elaineDiscover more essentials about South Korea including capital, population, languages, and travel practicalities.
Everywhere near the Gyeongbukgung Palace, you’ll see a lot of people wearing a hanbok because entrance to the palace grounds is free if you’re in Korean traditional attire. Here, we rented our hanboks for KRW7,500 each. They charge an extra KRW1,500 for hairstyling and hair accessories). The ahjummas were so nice and accommodating. There were less people, too, compared to the rental shop below—totally a plus for me!
- +82 2 733 7304
Second Floor, 6 Samcheong-ro, Sagan-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
서울특별시 종로구 사간동 삼청로 6
I already went here on my first trip to Seoul, but figured my family should see it as well! After all, this used to be the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. It’s amazing how it stands in the middle of all the modern structures Seoul has built since—still one of my favorite things about this city! You can’t help but be in awe of how much heritage they’ve been able to preserve. (Yes, @caldefool was game enough to try the hanbok with me! 😜)
- +82 2 3700 3900
161 Sajik-ro, Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
서울특별시 종로구 사직로 161 (세종로)- http://www.royalpalace.go.kr
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If you’re looking for a particular cosmetics or clothing shop in Seoul, chances are it’s here in Myeongdong. There’s too many of them to name, to be honest. A lot of must-try street food can also be found here, which is why it’s so popular with both locals and tourists. We went on a little food trip: Roasted Lobster with Cheese, Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp, Assorted Kimbap, Tornado Potato, and Honey Ice Cream Waffle! Yum, yum, yum!
83-9 Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Anywhere there’s a Line Store, expect me to be there!
- +82 2 318 7942
9 Myeongdong 8na-gil, Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
서울특별시 중구 명동 명동8나길 9- http://www.store.linefriends.co.kr
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Our first time to try these burgers! We ordered the Shack Burgers, Cheese Fries, and Frozen Custard the first time we were here. @caldefool loved it so much, we went back to try their Double Shack Burger, High Heat Fries, and Dongdaemun Rainbow Concrete (Frozen Custard with doughnut, strawberry jam, and sprinkles). I’m not much of a burger girl, but I enjoyed it! My parents also thought the burgers were pretty good! 🍔🍟🍦
- +82 2 3398 4003
First Floor Doota Mall, Jangchungdanro 275, Jung-Gu, Seoul, South Korea
- https://www.shakeshack.com/location/seoul-south-korea-doota-mall
After eating lunch, we went around this duty free mall for a bit where we shopped for my brother and sister who couldn’t go on the trip with us. Doota houses a lot of trendy items, so this is a good place to visit if you’re looking for branded clothing, shoes, and accessories.
- +82 2 3398 3115
275 Jangchungdan-ro, Euljiro 6-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- http://www.doota-mall.com
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We ventured to Insadong to visit this cat café, a really cute space located inside a walk-up. The entrance fee is KRW12,000, inclusive of one drink of your choice. (We got Caramel Macchiatto—not the best, but you go here for the cats! They also have tea and juices on the menu.) We had an awesome time playing with the cafe’s furry friends, even though we had to wait about an hour for their siesta to end. There’s no limit to your stay, anyway. The owners were so nice! There are about 20 cats here, I think. Look for Coconut, a monster kitty that weighs about 7kg! Charlotte, Sophy, and Cleo are my faves, too. 🐱
- +82 2 722 7833
Third Floor, 11-1, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- https://www.facebook.com/2catsinsadong/
One of the stops my Dad specifically asked to visit! The Cheonggyecheon Stream, a restoration of the original watercourse from the Joseon Dynasty, was previously covered by a highway after the Korean War. Now, it’s back to its former glory!
- +82 2 2290 7111
Sinseol-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
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I remember spending a whole week here for Seoul Fashion Week a few years ago, and I’m so happy to have gone around again! The space is still 👌🏼, and there’s so much to see. There are so many places to hang out and chill. @caldefool says it relaxed him just being there! Check out the Design Market for cute finds and the Art Hall or Museum to soak up some Korean culture. Their art scene is so rich here! My parents loved hanging out in the in-house café, too.
- +82 2 2153 0408
281, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
서울특별시 중구 을지로 281 (을지로7가)- http://www.ddp.or.kr
I haven’t been to France yet, so I consider this the best Kouign-Amann I’ve ever had...for now.
- +82 2 3478 9137
397 부띠크 모나코, 서초대로 서초4동 서초구 서울특별시 South Korea
By our last night in Seoul, my Dad was already so tired of eating with chopsticks that he specifically looked for a Western restaurant for dinner. 😆 They took @caldefool and I here, a place they’ve already tried earlier in the week. We ordered Cobb Salad, Sweet Gorgonzola Pizza, Triple Garlic Seafood Pasta, Garlic Sizzling Rice, and Herb Ribeye Steak—all so good! Steer clear if you don’t like garlic, obviously; but if you love it as much as I do, don’t miss out!
- +82 2 2251 8320
Third Floor Gwanghwamun D Tower, 17, Jong-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- https://www.madforgarlic.com.sg/
Another café my Dad spotted in one of his Korean dramas that we *needed* to go to before leaving. 😂 We all shared a Mango Sweet Bonbon for dessert, which was just alright. It’s too sweet for my liking, but when in Seoul!
Second & Third Floor, 40, Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- http://www.cafedeparis.kr
About South Korea
