Before major chains popularized the idea of premium kimbop, there was Lee’s Roll who lead the kimbop revolution. Here, you can taste the freshness in every ingredient as well as the rice coming straight from the cooker. A budget option in the neighborhood–who says only money buys happiness?

Before major chains popularized the idea of premium kimbop, there was Lee’s Roll who lead the kimbop revolution. Here, you can taste the freshness in every ingredient as well as the rice coming straight from the cooker. A budget option in the neighborhood–who says only money buys happiness?

One of the most famous restaurants in Korea and an innovator in Seoul’s fine dining scene, Jungsik Dang has been awarded a Michelin Star and is number 10 on Asia’s Best 50 Restaurants List. Chef Yim, who owns the restaurant, also started a restaurant by the same name (which has two stars). Often called “New Korean” or “Korean fusion,” visitors can try either the five-course lunch or the nine-course dinner.

Not only has the Hanilkwan brand been around for the past 70 years, the restaurant has been a mainstay for several presidents in South Korea’s relatively short modern history. Authentic Koreah dishes such as gujeolpan (dish with nine delicacies), stir fried octopus and bulgogi are some favorites here.

Saebyuk Jib means “House of Dawn” in English and the restaurant’s name probably comes from the fact that it’s open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A favorite hangover spot for many locals, premium Korean beef or hanwoo is served here over a charcoal fire and arguably even worth its high prices. The raw beef bibimbop is another popular option and more reasonably priced if you’re popping in for a quick lunch.

Although this restaurant literally means “modern meat restaurant,” the look and feel of the venue is closer to traditional Korean barbecue restaurants than many others in this area. Pork is the restaurant’s specialty and one can have it roasted over a barbecue or in a kimchi stew. The kimchi stew (served with a large folded fried egg) here is rumored to be some of Seoul’s best and many locals come on rainy days for the bubbling, spicy dish.  

Named after a mountain near Gwangju city, Moodeungsan is a Korean barbecue restaurant that’s as loved for their lunch time meals as they are for thick cuts of premium beef. Variations of bibimbop are available as well as a delicious beef doenjjang-jiggae. The venue is also three-stories tall–making it less smoky and easy to navigate than other Korean barbecue restaurants.

Walk straight out of Apgujeong Rodeo Station Exit 2 and you’ll notice a large Gangnamdol (Gangnam + idol) of Psy. It’s a large statue of a bear with the K-pop idol imprinted on its face (this particular one is even wearing large sunglasses). There are approximately 20 Gangnamdols lined up on Hallyu K-Star road and you can take pictures with all of them on your trip to Cheongdam.  4Minute, Super Junior, 2PM, FT Island, SHINee, Miss A, CNBLUE, TVXQ!, Girls’ Generation,  EXO, AOA, BTS, B1A4, VIXX, INFINITE, KARA and Block B can all be found here so try and catch em’ all! (In front of Apgujeong Station Exit 7, there’s also a Gangnamdol Haus, a store where you can literally buy all of them.)

Ah, JYP Entertainment– the home away from home for many K-pop legends such as GOT7, Miss A, Wonder Girls and of course, Mr. J. Y. Park himself. Truth be told, nothing much happens at this particular entertainment center. Across the street from the building is a Dunkin Donuts where hardcore fans wait for their favorite idols to come out and everyone’s experience differs from day to day. Every first and third Sunday of the month, the elite agency holds auditions for hopeful stars.

SM Headquarters is home to some of the biggest names in the industry–TVXQ, SNSD, EXO and Super Junior just to name a few. In the past, SM Headquarters has hosted various types of K-pop experiences and programs and if you’re lucky, your stay in Korea will coincide with one of these SM-hosted events. Check on their website for more details. 

Home to AOA, FT Island, CN Blue and more; the looming black gates at the FNC Entertainment building give it a different feeling. Fans of FNC artists can often be found at the parking lots surrounding the building.

The jazz scene in Korea isn’t particularly large, but if there’s one jazz club to name in Korea–it’s probably Once a Blue Moon. A popular location for several dramas and films, the iconic stage and international line-up makes it a fun place to visit at least once. The steep prices and comparable quality of jazz, however, might keep you from returning.

Opened in 2010, the SongEun Artspace is one of the best places to see contemporary art exhibitions in the Cheongdam area. Dedicated to promoting young Korean artists, this is a good chance to see the best of Korea’s future in art.

Sinsa’s Horim Art Center serves as an annex to the main museum located in Sillim-dong. With a focus on Asian art, there are traditional artifacts on display as well as special exhibitions that change throughout the year. The building’s rounded exterior is also worth noting.

While Korea’s prices for imported Western brands may not be worth your Seoul shopping time, there are plenty of domestic brands and brands loved by locals you should check out. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’ll be a good look at some of Korea’s most trending fashion items. 

Likely the most high-end department store in Korea, the Galleria Department Store is made of two main buildings. The Galleria West has six different floors with an impressive, high-end food court and supermarket on the basement level and The Galleria East focuses more on couture and luxury clothes. Pop-up stores are held here quite often–showcasing up and coming trends in Korea and from abroad. In truth, it’s not much of a place for buying souvenirs; but the food court is worth checking out, especially if you’re in a large group of friends with different food tastes.

Opened in 2008, 10 Corsco Como is a space originally from Milan, Italy started up by art collector Carla Sozzini. This branch combines a bookstore/multi-shop with art books, fashion magazines, quirky accessories and apparel with an Italian restaurant and beautifully designed café.

At Beaker, you can find a collection of both men and women’s wear by the hottest local designers. The items range from casual, minimal everyday wear to fashion-forward couture. While prices are quite high, you’re guaranteed a long-lasting product.

The upscale sister company of H&M, Cos Cheongdam is the largest Cos in Korea. Occupying four floors, you can find apparel for men, women and children here–all in Cos’ signature simple style.

At Boon the Shop, you can find everything from handbags to shoes and outwear all from some of the world’s most fashion forward. Many Korean celebrities are rumored to shop here.

The popular Swedish brand made headlines when the flagship store designed by Sophie Hicks opened a few years ago. The translucent white walls of the building as well as Acne’s high-end men’s and women’s wear are a nice addition to Seoul’s fashion scene.

Located on the 5th floor of the store, the Dior Café is one of the most loved Cheongdam spots. Coffee, desserts and ice cream are served (and instagrammed) here but it’s likely more appreciated for its visuals than for its food.

Run by the apparel line, Le Coq Sportif, Boundary is a new bicycle café to open in Seoul. Healthy juices for fit cyclists are available at the juice bar and the bike-friendly space allows riders to bring their bicycles indoors.

At this Moomin themed café in Apgujeong, you can enjoy all types of drinks with Moomin characters literally on them.

Opened in 2016, this speakeasy-type bar takes on a subtle Alice in Wonderland theme. Instead of an obvious entrance sign, you’ll follow a picture of a white rabbit down the stairs to a garden/flower store, behind which Alice is located. Plush velvety chairs circle the room, but many choose to sit at the bar and watch the bartenders perform their magic. Your 10,000 won cover charge will include a gourmet chips and a glass of Cava wine.

While premium cheeses and wines may not be readily available all over Korea, Magnum the Tasting Room’s menu makes European wining and dining seem readily accessible in Seoul. Expat couple Teresa Pollina and Raymond Pollina run the kitchen and provide platters such as the French Tasting Set and Italian Tasting Set are top-notch. Pair with a bottle from the extensive wine menu and enjoy a little bit of Europe in Seoul.

One of the few unpretentious bars in the Apgujeong area that still manages to serve good drinks in a high-end atmosphere, Sahm is probably best known for its amicable management and the regulars that frequent the place nightly. With seating available for only a dozen or so people, bartenders get to know your taste in alcohol (as well as many details of your personal life). For tourists visiting the city, it might be a nice peek into the “drinking alone” culture now emerging in Seoul. Also, the fact that there’s no cover charge also makes it great.

One of the most talked about bars in Korea, Le Chamber is most easily recognized by its entrance. In order to get inside this speakeasy-type bar, you need to pull a book from the library-façade of a door. If the quirky entrance wasn’t enough to spark your interest, you’ll undoubtedly be impressed by the high ceilings, leather seats and chandlers inside. The drinks, like the décor, are top of the line. 

Despite the fact that Bar Twelve has two other locations, this particular location in Cheongdam-dong seems more at home than others. Since the bar only has twelve seats, it keeps its exclusive feeling by never getting too crowded or too noisy. With bartenders able to keep their focus on each individual customer, you can make sure to customize your drink just the way you like it.

If you’re looking for something in between quietly drinking at a bar and dancing to loud music, going to a lounge in the Cheongdam area must be your best bet. Many of these venues are easy places to mingle and much less pretentious than the Gangnam mega clubs.

A club and lounge owned by Seungri of Big Bang, Monkey Museum is famous for their bucket-style drinks and walk-ins from celebrities. The lounge is 100% reservation only so make sure to call in advance.

An upscale lounge bar, this popular venue is sure to fill up every weekend. The central bar is a good place within the lounge to mingle and the dark lighting makes everyone look beautiful.

You may recognize this bar from the several music videos that it has already been featured in. A café well known for ice cream bars and Klatch coffee during the day, this venue turns into a lounge that plays EDM at night. Come during the day for one of the dozen ice cream bars or at night for some alcoholic sweets instead.

A club that plays electro, house and EDM, Club Answer has been around longer than many other mega clubs in Gangnam. The main stage takes place on the first floor and the club boasts a sound system much stronger than others in the city.  Party schedules with different kinds of events are posted on their Facebook page weekly so make sure to check in advance for a special event.