“Soul-Searching” in Seoul
From modern skyscrapers and neon lights to Buddhist temples, palaces and pagodas, Seoul, South Korea, is a fascinating mix of old and new.
Here are some hidden gems you should not miss during your time in Seoul!
Happy “Seoul”- searching!
1. Ssamzigil
Address : 44, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 종로구 인사동길 44
Opening Hours: 10:30-20:30
Opened in 2004, this hidden gem has been called the "Special Insa-dong within Insa-dong."
The unique area was designed as to connect each charming level together in the form of a spiraling walkway.
Ssamzigil covers 42,700sq. ft. with over 70 shops including handicraft stores, souvenir shops, art galleries, restaurants & more.
Enjoy window-shopping in the cozy stores until you reach the top, where you will arrive at Sky Garden where you get to view an extraordinarily clear view of the sky.
-> Ddong Café
Located on the highest level of the establishment, this beautiful cafe is themed after the Ddong Emoji. 💩
Monday to Sunday : 10:30 am–9 pm
2. Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)
Address: 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 종로구 사직로 161
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Monday, 9am to 6pm.
Entry cost: Adult (age 19-64): 3,000 won, Child (age 7-18): 1,500 won.
The Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the most see places in Seoul, and arguably the most beautiful, and the palaces.
The National Palace Museum of Korea is located outside of Heungnyemun Gate, and the National Folk Museum is located on the eastern side of Hyangwonjeong Pavillion.
3. Starfield Library
Address: South Korea, Seoul, Gangnam-gu, Yeongdong-daero, 513 스타필드 코엑스몰 B1
Futuristic library & cultural event space on 2 levels of a mall with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.
Located in the center of COEX Mall, Starfield Library is an open public space for avid readers to immerse themselves in books or take a break at the seating areas readily available for the public.
A wide selection of books in various genres such as humanities, economics, hobbies as well as foreign books are readily available.
In addition, the place provides a plethora of events such as meeting with authors, book talks, poetry reading, lectures, book concerts, and more.
4. Mingles
Mingles is a 2 Michelin Starred restaurant in Seoul, South Korea and is inspired by traditional Korean cuisine and modern techniques. The philosophy is using a blend of ‘contrasting elements into harmony'.
Read more on my post here.
5. EVETT
EVETT is a dining restaurant which draws inspiration from Korean ingredients and contemporary food culture along with ideas as techniques from all around the world. The restaurant also serves alcohol pairing consists of selected Korean alcohol from all over the nation.
Read more about EVETT here.
6. Gaon
Gaon is one of the two restaurants in Seoul to be awarded three stars when Michelin launched its guide to the South Korean capital in 2017. The private dining room is conducted in an elegant room and traditional Korean ingredients and technique are used within a classic tasting menu format.
Read more about again here.
7. Kalguksu Alley
Situated near Gate 6 is Kalguksu Alley, a small cluster of vendors specialising in kalguksu (handmade, knife-cut noodles in a steamy, savoury broth).
Knife-cut noodles is traditionally considered a summertime dish but it is also said that Koreans eat it during colder months.
~6,000 Won will get you a big bowl of kalguksu along with a generous serving of complimentary banchan (side dishes) including a hearty portion of bibim naengmyeon (spicy buckwheat noodles)! Simply delicious!
