Bart's Best of: City Trip to Seoul
Seoul is on many levels these days must visit lists. It's the ultimate destination for an Asian city break. Hip, progressive, and surprisingly unique. And honestly: we totally get why. The city effortlessly blends tradition with futuristic design. streetfood with high-end spots and creative neighborhoods with tranquil spots. A little preparation helps you get the most out of it: download Kakao Maps, as Google Maps doesn't work as well here, and get a Climate Card to navigate the city easily using public transport. This is how you discover Seoul at its best.
Seongsu-dong is the Brooklyn of Seoul. What used to be an area full of shoe factories is now one big creative hotspot. You'll find cool coffee shops and art galleries, as well as unique, trendy shops. EQL is really such a place where all Korean locals hanging out. Clothes, shoes or lifestyle items, here you spot what at the moment trendiest is in Seoul. Spacious, industrial, and perfectly suited to the creative atmosphere of Seongsu. NYU NYU is the place for accessories, Stand Oil for a new Korean handbag. And don't forget Haus Nowhere Not just any store, but a mix of fashion, architecture, technology, and art.
Everyone in Seoul is lining up for salt breadA soft, buttery roll with a crispy crust and a light salty topping, addictively delicious. Jayeondo Sogeumppang is the place where we want to get those popular sandwiches. Everyone waits patiently for the next batch to be ready, because fresh really means fresh here. Pull up a chair, order, and then eat on the go. One bite and you'll understand why this sandwich is a favorite. hyping became. Want to have a more extensive brunch? Then Sobb The perfect place to start the day. Also great for exploring the popular Itaewon district afterward (grease those calves, because it promises to be hilly). craving? On to Mil Toast House in Ikseon-dong for brunch. But the most fluffy pancakes that continue to resonate, you can taste them in Tortoise Haebangchon.
It is truly the case that the best way to understand Seoul is through your taste buds. The food scene in Seoul is bold, direct, and no-nonsense. Tteokbokki so spicy it brings tears to your eyes, fermented kimchi aged for weeks, charcuterie grilled over charcoal in a smoke-filled tent. Best explained as the combination of depth and intensity that makes Korean cuisine so irresistible, and which you also find in Mitsuba’s Korean Crispies. Mitsuba is an Asian-inspired snack brand from the Netherlands that makes Asian flavors accessible without oversimplifying them. The Korean Crispies are crispy, full of flavor, and align with the very same culinary tradition that makes Seoul so special. Palm oil-free, MSG-free, vegetarian, and awarded a Great Taste Award.
Consider them your personal aperitif for the city trip, or simply the tastiest way to bring Seoul a little closer. Available at your favorite supermarket.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza, or DDP for short, feels like the futuristic heart of Seoul. Designed by Zaha Hadid, it's impossible to miss: undulating shapes and an aluminum look. Inside, design, architecture, art, and fashion seamlessly intertwine. Outside, just as much is happening. Locals People loiter, photographers search for their perfect angle, and passersby pause. In the evening, the area around DDP becomes even more magical. A pleasant break between temples and hanoks. It's the kind of place that immediately demonstrates how much Seoul is looking ahead.
Gwangjang Market is Seoul at its purest. Busy, loud, hot, and delightfully chaotic. You can eat absurdly well here for very little money. In the narrow aisles, pots sizzle, noodles are cut on the spot, and you can pull up a stool among the locals who have been regular customers here for years. Gimbap to start with, pancakes to share (bindaetteok for when we feel like something savory, hotteok For those with a sweet tooth, dumplings and noodles, because choosing is impossible. Everything comes quickly, fresh, and without fuss. No one is in a hurry, everyone keeps enjoying. After all that food, there's always room for a coffee. Ilho of kkwabaegi (twisted donut)Not a polished food hall, but a market that lets you taste what Seoul really tastes like.
Hardy House is one of those places you don't plan, but discover by chance and then keep recommending. Hidden in a cellar, a stone's throw from Bukchon Hanok Village (the traditional hanoks, easily combined with a bit of browsing in the vintage basement). Vintage shopping Shopping abroad is even more fun. Racks overflowing with T-shirts, retro jackets, and unique pieces from a wide variety of brands, neatly displayed. So, you can score those unexpected finds here.
Hannam-dong feels like Seoul at its hippest and most creative. A stroll here is a mix of design, fashion, and cuisine. Luxurious homes and clean-lined cafés give the neighborhood a Scandinavian feel. It's the perfect place to stroll, sip coffee, find inspiration, and discover cool fashion boutiques. Shops like Tambourines en A momento make it difficult not to slip in. After shopping, just put your feet up at the table Asian fusion restaurant DotzCurious about what other culinary spots Seoul has to offer? There's plenty to discover! (See article 'Tasteful Seoul: these are the best restaurants').
