Here are 10 trending spots to visit during your stay.
South Korea’s capital, Seoul, is lately getting international recognition for its broad and famous cultural exports…not only due to Korean Pop influence on the music industry but also because of all the entertainment you can find in the city, from art to food to fashion to cosmetics… nowadays the country has a significant influence on many industries. You could spend a lifetime in Seoul and never run out of things to do, it might be tricky to know where to start.
If you plan to visit Seoul soon, here are some of the trendiest spots in the city.
CAFE
Hauke : 9-66 Ihwa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Hauke is a charming cafe tucked away in a quiet corner that provides not only delectable beverages and treats but also an inviting space to unwind and recharge. It is most known for its “Crocs” shaped cake in two flavours; raspberry cream cheesecake and birthday cake. Hauke takes you on an immersive experience as you discover its cosy atmosphere and unique offerings.
Rain Report : 283-5, Itaewon-dong, Seoul, South Korea
Rain Report is a unique relaxing space where it rains 365 days. Coffee tastes better on a rainy day, the flavour increases through the humidity, making rainy days more attractive. Time to enjoy, get your worries washed away and relax with the flowing water and the falling rain.
RESTAURANT
Chang chang restaurant : 37 Changshin 12 Gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Representing an old inn in the night streets of Hong Kong, Chang Chang restaurant is a new and trendy restaurant that just appeared in Changsin-dong. The entrance of the space is submerged by street signs, just like the actual streets of Hong Kong, and the unique charm is that orders are placed through a public phone, and the food is served in an iron bag. This is a must during your stay if you want to be immersed in Hong Kong’s nighttime atmosphere.
Patted : Seoul Gangnam-gu Gangnam-daero 122 Gil 56 2F
Patted is the perfect place for casual dining for dog lovers. The restaurant has a variety of pairing menus that can be eaten together with your dog, using food ingredients that they can eat. It’s a space where you can connect with each other and get a little closer to your dog by sharing this experience. The place also includes a roof where they can freely run around and pet-only chairs. The recommended dish is the Risotto made with Italian Alfredo-style milk cream sauce, flavoured with steamed milk and beef jerky. If you want a particular time for just the two of us, visit here.
POP UP STORES
Dok-JU Studio di Maker’s Mark : Seoul Jung-gu Euljiro 127
The hottest pop-up store in Seoul at the moment, a place where you can share your own creations and traces of inspiration in Euljiro. All types of solo performances are respected and shared in the ‘Solo Studio’. As well as handmade Bourbon Whiskey, here you will find solo performances by musicians, exhibitions by artists showing their stubbornness and tenacity, Metacomedy stand-up comedy show opening a new path for Korean comedy, Euljiro’s representative brand owners, and even a radio corner.
Wiggle Wiggle : 31 Eonju-ro 168-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Wiggle Wiggle is a new pop-up store recently opened in Seoul, and it is worth the visit. The shop has 3 floors filled with cute items and various gadgets. It is a house filled with colours, joy, and excitement. Inside the store, many photo zones can be found, as well as a photo booth. It is the perfect place to spend an afternoon with friends and/or family.
FASHION
OPENER, 663-8 Sinsa-dong Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
In the centre of Korean fashion, OPENER is a select shop and creative space where the shop and customer merge. They believe there is value in people and nature living with each other. A pioneer lifestyle is suggested as they constantly strive to create new deals through cooperation with multinational companies. The shop displays brands of different feelings or works by artists and supplies high-quality products at reasonable prices.
BOONTHESHOP : 21 Apgujeong-ro 60-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
BOONTHESHOP is A multi-brand high-end boutique designed by Peter Marino, one of the world’s most in-demand architects. It showcases an eclectic array featuring fashion vanguards such as Céline, Rochas, Martin Margiela, Vetements, and Balenciaga, among others, alongside local emerging labels like Kye and Kiok. It is also known for being K-pop celebrity G-Dragon’s rumoured go-to shop.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Don t Lxxk Up : 33 Donggyo-ro 46-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
The new viral Photobooth in the Mapo-gu neighbourhood, called Don’t Lxxk Up, is a new concept of Photobooth where you take pictures from the ceiling. It is recommended to go early, or you could end up waiting for more than an hour. Once there, choose between a blu or a red room and select a frame style. They also have sunglasses you can use to spice up your pictures. After you are done, choose the best shots and frame colour. You also have a QR code to scan if you want them digitally.
시현하다 RECORDERS : 04003 33, World Cup-ro 12-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
‘시현하다’ is a famous Korean photo studio. Many idols and foreign singers also went to take their pictures here. Since 2023, 시현하다 RECORDERS is now grown as an international photo studio brand. To get your pictures done, you must book an appointment on their website or via email.