Local guide

Things to do in Jongno & Bukchon

44 places in Jongno & Bukchon — mainly sights, culture and markets, plus premium experiences and spots where K-celebs have eaten. Pick a few, then book a salon nearby in your own language.

Sights· 7

  1. Bukchon Hanok Village

    A hillside of old homes where people live, with set visiting hours.

    Bukchon is a residential hillside of hanok between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces. Some lanes look out over tiled rooftops to downtown Seoul, and roughly 6,000 people still live here.

    Why go
    Many international visitors come to see Seoul's hanok scenery, and the strain on residents has led Jongno-gu to limit visiting hours, so you need to know the rules before you go.
    Good to know
    Jongno-gu has designated the Bukchon-ro 11-gil area a red zone where tourist visits are limited to set daytime hours, with fines for breaking the rule. Taking photos or video, lingering to look around and wandering all count as tourist activity; residents and shop customers are exempt. Keep noise down, take your litter, and do not photograph into homes. The hours and rules can change, so check Jongno-gu's official notice before you go.

    Sources: culture.jongno.go.kr · mediahub.seoul.go.kr

  2. Changdeokgung Palace

    A royal palace with a quiet rear garden you visit on a guided walk.

    A UNESCO World Heritage palace built in 1405 as the second royal palace, used by many Joseon kings as their main residence. Behind it lies Huwon, the rear garden, a limited-access area toured on foot with a guide among woods and ponds.

    Why go
    It works well as a second palace after you have seen one already. Huwon admits a fixed number of people per time slot, so the walk stays quieter than at a crowded sight.
    Good to know
    Closed on Mondays. Huwon is a separate timed visit with its own booking on top of the palace ticket, made through the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center's integrated reservation, with Korean, English, Japanese and Chinese time slots. In foreign-language slots, Koreans can enter only as companions of a foreign visitor, up to two.

    Sources: royal.khs.go.kr · english.visitseoul.net

  3. Gyeongbokgung Palace

    A royal palace where Koreans like to stroll in traditional hanbok.

    The first and largest of Joseon's royal palaces, built in 1395, running from Gwanghwamun Gate past the Geunjeongjeon throne hall to the Gyeonghoeru pavilion. It gets more visitors than any of the other three big palaces run by the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center.

    Why go
    Walking the grounds in hanbok has become a popular outing for Koreans as well as visitors, and anyone in a proper hanbok gets in free, foreigners included. It sits in central Seoul, so it links easily with Bukchon, Seochon and Insadong in one day.
    Good to know
    The palace is closed on Tuesdays (if a Tuesday is a public holiday it opens, and the next regular weekday becomes the closing day). Free hanbok entry only counts a jeogori top with a skirt or trousers, so read the official guideline first. Night admission runs only in announced periods and needs an advance booking.

    Sources: royal.khs.go.kr · english.visitseoul.net

  4. Ikseon-dong Hanok Alleys

    Narrow lanes of old Korean houses turned cafes, a favorite date spot.

    Ikseon-dong is an urban hanok residential area built in the late 1920s and early 1930s, with small hanok packed along narrow alleys. It became a hanok preservation zone in 2018, and converted hanok now house cafes, eateries and goods shops.

    Why go
    It is close to Jongno 3-ga Station, so it works as an evening walk after a daytime visit to Jongmyo or the palaces. Its retro feel has made it an established date and photo spot for young Koreans.
    Good to know
    Walk from Jongno 3-ga Station exit 6. The alleys are narrow with steps and kerbs and no elevator, according to Korea Tourism Organization listings, so wheelchairs and strollers will struggle. Some hanok are lived-in homes, so do not photograph over garden walls and keep your voice down at night. Some places have single-person seats if you are on your own.

    Sources: mediahub.seoul.go.kr · korean.visitkorea.or.kr

  5. Jogyesa Temple

    A Buddhist temple in the city center where Koreans pray and rest.

    The head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, next to Insadong, where you can see Korean Buddhist architecture and rites in the middle of the city. A Templestay information center right beside it runs short experience programs.

    Why go
    For Koreans it is both a place of worship and a city-center walk. About 84% of templestay participants are Korean, so adding it gives a taste of how Koreans themselves take a break.
    Good to know
    Opening hours follow the temple's ceremony schedule, so check before you go. Templestays range from two- to three-hour day programs to overnight stays, booked through the Templestay Reservation link on the Jogyesa site or the official Templestay site. Keep quiet inside the halls and avoid photos during ceremonies.

    Sources: english.visitseoul.net

  6. Jongmyo Shrine

    A calm shrine for royal ancestors, good as a second palace stop.

    The royal ancestral shrine where the spirit tablets of Joseon kings and queens are kept, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The main hall and its wide courtyard are the focus, giving a plainer, calmer feel than the palaces.

    Why go
    It shows ritual architecture rather than palace life, seen with a guide, so it suits a second stop for someone who has already seen Gyeongbokgung or Changdeokgung.
    Good to know
    Closed on Tuesdays. On weekdays the default is a timed guided tour at set times, with separate English, Japanese and Chinese slots. Free-entry days are set separately, so check the day and time slot in the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center booking page before going.

    Sources: royal.khs.go.kr · english.visitseoul.net

  7. Seochon Alley Walk

    A quiet old neighborhood where Koreans stroll past cafes and art.

    Seochon is an old residential quarter west of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Narrow lanes between low hanok and small apartment buildings hold galleries, bookshops, cafes and workshops; Seoul city counts around 670 surviving hanok. Tongin Market and traces of writers such as Yi Sang and Yun Dong-ju sit along the walking route.

    Why go
    It is an easy walk from Gyeongbokgung Station, so it pairs well with a palace visit. Koreans also come for the market, cafes and galleries.
    Good to know
    Seoul city's walking course starts near Gyeongbokgung Station exit 3 and passes Tongin Market before winding into the lanes. Some hanok are lived-in homes and some have become guesthouses, so be careful about peering through gates or taking photos. Closing days differ by shop; check on your map app.

    Sources: mediahub.seoul.go.kr · korean.visitkorea.or.kr

Culture· 2

  1. Daehangno Theater District

    A street of small theaters where locals spend ordinary evenings.

    The district around Hyehwa Station, with about 160 theaters, is the centre of Korean plays and musicals. Most shows are small-theater productions in Korean, and Marronnier Park is the heart of the street.

    Why go
    Koreans come here for ordinary evenings at the theater, so it is a way to see everyday local culture rather than a tourist stop. A walk through Marronnier Park and up toward Naksan before or after the show rounds out the outing.
    Good to know
    Most shows are in Korean, so look for showtimes with foreign-language subtitles or for non-verbal shows with little dialogue. Check the subtitle label per showtime on booking sites such as NOL Ticket. The Welcome Daehakro festival that the tourism organization runs in autumn adds more subtitled shows, so confirm this year's dates officially.

    Sources: english.visitkorea.or.kr · english.visitseoul.net

  2. National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul

    A modern art museum near the palaces, an easy indoor stop.

    The Seoul branch of the national modern and contemporary art museum, on the Samcheong-dong side street. It stages Korean modern art, current-day exhibitions, and film and interdisciplinary shows.

    Why go
    It is a short walk from Gyeongbokgung and Bukchon, so an indoor exhibition slots in easily after a palace walk. It also opens late on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
    Good to know
    The Seoul branch opens on Mondays and closes only on New Year's Day, Seollal and Chuseok. Temporary closing days are posted on the official site and some shows use the integrated reservation, so check before your visit date.

    Sources: mmca.go.kr · english.visitseoul.net

Markets· 3

  1. Gwangjang Market

    A classic old market with a lane of pancake and noodle stalls.

    A permanent market in central Seoul that dates back to 1905. The food lane where its east, north-2 and south-1 gates meet is lined with stalls serving mung bean pancakes, gimbap, beef tartare and noodles at counter seats.

    Why go
    Fabric and hanbok shops sit next to old-style market food, so Koreans know it as a classic. These days foreign visitors make up a large share of the crowd in the food lane, so it feels more like a sightseeing stop than a daily market.
    Good to know
    Per the official guide, the food lane stays open late all year while many regular shops close on Sundays. Prices and portions vary by stall, so check the price board and ask about card payment before ordering; sharing a plate or two works well.

    Sources: english.visitkorea.or.kr · english.visitseoul.net

  2. Jongno Sinjin Market Food Alley (Gopchang & Dakhanmari)

    A market alley where workers eat pork intestines and chicken stew.

    A traditional market that opened in 1952, tucked behind the main road between Jongno 5-ga and Dongdaemun. The lanes inside hold stir-fried pork gopchang places, dakhanmari (whole-chicken stew) restaurants and charcoal-grilled fish shops.

    Why go
    It fed workers from the nearby Pyeonghwa Market area and office staff, so a bottle of soju with dinner is still a normal sight. You can pick between spicy stir-fried gopchang and a mild, clear whole-chicken stew on the same lane.
    Good to know
    Dakhanmari is a whole chicken simmered in broth, dipped in a sauce, and many places finish it by cooking noodles in the leftover broth. The stir-fried gopchang is on the spicy side, evenings get crowded, and rest days vary by restaurant, so check ahead.

    Sources: love.seoul.go.kr · mediahub.seoul.go.kr

  3. Tongin Market

    A small alley market where you trade coins for lunchbox side dishes.

    A small alley market in Seochon, just west of Gyeongbokgung Palace, with roughly 70 to 80 stalls. It is known for its coin lunchbox system: you buy brass coins and trade them for side dishes at shops around the market.

    Why go
    For Koreans it is a neighborhood market to drop into for a snack or a meal while walking around Seochon. The coin lunchbox, started in 2012, is the market's signature experience.
    Good to know
    Buy the coins at the customer service center inside the market, pick dishes shop by shop, then eat on the second floor of the lunchbox cafe. Coins are sold only during the daytime, the cafe's weekly closing day is listed differently across sources (Monday or Tuesday), and the whole market closes on the third Sunday of each month, so check the official notice first.

    Sources: mediahub.seoul.go.kr · english.visitkorea.or.kr

Outdoors· 1

  1. Inwangsan Seoul City Wall Trail

    A rocky city wall hike that locals treat as their nearby mountain.

    A trail that crosses the granite peak of Inwangsan, west of Gyeongbokgung, along the Seoul City Wall. The official trail guide gives about 4 km from the Donuimun site to Changuimun, roughly two and a half hours, with many rocky stretches and a difficulty rating of high.

    Why go
    In the middle of the city it gives rock ridges, old fortress wall and wide views, and Koreans treat it as a nearby mountain hike. The official guide even tells walkers to bring water and snacks and use the restroom before starting.
    Good to know
    Start by climbing from Gyeongbokgung Station exit 1 toward Sajik Park, or take a village bus from exit 3 to the Yun Dong-ju Hill stop and walk the other way. The curved wall near the top is a military site and closed, and the rocks can be slippery in winter, so follow the official notes.

    Sources: seoulcitywall.seoul.go.kr · en.wikipedia.org

Experiences· 2

  1. A Big Bookstore Visit (Gwanghwamun)

    A large bookstore where Koreans browse before meeting someone.

    The flagship of a large Korean bookstore chain, on the first basement level of the Kyobo Life Building in Gwanghwamun, opened in 1981. People browse the shelves, read standing up or in the seating areas, and choose books in person.

    Why go
    It is an everyday place for Koreans to browse books before or after meeting someone. It is close to Gwanghwamun Square and Gyeongbokgung, so it fits between palace visits.
    Good to know
    The address is B1, Kyobo Life Building, 1 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu. Check opening hours and closing days on the chain's official store page. Do not crease or dirty a book you are reading and put it back where it was. Books are mostly in Korean, so photo books, picture books and art books are the easiest sections to enjoy.

    Sources: ko.wikipedia.org · en.wikipedia.org

Night out· 1

  1. Jongno 3-ga Pojangmacha Street

    A night street of tented stalls where office workers drink and snack.

    A night street along Donhwamun-ro 11-gil near Jongno 3-ga Station, where tented pojangmacha stalls and ordinary restaurants put tables out on the street. Expect seafood snacks, simple noodle dishes like udon and ramyeon, and soju or makgeolli.

    Why go
    It started as an outdoor drinking spot for office workers coming off shift, and now foreign visitors come too. Jongno-gu widened the sidewalks and added patrols, so the street is more orderly than it used to be.
    Good to know
    It opens after dark and runs into the early morning, with hours varying by stall. Public toilets are scarce and smoking is expected only in designated zones, so plan ahead; pour for each other, and use two hands when pouring for someone older.

    Sources: mediahub.seoul.go.kr

Premium experiences· 9

Fine dining, art, hanok stays, concert halls

  1. Daelim Museum

    A museum in Tongui-dong that shows modern art through photography.

    A private museum near Gyeongbokgung in Tongui-dong that moved to Seoul and opened in 2002, in a building by a French architect. It presents modern art mainly through photography and photo-based media, in exhibition halls of different sizes.

    Why go
    It is in the residential lanes next to Gyeongbokgung and Seochon, so it fits a morning around the palace. Its exhibitions change, so the official site shows what is on during your dates.
    Good to know
    Exhibitions change several times a year, so check the official site for the current show and for any closing days. Last entry is before closing time, so do not arrive at the last minute.

    Sources: english.visitkorea.or.kr

  2. Sejong Center for the Performing Arts

    A performing-arts center facing Gwanghwamun Square.

    A multi-purpose arts center at 175 Sejong-daero, facing Gwanghwamun Square and Gyeongbokgung. It has the Grand Theater and smaller halls, two art museum spaces, and a lounge with a cafe and shop, and it offers backstage tours.

    Why go
    It stands in the palace district, so a daytime palace visit can end with an orchestra, opera or traditional music evening without crossing the city.
    Good to know
    Look up performances and book on the official site, which has an English version. Backstage tours can be booked separately, and opera glasses can be rented at the venue.

    Sources: english.visitseoul.net · sejongpac.or.kr

  3. Seoul Museum of Craft Art

    A public museum of Korean craft, past and present, in Anguk.

    A public craft museum in Anguk-dong that opened in July 2021 on the site of the old Andong Palace. It shows craft from traditional pieces to contemporary work in ceramics, wood, glass and embroidery, in permanent and changing exhibitions.

    Why go
    It sits between the Samcheong-dong galleries and the Insa-dong craft street, so it links easily with both on one walk. Visit Seoul also notes commissioned installations by craft artists inside the building.
    Good to know
    Closed on Mondays and New Year's Day. The museum has no parking of its own, so go by subway; Anguk Station on Line 3 is the nearest. It also runs craft workshops and programs, so check the official site if you want to join one.

    Sources: craftmuseum.seoul.go.kr · english.visitkorea.or.kr

  4. Whanki Museum

    A private museum of Kim Whanki's abstract art in Buam-dong.

    A private museum at the foot of Bugaksan in Buam-dong that shows the work of the abstract painter Kim Whanki. The building, designed by Woo Kyusung, has natural light, a courtyard and garden, and an art shop and cafe.

    Why go
    Kim Whanki is described as a pioneer of Korean abstract art, so the museum shows modern Korean painting in a different light from the central galleries. The mountainside setting is quiet, and buses run from Gyeongbokgung Station.
    Good to know
    Closed on Mondays, New Year's Day, Seollal and Chuseok. The museum is on a slope away from the subway, so take a bus from Gyeongbokgung Station and wear comfortable shoes.

    Sources: english.visitkorea.or.kr · english.visitseoul.net

  5. Onjium

    A Korean tasting restaurant by Gyeongbokgung that reworks heritage recipes.

    A restaurant in the Seochon area facing the Gyeongbokgung wall, run by the Onjium traditional-culture institute. It serves a seasonal tasting menu that reworks old Korean recipes with modern methods, and the MICHELIN Guide Seoul 2026 lists it with one star.

    Why go
    The institute behind it studies traditional recipes, and Visit Seoul notes culture classes held at the restaurant twice a month, so a meal here comes with a look at how Korean food history is researched. It also puts you beside Gyeongbokgung and Seochon for the rest of the day.
    Good to know
    Reservations go through the restaurant directly, and Visit Seoul advises booking at least three days ahead. Guide listings give different opening hours and days, so confirm them with the restaurant.

    Sources: english.visitseoul.net

  6. Samcheonggak

    A hanok complex with Korean set meals, a tea house and performances.

    A traditional arts and cultural complex of hanok buildings in Seongbuk-dong, long used as a place to receive officials and delegations. It has a Korean restaurant serving hanjeongsik set meals, a tea house, a performance hall with traditional performances, and guest rooms.

    Why go
    The buildings and garden have a formal, quiet setting that suits a slow lunch or dinner. Traditional performances run on most days, so a meal and a show can be put into one outing.
    Good to know
    Check the official site for the restaurant's booking method and the performance schedule; performances do not run on Mondays. It stands on a hillside in Seongbuk-dong, so confirm the route before you set out.

    Sources: english.visitseoul.net · english.visitkorea.or.kr

  7. Rakkojae Seoul Bukchon (Hanok Hotel)

    A hanok hotel in Bukchon where you can stay in a traditional house.

    A hanok hotel in Bukchon, built around a traditional house complex with more than a century of history. VisitKorea mentions a wood-fired red-clay sauna and a jade-covered heated-floor room, and Visit Seoul describes several hanok properties and a culture lounge spread across the village.

    Why go
    It lets you spend a night, or a quiet stay-centered afternoon, inside Bukchon instead of only walking through it. Visit Seoul describes it as a village-style hotel where guests are encouraged to explore the whole neighborhood.
    Good to know
    Rooms and programs are booked ahead through the hotel, and Visit Seoul advises booking at least three days in advance. The sources do not say whether non-guests can join programs, so ask before planning a visit without a booking. The surrounding lanes are residential, so keep your voice down.

    Sources: english.visitseoul.net · english.visitkorea.or.kr

  8. Insa-dong (Crafts and Tea Houses)

    A central street of crafts, galleries and tea houses in old Seoul.

    A neighborhood in central Seoul known for antique shops, galleries, stationery and handicraft stores, pottery shops and tea houses, many of them down side alleys and in old wooden buildings. Ssamziegil, a complex there, has more than 70 shops including craft stores, galleries and tea houses.

    Why go
    Tea houses here are a way to meet Korean tea culture in an old setting, and the shops sell traditional crafts and art supplies, which suits buying gifts made in Korea. On weekends the main street is closed to cars and becomes a pedestrian street.
    Good to know
    Many tea houses and shops sit deeper in the side alleys, so walk the lanes and not only the main street. Each shop sets its own hours and closing days, so check the individual place before you go.

    Sources: english.visitseoul.net · english.visitkorea.or.kr

Where K-celebs eat· 19

Spots stars and well-known people have visited

  1. Balwoo Gongyang

    Temple food restaurant that Israeli Ambassador Chaim Choshen chose himself

    A Buddhist temple cuisine restaurant near Jogyesa, in Ikseon-dong.

    Who’s been
    Chaim Choshen
    Why go
    In a May 2018 newspaper interview, Israeli Ambassador to Korea Chaim Choshen himself suggested this restaurant as the venue. The article describes in detail how he ate dishes such as water kimchi, mushroom dishes and temple dumplings, and took photos of the food.

    Sources: mukzip.club

  2. Conference House Dalgaebi

    Jeong-dong Korean restaurant where UK Ambassador Martin Uden was interviewed

    A Korean restaurant in Jeong-dong, facing the British Embassy.

    Who’s been
    Martin Uden
    Why go
    In an October 2011 newspaper interview, British Ambassador to Korea Martin Uden met the reporter here over a meal of black sesame porridge, mul-kimchi, seaweed jeon and grilled prawns.

    Sources: mukzip.club

  3. Euljiro Boseok

    Euljiro pub where then Shinsegae vice chairman Chung Yong-jin left a note

    A bar in Euljiro, Seoul.

    Who’s been
    Chung Yong-jin
    Why go
    In 2020, Chung Yong-jin, then vice chairman of Shinsegae, posted about the place on his own social media and left a handwritten note on the outside wall: 'The jewel of Euljiro. The jewel of Korea. My jewel. Our jewel. May you prosper.'

    Sources: mukzip.club

  4. Gwanghwamun Gukbap Main Branch

    Gukbap restaurant where SK chairman Chey Tae-won met about 70 employees

    The main branch of a gukbap (rice soup) restaurant near Gwanghwamun Station.

    Who’s been
    Chey Tae-won
    Why go
    According to reports, SK Group chairman Chey Tae-won held his 90th “happiness talk” here on the evening of October 28, 2019, with about 70 SK employees who had signed up on a first-come basis, over gukbap and soju.

    Sources: mukzip.club

  5. Hadonggwan Myeongdong Main Branch

    Gomtang house founded in 1939 that Kim Dae-jung often visited

    The Myeongdong main branch of a gomtang (beef soup) restaurant founded in 1939.

    Who’s been
    Kim Dae-jung
    Why go
    A January 2004 newspaper series on old-established eateries reported that Kim Dae-jung often visited before moving into the Blue House and encouraged the staff.

    Sources: mukzip.club

  6. Haenghwachon

    Myeongdong Chinese restaurant featured on Sung Si-kyung's YouTube channel

    A Chinese restaurant in Myeongdong, Seoul.

    Who’s been
    Sung Si-kyung
    Why go
    Sung Si-kyung featured this restaurant in his official YouTube series 'Meogeultende', in the episode titled 'Haenghwachon, Myeongdong'.

    Sources: mukzip.club

  7. Hyangnamu Segeuru

    Samcheong-dong cheonggukjang restaurant where Moon Jae-in had a 2019 lunch

    A cheonggukjang (fermented soybean stew) restaurant in Samcheong-dong, opposite the Prime Minister's residence.

    Who’s been
    Moon Jae-in
    Why go
    Former President Moon Jae-in reportedly had a cheonggukjang lunch here with his aides on 10 May 2019, the second anniversary of his taking office. Several outlets reported the lunch the same day, and earlier food features also described the place as the cheonggukjang specialist opposite the Prime Minister's residence.

    Sources: mukzip.club

  8. Le Chef Bleu

    French restaurant near the ambassador's residence where Fabien Penone lunched

    A French restaurant near the French ambassador's residence, run by the French Embassy's executive chef.

    Who’s been
    Fabien Penone
    Why go
    In an October 2018 newspaper interview, French Ambassador Fabien Penone immediately recommended this restaurant when asked to do the interview, and the article describes his lunch here that month, with Burgundy sparkling wine and tomato-and-carrot soup among other dishes. It also records him greeting the chef in the kitchen.

    Sources: mukzip.club

  9. Mukho Hoejip

    Bukchang-dong raw fish restaurant where Choiza ate on Sung Si-kyung's YouTube

    A raw fish (hoe) restaurant in Bukchang-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul.

    Who’s been
    Choiza
    Why go
    In an October 2023 episode of Sung Si-kyung's official YouTube show Meogeultende, Choiza of Dynamic Duo appeared as a guest and ate raw fish with him here.

    Sources: mukzip.club

  10. Namhae Sikdang

    Namdaemun Market restaurant where Jensen Huang ate kalguksu with his family

    A restaurant inside Namdaemun Market serving hand-cut noodles (kalguksu).

    Who’s been
    Jensen Huang
    Why go
    NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang reportedly came here with his family in June 2026 and ate hand-cut kalguksu. He and his wife are said to have shared one bowl.

    Sources: mukzip.club

  11. Puerco Sungnyemun Branch

    Iberico specialist where Japan's PM Kishida had lunch on a 2024 Seoul visit

    The Sungnyemun branch in Jung-gu, Seoul, a meat restaurant serving hanwoo beef and Iberico pork.

    Who’s been
    Fumio Kishida · Koichi Mizushima
    Why go
    According to a May 2024 report, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, in Seoul for the Korea-Japan-China trilateral summit, had lunch here with 16 people including Japanese Ambassador Koichi Mizushima and foreign ministry officials. They ate hanwoo, Iberico pluma and grilled cheese, and the Japanese Embassy was reported to have arranged the visit in advance.

    Sources: mukzip.club

  12. Samcheongdong Sujebi

    Samcheong-dong sujebi restaurant where President Moon Jae-in lunched in 2017

    A sujebi (hand-torn dough soup) restaurant in Samcheong-dong, near the Blue House.

    Who’s been
    Moon Jae-in · Kim Jung-sook
    Why go
    Multiple outlets reported that around 1 p.m. on October 1, 2017, the second day of the Chuseok holiday, President Moon Jae-in and first lady Kim Jung-sook had sujebi for lunch here and shared makgeolli with diners at the next table.

    Sources: mukzip.club

  13. Sandong Gyoja

    Myeongdong Chinese restaurant featured on Sung Si-kyung's YouTube channel

    A Chinese restaurant in Myeongdong, Seoul.

    Who’s been
    Sung Si-kyung
    Why go
    Sung Si-kyung featured this restaurant in his official YouTube series 'Meogeultende', in the episode titled 'Sandong Gyoja, Myeongdong'.

    Sources: mukzip.club

  14. Seochon Inwang Sikdang (formerly Seochon Sogukbap)

    Gukbap restaurant inside Tongin Market where President Lee Jae-myung ate

    A gukbap (rice soup) restaurant inside Tongin Market in Jongno-gu, Seoul, formerly called Seochon Sogukbap. Ox-head gukbap is the dish mentioned.

    Who’s been
    Lee Jae-myung
    Why go
    On the evening of 9 February 2026, President Lee Jae-myung ate ox-head gukbap here with his chief of staff and listened to merchants, according to a written briefing by a Blue House deputy spokesperson. The Blue House unusually disclosed the restaurant's name, and several news outlets reported the same.

    Sources: mukzip.club

  15. Seorin Nakji

    Jongno seafood restaurant featured on Sung Si-kyung's YouTube channel

    A seafood restaurant in Jongno, Seoul.

    Who’s been
    Sung Si-kyung
    Why go
    Sung Si-kyung featured this restaurant in his official YouTube series 'Meogeultende', in the episode titled 'Seorin Nakji, Jongno'.

    Sources: mukzip.club

  16. Sinanchon Main Branch

    Jeolla-style restaurant known as former President Kim Dae-jung's regular spot

    A Namdo (Jeolla) cuisine restaurant opened in September 1985 in Naeja-dong, near Gyeongbokgung Station. Hongeo samhap and nakji kkuri are its signature dishes.

    Who’s been
    Kim Dae-jung
    Why go
    A 2016 newspaper food column reported that Kim Dae-jung began coming here around 1990 or 1991 and remained a regular for the rest of his life. A 2018 article and a 2015 column also named it as the late president's regular restaurant.

    Sources: mukzip.club

  17. Sundeogine Gohyang Pocha

    Indoor pocha bar near Seoul Station named among Jeon Hyun-moo's regular spots

    An indoor pocha (Korean pub) near Seoul Station, described as a place to eat rolled omelette, japchae and soy-marinated crab.

    Who’s been
    Jeon Hyun-moo
    Why go
    A magazine's list of five of Jeon Hyun-moo's regular restaurants includes it, with its address. It was also featured on MBN's Jeon Hyun-moo's Plan.

    Sources: mukzip.club

  18. Tosokchon Samgyetang

    Samgyetang restaurant in Seochon visited by Lee Jae-myung and Jensen Huang

    A samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) restaurant in Seochon, close to Gyeongbokgung Station and the Blue House. Pajeon (scallion pancake) and ginseng liquor are also mentioned.

    Who’s been
    Lee Jae-myung · Jensen Huang · Roh Moo-hyun
    Why go
    President Lee Jae-myung reportedly came for an impromptu lunch with his aides in February 2026 after a planned lunch with party leaders fell through, and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang dined here with a party of seven that June. Late President Roh Moo-hyun is reported to have visited about once a month from 2003, and the Korea Tourism Organization's page for the restaurant also says he came often.

    Sources: mukzip.club

  19. Ttungnagwon

    Tongui-dong stew restaurant where president-elect Yoon Suk Yeol lunched in 2022

    A Korean restaurant in Tongui-dong, Jongno-gu, specializing in stews.

    Who’s been
    Yoon Suk Yeol
    Why go
    In March 2022, several outlets reported that Yoon Suk Yeol, then president-elect, had lunch at a kimchi stew restaurant in Tongui-dong with members of his transition committee. A 2025 article named this restaurant, saying the former president ate spicy kimchi stew and rolled omelette here with his aides.

    Sources: mukzip.club

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