Do you have got suggestions or a 10-day restaurant tour information for Seoul?
My mother and father are coming to go to for two weeks, and I’m trying to take them to eating places in Seoul. Any solutions with maps?
Problem accepted.
The Final Seoul Meals Information
The problem of writing about eating places in Seoul is that the culinary scene adjustments so quickly. Eating places all of a sudden shut down and develop into espresso retailers in a single day. Not exaggerating. Now, should you’re prepared to do the footwork, I’ll lay down an awesome tour to get a style of the traditional, conventional, quirky, and new. You’ll want snug strolling footwear and an ample urge for food.
Day 1 – The Touristy North
You gotta hit the principle spots in your first couple of days. Gwanghwamun, one of many palaces, your first of many journeys to Insa-dong. My guidelines on this space are to search for locations off the principle highway, full of workplace staff. Keep away from locations that appear to be franchises. Additionally keep away from Korean eating places with Japanese written up entrance. These are vacationer traps.
Gwanghwamun Jip
광화문집 
Up close to the palaces is likely one of the final holes-in-the-wall in Seoul that’s legendary for its kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew). It’s a decent squeeze, however fortunately ordering is simple. They principally solely serve two issues–kimchi jjigae and gyeran mari (rolled omelette). The jjigae is notable for its sourness and spice, which balances nicely with the graceful omelette. It’s a great way to wake you up. Discover Gwangjang Market and check out some bindaeddeok. That’s at all times enjoyable. For dinner you’ll be able to head down a bit.
Samhae Jip
삼해집 
I simply tried this place out lately. I’ve been on the hunt for eating places with some historical past. Within the alley maze south of Jongno 3-ga Station is a joint that has been serving bossam (juicy pork wraps) with oysters for over 35 years. You additionally get a bowl of gamjatang (pork backbone soup) together with your order. On weekend evenings, there’s a line out the door for this place. And it’s good!
Day 2 – Noryangjin and Mapo
Noryangjin Market
Come on! This needs to be the most effective attraction in Seoul. One of many world’s largest fish markets. And it actually doesn’t have that fish market odor. They hold it clear. You’ll be able to strive completely different critters contemporary from the distributors. I say it’s like going to an aquarium the place you’ll be able to eat the displays. Simply level to no matter you need. The seller will prep it for you and certain will direct you to a restaurant a couple of meters away that may cook dinner it. Try our new Information to Noryangjin Fish Market. 
Mapo Jeong Daepo
마포 정대포 
If anybody is coming to Seoul for one evening, I take them right here. Mapo, for me, is barbecue heaven. It’s blocks and blocks of grill homes. There’s this one space behind the Greatest Western that I name Galmaeggi Gil (Galmaeggi Road). It’s all locations specializing in what greatest be described as pork skirt steak. It’s the meat from across the diaphragm. Severely, it’s lean and filled with taste. Mapo Jeong Daepo takes this a step additional. They place a domed pan on prime of pure wooden charcoal. There are gutters on the perimeters of the pan initially meant to catch the rendered pork fats. Into these gutters they pour scrambled eggs and layer aged kimchi on prime. This has develop into so well-liked that the opposite eating places within the space have copied it. NOTE: That is included in our Final Korean BBQ Expertise. CLICK HERE for information.
Day 3 – Really Distinctive
Cheogajip
처가집
Actual North Korean meals humbly served exterior a household’s dwelling. There are solely 5 objects on the menu: JjimDalk (Steamed Rooster), Mandu (Dumplings), Naengmyeon (Chilled Noodles), beer, and soju. Washington Put up meals critic Tom Sietsema known as his meal there one in every of his most memorable in 2013.
Yeontabal
연타발 When you’re really adventurous then do this excessive finish restaurant that focuses on grilled intestines. NO REALLY! It’s the most effective meals you’ll have. In addition they have some top quality Han-oo beef.
Day 4 – Reflection
Baru Gongyang
바루공양 
A tour of Korean delicacies isn’t full with out Buddhist temple meals. It’s greatest to order a lunch right here and go for the second or third largest set menu. The meal will take not less than a full hour, so chill out and luxuriate in. The meals is inspirational. After lunch, take a stroll round Jogyesa Temple and head on all the way down to Insa-dong for some purchasing.
Insa-dong Chatjip
인사동 찻집 
After all you’re going to buy groceries in Insa-dong. To chill out from the hustle of the streets, my favourite spot is the Insa-dong Teahouse. It’s throughout from the dragon’s beard sweet hawkers with the signal 인사동 찻집. Go within the again to the little courtyard. Attempt some unique teas and infusions. My favourite is the pine needle tea. Take pleasure in this with some honey cookies and grilled rice muffins.
Day 5 – Get Exterior of Seoul
Seoul is a buzzing metropolis. However to actually know Korea is to go to the countryside. When you can’t get out to the countryside, take a subway to the suburbs–to the opposite sides of the mountains. Eating places close to mountains and farm communities are the most effective.
San Maul Boribap
산마을 보리밥 
Each chef and foodie I’ve taken right here has mentioned it’s the most effective–and in lots of circumstances the greatest–Korean meals that they had on their journey. It’s one other a type of journeys. This place is tucked on the base of Gwanak Mountain and initially catered to hikers. Ensure that to get the hen barbecue, the pajeon, and the namesake boribap with their housemade liquor.
Jangmo Jip 장모집
You might have observed that loads of locations finish in “Jip.” Which means “Home.” That is out close to Pangyo, southeast of Seoul, in the course of NOWHERE! It’s nonetheless my spouse’s favourite place. She desires of it. There actually isn’t a menu there. They simply provide you with Ganjang Geijang (Soy Pickled Crab) and no matter facet dishes are in season. It’s an abundance of meals at an awesome value. It’s true Korea. You’ll not see any vacationers right here. The service is pleasant and welcoming. The problem is getting there. Buses do make it on the market. Taxi is an alternative choice.
Day 6 – Itaewon
Vatos City Tacos
What can I say? I speak about this place loads as a result of I find it irresistible. Korean tacos made not as a result of they’re stylish however as a result of these guys miss the meals they grew up with.
Linus’ Bama BBQ
Linus is a Korean-American from Birmingham, Alabama. He makes BBQ. He competes and has truly gained in American BBQ competitions. It’s probably the most effective American BBQ exterior of America.
Southside Parlor
This speakeasy was began by Texan expats enthusiastic about nice cocktails and nice meals. Their type borrows loads from Korean culinary tradition and their Texan roots. They make the most effective Previous Normal in Seoul, and also you gotta strive their Fried Rooster Burritos.
Day 7 – Rooster Day
Tosokchon
토속촌 
A favourite of former president Roh Mu-hyun, Tosokchon is one other place that focuses on just one factor. The most effective locations do this. Enter this traditional hanok type complicated, sit down and simply use your fingers to inform the server what number of bowls you want. Attractive effervescent bowls with complete chickens bathing in them present up with a wealthy silky broth. I’m not an enormous fan of samgyetang, however I make an exception for this one.
Take a stroll by means of the markets and the streets north of right here and to the appropriate. Very charming.
Andong JjimDalk
안동 찜닭 
This can be a chain restaurant, however the Myeong-dong location is taken into account probably the most dependable–should you can’t make it all the way down to Andong itself. This can be a good style of regional Korean delicacies with this distinctive hen stewed in a darkish spicy garlicky sauce. For the complete impact, order some Andong soju together with your meal.
I additionally counsel grabbing some well-known Korean fried hen for the night. I really like my Two-Two Rooster. However actually, anywhere that smells good on the surface will probably be nice on the within.
Rooster & Beer
Korea has extra hen hofs (pubs) than McDonald’s has areas around the globe. Rooster Republic. There are a great deal of them. My rule of thumb to find an excellent hen pub:
If it’s filled with fairly younger ladies taking selfies, it’s doubtless not good hen.
If it’s filled with grizzled middle-aged males who appear to be life has kicked them within the enamel, GREAT CHICKEN! Favourite chains: Two-Two Rooster, Rooster Baengi, BBQ, Kyochon, Bbo-Bbo. Actually, if it smells like grease and Chinese language 5 spice exterior–or like a cinnamon doughnut–it’s a traditional hen pub.
Chains I keep away from: Frypan, Ne-Ne
I’d be amiss if I didn’t do any self promotion. We additionally conduct a preferred Rooster & Beer tour at Korea Meals Excursions Seoul. Extra data and reserving right here.
Day 8 – South of the River
Jung Sik Dang
정식당 
Again south of the river for this landmark for brand new Korean delicacies. The lunch menu is (final I checked) W40,000 per particular person. It’s a set menu, so simply sit down and benefit from the experience. The enjoyable a part of consuming right here is guessing which conventional dish impressed every course.
Mingles
That is the opposite large excessive finish fashionable Korean restaurant. This has gotten nice opinions from the pickiest snobbiest of eaters I do know.
Day 9 – Hongdae
Loads on this put up is in Hongdae. But the neighborhood itself requires extra consideration. Its’ the Soho of Seoul. The anti-Gangnam. It’s an experimental hotbed of eating places.
Flying Rooster
닭날다 One really distinctive one is within the again streets. Flying Rooster. It’s executed up like a World Struggle II bunker. You’d assume that it’s filled with kitschy internet-bought replicas.
NO!!!
The bric-à-brac is the true deal. Actual WWII museum artifacts. Among the stuff was lent out to the manufacturing of “Saving Non-public Ryan.” Their specialty is boneless thighs in spicy sauce with delicate rice muffins and candy potatoes all smothered in cheese, served on a scorching plate. Additionally get the Rice Egg and the beer in a canteen cup. Sure, these cups are actual WWII canteen cups.
Experimental Road Meals Alley
That’s not the official title. I doubt there may be an official title. It’s a slender alley. On one facet is a bunch of grilled gut eating places. On the opposite facet is a bunch of perpetually altering stalls promoting traditional road meals and loads of WTF road meals. I fear that the realm is getting encroached upon by gentrification. It will not be round for much longer.
Day 10 – Toast to Reminiscences
Walkerhill (W Seoul and Sheraton)
On the final day, it’s good to strive some locations you missed on the listing or return to your favorites. You probably have some cash to spend, head to Walkerhill and indulge on the W Resort’s Kitchen or the omakase sushi at Namu. Upscale barbecue on the Sheraton Walkerhill’s Myongwolgwan can be well worth the journey.
Pierre Gagnaire a Seoul
And should you actually have the cash and need to finish the journey with a severe ship off, try Pierre Gagnaire a Seoul.
