundae was inspired by her maternal grandmother from Hamgyong Island. If you’re curious to find out what the prestigious Guide Seoul 2023-recommended Leebukbang sundae tastes like, make a reservation through Catchtable!

4) A Greasy, Flavorful Treat ‘Beef tripe’

One of Korea’s favorite foods is offal, or cow’s intestines. Beef tripe is a dish of grilled, cleaned, and trimmed offal. It’s usually grilled on a barbecue, and it’s so firm and chewy that you won’t be able to put it down.

It’s this korean soju, or traditional Korean liquor, that acts as a softening agent for the unique flavors and tastes of giblets. It’s relatively low in alcohol and has a refreshing flavor that cuts through the grease and enhances the flavor of the giblets. Here are some of the best places to eat so gopchang in Seoul that you won’t be able to stop using your chopsticks.

The best flavor, <Mogdong Yangdaechang>

• Address : 1F, 32, Omok-ro 46-gil, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul
• Business hours : 17:00 ~ 24:00

Although it is a grilled food, the life of offal is its freshness and quality. There is a giblets restaurant where you can eat quality and fresh giblets. The name is Mogdong Yangdaechang.

Many of the ingredients in Mogdong Yangdaechang, including beef giblets, have a very chewy texture and are gaining popularity every day. Although the interior is not very spacious, it is possible to make a reservation for a catch table, so you can easily visit and have a small conversation with your family, lover, or friends who are traveling together while enjoying Korean soju or Korean traditional liquor.

1. Gyeongbokgung Palace – A Royal Gem in the Heart of Seoul

Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the most famous palaces of Seoul and a historical treasure. This majestic palace is known as the “Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven” and is a magnificent example of royal grandeur.

You’ll instantly feel like you’re in a king’s and queen’s era when you step through the Gwanghwamun Gate, the main entrance to the palace. There are a bunch of impressive structures on the sprawling palace grounds, each carefully crafted to showcase the craftsmanship of ancient Koreans.

The centerpiece of Gyeongbokgung is the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, an architectural marvel set amidst a tranquil pond. It was once the venue for lavish royal banquets, showing off the luxury of the Joseon dynasty.

A little further into the palace, you’ll find the Geunjeongjeon, known as the throne room. It’s adorned with colorful paintings and traditional Korean motifs.

Besides its grandeur, Gyeongbokgung Palace houses several museums displaying historical artifacts and cultural treasures. Ultimately, Gyeongbokgung Palace is a must-see destination for anyone exploring Seoul’s history and discovering the wonders of ancient Korea.

2. Changgyeonggung Palace – A Serene Haven of Tranquility in Seoul

Changgyeonggung Palace is next on our list of the most famous palaces of Seoul. In lush gardens and serene landscapes, Changgyeonggung Palace offers a peaceful escape from Seoul’s hectic pace. Unlike its grander counterparts, its unique charm draws visitors seeking tranquility and a deeper connection to nature.

Changgyeonggung Palace was a residence for queens during the Joseon dynasty. But later, it became a palace for the elderly, making it unique among royal residences. In the meandering paths and picturesque pavilions, a sense of calm surrounds you as you enter its gates.

While exploring the palace’s historical significance, visitors can experience its architecture harmoniously with the surrounding natural surroundings. Changgyeonggung has two mesmerizing ponds reflecting the palace and the sky, creating a peaceful harmony.

The tranquil gardens and serene atmosphere of Changgyeonggung Palace make it an ideal meditative retreat in the middle of Seoul. You can immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of ancient Korean heritage with its understated yet captivating allure.

3. Changdeokgung Palace – A Harmonious Fusion of History and Nature

Changdeokgung Palace, one of the most famous palaces of Seoul, is a World Heritage Site and blends traditional architecture with natural beauty. The palace is known for its mysterious “Secret Garden,” Huwon, a secluded oasis of pavilions, serene ponds, and landscaped gardens.

Originally constructed as a secondary palace, Changdeokgung eventually became the main residence for many Joseon kings. The palace’s design blends beautifully with its surroundings, creating an almost ethereal flow. The architecture and gardens at Changdeokgung enhance each other perfectly, forming a harmonious whole.

The “Secret Garden” is a wonder, a beautifully designed landscape that changes with the seasons, showcasing Korea’s natural appreciation. You can almost feel the whispers of history and witness the legacy of the past as you walk along its tranquil paths.

Ultimately, the enchanting gardens and timeless elegance of Changdeokgung Palace will delight history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

4. Deoksugung Palace – Where Tradition Embraces Modernity in the Heart of Seoul

The Deoksugung Palace is a testament to Seoul’s harmonious coexistence of tradition and modernity. Unlike other palaces of Seoul, Deoksugung seamlessly combines Western design with traditional Korean architecture.

The palace was initially built for various royal family members during the Joseon dynasty. Entering its grounds, you’re greeted with a stone-wall road leading to a palace, setting the stage for a journey through time.

In Deoksugung, the magnificent Junghwajeon, or Royal Audience Hall, stands out with its intricate wood carvings and vibrant colors. The grand hall was the main venue for important ceremonies and events, proving the palace’s historical significance.

Deoksugung Palace houses the National Museum of Art, displaying a fusion of traditional and contemporary Korean art. As a result of the convergence of history and modernity, it’s an excellent destination for art enthusiasts.

This palace combines architecture and cultural treasures to reflect Seoul’s embrace of its rich heritage and embrace of the future.

5. Gwanghwamun Palace – A Timeless Symbol of Korea’s Indomitable Spirit

The last of our picks for famous palaces of Seoul is the Gwanghwamun Palace. It, also known as Gyeonghuigung, is an enduring symbol of Korea’s indomitable spirit. The palace was the secondary residence of the Joseon dynasty in Seoul, witnessing the rise and fall of many historical events.

Today, Gwanghwamun is a cultural heritage site carefully reconstructed to honor its majestic past. You can see the grandness of its bygone era through its stone walkways and imposing gates. Even though much of the original palace complex is gone, visitors can still see echoes of a once glorious era.

Despite the partial reconstruction, Gwanghwamun Palace represents Korea’s unwavering spirit and commitment to preserving its heritage. Walking through its grounds, you’ll feel deeply connected to Korea’s history and resilience.

The Gwanghwamun Palace is a silent testament to Korean memory, reminding them to honor their past and celebrate their future.

1) On 6.5

• Address : 28, Bukchon-ro 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea
  • 1.4km from Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jongno-gu
• Business Hours : Mon-Fri 17:30 ~ 23:00 / Sat, Sun, Holidays 15:00 ~ 23:00

On 6.5 is a Korean wine bar that serves from colorful kimchi made with seasonal vegetables to exotic forms of kimchi. Try On 6.5 for traditional Korean flavors like bracken noodles, abalone pilaf, and cabbage ssam today!

2) Blue Bottle Coffee – Samcheong Hanok Cafe

• Address : 40-3, Samcheong-ro 2-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea
  • 0.6km from Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jongno-gu
• Business Hours : Mon-Fri 12:00 ~ 18:00 / Sat, Sun 11:00 ~ 19:00

A trendy café chain that sells gourmet coffee, pastries, beans, and hand-drip supplies. Blue Bottle Coffee uses specialty beans that are delicately roasted and hand-dripped to enhance their flavor and aroma. Blue Bottle Samcheong Hanok branch in particular boasts a serene atmosphere where tradition and modernity coexist.

3) Melting Shop X Cheese Room D Tower Gwanghwamun

• Address : D tower, replace 4F, 17, Jong-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea
  • 1.4km from Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jongno-gu
• Business Hours : 10:00 ~ 22:00

Melting Shop X Cheese Room D Tower Gwanghwamun serves creative and witty fusion Italian cuisine. This western-style restaurant is a collaboration between the Cheese Room and Melting Shop, which cooks with 17 different cheeses, and is recommended for those who want to feel the atmosphere.

4) Mishmash

• Address : 47, Changdeokgung-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea
  • 2.3km from Jongno-gu Changdeokgung Palace
• Business Hours : Tue-Sat 11:00 ~ 15:00 & 18:00 ~ 22:00 / Sun 11:00 ~ 15:00 (Closed every Monday)

Mishmash is a Korean fine dining restaurant in Seoul, South Korea. The restaurant has been recognized by the prestigious Guidebook and offers a variety of Korean fusion dishes!

5) MODAM Gwanghwamun

• Address : B1F, 10, Saemunan-ro 2-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea
  • 1.2km from Deoksugung Palace, Jongno-gu
• Business Hours : 11:00 ~ 22:00
  • Break time : 15:00 ~ 17:00

These are upscale Korean restaurants located near various ancient palaces that serve exquisite Korean dishes such as grilled beef, ddeokguk, and bulgogi. Click on the links below to try out some of the finest Korean cuisine in a luxurious setting!