My kids planned a budget-friendly trip to Seoul, smartly timing it to coincide with the Fourth of July weekend to maximize our time together. Following in the culinary footsteps I laid down during their childhood, they centered our itinerary around Seoul’s rich mosaic of flavors. Here are the highlights I documented of our delightful journey through the city’s culinary wonders, exploring everything from food staples to Michelin-starred marvels:
Isaac Toast & Coffee Myeongdong (17-1 Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea): This fast-food chain is renowned for its delicious toasted sandwiches. It had eluded me on previous trips since not all locations open for breakfast. After two unsuccessful attempts to try their sandwiches in the past, we finally made it to one for a fun and filling meal.
Teddy’s Oven (43 Seoulsup 2-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea): Nestled near Seoul Forest, this café boasts a cozy cottage-like interior and a charming courtyard, making it a perfect oasis for relaxation. Whether you're looking for a peaceful break from the bustling city or a quaint spot to enjoy a coffee, Teddy’s Oven offers a delightful retreat.
Puck'n Onion (South Korea, Seoul, Seongbuk District, 퍽앤어니언 101호): This charming little burger joint became a favorite during my kids' solo trip. After visiting myself, it's easy to see why. I love a good burger and their fries were excellent.
Compose Coffee (67-1 Yangnyeongsi-ro, Dongdaemun District, Seoul, South Korea): We're big fans of Compose Coffee for our midday fuel stops. Their aromatic, freshly brewed coffee revives us, and on hot days, their delicious fruit smoothies provide a refreshing escape. It’s our go-to spot for a quick pick-me-up wherever we are in Seoul.
Kyochon Chicken (44-18 Samseong-dong, Gangnam District, Seoul, South Korea): It’s hard to believe that Kyochon is a chain, given their exceptional mastery of Korean fried chicken. Their offerings, featuring perfectly crispy, spicy, and sweet flavors, are a testament to their culinary skill. We found ourselves returning several times during our trip to indulge in their amazing chicken and beer.
Tasty Cube (22-8 Yonsei-ro 5da-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea): This Michelin Bib Gourmand-recognized restaurant is famed for its standout dishes like Kkaebusu-myeon (a savory dry noodle dish), Hong Tantanmen (noodles served in a rich pork bone broth), and Baek Tantanmen (a lighter version of Hong Tantanmen). Despite its small size, which often leads to a queue, the wait is worth it.
Gobuk Mandu (7 Duteopbawi-ro, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea): This quaint, no-frills eatery, operated by a dedicated husband and wife team, has earned a Bib Gourmand designation from the Michelin Guide. The restaurant shines with its water-fried dumplings, which are a true showstopper. Accompanying these are their equally impressive mandu, long bao, and steamed dumplings, all of which form a top-tier supporting cast that delights diners.
One Degree North (116 Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam District, Seoul, South Korea): A Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient and a favored spot for my kids and me, this restaurant specializes in popular Singaporean dishes and Asian barbecue. The menu features delectable selections like savory chicken rice and crispy roast pork, among other mouth-watering offerings that draw a loyal following.
Bun Patty Bun (21 Banpo-daero 27-gil, Seocho District, Seoul, South Korea): Situated near the Conrad Seoul, this casual dining spot is renowned for its creative burger creations. Each burger features high-quality ingredients and unique flavor pairings.
한우뭉티기 (South Korea, Seoul, Songpa District, Sincheon-dong, 7 장미아파트 A상가 지하층): Nestled in the basement of the A-Sang-ga shopping center, this restaurant is a hidden gem where the ambiance and staff are welcoming. Known for its exceptional raw beef, it ranks as one of my daughter's favorites in a city brimming with outstanding culinary offerings.
Myeongdong Kyoja Branch (8 Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea): A Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand recipient and a regular stop for us, this restaurant's limited menu never fails to impress. While everything served is exceptional, it’s the Mandu that keeps us coming back.
In addition to these memorable food and coffee shops, some of which I didn’t manage to document due to sheer exhaustion, we indulged in some lively street food in the tourist-heavy area near our hotel. We also enjoyed a visit to Bar SookHee (7-9 Myeongdong 10-gil (4th floor), Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea), a charming speakeasy hidden away in Myeongdong. The drinks were superb, and the food offerings tantalizing, making for a perfect evening retreat in the bustling city.
Epilogue: Full Hearts and Departing Flavors
As regular visitors to Seoul, each journey deepens our appreciation for this dynamic city. Checking out of the Ibis Ambassador Myeong-dong (78 Namdaemun-ro Jung-gu, Seoul, 4534, South Korea) and boarding our flight back to Guam, we carried with us not just fleeting memories, but a growing collection of sensory experiences that define our bond with Seoul. This trip, like all the others, reinforced that the true essence of travel lies in the flavors tasted, the aromas inhaled, and the memories crafted. Seoul, with its rich, diverse culinary landscape, continues to be not just a destination, but a significant part of our lives.
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