Korea’s food scene is easily one of the best worldwide, with foods that feature local favourites and a twist on dishes worldwide.

Their recipes emphasise fresh ingredients with many vegetables, meats, and broths. 

The Best Korean Cookbooks for Korean Home Cooking

Below, you’ll find Korean cookbooks that share delicious recipes with mouthwatering photos. Some are simple, while others are bold or a mix of the two.

Enjoy creating side dishes, traditional entrees, snacks, desserts, and more, all from these amazing Korean cookbooks.

Judy Joo’s Korean Soul Food: Authentic dishes and modern twists

Judy Joo’s Korean Soul Food is a Korean recipe book that’s filled with authentic comfort food. Chef Judy Joo incorporates her own heritage and international experiences with various recipes and something for everyone.

This cookbook shares over 100 recipes, beautiful photography, helpful glossaries, and how-to tips. It’s great for amateur home cooks and accomplished chefs.

With Judy Joo’s Korean Soul Food book, you can prepare a mix of Korean snacks, meals, street food, and desserts.

Best of all, she helps you master the basics of preparing and cooking Korean foods before sharing her most special recipes.

Maangchi’s Big Book Of Korean Cooking: From Everyday Meals to Celebration Cuisine

If you’re looking for the best Korean cookbook that has it all, Maangchi’s Big Book Of Korean Cooking: From Everyday Meals to Celebration Cuisine is it.

This expansive book has been recognized and awarded by Forbes, Amazon, and The New York Times. 

Not only does author and Youtuber Maangchi share her favourite dishes, but she also covers interesting topics such as vegan cuisine of Buddhist mountains temples and Korean street vendors.

You can also find hundreds of helpful photos which show specific ingredients, step-by-step techniques, and striking close-up photos of prepared dishes.

Maangchi’s Big Book Of Korean Cooking shares various Korean recipes for any occasion. Learn how to prepare party food, including baby back ribs and homemade clear rice liquor.

The book also teaches you to make soups, hotpots, diverse kimchis, and more.

The Korean Vegan Cookbook: Reflections and Recipes from Omma’s Kitchen

It’s no surprise that The Korean Vegan Cookbook: Reflections and Recipes from Omma’s Kitchen was named one of the best new cookbooks of the year by Epicurious.

Although Korean cuisine can be meat-centric, this inspiring Korean vegetarian cookbook shows us that it doesn’t have to be.

This amazing Korean vegan cookbook shares powerful stories of love, family, and food by author Joanne Lee Molinaro aka “The Korean Vegan.”

It’s a collection of traditional and reimagined Korean dishes, including a potato and leek soup, a delicious and quick and crispy garlic tofu, a Korean-Chinese black bean noodle, a plant-based power bowl, and much more. 

Read more: Discover Korean Vegan Food and Temple Cuisine

Korean American: Food That Tastes Like Home

Korean American Eric Kim has compiled his favourite recipes to create Korean American: Food That Tastes Like Home. This is one of the best Korean cookbooks if you appreciate good stories, too. 

In Korean American: Food That Tastes Like Home, you can discover how to make various dishes from Caramelized-Kimchi Baked Potatoes to Cheeseburger Kimbap.

And, if you like sweet treats, you’ll appreciate the Gochujang Chocolate Lava Cake.

Eric also shares authentic and playful stories about leaving and returning back home, family holiday traditions, and how he grew into the person he is today.

Korean Instant Pot Cookbook: Classic and Modern Korean Recipes for Everyday Home Cooking

Are you looking to make tasty Korean recipes with ease? Korean Instant Pot Cookbook: Classic and Modern Korean Recipes for Everyday Home Cooking is the Korean recipe book for you! 

Recipe developers Nancy Cho and Selina Lee learned their cooking skills from their mothers and grandmothers.

After exploring their Korean heritage, family experiences, and special dishes, they put together almost a hundred recipes in this book.

We love this one because it’s filled with steps to make quick weeknight meals, simple late-night snacks, and even more fancy dishes.

Learn to make traditional cuisine, including Jjajangmyeon (Black Bean Sauce Noodles), contemporary fusion like Budae Jjigae (Korean Army Stew), and much more.

Eat Korean: Our home cooking and street food

Eat Korean: Our home cooking and street food is possibly the best Korean cookbook if you’re looking to tie Korean cuisine with Western flavours.

Authors Gareth and Da-Hae West use their backgrounds to teach you how to prepare some of the most mouthwatering food.

The book discusses Korean cooking basics, such as popular sauces and Korean BBQ etiquette.

It also gives you the details for preparing sticky spare ribs, Panjeon (seafood pancakes), Bulgogi burgers, and other modern Korean dishes.

The Kimchi Cookbook: 60 Traditional and Modern Ways to Make and Eat Kimchi

Kimchi is a South Korean cultural staple, and The Kimchi Cookbook: 60 Traditional and Modern Ways to Make and Eat Kimchi tells you all about it.

Check out 60 recipes and tips to prepare and cook with kimchi. 

We love this colourful cookbook that tells you exactly how to make various kimchis, from bold to lighter flavours.

From a spicy winter Kimchi to a simple summer Kimchi and Kimchi side dishes, you’ll likely find this to be your go-to dish to wow family and friends.

Our Korean Kitchen

In their Korean recipe book, Our Korean Kitchen, Jordan Bourke and Rejina Pyo share a cultural history.

Discover over 100 authentic and easy-to-make recipes with ingredients and techniques you need to master them.

Learn how to stock your Korean pantry, get complete menu ideas, and discover ways to make an assortment of meals and snacks. 

Our Korean Kitchen is sorted by chapters of foods, including soups & stews, noodles, fish, meat, dessert, and a few more.

Learn to prepare recipes from Kimchi Fried Rice and Chicken Dumpling Soup to Shrimp and Sweet Potato Tempura to Deep Fried Honey Cookies.

Cook Korean!: A Comic Book with Recipes [A Cookbook]

New York Best Times Seller Cook Korean!: A Comic Book with Recipes [A Cookbook] is easy to use and fun to look at. Unlike other Korean cookbooks, this one is written in a graphic novel style.

In it, you’ll find 64 recipes with ingredient profiles shared through light-hearted comics.

Each quirky comic illustrates every step and ingredient you need to create delicious Korean dishes. Beginners and skilled cooks can learn to make various recipes, including kimchi, soy garlic beef over rice, seaweed rice rolls, and more.

Read more: 10 Best Korean Ramen (Instant Noodles)

BTS Cookbook: Authentic Korean Dishes Members of the World’s Biggest Boyband Adore

If you’re a fan of k-pop superstar group BTS, the BTS Cookbook: Authentic Korean Dishes Members of the World’s Biggest Boyband Adore is just for you.

This makes for a perfect gift for the BTS fan in your life, too. 

The BTS Cookbook is filled with Korean recipes loved and prepared by BTS members. Alongside detailed instructions for each meal, you’ll find stunning photos of Korean dishes. 

MODERN KOREAN COOKING: Simple and Delicious Step-by-Step Recipes for Complete Beginners

MODERN KOREAN COOKING: Simple and Delicious Step-by-Step Recipes for Complete Beginners isn’t just your typical cookbook.

This Korean recipe book shares almost 2 dozen recipes with detailed directions for each meal and excellent photos.

Best of all, the ingredients in Modern Korean Cooking are healthy, delicious, and easily found outside of Korea.

Youna Shin is an art curator and food and nutrition writer born and raised in Seoul. This book reveals her passion for Korean food writing and a desire to share healthy, authentic Korean cuisine with Korean expats and non-Koreans.

Beginners and pro chefs can easily follow the appetizing recipes in this book. Learn to prepare and make traditional Korean entrees, soups, and side dishes.

Korean Bbq: Master Your Grill in Seven Sauces [A Cookbook]

If you appreciate grilling, you’ll love Korean BBQ: Master Your Grill in Seven Sauces [A Cookbook].

This is one of the best Korean cookbooks for grilling with Korean-American flavors and finding ingredients outside of Korea.

In Korean BBQ, chef Bill Kim has tailored 80 recipes for home cooks with appropriate substitutions for ingredients that aren’t always easy to find.

His recipes teach you how to make seven master sauces and three spice rubs to use with an assortment of food, including Kimchi Potato Salad, Kori-Can Pork Chops, and Honey Soy Flank Steak.

What’s best is that this cookbook takes it up a notch with fun snacks, sides, drinks, and dessert so you can have a memorable experience around the grill.

I hope you enjoy these fantastic Korean cookbooks and are inspired to prepare some tasty Korean dishes.

If you enjoyed this article, you might also be interested in reading 13 Japanese Cookbooks (for Inspiring Home Cooking) and 17 Best Asian Cookbooks for Delicious Home Cooking (2022).

It’s the hot spot for all-things Korean culture, where you can stroll the city sidewalks with a Korean snack in hand while you listen to the upbeat music streaming on every corner.

If you’re planning a visit and unsure where to stay, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll share our favourite unique and cool hotels and hostels in Seoul.

You can go with a traditional hanok stay, or you can try one of the other unique options like a hostel with books galore or a charming guest house where you can stay like a local.

There’s something for everyone in South Korea’s capital, you can also get to know Seoul’s neighborhoods in this guide.

The Best Hotels and Hostels in Seoul for Book Lovers

A vacation doesn’t have to be filled with nonstop adventure and excitement. If you’re a traveller who enjoys slowing things down from time to time, you might want one of these Seoul hotels and hostels, which are known for their immense book collections.

Hotel the Designers Jongro

If you’re seeking a chic, upscale stay, you’ll appreciate the Hotel the Designers Jongro. This high-end hot spot comes equipped with a lovely and inviting book area complete with comfy lounging chairs. 

The rooms are impressive, with each room and suite offering free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and computers.

With just a three-minute walk to popular areas such as Tapgol Park and Cheonggyecheon Stream, you won’t have to go far to find entertainment.

Andong Poong-gyung HOSTEL n LIBRARY

If you’re looking for a bookish stay that you can combine with a day trip from Seoul, then Andong Poong-gyung HOSTEL n LIBRARY which is located in the cultural city of Andong.

When you arrive, you’ll find a wall-to-wall book lounging area where you can sit back, relax, and get lost in the text.

Aside from the welcoming and warming book-reading environment, guests can enjoy a bar, lush garden, and evening entertainment. 

The rooms at Andong Poong-gyung HOSTEL n LIBRARY are also excellent. Each one has a relaxing terrace, seating area, and private bathroom for your convenience. Some also include kitchens fitted with microwaves. 

Read More: Discover the Best of Seoul With This 3 Day Itinerary

The Best Hotels and Hostels in Seoul for Minimalist

Although Seoul may be somewhat lavish, it doesn’t mean your inner minimalist can’t find the perfect spot. Consider one of these minimalist-friendly hotels and hostels if you don’t need all the “extras” to enhance your trip.

Hotel Cappuccino

Although it may appear fancy and exclusive, Hotel Cappuccino is a charming and minimalist hotel.

It’s the ideal spot if you’re looking for simple rooms with exotic views and all of the amenities you need, including an on-site restaurant, bar, and private bathrooms in every room. 

This is also an excellent spot if your pet is joining you, as some rooms are pet-friendly.

Situated less than two miles from the upmarket shopping district known as Cheongdam-dong, you’ll likely be too busy exploring to spend much time in your hotel room anyway.

Read More: Discover the Cutest Cafes in South Korea

Small House Big Door

Nothing says “simplistic” quite like the Small House Big Door hotel. This prime location is just a minute stroll from the Euljiro1ga Subway Station (Line 2), making it easily accessible for travellers and TEFL teachers far and wide. 

The rooms are known for their bright yet straightforward setups. Each room comes with a double bed and a small desk if you need to get things done.

There’s even an on-site bar and lounge on-site for dining and drinking. 

The best part is that popular spots like the Myeongdong area which is amazing for shopping and street food and the Cheonggyecheon Stream are only a five-minute walk away, providing easy access to some must-see sites during your stay.

Read More: Things to Do in Gwanghwamun Square: Complete Guide

Orbit

For those looking for a hotel that “screams” K-pop vibes, look no further than the Orbit Cafe and Guest House.

The rooms come doused in a light pink and white colour scheme, bringing your K-pop and K-drama dreams to life while remaining impressively minimalistic.

This hotel, surrounded by local universities and the Namdaemun Market, offers rooms in the central area and a guesthouse.

The main rooms come equipped with a bathroom, while the guesthouse rooms provide a lovely seating area.

The Best Hotel in Seoul for Film Lovers

Can’t get enough Hollywood? We have the perfect hotel for you! If you’re a movie-seeing enthusiast, you might want to surround yourself with a hotel that encompasses all of the Red Carpet ambiences. 

Hotel28 Myeongdong

Hotel28 Myeongdong is undoubtedly the one-stop place for film lovers. Stepping into this hotel, you’ll feel like you’ve been instantly transported to The Oscars.

Each floor displays film-inspired art pieces, so you can feel like you’re the director of the next hit movie.

While the atmosphere is undeniably thrilling for travellers, the rooms are another staple of this hotel. Each room has a flat-screen TV, air purifier, and private bathroom.

Staying at the Hotel28, you can enjoy a stunning rooftop garden, a delicious restaurant, a library to relax and lounge, and a fitness centre.

The central location is also impressive. You’re never too far from exciting events and activities near the Noon Square Mall and Myeongdong Art Theater.

Read More: How to Spend 24-Hours in Myeongdong, Seoul

The Best Hotels and Hostels in Seoul for a Traditional Hanok Experience

Going the traditional route that provides an authentic experience is a must for some travellers. You’ll love one of these incredible Hanok locations if that sounds like you.

Bukchonmaru Hanok Guesthouse

The Bukchonmaru Hanok Guesthouse is not only an exquisite site, but it’s also a cool place to stay if you’re on the hunt for a traditional and tasty Asian breakfast. 

Each room comes with a terrace, private bathroom, and seating area to enjoy during your stay. You can also let loose in the bar and beautiful garden area. 

When you’re ready to explore Seoul and become engulfed in history, head about a mile out to enjoy the beautiful Jongmyo Shrine and Jogyesa Temple.

Hanok Guesthouse 201

The striking Hanok Guesthouse 201 is situated in the heart of Seoul, making it a convenient place to stay. You’re never too far from anything while staying in this traditional Hanok guesthouse, complete with 2-1 comfy mattresses and a shared bathroom and kitchen.

Korean-style decor drapes every inch of this Hanok guesthouse, providing you with the fantastic and classic experience you’re looking for.

The Best Hotel in Seoul for Hikers

Hiking enthusiasts flock to Seoul for its many beautiful and enjoyable hiking trails. Whether you’re new to the realm of hiking or have been an avid hiker for years, Seoul has trails to meet all skill levels. We’ve found the perfect hotel for accessing these amazing trails.

Puzzlestay House

The Puzzlestay House answers the call for any hiker looking for the ideal place to stay. It’s conveniently located about a mile from many popular hiking trails on the Bukhansan Mountain.

It’s also quite close to the Bukhansan Bogungmun Station (Ui-Sinseol Lightrail Line), so you can depart to other routes quickly and efficiently. 

The rooms aren’t too shabby, either. After a nice, long hike, you’ll enjoy an air-conditioned room complete with a desk, closet, and private bathroom. Some rooms even have an overview of the lush and colourful garden.

Read More: How to Spend 24 Hours in Hongdae, Seoul

The Best Hotel in Seoul for Shopping

When some people think of Seoul, they often think of top-notch shopping experiences. If you’re travelling to Seoul with hopes of leaving with your hands full of shopping bags, consider this central hotel.

Lotte Hotel Seoul

The Lotte Hotel Seoul is dead-set in the middle of the city, offering guests easy access to the many shopping centres nearby. it’s also attached to the Lotte department store meaning you don’t even have to leave to indulge in the many restaurant, beauty, and shopping options.

Not only that, but rooms come with a bedazzling view of the cityscape, a city lover’s dream come true.

The rooms are impressively modern and designed for the trendy traveller. They come with LCD TVs, ten food and beverage options (including French, Chinese, etc.), a private bathroom, and carpeted floors. 

After a busy shopping excursion, there’s an indoor swimming pool and sauna waiting for you at the Lotte Hotel Seoul.

Something Different: A Unique Templestay

For an experience that is unconventional and incredibly unique, consider a Templestay.

A Templestay allows everyday visitors a vast cultural experience that engulfs them in traditional Korean culture and Buddhism. 

Here, guests will be able to meditate, chant, and drink delicious teas while conversing. By the end of your visit, you’ll be able to find your “true self” and reach a level of peace and relaxation unlike ever before.

We hope you’ve found the perfect hotel or hotel to stay in Seoul. Don’t miss some of our other Korea content:

18 Best Korean Snacks (& Where to Buy Them Online)

10 Best Korean Ramen (Instant Noodles)

You’ll find here something delicious for everyone, from spicy vegetarian ramen to meaty, bold noodles, and much more, from beloved brands like Samyang noodles and Shin ramyun.

Korean ramen (ramyun) can be a filling snack or a tasty meal, and you can even jazz it up by adding eggs, vegetables, spring onions, and extra spices.

Ramen or Ramyeon?

Before we get into these must-try Korean instant noodles, let’s take a look at how brands spell ‘ramen’ differently.

You’ll often notice that Korean ramen is spelled ‘ramyun’ and ‘ramyeon.’

Originally from China, ramen gained worldwide fame thanks to Japanese marketing and branding, and in Japan it is called ラーメン (ramen).

Meanwhile, in Korea the food is called 라면 (ramyeon). Korean brands usually spell it ‘ramyun’ or ‘ramyeon.’

While all of these spellings refer to a tasty noodle dish, Japanese and Korean noodles aren’t the same.

Japanese ramen, as we tend to think of it it, isn’t an instant noodle and is usually more brothy than Korean noodles, which are also known to be spicy.

Though, of course, Japan also has many brands of delicious instant noodles and ramen to enjoy.

The Best Korean Ramen (Ramyeon)

Now that you understand the key differences between Japanese ramen and Korean ramen (ramyeon) below, you’ll find the best Korean ramen. Let’s take a look!

Kimchi Ramyun

Korea’s iconic ramen, Kimchi Ramyun is a delicious spicy noodle. Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish that consists of salted, fermented vegetables. The vegetables usually also have a savoury mix of spices.

Jongga is Korea’s leading Kimchi brand, and their instant Kimchi Ramen is delicious. It comes with authentic, fresh kimchi to add to your noodles.

This Korean instant ramen is full of flavours, with an abundant spicy taste and crunchy texture.

Buy Jongga Kimchi Ramyun here.

Jajangmyeon (Black Bean) Instant Noodles

If you prefer something less spicy, Jajangmyeon Instant Noodles is another traditional Korean noodle dish. This tasty noodle is topped with a semi-sweet black bean sauce made with pork and vegetables.

Most Jajangmyeon Noodles come with soy sauce and a crunchy fried onion to add to your meal. And although this noodle doesn’t have heat, it boasts intense flavours. You can also add extra spices if you want to take it up a notch. 

Buy Jajangmyeon (Black Bean) Instant Noodle here: US; UK

Hwa Ramyun

We’re bringing the heat back with Hwa Ramyun. You’ll notice the packaging of this noodle has the Chinese symbol for fire to represent its spicy flavour. This is the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly winter day!

Hwa Ramyun is also a tasty choice for vegetarians. It’s packed with veggies, including red peppers, mushrooms, and carrots.

Buy Hwa Ramyun here.

Shin Ramyun

Another popular Korean ramen, Shin Ramyun is a classic that’s known around the world. In fact, it’s one of the easiest to find at local markets or online.

Shin Ramyun has is made of a thick noodle, a beef broth base, and a bit of spice. It’s filled with vegetables and beef, creating a delectable taste.

Buy Shin Ramyun here: US; UK.

Read More: 12 Best K-Pop Books (For Stans Everywhere)

Paldo Cheese Noodles

This tasty Korean ramen is a bit different than the others. It’s vegetarian and has a delectable and robust cheese taste. If you’ve never tried cheesy ramen, we highly recommend this one!

Paldo Cheese Noodle contains a cheese powder and dried vegetable pack that you mix into your noodle and soup base. It also has a spicy kick to add to its flavour without being too overpowering.

Buy Paldo Cheese Noodle here.

Nongshim Soon Vegetable Ramen

If you enjoy a savoury vegetable noodle soup, you’ll love the Nongshim Soon Vegetable Ramen. It’s 100% vegan and even registered with the Vegan Society. It’s so good that even meat lovers enjoy it.

The Nongshim Soon Vegetable Ramen is filled with vegetables and a hearty vegetable broth. It makes for a simple yet filling snack or small meal that’s full of flavour.

Buy Nongshin Soon Vegetable Ramen here: US; UK.

Nongshim Champong Noodle Soup Spicy Seafood Flavour

This Korean ramen is for seafood lovers! Nongshim Champong Noodle is one of the most popular Korean dishes you can order. 

It’s a robust soup that’s made of noodles, a red hot soup base, vegetables, and seafood. You can also expect a spicy kick that adds to its fantastic taste.

Buy Nongshim Champong Noodle Soup here.

Rabokki (Teokbokki and Ramen)

This unique dish is easily one of our favorites! The noodle has a deliciously soft texture, and the sauce is the perfect combination of sweet and spicy.

We definitely recommend trying this one if you’re travelling to Korea, and it’s also easy to find in markets around the world.

Buy Rabokki here: US; UK.

Read more: 18 Best Korean Snacks (& Where to Buy Them Online)

Best Samyang Ramen Noodles

Samyang Ramen Noodles are some of the best instant Korean ramen made by a well-known Korean grocery company.

Since the iconic Nuclear Fire Noodle challenge about 10 years ago, Samyang has come out with many variations. 

There are endless flavours from the original fire noodle to cheese hot chicken and so many more. Best of all, you can find these in many grocery stores worldwide.

Here are the 5 best Samyang Ramen Noodles:

• Cheese Hot Chicken: a somewhat spicy, deliciously creamy cheese noodle (buy here: US; UK).
• Carbo Hot Chicken: a pasta-like noodle with a light spicy, mouthwatering carbonara and parsley taste (buy here: US; UK).
• Kimchi Spicy Chicken: a mix of spicy, sour, and sweet creates an excellent flavour, and it’s so close to kimchi, you barely know it’s instant ramen (buy here: US; UK).
• Light Spicy Fire Noodles: a lighter version of the basic fire noodle; worth trying for those who want to try the Samyang fire noodle but have a lower spice tolerance (buy here: US; UK).
• Hot Chicken Curry: a delicious curry flavor and smell that offers a sweet and savoury experience (buy here: US; UK).

Best Korean Cup Noodles

Korean cup noodles are another quintessential staple. These noodles are typically thinner than ramen, and they’re just as flavourful.

There are so many tasty options, including a beef soup and a cold, dry soup that’s a fan-favorite. 

Here are our favourite Korean Cup Noodles:

• Yuk-gae-jang sa-bal-myun: Korea’s most famous cup noodle that offers a mild spice and delectable taste (buy in Korean food markets).
• Nongshim Shin Noodle Soup: a noodle in savoury, rich broth with a veggie-packed topping to add for extra taste (buy here: US; UK).
• Nongshim Soon Kimchi Noodle Cup: a satisfying vegan kimchi soup with a mild kick (buy here).
• Teum-sae-ramyun: one of the spiciest Korean cup noodles that boasts a powerful flavour (buy in Korean food markets).

Where to Buy Korean Ramen

If you’re craving some Korean ramen, you’re in luck! No matter where you are in the world, you can enjoy the taste of Korea.

In Korea

If you have the opportunity to travel to Korea, consider yourself lucky! Not only can you experience a rich culture and beautiful country, but it’s also where you can find all of these incredible Korean ramen dishes. As we shared above, you can find instant noodles in just about every market, too.

Shop Online

If you’re somewhere else in the world but want to try some mouthwatering Korean ramen, you can always order online. Most of these noodles can be ordered on Amazon, so that you can try them no matter where you are in the world.

Subscription Box

Are you interested in trying various new-to-you Korean snacks? Consider a subscription to SeoulBox, where you have a Korean experience delivered right to your door!

Each month, you’ll receive a box of authentic snacks and goodies, and you may even find some of these delicious Korean instant noodles.

If you enjoyed learning about the best Korean ramen, you might be interested in reading a culinary guide to South Korea or how to drink like a Korean.

You wake up in a hotel room to the thrum of traffic and the sound of laughter on the streets below. You head downstairs and grab a coffee from Ediya, the blue-and-white coffee shop on the corner.

Ahead of you, there are vendors selling sweet eggy bread, tubs of spicy rice cakes, quirky glasses frames, and socks – lots of socks.

Along the way, you pass posters adorned with the pretty faces of K-pop idols, and in the distance, you hear a live performance from a group of boys hoping to have their faces upon these walls someday soon.

This is the one city, after all, where you can tour the streets with a handsome oppa. You couldn’t be anywhere else but Seoul. So let’s talk about where to stay in Seoul when you visit.

Where to Stay in Seoul, South Korea

Regardless of where you stay, there’s always this same unabashedly happy theme to Seoul’s streets. The people are smiling, music is playing, and coffee is being drunk.

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t good places to stay and bad places to stay in Seoul. In fact, there are five perfect districts that offer you the best Seoul experience you could ask for.

In this vast city of 10 million people, let’s take a look at the five coolest neighbourhoods and where to stay in Seoul when you visit.

Read More: 11 Unique and Interestings Hotels and Hostels in Seoul

Where to stay if you want a party: Hongdae or Itaewon

Check out Seoul’s best party districts and how to get home safely after.

Where to stay for culture lovers: Insadong

Visit the Jimjilbang for a cultural sauna experience.

Where to stay for the best shopping in Seoul: Gangnam

Here are some of Korea’s cutest cafes and some of their best tattoo artists.

Where to stay if it’s your first time in Seoul: Myeongdong

A Korean BBQ is a must – here’s how to enjoy BBQ like a local.

Itaewon Neighbourhood Guide

If you’re interested in being central when looking at where to stay in Seoul, Itaewon is the geographical heart of the capital, right in the centre of it all. Ironically, the heart of Seoul is the least quintessentially Korean district.

Itaewon used to be defined by its US military base, and so is still to this day the ‘foreign capital of Seoul’.

You’ll find as much English spoken here as Korean. Usually, that can be a turn-off for visitors looking to experience the real culture of a city, but not so much in Seoul. Koreans are friendly, international people, and many of them thrive in Itaewon.

It’s a lively place full of the city’s best bars and international restaurants. It has two great English-language bookstores: Itaewon Foreign Language Bookstore, as well as shops that sell bigger clothes for bigger foreigners.

It’s an easy way to ease into Korean life, but you don’t lose much of what makes Seoul what it is by staying there and exploring Itaewon to its fullest.

Where to stay in Itaewon

Enjoy the Views at Art Hotel:

Just outside of the craziness of Itaewon but close enough that you can enjoy all of the action, this lovely hotel has a rooftop garden where they grow organic vegetables.

Get colourful at Imperial Palace Boutique Hotel:

This brightly decorated hotel pushes the boundaries in contemporary hotel design and places you right in the heart of Itaewon.

Read More: The Ultimate 3-Day Seoul Itinerary

Myeongdong Neighbourhood Guide

For a taste of modern life when searching for where to stay in Seoul, Myeongdong is your best bet.

Myeongdong is the district that best encompasses the soul of Seoul. It blends the old and the new of Korean culture to make for an open and exciting place that’s full of charm, laughter, and dynamism.

On the weekends, buskers stake their claim to little sections of the promenade that have been carved out specifically for them.

Some of these buskers will be K-pop idol hopefuls, busting out choreographed dance moves to the whoops and cheers of enthusiastic onlookers. Others will be soulful crooners with acoustic guitars. Not too far from them are the street food stalls.

These vendors sell a selection of traditional Korean snacks, including these delicious bite-size sweet lumps of eggy bread called, funnily enough, gyeran bbang (egg bread).

You’ll also find chicken sticks, spicy rice cakes (tteokbokki), and sweet bread (hotteok). To finish it all off, this is the best place in Seoul to buy Korean beauty products, which is half the reason many people visit and want to stay in Seoul.

Where to stay in Myeongdong

Enjoy a Classy Stay at Sejong Hotel:

Named after Korea’s famous King, this elegant hotel is just five minutes walk from all the shopping action of Myeongdong. There’s also an on-site art gallery and a garden for a calm retreat once you’re done in the city.

Embrace the Colours at Sotetsu Hotels The Splaisir:

If you’re hoping to enjoy some of Seoul’s quirkiness while you’re there then this adorable hotel with rooms packed with Line themed toys is the ideal choice.

There’s also a roof garden with amazing views out onto the city making this one of the best places to stay in Seoul.

Hongdae Neighbourhood Guide

Hongdae gets its name from Hongkik University, so it’s unsurprising that the big student presence can be found here. If that’s what you’re after as you think about where to stay in Seoul, Hongdae is it.

Lots of students mean lots of bars, boutique shopping, cute independent cafés, and an electric atmosphere on the street level every day of the week. Hongdae is a fun kind of labyrinth; you can get lost easily, and that’s okay.

Go with the flow. Follow the other fish along the streams of pathways, duck into a café or a little boutique clothing store when you see an opening and enjoy the rush that Hongdae gives you.

Hongdae is also home to some adorable animal cafés, the coolest of which definitely being the Meerkat Café (don’t worry; they’re very very well looked after).

Also, when you stay in Hongdae, make sure to check out the Trick Eye Museum. It’s an interactive museum of big displays and 3D paintings – along the walls, standing in the open, and even across the floor.

When you go in, you’ll use the WIFI to download a free camera app that interacts with the art and causes it to move and come to life, making for a laugh-out-loud experience from start to finish.

Read More: Best Things to Do in Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square

Where to stay in Hongdae:

Embrace Your Inner BTS at Kpopstay:

This is a real gem, it’s a budget hotel with crisp, minimalist design and genuinely lovely bunks. Kpop pictures adorn the walls and TVs play Kpop in the common areas at all times.

Whether you like Korea’s biggest export or not, this is one of the best budget hotels in the city.

Enjoy the Photogenic Orbit Cafe & Guesthouse:

This adorable hotel is decorated in whites and pinks and serves a fantastic homemade breakfast each day. Excellently located near all the action of Hongdae, Orbit is honestly a pleasure to come back to.

Insadong Neighbourhood Guide

If you’re excited to explore the traditional culture and the history of Seoul, you need to pick Insadong when thinking about where to stay in Seoul.

Insadong is a living, breathing slice of Korean history. Its most famous area is the Bukchon Hanok Village, which is a maze of streets lined with traditional Korean homes with wooden walls and slate roofs.

In the village, you’ll find that some of these homes have been turned into cafés, bakeries, and artisan jewellery stores.

Delightfully, none of this destroys the aesthetic of the village itself. Make your stay in Seoul special by renting a Hanbok (traditional Korean dress) to wear as you explore the village and conduct your own personal photo shoot.

Beyond the Hanok Village, Insadong is also a quietly bustling district of traditional tea houses that serve a range of healthy, healing brews with vintage snacks, and even a few Buddhist vegetarian restaurants which serve the actual cuisines prepared and eaten by Buddhist monks in Korea’s temples.

Not too far from Insadong, you’ll also find Seoul’s most famous landmark: Gyeongbokgung Palace, and in front of that the statues of King Sejong (the genius who created the Korean Hangul alphabet) and the naval military legend Yi Sun-sin (who fought off the Japanese during the Joseon Dynasty).

Where to stay in Insadong:

Go Traditional at Anguk Guesthouse:

If you’re here to experience the history and culture of Seoul (a wonderful choice) then why not stay in a traditional building.

Anguk Guesthouse is artistic, memorable, and above all beautiful. Traditionally, Korean sleep on heated floors but you’ll also find standard sleeping options here.

For a Modern Stay Go For Grid Inn Hotel:

Found right in the heart of Insadong, you can enjoy a contemporary living space on a budget within easy reach of the temples and hanok village Seoul is so famous for.

Gangnam Neighbourhood Guide

There’s so much to say about Gangnam — one of the coolest districts to consider when thinking about where to stay in Seoul —but we’ll do our best.

Although not the most central district, it’s still perhaps Seoul’s most famous neighbourhood, thanks to a little known pop song that cheekily poked fun at the upper-middle-class atmosphere of the area.

Gangnam is Seoul’s most impressive area from an aesthetic standpoint, particularly if you’re looking for the big skyscrapers and modern side of Seoul as opposed to the more traditional spots.

This is the biggest party district outside of Hongdae, although does tend to attract the older partygoers and you’ll find no shortage (seriously they’re everywhere) of cosmetic surgery and general beauty enhancement spots. Whether you want cheap laser hair removal or a nose job, you’ll find it here.

Gangnam massively resembles Manhattan, with towering skyscrapers that are resplendent on a summer’s day, and wide avenues that stretch on into the distance.

Gangnam is an area of fancy restaurants, Seoul’s best nightclubs, and the highest quality cinemas, hotels, and bars around. If you’re looking to stay in the more luxurious part of Seoul, you can’t do better than Gangnam.

Don’t forget to go out for some Korean BBQ, wander the backstreets and go shopping in the nearby Lotte World Mall. It’s worth bearing in mind that this is the most expensive part of the city and finding a budget hotel isn’t easy.

Where to stay in Gangnam

Hang With the Girls at Cheongdam Guesthouse:

If you’re a female traveller and are looking for a budget spot to stay at in Seoul then you’re in luck! This gorgeously designed hostel is in the heart of Gangnam and only accepts female guests. It even attracts famous k-pop guests due to its ideal location.

Enjoy the sleek Hotel Newv:

New in name, this is one of the more recent additions to the Gangnam hotel scene, it’s sleek, elegant and in a perfect location. You’ll even find a sauna and yoga classes to embrace some good habits while in Korea.

Read These Seven Books Before You Visit South Korea

We hope this neighbourhood guide has given you some insight into where to stay in Seoul when you visit!

Read More: 11 Unique and Interestings Hotels and Hostels in Seoul

I have tried to include some of the most popular and best Korean snacks with some that don’t get quite as much love internationally as well as some famous street food snacks, hopefully, you will find something new here.

You should be able to find most of these snacks at your local Korean store or online — if they are the kind of snacks that you can make at home then I will also link to a good recipe.

I have also suggested a favourite Korean snack box — Seoulbox — at the end if you would rather the snacks come to you as a monthly surprise.

If you are lucky enough to be in Korea or travelling to Korea soon then these are all easily accessible, most likely at your local convenience store.

Tip: Some of the harder-to-find and healthy Korean snacks can be bought from the Jeollanamdo: Kitchen of Korea online store who are both US and Europe based. They also have a store on Amazon. Sources directly from Jeollanamdo province in South Korea.

Famous Korean Snacks to Try Now

Here are some of the best Korean snacks that you need to try right now.

1) Dried Sweet Potato (고구마말랭이)

A healthy and filling chewy, sweet treat. Sweet potato (goguma) is a popular snack in Korea that you can pick up ready-roasted at street food markets and stalls, especially in the winter. This Korean snack is a great way to enjoy that sweet potato flavour, conveniently, wherever you go.

Resembling dried mango strips, these potato strips are full of fibre and protein and perfect for a lunchtime snack. They can seem like they’re coated in white powder but that’s a natural part of the oxidization and has no effect on the taste.

They are also gluten-free and vegan so this is one of my favourite Korean snacks for keeping in my bag just in case I can’t find anything suitable to eat. You can also chop them up and combine them with nuts for a kind of trail mix.

The JeollaNamdo brand is my personal favourite as they have the best flexible yet chewy texture and are packed with flavour.

Buy dried sweet potato snacks US/ UK.

2) Pepero (빼빼로)

One of the most popular Korean snacks with a whole day dedicated to them — Pepero Day falls on November 11th and involves simply eating and gifting Pepero — perfect!

If you have tried the Japanese snack Pocky, then you will know what to expect here. Pepero differs from Pocky by being slightly thicker with chunkier, more indulgent toppings. Delicious biscuit sticks dipped in flavoured chocolate and topping like almond or cookies; what more could you need?

Pepero is particularly great for carrying around with you in your bag for a sweet treat whenever or sharing with a friend or loved one. They’re one of the most famous Korean snacks (and therefore one of the best Korean snacks) for good reason!

Buy Pepero online here.

Read More: 12 Best K-Pop Books (For Stans Everywhere)

3) Shiitake Mushroom Chips (표고버섯 스낵)

If you can’t get enough of that umami mushroom flavour then these low-fat mushroom crisps are it. They are slightly sweet, salty, and surprisingly addictive plus full of protein so they are much more satisfying than your average chips.

This brand is my personal favourite and made using natural practices i.e. no artificial or chemical fertilizers. Don’t mix these up with dried shitake mushroom which is widely used in Korean cuisine for making flavourful broth.

Buy shiitake mushroom crisps US/UK.

Read More: A Culinary Guide to South Korea

4) Choco Pie (초코파이)

A truly famous Korean snack, get ready for the ultimate squishy indulgence treat. This is essentially layered marshmallow and biscuit coated in chocolate — it’s similar to the British snack Wagon Wheels but five times as dense, and that’s a very good thing.

This Korean snack goes perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. They are usually sold in a box with lots of individually-wrapped Choco Pies inside. This is easily one of the best Korean snacks, and easy to find online or at your local Asian store.

Buy choco pies US/ UK.

5) Samgak Kimbap (삼각김밥)

The ultimate hunger-buster, these triangle rice balls wrapped in seaweed are the Korean version of Japanese onigiri and are widely sold in convenience stores in the same way.

Samgak kimbap comes in a wide array of fillings, including the immensely popular tuna mayo flavour, but there are also bulgogi, plain salt, and spicy chicken flavours (among many others).

The wrappers for these snacks are clever, though difficult to master at first, as there is a way to pull the plastic off, which is layered underneath the seaweed wrapper to keep it crisp, without disturbing the rice ball at all. The first time you get it right is so satisfying.

Your local Asian store may have these in the fresh area but they are also easy to make at home so there’s no need to miss out. You can also make or buy roll versions, called kimbap, which are typically packed with ingredients.

6) Honey Butter Chips, Shrimp Crackers, Onion Rings, and Beyond

Coming from the UK, a country known for its wide range of chips/crisps, South Korea genuinely rivals the crisp-loving nation with their array of weird and wonderful flavours.

Interestingly, Korean chips tend to err on the sweet or spicy side so you can try some truly unique offerings here. This is a controversial choice from a Western perspective, but I think Honey Butter chips is one of the best Korean snacks out there.

Perhaps most famous amongst Korean snacks are the honey butter chips which are melt in your mouth sweet crisps which you either love or hate, I’m firmly in the love camp.

If you love fish flavours, then you will be very happy with shrimp crackers or the huge selection of other seafood crisps. If you prefer a more traditional flavour then onion rings are a savoury and addictive corn snack with a subtle onion flavour.

Buy Korean chips online.

7) Korean Instant Ramen: Shin Ramyun, Soon Veggie Cup, Samyung, and More! (라면)

Whether you’re eating ramen as a meal or as a snack, there’s no doubt that it hits the spot and the insane amount of Korean instant ramen flavours is truly worth exploring.

For its range of flavours, its versatility, and for how much it fills you up, this is one of the best Korean snacks you can enjoy.

The flavours in South Korea tend to go big or go home compared to their ramen-loving neighbours in Japan, meaning if you love spicy ramen, then you will meet your limits here from the iconic spicy Shin Ramyun to the fiery Samyang Hot Chicken.

Even the pink creamy favourite Samyang Carbonara Hot Chicken has a sachet of spicy sauce included that can take it to truly devastating levels of spicy.

If you would rather skip the heat then the Soon Veggie ramen is ideal and very customizable if you’d like to add your own toppings due to the mild vegetable flavour.

Another option is the Ottogi Jin Ramen which is mildly spicy with a satisfying mushroom, meaty flavour.

Buy Korean instant ramen online.

8) Lotte Ghana Milk Chocolate (가나 밀크 초콜릿)

Popular across Japan and Korea, this creamy chocolate has four varieties which come in red, black, white, and beige wrappers. Class-wise, these are some of the best Korean snacks.

The name is a homage to the country Ghana which is one of the world’s largest exporters of cocoa beans. If you need your chocolate fix then this is it. This chocolate is also very popular in Japan.

Buy Ghana milk chocolate US/ UK.

9) Fried Seaweed Crisps and Sheets (김스낵)

Seaweed snacks can be a bit controversial from a western perspective, you either love them or hate them. As someone who can be a bit iffy with seaweed depending on how strong it is, I’ve always loved seaweed snacks so it’s definitely worth a try!

There are typically two types of seaweed snack: the flat sheets of seaweed which come in a number of flavours such as spicy kimchi, salty soy, or nutty sesame and the chip style which also come in a variety of flavours and will be smaller and crunchier.

As snacks go, this is a very healthy source of iron and antioxidants so a good one if you have those salty cravings.

Buy Korean seaweed snacks US/ UK.

Read More: An Introduction to Korean Vegan Temple Food

10) Korean Jelly Candy (젤리)

There are so many fun and fresh styles and favours of jelly sweets in South Korea that it’s impossible to keep with all of the new options.

If you love your sweet chewy then there’s plenty to enjoy, some must-try classics include the Lotte Jellylicious Watermelon Gummies, the creamy Lotte Yoghurt Jellies, Petitzel Lemon Gummy Jelly, the marshmallow-like Lotte Soft Malang Cow Chewy Candy, and the Orion My Gummy Jelly Peach.

Buy Korean candy US/ UK.

11) Korean Hard Candy (사탕)

Korea has some truly unique flavours of hard candy, so if you enjoy hard-boiled sweets then don’t miss out on some of the truly infamous offerings such as the Lenith grape and plum candies which can be bought in huge bags and last forever.

For those that prefer a minty flavour then Lotte Anytime Crown Mint Candy are ideal and if you prefer lemon and herbal flavours then you will find a wide selection including ginseng flavour, lemon and mint, and straight-up citrus which are all perfect if you’re feeling a little under the weather.

Buy Korean hard candy US/ UK

12) Egg Bread (계란빵)

A cheap and popular Korean street food snack, typically sold around universities for hungry students. It’s sweet and fluffy and extremely satisfying with a waffle flavour and an egg inside.

When looking at street food, instead of convenience store packaged food, egg break is one of the best Korean snacks you can ever enjoy.

While it may be difficult to find this snack outside Korea, it’s very easy and quick to make at home and uses typical storecupboard ingredients. Here’s a great gyeran-ppang recipe.

13) Hotteok (호떡)

Another delicious warm, and incredibly popular Korean street food snack. These sticky filled pancakes are particularly enjoyed in the winter and are typically filled with gooey brown sugar syrup and can also contain honey, chopped peanuts, and cinnamon.

They are made on a griddle similarly to pancakes meaning that they are easy to recreate at home (here’s a great hotteok recipe) but can also be found frozen at Asian stores, in a ready-made mix, or freshly made at Asian bakeries.

14) Yakgwa: Korean Honey Cookies (약과)

A beloved traditional Korean snack, these fried chewy cookies with a subtle ginger flavour are dipped in honey and are extremely moreish.

They are typically served on special occasions, alongside traditional teas which can be bitter or simply served as a dessert. They come in a number of shapes like flowers, diamonds, and squares.

You can find yakgwa boxed ready-made but it’s also possible to make them yourself, here’s a great Yakgwa recipe.

Buy yakgwa online US

15) Dalgona: Korean Sponge Candy (달고나)

A retro snack that recently captured international attention thanks to the Kdrama Squidgame, this Korean dessert (also known as ppopgi) is easy to make at home and holds nostalgia for many Koreans.

You will very likely see street vendors selling dalgona in Korea, this cheap and fun snack originated in Busan in the 1960s and was popular throughout the seventies and eighties.

16) Korean Fish Shaped Pastry (붕어빵)

Similar to Japanese taiyaki, introduced to Korea around the 1930s during the Japanese occupation, a Japanese adaptation of Western waffles that were introduced to Japan in the 18th century.

A fun way to differentiate the two pastries is that Japanese taiyaki are shaped like a sea-bream whereas the Korean bungeo-ppang is shaped like a carp.

This famous snack is known for its fish-shaped soft and spongy cake shell which holds one of a number of fillings inside.

Traditionally, it is filled with sweet red bean paste but you will also find custard, chocolate, and even savoury pizza fillings. You will notice that they are most commonly sold in the winter because they are a truly warming street food snack.

These are best tried fresh but you can also find packaged commercial versions (like the Samaco version from Binggrae) which are filled with red bean paste and vanilla cream, strawberry and cream, and even chocolate and cream.

If you’d like to have a go making them at home, you can buy a fish-shaped pancake pan online, here’s a great bungeo-ppang recipe.

17) Maxbon Cheese Sausage

This iconic yellow sausage snack, that pops up so often KDramas, is great if you prefer your snacks savoury or need something to keep you going on the go.

It’s a spongy texture with a creamy egg flavoured centre, it’s slightly cheesy, and quite sweet. It’s a very much, you either love them or hate them situation and I fall into the latter but it’s still a popular Korean snack so very much worth a try. Note that they aren’t vegetarian.

Buy Maxbon cheese sausage online.

18) Gilim Tom’s Farm Seasoned Almonds

This was one of my favourite Korean snacks while working in Korea, I’d always have a pack in my bag to keep me going through the day.

These flavoured almonds come in a few flavours, the iconic sweet honey butter flavour, spicy wasabi, hot chicken flavour, and the extra sweet and salty almond & pretzel flavour to name a few. They come in smaller packets and larger tins and be found online, at your local Asian store, and in convenience stores in Korea.

Buy seasoned almonds US/ UK

Best Korean Snackbox — Seoulbox

If you fancy being surprised by authentic Korean snacks once a month then a subscription to SeoulBox could be exactly what you are looking for.

You will receive a box of curated Korean snacks and other Korean treats. They also have other themed boxes including great options for Kpop and Kdrama fans.

If you enjoyed this best Korean snacks article, then you may also be interested in our favourite Japanese and British snacks.

We might also think about Japanese tattoo art. But tattoo artists in South Korea represent some of the most creative in the tattoo industry today.

Just like with so much Korean literature and Korean cinema, tattoo artists in Korea are pushing the tattoo industry in exciting new directions. Korean tattoo artists are thinking outside the constraints of traditional tattooing to bring us work that is wholly new and dynamic.

Before we dive into the best tattoo artists in Korea, here’s a quick history lesson.

History of Tattoos in South Korea

Korea has had a turbulent history with its tattoo culture. Similar to the views amongst the older generation in the West and attitudes which persist in Japan, tattoos have been associated with crime and general ‘untrustworthy types’.

Any actors and performers visiting and working in Korea have often had to, in the past, cover up tattoos while on stage to avoid offending anyone.

While having tattoos in Korea isn’t illegal, there’s still the issue of the law stating that actually getting a tattoo illegal if not performed by a licensed medical practitioner (this law is the same the same in Japan, though on the verge of changing).

Obviously, this makes it very difficult for talented artists to become licensed tattoo artists in South Korea (though far from impossible, as this list demonstrates).

The history of tattoos in Korea actually goes back to the 4th century when fishermen would get tattoos to ward off evil spirits. During the 19th century, however, things took a more negative turn when criminals were branded with tattoos.

Later, in the 20th century, tattoos in South Korea became associated with organised crime, much like how they still are in neighbouring Japan.

Additionally, there’s the issue that it goes against traditional Confucian values, which is similar to the religious argument in other countries, that you shouldn’t change the body your parents (or God) gave you.

Thankfully, tattoos are very quickly becoming de-stigmatised in Korea (compared to how they’re seen in neighbouring countries) and it’s not unusual to see young people on the Seoul subway with tattoos these days.

During our time living in Seoul, having tattoos ourselves has led to many conversations with curious locals that we just wouldn’t have had otherwise.

Check out our lists of other outstanding tattoo artists in Tokyo , Osaka, and Taiwan.

The Best Tattoo Artists in South Korea

Here are some of the best tattoo studios and tattoo artists currently working, and thriving, in South Korea. Scroll to the bottom for tips about getting a tattoo in South Korea.

85tattooer

The artist known as 85tattooer is one of the most unique tattoo artists in South Korea. They have a very specific style that makes their work instantly recognisable.

Almost every tattoo they do depicts either a grinning tiger (a modern take on an icon of Korean culture and mythology) or a grinning red devil with a gold tooth.

The devil can take many forms, from impersonations of recognisable characters from comic books and anime to dressing up as certain people or in certain roles, poses, and uniforms.

Cartoonish and bright, these wonderfully bold and inventive tattoos make 85tattooer one of the most exciting and original tattoo artists in South Korea today.

Dokhwa

Based in Seoul, Dokhwa is easily one of the most stand-out tattoo artists in South Korea working today. Her art is both hyper-realistic and adorable. This is because she mostly focusses on pets.

Not entirely, however. Dokhwa occasionally tattoos portraits and even characters from pop culture. But the majority of her tattoos are of dogs and cats looking both irresistibly cute and hypnotically realistic.

In spite of the realism on display here, Dokhwa still injects a unique sense of personality into her tattoos, through a recognisable and consistent colour palette.

This means you can spot one of Dokhwa’s tattoos easily, but also gasp at the sheer photorealism of them. She’s an incredible Korean tattoo artist.

Roha

Roha is a sensational Busan-based tattoo artist who specialises in a unique approach to portraiture (mostly women).

While her tattoos have a realistic quality to them, she almost always cleverly overlays the busts or entire bodies of women with natural imagery (ocean waves, sunsets, etc).

The end result is a piece that feels ethereal, calming, and yet also entirely captivating. Her line work also has a scrawling quality that sets it apart from other tattoo artists in South Korea.

Her approach to human form through her art is a breath of fresh air, and she has captured many hearts through her technique.

Krystal tattooer (크리스탈)

For more than ten years, the most popular growing trend and style in the world of tattooing is that of neotrad tattoos.

Neotrad is a style that takes old school traditional tattoo art and beefs it up with modern quality standards and, often, a more imaginative and playful approach.

Of all the tattoo artists in South Korea, it’s Krystal who represents the best neotrad tattoo art of the bunch. Her art is a consistent wave of beauty. Her colour palette leans heavily on shades of red and deep blacks, greys, and yellows.

Taking cues from traditional tattoo designs of old — skulls, ships, anchors, copasses, and other nautical tropes — Krystal not only imbues this style with new energy, she also does so with jaw-dropping skill and techniue.

If you like your tattoos bursting with colour, popping with depth and texture, and inspired by histories most iconic tattoo themes, Krystal represents the best of South Korea’s tattoo artists.

피타 – Pitta

Here is a Korean tattoo artist who really shows what it means to bring originality and style to your work as an artist. While, at the same time, drawing on your own heritage and local artistic traditions.

Pitta uses gorgeous traditional colours from Korean paintings, including classic reds, greens, pinks, and golds (the gold is stunning), to create scenes from Korea, Korean-inspired art, bold animals, and even Japanese anime-themed tattoos.

He often works in block shapes so his tattoos are instantly recognisable, without much background shading or even thick black line work.

Pitta is one of the best tattoo artists in South Korea if you want a traditional design in a uniquely modern style.

For tourists and travellers looking to get a uniquely Korean tattoo, Pitta is the artist you’re looking for.

Read More: Best Fine Line Tattoo Artists Around the World

시온 – Sion

Another one of the great tattoo artists in South Korea whose use of colour will blow you away. From natural florals and birds to beautiful fans and talismans.

Sion leans heavily on shades of pink with soft, delicate black line work to make their art quietly pop.

These are the perfect kinds of tattoos for someone looking for an understated, soft, yet infinitely stunning piece.

These are not loud, proud, intimidating tattoos. They are silky, soft, serene works of art that take their cues from classic crafts and natural elements.

If you’re looking for lush, dynamic, natural beauty then Sion is the artist for you.

시류타투 – Shiryu Tattoo

While Sion is an artist who opts for the soft and quiet approach, Shiryu is an artist who revels in the bold, the loud, and the extreme.

Excelling at enormous torso pieces, inspired by demons and Japanese elements like the phoenix and the peony flower, there is no artist like Shiryu.

One of the most exciting and abrasive tattoo artists in South Korea, Shiryu is all about that intense blast of bold colour, covering ever inch of skin with deep blacks, red, and golds.

These tattoos are metal; they are intense and loud; they are like nothing else you’ll find in South Korea.

홍담 – Hongdam

If you’re s fan of fine line tattoo art, Hongdam is for you. These are some of the most captivating, outstanding examples of fine line tattoo art you’ll ever find.

Hongdam creates fine-lined and whimsical watercolour tattoos and has made a huge name for themselves in the South Korean tattoo scene in recent years.

If you’ve been looking for a floral design or some delicate script tattoos then turning to Hongdam for your tattoo is an excellent choice. Their tiger designs are particularly inspired and, in turn, inspiring.

Sol Tattoo

Delicate fine art, watercolour tattoos. They create highly detailed pictures in the smallest of sizes. Sol tattoo is not only one of the finest artists of fine line tattoos in the world, but one of the best tattoo artists in South Korea.

타투이스트 나나  – Tattooer Nana

Nana specialises in the ever-growing in popularity neo-trad tattoo designs, while also managing to lean a little harder on the old school tattoo side of things.

Beautiful ,bold colours and thick black lines abound. For a striking tattoo in South Korea, this could be the one for you, especially if you’re a fan of the traditional and the real American old school style of tattooing.

타투이스트 바늘 – Tattooist Banul

This is one for delicate, small tattoos that make a statement. Thin lines, high detail, and majestic watercolours make Tattooist Banul’s style so distinctive.

Watercolour has become an increasingly popular style of tattooing in recent years, but quite often it can seem almost too pastel and quiet.

Banul manages to toe that line between bold colour and watercolour just perfectly.

Nobody

One of the best ways to make a name for yourself as an artist in any medium, and especially in the world of tattooing, is to have a specific personal brand or a recognisable style.

Nobody is one of the tattoo artists in South Korea who absolutely nails this.

Almostvery tattoo that Nobody designs is incorporated into a heart shape, regardless of what the content and design of the tattoo actually is. This is a genius move that is as unique as it is memorable.

Ridiculously cute, small heart and cartoon-inspired tattoos with bold lines. Totally unique and fun to simply admire, we absolutely love Nobody’s work!

호리타츠패밀리 – Horitatsu Family Kyu

Based in Busan, this Korean tattoo studio specialises in traditional Japanese designs and tattoo sleeves. Beautiful dragons, waves, and cranes are their signature styles and they do it so very, very well.

How to Get a Tattoo in South Korea

If you’re considering getting a tattoo in Korea I wouldn’t hesitate. The standards are equal to what you’d expect and with some of the most incredible tattoo artists in South Korea are below for you to choose from. You’re bound to come out with something special.

Most Korean tattoo artists have an Instagram page so if these aren’t your thing, that’s the best way to find someone who is. Find the best way to message them and fire over your ideas or visit the store and have a chat.

Most of these tattoo artists are based in Seoul but many of them do guest posts at tattoo conventions and studios around the world. If you need help with booking or want to find more artists, this Facebook page is a huge help.

Have fun getting a tattoo in South Korea, some of the very best artists to date are based there so don’t miss out.

If you like this then you might like: South Korean Films That Aren’t Oldboy, Books to Read Before Visiting Korea or find out Where to Stay in Seoul. For foodies, take a culinary trip around South Korea with us.

Myeongdong shopping is the best shopping in Seoul; and there’s no hotel like a Myeongdong hotel.

This central district is a place of wonderful boutique shops, delectable street food, and exciting live music. Myeongdong is where you go to both feel the electric atmosphere of Seoul properly and taste the wonderful authentic Korean street food for yourself.

You can easily spend more than 24 hours in Myeongdong, but one day is certainly enough to really get a feel for the exhilarating ebb and flow of this modern delight of a district.

Let’s set out on a Myeongdong shopping guide, find the best hotel in Myeongdong, find out how to get to Myeongdong Station, and sample the very best Korean street food.

Read More: The Best Day Trips from Seoul

Myeongdong Shopping Guide

The first thing you need to know is that there isn’t one single Myeongdong shopping street. Instead, there are many. As you exit Myeongdong Station, you’ll find yourself surrounded by waves of people excitedly darting from street food stall to boutique shop and back again.

This is what makes Myeongdong one of the most exciting places to be in Seoul, especially on a weekend. So, don’t go looking for one Myeongdong shopping street. Instead, allow yourself to get a bit lost in this labyrinth of Myeongdong shopping and Korean street food. But what is there to shop for, exactly?

Boutique Shopping

While there are a lot of places to go shopping in Seoul (malls are still a big deal here, like Lotte World Mall in Jamsil), Myeongdong shopping is the best for boutique fashion. If you’d rather go for big high street brands like H&M, Zara, Nike, and Adidas, they’re here, too.

But it’s the boutique shops that really take the cake. Most of the boutique fashion shops are found crammed down the smaller streets and alleyways. Just follow the crowds. There, you’ll find vintage clothing stores and off-brand boutique fashion galore!

You’ll also find that a lot of what catches your eye is independent stalls. There are a lot of stalls in Myeongdong; so many, in fact, that you could comfortably call the area Myeongdong market.

And in this Myeongdong market, you’ll find stalls selling bags and purses, trinkets related to K-pop boys (not my forte, sorry), cute and cuddly Pokémon plushies (very much my forte), bright and cheerful character socks (so many socks) and a lot of darling accessories.

High Street Shopping

Like I said, Myeongdong shopping is also about those big high street brands. And you’ll find a lot of them at the Myeongdong Underground Shopping Center and the Lotte Department Store.

If you’d rather stick to the Myeongdong shopping street, you’ll still find along the way a Zara, a big H&M, a Nike store, and more big brand names to sink your teeth into for some good ol’ retail therapy.

K-Beauty

Korean beauty products are what women and men the world over swear by these days, and of course you can find their specialist stores all over Seoul. But since you’re in Myeongdong, why not stock up on an overwhelming number of K-beauty products.

While you’re out Myeongdong shopping, you’ll notice a constant slew of people working outside the various K-beauty shops (Innisfree, Skin Food, Etude House, Tony Moly) offering free samples of single-use face masks to tempt you in.

They’ll hand you a small basket for your convenience, and before you know it, you’re stocking up on skincare products, makeup, and whatever else you didn’t realise you needed! Myeongdong market isn’t just about that K-pop fashion; it’s also about that K-pop beauty (I think – again, not my forte, but I do like their skincare products).

Like I said, you’ll find multiple branches of the big K-beauty stores on your Myeongdong shopping trip: Innosfree, Skin Food, Etude House, Tony Moly, and some boutique shops selling makeup, skincare products, face masks, and everything else you could ask for!

Read More: The Ultimate 3-Day Seoul Itinerary

Where to eat in Myeongdong

There’s a lot more to this district than just following a Myeongdong shopping guide. There’s also at least one coffee chain on every street corner, including the staple Korean coffee shops. You’ll also find some great restaurants, which we’ll talk about in a second. But first thing is also the best thing: Korean street food.

Korean Street Food

Myeongdong is a great place to go for breakfast, lunch, or dinner because you can simply walk by the street food stalls (which can be found right outside Myeongdong Station) and sample the delightful and delicious delicacies they have to offer you.

In fact, you’ll be almost too tempted to simply step right out of Myeongdong Station and just feast on the Korean street food that’s on offer. But what exactly is Korean street food?

Well, if it’s still morning and you’ve got a sweet tooth, we recommend the hotteok sweet breads and sweet gyeran-bbang (literally meaning egg-bread). Both of these are sugary, soft, bready yumminess.

They’re the most harmless of the street foods (and, again, they’re right outside Myeongdong Station). If your sweet tooth is demanding something more familiar, you’ll also find crepes of all styles with all kinds of toppings for you to wrap up and heave down your throat!

If you’re rather try a local favourite Korean street food with a bit more of a kick to it, track down and try some tteokbokki. These are a pile of thumb-sized squidgy rice cakes slathered in a traditional orangey-red Korean spicy sauce.

They’re an absolute favourite amongst young people in Korea, especially children who crave spicy foods and they really do pack a punch! You’ve been warned.

But they’re filling, soothing, and they definitely do a good job of waking you up! When we were living in Seoul, I had no interest in them during the summer months but come winter they were more of a Christmas favourite than mulled wine or yule log!

If you’d rather sit yourself down after a long morning strolling Myeongdong shopping street and the Myeongdong market, here are some restaurant recommendations!

Myeongdong Restaurants

Isaac Toast

Korea is expert at combining traditional Korean food with foods from other cultures or even just a few simple cheap snacks. Korea will take a thousand-year-old recipe and slather it with cheese or add some slabs of spam to it for fun.

Isaac Toast epitomises this attitude by taking the traditional Korean staples of fried chicken, eggs, and rice cakes and mixing them with Western toast to get some truly original results. Isaac Toast represents Korean culture in a rather unexpected way.

It’s not traditional food but, honestly, Korea isn’t entirely about tradition these days, or at least it’s very good at modernising tradition to keep it relevant. It’s about innovation, fun, and creativity. That’s what makes it such an enticing place. In short, get your lunch at Isaac Toast.

Din Tai Fung

If it’s dinner you’re looking for after your day of Myeongdong shopping, can I interest you in some authentic and mouth-watering Chinese food at Din Tai Fung?

This chain of Chinese restaurants was started by a Chinese migrant to Taiwan decades back, and now you can find it in the UK, US, and all across East Asia. And this branch in Myeongdong captures the authentic feel of a high-class Chinese restaurant.

We ate here more times than we could afford, just because its options and flavours are hard to resist. After a morning of Korean street food, a hearty Chinese dinner goes down very nicely.

Read More: How to Spend 24 Hours in Hongdae, Seoul

Where to Stay in Myeongdong

So, you’ve had your fill of Myeongdong shopping and chowing down on Korean street food, and now it’s time to relax. Let’s take a look at both the best hotel in Myeongdong and a good alternative to the dense and busy Myeongdong accommodation: a great hotel near Myeongdong.

When you’re looking for where to stay in Myeongdong whether it’s a Myeongdong hotel near Myeongdong Station or something a little more out of the way, these two Myeongdong accommodation options should satisfy your needs.

Sejong Hotel

This very classy Myeongdong hotel is, as you probably already know, named after Korea’s famous King: the legendary King Sejong, creator of the Hangeul alphabet.

This elegant Myeongdong hotel is just five minutes’ walk from all the great Myeongdong shopping and is also the perfect hotel near Myeongdong Station — not too close and not too far.

There’s also an on-site art gallery and a garden for a calm retreat once you’re exhausted by all the great street food and wandering the Myeongdong market and Myeongdong shopping street.

Sejong Hotel, for its name and for its classy décor, its art gallery, and its garden, could confidently be called the best hotel in Myeongdong, certainly if you’re looking for a classy affair.

Sosetsu Hotels The Splasair

If you’re looking for a hotel near Myeongdong rather than one directly at the heart of it all (a hotel near Myeongdong Station isn’t to everyone’s tastes, after all), then embrace the colours at Sotetsu Hotels The Splaisir!

This is a hotel near Myeongdong but also one that’s in a more artsy and calming neighbourhood, away from all the hustle and bustle.

If you’re hoping to enjoy some of Seoul’s quirkiness while you’re in the city, this adorable hotel with rooms packed with Line (the Korean phone brand that has its own selection of plushies and adorable characters) toys is the ideal choice.

There’s also a roof garden offering incredible views of the cityscape which make this – while not the best hotel in Myeongdong – certainly the best hotel near Myeongdong.

The Best Day Trips from Seoul

Take a look at this list of seven awesome Seoul day trips so that you can easily explore even more of beautiful Korea while you’re in Seoul.

Nami Island

Nami Island is a serene and tranquil crescent moon of an island; a pristine slice of nature covered in ginkgo trees and surrounded by dense forest and flowing river waters. It’s a little paradise just to the east of Seoul, and one of the best day trips from Seoul.

Nami Island was named for the legendary General Nami of the Joseon Dynasty, who is said to have died on the island. It’s also famous as the setting for the 2003 Korean drama Winter Sonata. In fact, you’ll even find a sculpture to the film at the centre of the island.

The fun of visiting Nami Island starts before you even arrive, as you can choose to enter the island via ferry, or pay extra to enter dramatically across the water via a zipline!

Once you’re there, you’ve got a cool afternoon of exploring, taking in the clean air, and photographing to your heart’s content. Nami Island is certainly at its prettiest in the spring and autumn months (with autumn winning out if you have to pick one).

Pro Tip: If you visit Nami Island, the Garden of the Morning Calm and Petite France are both in the same area, so you can tackle all three in a single one of your day trips from Seoul.

How to Get to Nami Island from Seoul

This most magical of Seoul day trips takes a little time but it’s still easy to do in a day. Your journey from Seoul to Nami Island starts online.

Book a ticket here via Korail for whatever day you want. On that day, take subway line 1 to Yongsan Station and hop on the ITX train heading for Gapyeong Station.

This train journey takes roughly an hour. From there to Nami Island is still a bit of a distance, so it’s best to finish your journey with a quick 5-minute taxi ride. And there you have one of the best day trips from Seoul!

Read More: The Ultimate 3-Day Seoul Itinerary

Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ Tour)

The Korean DMZ is the dividing line between North and South Korea. There’s 4km of no-man’s-land across the DMZ, and the entire demilitarized zone spans the entire breadth of the two nations, 250km from sea to sea.

The DMZ is the only one of our day trips from Seoul which can’t be accessed solo. To get there, you must take a DMZ tour. While we’re on the subject, many people consider a DMZ tour to be unethical: turning the forced divide of Korea into a tourist attraction is certainly not a kind thing.

But the other side of the argument is that a DMZ tour is a chance to learn first-hand the dark history and state of Korean separation.

The best part of the DMZ tour is visiting an abandoned but pristine subway station which could someday allow passengers to hop on a train to Pyongyang if the two nations are ever reunified. It’s a haunting place, but also a symbol of hope for reunification.

How to Take a DMZ Tour from Seoul

If you want to learn more about the political history of North and South Korea, a DMZ tour can be booked on a number of websites. These DMZ tours offer pick-up and drop-off and are an incredible full-day experience.

Read More: 11 Unique and Interesting Hotels and Hostels in Seoul

Jeonju

Jeonju is one of the most rewarding day trips from Seoul you can take. It’s a gorgeous little city, full of charm, historical beauty, and culinary wonders. Jeonju is most famous for two things: the creation of bibimbap and its perfectly preserved hanok village.

Jeonju is often called the Kyoto of Korea, and while that comparison makes perfect sense it’s also a place that should be recognised in its own right. Jeonju is where the queen of all Korean meals, bibimbap, comes from.

Bibimbap is a rice bowl, traditionally cooked in a clay pot that causes the rice at the bottom to crisp deliciously.

On top of the rice is a selection of fresh, raw vegetables, beef strips, a raw egg, and a chilli pepper sauce. If you love bibimbap, you owe it to yourself to spend a day trip from Seoul to Jeonju. And also check our culinary journey around South Korea which includes Jeonju bibimbap and lots more!

Jeonju’s hanok village – a labyrinth of traditional Korean streets and houses made from wood and slate – is a wildly beautiful piece of Korean history frozen in time, and easily the best hanok village in all of Korea. It makes for one of the most magnificent and romantic day trips from Seoul.

How to Get to Jeonju from Seoul

Jeonju looks like one of the longer day trips from Seoul, but it doesn’t take long thanks to Korea’s high-speed train network. Simply hop on a KTX train at Seoul’s Yongsan station. The journey there takes around ninety minutes, making for one of the longer but easily doable day trips from Seoul.

Read More: Complete Seoul Neighbourhood Guide

Pocheon Art Valley

What was once a mining quarry is now a natural spectacle. Situated halfway between Seoul and the DMZ, Pocheon Art Valley is one of the most fabulous escapes and truly rewarding day trips from Seoul.

Many people take Seoul day trips to get away from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis, and Pocheon is the best of those Seoul day trips for that exact reason.

When you arrive, you’ll make your way up a steep hill and, at the top, you’ll be greeted by high cliffs, a serene reservoir of turquoise waters, and scattered stone monuments and sculptures.

Pocheon Art Valley is a sculpture park, a tranquil garden, a serene hilltop, and a dramatic landscape of craggy cliffs. To top it off, you get a seemingly endless view of the surrounding lowlands and mountains. You won’t find a more perfect escape from the city than Pocheon Art Valley, one of the absolute best day trips from Seoul.

How to Get to Pocheon Art Valley from Seoul

To get from Seoul to Pocheon Art Valley, you’ll need to take two buses. First, get yourself to Nowon Subway Station via subway line 4. Walk north out of exit 3 and hop on the 3200 bus to Eoryong 2-tong (45 mins).

Switch to the 138 bus and ride for 10 more mins. Get off at the Agricultural Technology Center and walk east for 15 mins to arrive at Pocheon Art Valley, the most tranquil of day trips from Seoul.

Read More: 10 Cute Cafes around South Korea

Bukhansan

Perhaps the most remarkable thing about visiting Seoul is being in a city that shares the same space as a national park.

Bukhansan National Park is an expansive landscape of rugged mountains and hills that spread out from the northern edge of Seoul, and makes for the best hiking spot in the Seoul area, and thus one of the most exhilarating of Seoul day trips.

As day trips from Seoul go, a hike up a truly epic mountain like Bukhansan is pretty special. Bukhansan National Park can be seen from many of Seoul’s streets and spreads far to the north until it touches Uijeongbu, a city of American soldiers.

Spending a Sunday hiking up Bukhansan is a pretty common pastime in Seoul, even for its elderly residents, and definitely one of the day trips from Seoul you should not pass up! If you’re looking for more natural escapes and wellness spots in South Korea, you’ll love this South Korea wellness guide.

How to Get to Bukhansan from Seoul

Hop on Seoul subway line 3 and get off at Gupabal Station. Head out exit 1 and hop on the 704 bus headed for Bukhansanseong Fortress. Get off when it reaches the entrance to Bukhansan National Park, one of the most unmissable Seoul day trips.

Suwon

Surrounding Seoul are several impressive ‘satellite cities’. Satellite cities are exactly what they sound like: smaller cities at the edge of Seoul metropolis which are very much their own place but easily accessed for simple Seoul day trips. Perhaps the best of these is Suwon.

Suwon is to the south of Seoul, and easily accessible via subway. When you get to Suwon you’ll find one of the most impressive monuments of Korea’s ancient world: Hwaseong Fortress. Hwaseong Fortress is a colossal beast of a structure built in the late 18^th century and is today designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

It’s one of the most impressive sights in the entire Seoul metropolitan area and easily reason enough to head out on one of your day trips from Seoul.

But if you do need a few more reasons, Suwon also has a lively restaurant scene, and the delightful Manseok Park and Baegun Lake to explore, making for a lovely escape from the business of central Seoul.

How to Get to Suwon from Seoul

This is what makes Suwon one of the most chill day trips from Seoul. To get from Seoul to Suwon, simply hop on subway line 1 and ride it south until you hit Suwon Station. From Yongsan Station, the journey to Suwon should take around 45 mins.

Read More: Best Things to Do in Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square

Incheon

Incheon is most famous for being the home of Incheon International Airport. If you’re flying into Seoul, there’s a good chance you’ll arrive in Incheon. But Incheon is in fact one of Seoul’s satellite cities, and another one of the freshest and simple day trips from Seoul.

Incheon is unique for its Chinatown. In fact, Incheon Chinatown is, officially, the only Chinatown in all of South Korea, despite the close cultural ties between the two nations.

Incheon Chinatown is a wonderful experience with some truly traditional Chinese restaurants where you can enjoy foods like bao, Beijing duck, and the breadth of Sichuan and Xi’an cuisine.

Beyond Chinatown, Incheon also has a fantastic hub of shopping, dining, bars, and cafes with the delightful name of Bupyeong. While not that far removed from the shopping districts of Seoul, it still makes for a nice change of scenery.

How to Get to Incheon from Seoul

This is another one of the easy Seoul day trips. Getting from Seoul to Incheon simply involves taking subway line 1 west until you arrive at Incheon Station, where you’ll find Incheon Chinatown. Bupyeong is a few stops earlier.

I’ve been living in Korea for three years and I consider Daegu itself to be the reason why I call Korea home now. Before I arrived, I had dreams of living in Seoul — I wanted to be in the epicentre of Korea and I visualised my new life once I arrived in the capital perhaps a little too often!

I’m a small-town kind of girl and I wanted to have the bright-lights-big-city experience, truly living the lifestyle I had read so much about and seen so frequently in Korean dramas.

As fate would have it, however, I ended up in Daegu and I have never looked back. Officially South Korea’s fourth-biggest city, it’s by no means unheard of but it is, without question, hugely underrated.

Seven Reasons You Have to Visit Daeagu, South Korea

I want to share with you my love for Daegu and I hope that by the end of reading this, you will be inspired to check out one of South Korea’s almost-hidden gems for yourself!

1) Seomun Market 

Easily one of my favourite things to do in Daegu is visit the famous Seomun Market.

The largest traditional street market in the city, it’s host to an incredible selection of goods and street foods. It’s also one of the country’s oldest markets and one of Daegu’s major tourist destinations.

Here, you can find an array of traditional souvenirs or try shopping like a local and scout for the best bargains on groceries, fabrics, accessories, clothing, and household items. Why not test your haggling skills while you are at it? 

My own personal highlight is sampling the mouth-watering Korean street foods dotted around the various stalls. If you are keen to try Korean food, you can find it all here.  I recommend trying everything!

Ddeokbokki (rice cakes in a rich spicy sauce), Eomuk (fish cake), Pa Jeon (green onion pancake — my personal favourite!), and Hotteok (a sticky gooey brown sugar pancake).

And, for those brave souls, Beondegi — a boiled or steamed silkworm pupae or Gopchang/Makchang – steamed entrails! 

By day, the market operates a little more conventionally and is populated by visitors buying their household items while the nighttime is primarily a huge street-food market.

This is something to keep in mind if you plan on visiting Seomun Market. Whether you choose to visit in the day or the night, you are sure to have a great time. 

2) E-World

If you crave excitement, you have to try E-World. E-World is Daegu’s own theme park and is a place where I’ve stayed happily all day more than once.

Amongst the rollercoasters, waterfalls, fountains, and exhibition halls, there are performances and festivals throughout the year. I recommend buying a cute hat or headband at the entrance and really embracing your inner child! 

The flower and light displays throughout the park are magnificent and present numerous photo opportunities. Here, you can also find the 83 Tower Observatory for a breath-taking view of the city.

It’s especially gorgeous at night and makes a perfect Instagram picture for those looking for it! The tower is worth a visit to try out the ice skating and see the Sky Garden. You may also feel bold and want to try the Sky Jump – an ideal fix for those adrenaline junkies out there. 

For me, the best time to visit is during Halloween when the park really engages in the spirit of the spooky season.

Both staff and guests can be seen around the park in their costumes and Halloween-themed theatrics are common. I also like cherry blossom season (late March-early April) when the park becomes instantly more beautiful with the bursts of pink and white offered by the winding trees surrounding the park.

Those are the times I always choose to go but any day you visit is going to make for the most fun-filled of days.

3) Yakjeon Alley

One of the reasons I was excited to come to Daegu was largely because of its reputation as the city of medicine. So Yakjeon Alley was one of the places I made a point to visit first.  

Dating back to 1658, the alley houses one of Korea’s oldest and largest medicine markets and is still filled with relics of its rich history.

The smell of traditional herbs permeates the air and lingers in your memory long after your visit. There’s something so pleasant and fresh about it. To me, it smells like history.

That aroma, combined with the sights of the jarred herbs and remedies lining the streets means that you can’t help but imagine how life was all those years ago. 

For anyone really interested in this kind of thing, the Yangnyeongsi Museum of Oriental Medicine is highly recommended.

There are various exhibitions and educational programs inside and you can try a medicinal foot bath and Korean herbal tea. This was such a warming and welcoming treat in the winter for me! 

I always enjoy visiting this area but it’s particularly good when the Daegu Yangyeongsi Herb Medicine Festival comes around.

In early May, there will be stalls where you can experience herb cutting and packaging, making herbal products like soaps and other traditional Korean activities.

There will also be performances and many chances to try different medicines and foods. It’s a great way to get associated with the culture and history of Korea and it’s really fun! A great trip for anyone!

Read More: Visit Bosudong, Busan’s Book Alley

4) Banwoldang

I was never much of a serious shopper before I came to Korea but since I arrived, I find that I can’t resist a shopping trip in downtown Daegu. 

The main shopping centre in Daegu is Banwoldang. Although others may like to have the choice of more options, such as in Seoul, I prefer having one downtown area.

For someone who struggles to make decisions, it makes things much easier to have one downtown option when meeting friends! 

Banwoldang is the main-hub of the bustling city. You can satisfy all your shopping cravings here as there are hundreds of different stores to choose from including Korean and western brands.

Personally, I enjoy visiting the Korean boutiques a lot more for clothes shopping than when I lived in the UK. The style works for me a lot more, compared to what I was typically used to buying back home, and the store owners tend to be really good at giving you a personalized shopping experience.    

If you are a beauty junkie, Korea is heaven for you. The K-beauty places are so cool, so cute and so cheap! If you aren’t well acquainted with Korean skincare and makeup products yet, you really should be!

The quality is famously high and the packaging is always super cute or super trendy. Better yet — you tend to get a lot of free samples (service) and I have found a lot of my favorite products that way.     

Here you can find a wide range of cafes, bars and restaurants so it’s a good meeting place for social hangouts.

5) Apsan 

As much as I love the hustle and bustle of typical city life, I quite often like to escape it and get back to nature. Daegu for me harmonizes the natural and industrial components you may not always expect from a major city.

I love being able to live an urbanized lifestyle but now and then, I need to disconnect and find a good walking or hiking spot. 

Maybe I’m biased because it’s my closest beauty-spot but I really like Apsan. Apsan is a beautiful mountain and is a famous haunt for both locals and tourists.

I like finding different ways of getting to the mountain besides the guided path each time I go. Whenever I find nice trails off the main path, it reminds me of being home again, scouring and rambling in the forests I loved visiting before in Wales. 

The mountain also has a cable car which is particularly great for first-timers who want a view of the ascending mountain in its entirety. And the tickets are surprisingly cheap!

Once you get to the top, you can catch a view of the city and it’s pretty impressive, especially at night when everything is lit up and illuminated against the night sky.

Some people bring locks to commemorate the occasion and attach it to the fence at the top of the mountain. It is by no means a unique feature these days but it is a nice setting for those who choose to do it.

On my last visit to Apsan, I’ll be sure to add one myself but for now, I intend to visit the mountain many many more times so I’ll keep my lock with me until that time comes!

Read More: Incredible Health and Wellness Spots in South Korea

6) Suseong Lake

Suseong Lake is another one of my favorite walks and was actually my mother’s favorite place when she came to visit Korea so it’s 100% quality-approved! 

The man-made lake is surrounded by sloping mountains and includes a riverside promenade, music fountain (operating only from May-October), duck boats, and a small amusement park.

There is also a stage where you can watch performers and various markets, festivals or exhibitions can be held here throughout the year. Perfect for a day in Daegu sightseeing.

There are also many restaurants, cafes, and stores skirting the boundaries of Suseong Lake so it’s a good way to spend a leisurely few hours in any season. 

7) Duryu Park

Duryu Park is perhaps most widely known for accommodating the famous Chimaek (chicken and beer) Festival. Although this is a spectacular event, you don’t necessarily need to wait for this to enjoy your time there.

The park is really pretty and offers many activities including a tennis court, baseball field, swimming pool and a skating rink, amongst others.    

Usually, friends, families (and couples) will visit the grassed-picnic area and set up a seating spot on the grass itself – you can bring your own seating materials or buy them at the park from the vendors.

And then the best part: you can order delivery food to come to your selected spot! Even now as a seasoned visitor, I’m still not quite over that concept and I’m still impressed every time the food arrives! It’s also next to E-World so you can easily visit both places in the same day!

How to Get to Daegu

Daegu is so easy to reach thanks to the amazing KTX high-speed train system in South Korea. You can get to Daegu from Seoul in 1 hour and 40 minutes (Standard fares are W34,900 and you can book online).

Daegu also has an international airport if you’re flying. Getting around once you’re in Daegu is easy with three main subway lines and a City Tour Bus which takes you around the highlights.

I hope you enjoyed this list of amazing things to do in Daegu. Please consider sharing if you enjoyed this article or read more of exciting Korea content:

Discover Korean Vegan Food and Temple Cuisine

10 Incredible Tattoo Artists In South Korea to Check Out Now

A Culinary Guide to South Korea (& Jeju)

7 Awesome Day Trips from Seoul

While Korean cuisine is strongly associated with meat and fish dishes, it’s certainly not the case that vegans will miss out when visiting Korea. And when it comes to cooking Korean vegan food at home, you have some wonderful options to try out.

Many Korean dishes which are typically associated with meat can be easily adapted for vegans so you can still enjoy those delicious umami, nutty, and spicy flavours that make Korean cooking so special.

One of the most exciting aspects of veganism is the temple food culture, dishes typically made by Buddhist nuns in Korea, which demonstrate a great understanding and respect of seasonal and organic ingredients with a history spanning almost two thousand years.

Read More: Best Korean Ramen (Ramyeon)

Best known for sharing these temple dishes outside of Korea are two Korean nuns: Jeong Kwon and Wookwan. They both quickly gained popularity when the Netflix Show Chef’s Kitchen illustrated the beauty and meditative state that comes with the cooking of temple food. We’ll share some of their dishes and recipes below and our experience learning with Jeong Kwon.

If you’d like to learn about Korean vegan dishes you can try at home or the world of temple food, then read on.

Vegan Korean Food to Make at Home

Here are just some of the typically vegan Korean dishes you can make at home or try at your local Korean restaurant or while visiting South Korea. We’ve shared some Korean vegan cookbooks at the end of the article that will help you get started with these wonderful dishes if you’d like to give it a go yourself.

Kimchi

Kimchi is a naturally vegan Korean staple. It’s a side dish made up of salted and fermented vegetables — typically cabbage and radish. A number of different seasonings can be used in the cooking process, so it can have a number of different – though unique – flavours.

As a fermented food, it’s good for your digestion and promoting healthy bacteria in your gut like sauerkraut and kombucha.

Braised Tofu

Tofu is a wonderful vegan ingredient that is often eaten in Korean meals. Braising tofu involves flash-frying it in an incredibly hot pan, and then allowing it to finish cooking slowly in a sealed pot – typically of stew or soup. Tofu and Kimchi Jjigae is a wonderfully spicy soup that combines both of these vegan dishes.

Kongguksu (Chilled Soy Milk Noodle Soup)

This is a unique seasonal dish that is served in Korea, though often not in many other places around the world. It is made up of wheat-based noodles and soup made from ground soybeans.

Japchae (Korean Sweet Potato Noodles)

Originally, this Korean classic was just vegetables, but through time it has come to be appreciated most when served with glass noodles. The glass noodles are uniquely prepared with sweet potato to give a completely unique flavour, texture, and aesthetic.

Tofu Bibimbap

Bibimbap is a great example of a running theme in Korean food – the fusion of many ingredients makes a meal greater than the sum of its parts. Typically, bibimbap is served as a bed of rice topped with various vegetables and seasonings. In tofu bibimbap, tofu is served on top, typically along with vegetables and assorted sauces.

Hobak Juk (Pumpkin Porridge)

Hobak juk is a simple pumpkin porridge made up of glutinous rice flour and, unsurprisingly, pumpkin. It is a very smooth and comforting dish, and as a result, is often served to recovering patients and the elderly. It’s very easy to find ready-made versions of hobak juk porridge in your local Korean supermarket but it’s also easy to make at home.

Pajeon (Green Onion Pancake)

Pajeon is a type of pancake that predominantly features spring onions. The batter is traditional made using eggs, though vegan versions are very common. While they are sometimes served with beef or pork, kimchi or tofu is often used in vegan versions. It’s very easy and versatile dish to make at home.

Kimbap (Veggie, Rice, and Seaweed Roll)

Kimbap is a sushi-style meal which is often served as part of a packed meal to be eaten at picnics or outdoor events. Often, it serves as a light lunch, with kimchi as a side dish. Found everywhere in Korea from street food stalls to your local convenience store, cheap and loaded with filling.

Read More: Take a Culinary Trip Around South Korea

What is Vegan Temple Cuisine

Temple cuisine is a beautiful concept that is often practised in Buddhist temples in Korea. Essentially, the idea is that a temple has a small garden in which they grow a number of vegetables. These vegetables are, when ready and in season, harvested, cooked, and eaten by people in the temple. It’s a simple concept designed to help you consider the origin of all the food you eat.

Typically, Korean temple cuisine is entirely vegan as veggies are simply easy to grow on a small plot of land.

Beyond that, temple cuisine often deliberately avoids garlic and onion because of the effects that they’re supposed to have on someone’s personality. When raw, they are believed to incite anger, and when cooked, they are believed to arouse libido.

The lack of garlic and onion may worry you, as they often are a main source of flavor in Western food. However, through a thorough understanding of the flavors that vegetables and spices can have, temple cuisine produces wonderful tasting food without the need for onion and garlic.

Our Experience Trying Vegan Temple Food at Sanchon in Seoul:

Seoul’s famous temple food restaurant in the cultural area of Insadong. Sanchon offers a rich experience for anyone interested in delving into Korean culture and indulge in delicious vegan food.

Owned by a former monk who still works at cooks at the restaurant, you are treated to multiple courses of banchan (wide selection of small dishes) which feels like a real feast and dishes are constantly taken away and added as you eat.

The interior is lavish with seating on the wooden floor with period decoration round you. Music and dance performances are put on while you’re eating making this an all-round special experience that you must have if you’re in Seoul.

Learning to Make Vegan Temple Food with Jeong Kwan:

We were lucky enough to take a cooking class with esteemed Buddhist nun and chef Jeong Kwon, thanks to a collaboration between The Culture Trip and Korean Tourism London.

Kwon is best known for her appearance on the Netflix show Chef’s Table but has long been an advocate for spreading Korea’s healthy vegan temple food with the world hosting classes in Korea from Baekyangsa Temple where she practises.

South Korea’s successful Templestay program means that anyone visiting or living Korea has the chance to stay and take part in daily life within a Buddhist Temple with many beautiful stories emerging from those who have taken part. Many of the temples in Seoul allow you to learn the art of temple food cooking.

During our class with Jeong Kwon, we learnt how to make braised lotus root which took flavours of soy, walnuts, chilli, and syrup to greta a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and earthiness. A clean dish that kept us full for the day.

We also learned how to make potato pancakes which took a simple finely grated potato to a new level by frying it and adding forest mushrooms and finally a spiced apple sauce.

It was amazing how quick and simple these dishes were to make compared with the intensity of the flavours and how at all times Kwon shared the zen experience and connection with the food and ingredients which can get lost in day-to-day cooking.

Some Korean Temple Food You Can Make At Home

There are endless simple dishes for making your own temple food at home below you’ll find some helpful cookbooks plus some recipes below which were inspired by dishes on the Korea Temple Food site where you can find a number of dishes to begin your Korean vegan food journey.

Grilled mushrooms

Mushrooms of assorted types are a staple of temple food, with shiitake mushrooms being predominantly used due to their numerous health benefits.

Typically, mixed mushrooms will be grilled with gochujang (fermented spicy chilli paste), ginger juice, and perilla seed oil. This wonderfully delicious recipe often helps the monks that live in the temples keep warm even during the winter.

Shiitake & tofu in green tea sauce

The green tea sauce may sound odd at first – but the fragrance and aromatics mix well with savoury vegetable stock, Korean red pepper powder, sesame seeds, and salt. This sauce is a powerfully aromatic broth which is then boosted with shiitake and tofu in a slow infusion. Overall, this soup is packed with nutrients and is wonderfully delicious to boot.

Kimchi buckwheat crepes

Kimchi is a big part of Korean temple life, and great jars of it are prepared for the coming winter season. In this annual tradition, the kimchi is prepared on one great occasion in the autumn and then eaten in the spring. During that time, the kimchi will have fermented powerfully, to become deliciously sour and crisp. The kimchi can then be eaten as a side dish or within some simple and delicious buckwheat crepes.

Korean Vegan Cookbooks to Inspire You Further

Wookwan’s Korean Temple Food: The Road to the Taste of Enlightenment: Like Jeong Kwon, Buddhist chef and nun Wookwan has dedicated her time sharing magnificent temple cuisine with the world and also appeared on the documentary Chefs Table.

Her cookbook is the first English language temple food cookbook and features forty-one recipes which include western ingredients as options. She also has two other cookbooks available in Korean.

Bonus: If you’re interested in learning about Japan’s temple food recipes than Just Enough is another great cookbook.

Vegetarian Dishes from My Korean Home: While not entirely vegan, these vegetarian recipes are easily adaptable for vegans and offer a great basis for learning Korean flavours and simple dishes.

Read More: Health and Wellness Escapes in South Korea

We hope you enjoyed this exploration of South Korea’s vegan food and temple cuisine – if you’d like to learn more about the country then head to our South Korean Travel and Korean Literature sections.