Seoul Solo Trip: Food, Shopping, and Neighborhoods
Source:
@Linda Sun
11 places in Seoul featured in a youtube post by Linda Sun, verified on Google Maps: Bukchon Hanok Village, Gwangjang Market, Namdaemun Market, and 8 more.
Bukchon Hanok Village
Landmark
4.4
Bukchon Hanok Village is a picturesque neighborhood featuring traditional Korean houses (hanok) that have been preserved from the Joseon Dynasty. It's a popular tourist destination known for its charming alleyways, cultural centers, and stunning views of Seoul. Visitors can experience a glimpse into Korea's past while exploring the well-maintained historical architecture.
Gwangjang Market
Market
4.2
Gwangjang Market is Seoul's oldest and largest food market, dating back to 1905, and is famous for its wide array of traditional Korean street food. It's a vibrant and bustling market where visitors can find iconic dishes like tteokbokki, mayak kimbap (mini gimbap often called 'narcotic kimbap' due to its addictive taste), and bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes). It's a must-visit for food enthusiasts looking to experience authentic Korean flavors in a lively setting.
Namdaemun Market
Market
4.2
Namdaemun Market is considered the largest traditional market in Seoul, offering a vast array of goods from clothing and household items to souvenirs and street food. It's particularly famous for its hotteok (sweet or savory pancakes) and steamed buns. Visiting early in the day can help avoid long queues at popular food stalls.
Myeongdong Kyoja Main Restaurant
Restaurant
4.2
Myeongdong Kyoja is a Michelin-recommended restaurant known for its traditional kalguksu (chopped noodles) and mandu (dumplings). The kalguksu features a rich, dark broth, but the noodles are often described as overcooked, lacking an al dente texture. The mandu are noted for their soft, airy skins and are best enjoyed with vinegar for added flavor.
Gamekol Son Wangmandu
Restaurant
4.3
Gamekol Son Wangmandu is a popular stall known for its large, fluffy steamed buns (wangmandu). They offer both kimchi and pork buns, which are praised for their soft, cloud-like texture and flavorful fillings. It's a bustling spot in the market, often identifiable by the steam rising from its large steamers and the constant line of eager customers.
Wondang Gamja-tang(pork back-bone stew)
Restaurant
4.0
This 24-hour restaurant specializes in gamjatang, or pork bone soup. It's known for its rich, warming broth and generous portions of pork, served with various side dishes including kimchi. The restaurant is particularly convenient for late-night arrivals or early morning cravings when many other places are closed.
RETTRE
Clothing store
5.0
RETTRE is a unique custom perfume-making shop that offers a personalized scent creation experience. Visitors can choose a picture and then smell various scent sticks to determine their brain activity, which is used to formulate a unique perfume. It's an interactive and memorable experience, allowing guests to create a signature scent based on their emotional responses to different aromas.
Cheonsang Gaok
Cafe
4.3
Cheonsang Gaok is a charming cafe known for its appealing ambiance and delicious sweets, including the famous "Dubai chewy cookie" filled with pistachio. The cafe offers a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing seating area, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy a coffee and dessert. Its unique layout and quality offerings contribute to its popularity.
OLIVE YOUNG Century City
Cosmetics store
4.2
Olive Young is a popular health and beauty store chain in South Korea, similar to a drugstore but with a heavy focus on K-beauty products. It's a go-to spot for skincare, makeup, and other personal care items, often offering competitive prices and promotions. Many visitors make it a frequent stop for beauty hauls due to the wide selection and affordability.
Yogurt World
Dessert shop
4.5
Yogurt World is a popular Korean frozen yogurt chain known for its diverse range of toppings and customizable cups. It offers a variety of frozen yogurt flavors and fun toppings like mochi and chocolate nuts, making it a delightful dessert stop. The yogurt is praised for being tangy and refreshing, perfect for a sweet treat after exploring.
Wanbyeonkhan Gimbap | Perfect kimbap
Restaurant
4.6
The Wanybeokhan Gimbap Mapo Branch is a highly-rated gimbap restaurant known for its extensive variety of fresh gimbap options. The menu features numerous creative and classic gimbap rolls, offering something for every taste. Ordering is done via a convenient self-service kiosk, making it a quick and efficient spot for a casual meal or takeaway.