The Seoul Diaries: Insider Tips for the Curious Traveler

Sightseeing:

• Gyeongbokgung Palace: A majestic royal residence

• Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP): A futuristic hub of creativity, designed by Zaha Hadid

• Bukchon Hanok Village: A charming traditional Hanok neighborhood with tea houses, museums and artisan shops

• Starfield Library: A modern bibliophile's paradise. It is fascinating to walk into this massive library with high ceilings and endless number of shelves filled with Korean books!

• Traditional markets: Gwangjang Market, Tongin Market and Noryangjin Fish Market, offering a taste of local culture

• Seoullo Walkway: An elevated pedestrian walkway in downtown Seoul. Very Instagrammable!

Museums:

• The National Museum of Korea

• The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA)

• Museum Hanmi -The Photography Museum of Seoul

• Insa Central Museum

• Leeum Samsung Museum of Art - Traditional and contemporary art

• Ihwa Mural Village

• LG Art Center (Tadao Ando Building)

• JCC Art Center (Tadao Ando Building)

Shows and experiences:

The Painters Show: Immerse yourself in a revolutionary art experience, where vibrant live illustrations blend with state-of-the-art media art. A troupe of four to eight charismatic performers, reinterpret iconic masterpieces like Michelangelo's Creation of Heaven, Van Gogh's Self-Portrait and Klimt's The Kiss through breathtaking choreography and dynamic live drawings, redefining the boundaries of art and performance.

Nanta Show: Get ready for a recipe of laughter and fun at Seoul's most popular and enduring theater show! This kitchen-themed extravaganza serves up a delicious mix of traditional folk performances and modern skits, expertly cooked up by a talented cast of performers who will have you giggling and grinning from ear to ear.

Hanbok experience: Don a stunning, intricately designed Hanbok and be transported to a bygone era of grandeur and grace. Take part in a timeless tea ceremony, learn ancient etiquette or simply stroll through picturesque gardens, exuding the poise and refinement of a true Korean aristocrat.

K-pop dance class: Groove like a Korean pop star in a high-energy dance class that's packed with addictive choreography, infectious beats and plenty of sass — think synchronized moves, flashy footwork and a whole lot of fun!

Day trips

Museum San: Museum San is a tranquil oasis in Seoul, showcasing a stunning collection of contemporary art (including works by James Turrell), sculpture gardens and architecture (by Tadao Ando), all nestled within a breathtaking natural landscape.

Nami Island: More than just a Korean drama hotspot, this destination offers a mix of art, culture and natural wonders.

The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ): Explore the tense yet fascinating border between North and South Korea, just a stone's throw from Seoul. Plan ahead, as tours to this unique and fascinating destination sell out quickly.

Heyri Art Village: Get ready to be awestruck by the sheer number of museums and galleries waiting to be explored. You could easily spend a weekend (or two!) soaking up the masterpieces and exhibits on display.

Anyang Art Park: Unwind in the stunning Anyang Art Park, where art and nature entwine. Explore the picturesque grounds, indulge in delicious eats and embark on an easy, toddler-friendly walk to uncover the park's hidden gems — a series of playful art installations waiting to be discovered.

Pocheon: Escape to Pocheon, a scenic haven northeast of Seoul, where wooden giants stand guard over forests, bridges and lakes. For the most immersive experience, consider renting a car for a day to uncover the area's best-kept secrets - hidden wonders that lie off the beaten path, waiting to be explored.

Restaurants:

Mishmash: Indulge in a flavorful adventure at Mishmash, Seoul's trendy hotspot where contemporary Korean dining meets artistic flair in a traditional Hanok. Advance reservations are a must!

Kyochon Pilbang (KFC Speakeasy!): Unlock a masterpiece of flavors by tugging on a giant paint brush, revealing a space where art meets cuisine. A gallery of paint brushes greets you, representing the chef's precision and care. The artistic theme unfolds with a minimalist chic design, DJ booth and bar, diverging from Kyochon's classic style. To add to the creativity, meals arrive with plastic finger gloves and a personal paint brush for saucing wings with a choice of flavors. Alongside Kyochon's classic menu, premium options are also available, elevating the experience. This is a must!

Maple Tree House: A charming, rustic-chic cafe in Samcheong-dong, offering a serene escape amid lush greenery and a picturesque maple tree, perfect for a relaxing lunch, coffee or tea break. The Korean barbecue, along with the bibimbap is delicious!

Woo Tender: High-end spot for Korean barbecue with tender cuts of meats and a killer Beef Katsu Sando! Oh, and did I mention the beef tartare with uni? Yum!

Kuk Bin Gwan: Imagine a Korean barbecue setup in a traditional Hanok, with some incredible food!

Gwanghwamun Mong-ro: Downtown gastropub known for its rice paper-wrapped chicken. They only have limited quantities, so get there early!

Mok Myeok San Bang: Hanok restaurant serving amazing bibimbap (in case you didn’t figure it out by now, I am very partial to restaurants and cafes in Hanoks — it's just such a beautiful and unique setting).

Dooreyoo: Fine dining temple cuisine in Bukchon Hanok Village.

Jungsik: A two Michelin-starred restaurant serving creative Korean cuisine.

Coffee shops:

Fritz Coffee Company: Indulge in expertly crafted coffee and handmade pastries.

Onion Cafe Anguk: Beautiful hanok cafe with a huge selection of pastries. You will have to stand in line unless you get there really early, but the lines move quickly.

Onion Cafe Seongsu-dong: Former metal workshop repurposed into an industrial cafe with a huge selection of pastries.

Mail Room: A vintage-style mail room turned espresso bar with a twist! What appears to be a simple standing bar at first glance reveals a secret world behind a movable wall and cleverly disguised mailboxes. Explore three floors of surprises, including a second set of mailboxes that double as a coffee ordering system — it's a fun and quirky adventure to get your caffeine fix!

Tiger Sugar: Chain bubble tea shop.

Deus Ex Machina: Beautiful hanok cafe in Insadong. Also has a Deus Ex Machina merchandise shop at the entrance.

HBC McCoys: Old-school jazz vibes at this charming cafe in Seongsu-Dong.

Manufact Coffee Roasters: Known for its cold brew, this coffee shop also boasts beautiful views.

Anthracite Coffee — Open late, this coffee shop is known for its single-origin pour-overs.

Bars:

Zest: A “fine-drinking” cocktail bar with a zero-waste policy. Very popular with expats in Seoul.

Rooftop Bar at Hotel Cappucino: Located on the 17th floor of Hotel Cappuccino, expect stunning vistas of the historic Nonhyeon-dong neighborhood and the glittering Seoul skyline. Rooftop Bar is one of the first Gintoneria serving up an impressive selection of Gins from around the world.

Le Chamber: A Gatsby-esque speakeasy with live performances.

Bar Musk: A must for serious whisky lovers!

Charles H: A speakeasy at the Four Seasons — not to be missed.

Alice Cheongdam: A secretive speakeasy hidden behind a flower shop, serves inventive, theatrical cocktails and unexpected bites in an intimate, whimsical setting inspired by Lewis Carroll's classic tale.

Bar Tea Scent: For tea-inspired cocktails.

Cobbler: A pioneering cocktail bar owned by Robin Yoo, occupies a stunningly renovated traditional Korean Hanok, showcasing Yoo's passion for mixology and preservation.

Traffic: For a dose of vintage vinyl sounds, this is your place!